Disney has released more information on the new Cars-themed land replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak National Park takes place in the world of Disney/Pixar’s Cars franchise, featuring two new attractions.
Piston Peak National Park was originally featured in Planes: Fire & Rescue, also taking place in the world of Cars, shown as a combination of Yosemite and Yellowstone.
The Walt Disney World version will be influenced by the Rocky Mountains, complete with snowcapped peaks, rivers, and geysers. The land’s central race rally attraction will feature characters from the world of Cars driving off the beaten path in pursuit of the fastest lap in the west.
How Does This Plan Fit Frontierland?
While many have wondered what this land could possibly look like (or sound like) in the middle of the current tranquil Frontierland waterway, Walt Disney Imagineering ensures the sight lines and storytelling of the existing Magic Kingdom won’t be disrupted by the new motored residents and their race rally environment.
Imagineering said techniques will be used to hide the world of Cars, similar to those used on Mount Prometheus at Tokyo DisneySea, where the theming is disguised from certain angles. For the Magic Kingdom project, the view from Liberty Square will have appropriate rock work and a large waterfall, which can be seen in the new “Fun Map” of Piston Peak from Disney, near the bottom left:
Big Thunder Mountain’s geyser field will also extend into Piston Peak National Park, where guests will be able to walk along pathways and see rainbow pools up close. The area will also feature a large geyser that will erupt like Old Faithful, called the “Old Tank Full” (get it?).
In addition to the sight lines, Imagineers are “actively working on plans to mitigate the sound pollution”, particularly from the main racing attraction.
Also seen on this new “Fun Map” is Ranger J Autobahn Woodlore –based on Audubon Woodlore from the Donald Duck & Humphrey Bear shorts– who will serve as Piston Peak National Park’s central character. He will also appear as an animatronic in the rally race attraction’s preshow.
Based on this new concept art, we’re glad to see Disney is preserving some of the waterway features from Rivers of America. (Find the silver lining, right?)
Previously released concept art compared to the new “Fun Map”:
Zooming into some of the details… Disney says the Ranger Headquarters building will serve as the queue for a “family fun” attraction, with more details to come in the future.
But check out those barrel bridges! It looks like there will be nods to the history and fun of Tom Sawyer Island after all.
The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close permanently on July 7th to make room for the Cars Frontierland expansion.
