This post is all about the huge Magic Kingdom expansion announced last year at D23.
In August of 2024 at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced an expansion to Frontierland that will be themed around the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars.”
Bringing the Western charm of iconic national parks to a brand-new story inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars,” Lightning McQueen, Mater, and all their friends will soon find themselves at the Magic Kingdom in a reimagined section of Frontierland. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.
Once completed, this reimagined area of Frontierland will be home to two new “Cars”-themed attractions taking guests into the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs. Learn more about the Cars attractions racing into Magic Kingdom.
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland. Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
Michael Hundgen
walt disney world portfolio executive creative producer, walt disney imagineering
And cruising just around the bend, guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, learn more about the multi-acre expansion that will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping.
The Disney Parks Blog tells us that we should be prepared for chaos as “visitors to the dark and thorny land.” Here’s a sneak peak at the villains we may encounter:
Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history. And while we know that progress and expansion are part of life (and can be exciting), we will miss both Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.
On our most recent trip to Walt Disney World, we took one last ride on the Liberty Belle, the steam-powered riverboat that navigates around Tom Sawyer Island. As we disembarked this iconic Magic Kingdom feature, Rick stopped to chat with one of the riverboat cast members who had obviously been working the boat for a long time. After discussing the steam/paddleboat propulsion of the Liberty Belle, Rick asked him if he was going to miss it. With a sad look in his eye, he said he would.
We have to agree. We took our time on both Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle so we could say goodbye.
Cars Land and Villains Land will be fun, we’re sure. But there will also be a touch of sadness as we remember the nostalgia of yesteryear.
Stay tuned for more updates to these expansion projects. And, as always, remember to reach out to us for help with your Disney vacation planning–our services are FREE!
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