Disney World Cars Expansion to Replace Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

Disney World Cars Expansion to Replace Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

As a seasoned gamer and longtime Disney enthusiast, I must say this news has me revving my engines and setting my sights on the horizon! The expansion of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom with not one but two new Cars-themed rides is an exhilarating prospect that has me ready to hit the gas pedal.


At Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, cars are venturing off-road for an outdoor adventure inspired by the Pixar franchise “Cars”. The latest news from Disney’s D23 convention revealed a new expansion of Frontierland, which will feature two rides based on the popular road-tripping series. To make way for this exciting development, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island have been temporarily closed at the Florida resort. Unlike Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park, the “Cars” area at Disney World is situated outside Radiator Springs in a more natural setting.

As a thrilled fan, I can share that, according to Disney, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are set to undergo an incredible transformation into vast, rugged terrains for an exhilarating rally race. This epic event will feature some of the world’s most famous racers, including the champion race car, Lightning McQueen!

Disney World Cars Expansion to Replace Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

As a game developer at Walt Disney World, I’m beyond excited to bring you an entirely fresh Cars adventure! You’ll find yourself behind the wheel, venturing into uncharted territories of Frontierland. This is more than just a journey; it’s about stepping into a new frontier. Michael Hundgen, our Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared this sentiment, “We’re not just creating a story, we’re tapping into the spirit of exploration and adventure that drives us all to push boundaries.” When we work on Magic Kingdom, we understand the immense responsibility that comes with it. Our goal is to craft tales that resonate with you, our guests, and continue the magical journey you started long ago.

2025 will see Frontierland undergoing a major renovation for the “Cars” area, with the addition of an exciting new rally race experience through mountains, trails, and geysers, as well as a second attraction designed for family fun. Disney hasn’t specified when Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be closed for this update, but visitors can still enjoy Frontierland’s current charm and nostalgia, including a 17-minute boat ride around the scenic Rivers of America on the steam-powered Liberty Square Riverboat and a self-guided exploration of Tom Sawyer Island, accessible via log raft.

Disney World Cars Expansion to Replace Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

In the revamped landscape, two thrilling car rides – one modeled after a fast-paced off-road race over rugged terrains and mountains, and another designed for younger racers – will share the spotlight with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the lively Country Bears Jamboree, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure inspired by “The Princess and the Frog”.

“Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences Chairman, emphasized that the spirit of the American West has consistently been about gazing toward the future, trusting in oneself, forging one’s destiny, and pursuing achievement. This sentiment applies to miners in the mountains, animals from the countryside, a princess from the swamps, or even a racecar from the city – as he announced the themed area dedicated to ‘Cars’ at D23 2024.”

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that Disney World has revealed exciting plans! They’re expanding Frontierland with a brand-new Disney Villains land, breathing life into a Monsters, Inc. area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and introducing new Indiana Jones and Encanto rides in the Tropical Americas section of Animal Kingdom. Can’t wait to experience these magical additions!

Read More

2024-08-12 22:39