Exciting news for all Disney Parks fans! At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Imagineers pulled back the curtain on incredible new details for the high-octane attractions and stunning scenery heading to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Imagineers Michael Hundgen, Vice President Creative for Walt Disney World, and Jason Grandt shared all the thrilling updates from the Horizons: A Carousel of Progress stage.
Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along
For the very first time, we got a sneak peek at the second new attraction coming to Piston Peak: Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along! If you loved the “Diva of Demolition” from Cars 3, you’re in for a treat.
Michael revealed that this ride will feature a huge school-bus-sized animatronic of Miss Fritter herself! She’ll host a wild demolition derby bash, promising a stampeding good time.
Cars Ridge Run Rally
Jason Grandt then dived deeper into the previously announced racing attraction for Piston Peak. Get ready for Cars Ridge Run Rally! He described this experience as a quest to find the “wildest racer in the wheelderness,” all competing for the “fastest lap in the west.”
The race course weaves through the incredible landscapes of America’s national parks. You’ll climb Piston Peak itself, reaching an icy, snow-covered mountaintop. Jason is particularly excited to experience that frosty summit at night – can you imagine the views?
After conquering the peak, racers will plummet down a camelback descent and then navigate an exhilarating geyser field. The race culminates with a circle around the Old Tankfull geyser, followed by a sprint to the finish line. Keep an ear out, because Lightning McQueen and Mater will cover the race live on Racing Sports Network!
D23 attendees even got an exclusive up-close look at these off-road challenges – including ridges, rivers, mud flats, and tree-covered trails – at the “Imagineering: Horizons” pavilion. A detailed 225-square-foot scale model showcased the entire Piston Peak National Park project, giving everyone a truly immersive preview.
Revolutionary Ride Technology and Construction
Cars Ridge Run Rally will introduce a brand-new ride vehicle. This isn’t just about simulating an off-road car; it is one. Michael explained that this attraction design breaks away from typical theme park systems. He promises that guests will “feel every bump, drop, and rock” because the vehicle’s tires and suspension genuinely react to the terrain as you drive over it. This sounds like a game-changer!
Construction is already well underway. Michael described the visible progress as “Imagineering in the round,” creating a racing experience unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.
Piston Peak National Park Builds on Frontierland’s Story
Cars from all over the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Many of us have wondered how this exciting new backdrop for the rally race will integrate into Magic Kingdom’s existing waters, landscapes, and storytelling, especially in Frontierland. Well, Piston Peak National Park will beautifully continue the rich storytelling tradition that has defined Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.
Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom
Since Magic Kingdom first opened, adventurous guests have journeyed through space and time, moving from Liberty Square to Frontierland. You start with the architectural charm of upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, then maybe catch a “bear-y fun” concert in the North Woods, stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and finally end up in the Arizona bluffs near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Each of these stories features heroic characters who, with belief in themselves, forged paths to their dreams. Piston Peak National Park proudly carries on this great American storytelling journey, becoming part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history!
Welcome to Piston Peak National Park
Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness, packed with towering trees, majestic snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, and impressive geysers. Piston Peak, while fictional, draws its inspiration from the stunning Rocky Mountain area and the rich history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.
Inside Piston Peak, you’ll explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and various trails, all perfectly integrated within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe. To ensure these buildings blend seamlessly with the majestic natural landscapes, Imagineers are using a special architectural style called “Parkitecture.” This style, developed by the National Park Service, creates structures that harmonize with their natural environment.
From the outside, strategically placed trees will form a natural barrier, separating the off-road rally from other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will sit alongside a calming waterway, directly across from Grizzly Hall. And the soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will even extend into the trails of our new off-road rally!
Cruising Just Around the Bend
But that’s not all! Imagineers are also hard at work beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, bringing to life the first-ever land inspired by Disney Villains. This massive project will include two major attractions, dining, and shopping, all on an incredibly twisted, grand scale. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon!
