After 53 Years, Disney World Confirms Replacement for Original Frontierland

On June 18, Walt Disney World Resort shared more information about the significant changes coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park. After 53 years of being a mainstay in the park, portions of Frontierland will soon be replaced with a brand-new Cars (2006)-themed area called Piston Peak National Park.

Disney announced the new area at the D23 Expo 2024, where Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed the vision for the Cars-inspired attractions. The concept art shared during the event showed that portions of Frontierland, including Tom Sawyer Island and sections of the Rivers of America, will be reimagined to fit the new theme. Disney has emphasized that the Cars area will not replicate Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, offering a new experience for theme park guests.

Walt Disney Imagineering has already begun working on the necessary permits for construction. Earlier this month, Disney announced that the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will close on July 7  to make room for the new Cars attractions. Part of the Rivers of America will remain as scenery in Frontierland.

The new Piston Peak National Park area is set to immerse guests in the world of Cars with two distinct attractions. The first is a family-friendly ride that will introduce visitors to a new park ranger character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore. The second attraction will offer a thrilling drag-race-style experience, taking guests on a high-speed journey through the scenic parts of Piston Peak.

On June 18, Walt Disney World Resort also shared more immersive details about what visitors can expect from Piston Peak National Park. From @DrewDisneyDude on X (formerly known as Twitter):

Walt Disney World highlights the key features of Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom:

• Towering trees

• Snowcapped mountains

• Breathtaking waterfalls

• Roaring rivers

• Impressive geysers

• Action-packed attractions for all ages

Walt Disney World highlights the key features of Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom:

• Towering trees
• Snowcapped mountains
• Breathtaking waterfalls
• Roaring rivers
• Impressive geysers
• Action-packed attractions for all ages pic.twitter.com/GgmkbtTB7S

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) June 18, 2025

Though the official opening date for Piston Peak National Park has yet to be announced, the transformation of Frontierland is already well underway. The new area will be a major part of the changes coming to Magic Kingdom Park in the coming years, alongside the construction of a Disney Villains land beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America with two Cars attractions? Share your opinion with Disney Tips in the comments!