NEWS: Disney Announces Closing Dates for Frontierland Attractions & New Details on Cars Attraction

Since Disney announced the Frontierland expansion coming to Magic Kingdom at D23, fans have been wondering when Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat would close to make way for the new Cars inspired attraction coming to the land. We have to wait no further. Disney has announced the closing date for those attractions and given new details about the Cars attraction. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney:

Cars from around the country are fueling up to be the wildest racer in the “wheelderness.” Of course, we know that fans are curious to see how the exciting new backdrop for the big rally race will fit into the waters, landscapes, and storytelling at Magic Kingdom.

Today, we are excited to share that Piston Peak National Park will continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since opening day.

Westward Ho! Crossing into New Frontiers at Magic Kingdom

Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.

Welcome to Piston Peak National Park

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.

Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.

From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.

Cruising Just Around the Bend  

As work revs into high gear this summer, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7. Imagineers are also hard at work beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad bringing to life the first-ever land inspired by the Disney Villains with two major attractions, dining and shopping all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.

But that’s not all happening at the Magic Kingdom. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen next year with new magic, and later this summer, Disney Starlight will grace the streets of Magic Kingdom with its grand debut on July 20, and The Beak and Barrel will welcome pirates of all ages. So follow along every step of the way because more details are coming soon.

RELATED ARTICLE: 14 Changes Coming to Walt Disney World in 2025 and Beyond

by Chad and Cindy Nykamp

In the spirit of Walt Disney’s drive to keep moving forward and keep things fresh, Walt Disney World is always changing and growing. Many exciting projects that will bring guests deeper into the stories they love, including Monsters, Inc., Cars, Indiana Jones, Encanto, and the classic Disney Villains, are coming to the resort in the years to come. While we expect more announcements on future endeavors, here are the 14 changes that we know about coming to Walt Disney World in the second half of 2025 and beyond.

2025

1 – June 4 – GEO-82 – Spaceship Earth Lounge

An elegant and elevated lounge called GEO-82 experience is coming to Spaceship Earth in late spring. This lounge will offer guests over 21 a comfortable and intimate setting inspired by the stories and legacy of the iconic structure. Guests can savor culinary creations developed to complement the timeless yet timely drinks, each reflecting the elegance of the extraordinary setting. With sweeping views of World Celebration Gardens and a unique perspective of the nightly fireworks, this secluded retreat invites guests to raise a toast to the enduring spirit of EPCOT.

2 – July 20 – “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away”

Summer 2025 will shine brighter than ever with the debut of “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” a breathtaking new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom Park! Continuing Disney’s legacy of dazzling evening entertainment, this all-new spectacle invites guests to dream the night away with a perfect blend of nostalgia, innovation, and enchanting storytelling.

Featuring beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like “Peter Pan” and “Pinocchio” alongside modern favorites from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” each float is a radiant celebration of Disney magic. Join the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” as she weaves the transformative magic of starlight throughout the parade to illuminate the stories in a stunning constellation of wonder, hope, and imagination.

3 – Late Summer 2025 – Test Track presented by General Motors 

With work on this reimagined experience already underway, guests are in for a thrilling ride when Test Track presented by General Motors makes its returning lap in late summer 2025 at EPCOT. Pushing the boundaries of innovation, Walt Disney Imagineering has been working with General Motors on a new storyline for this beloved attraction. Guests should be on the lookout as the cars return to the track with their new look early in the year!

4 – Late 2025 – Pirates of the Caribbean-Inspired Tavern 

Ahoy, mateys! Making landfall in late 2025, bandits and buccaneers-to-be are invited to step into a swashbuckling world of fun and adventure and join the crew at a new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern in Magic Kingdom. This immersive lounge experience will welcome pirates of all ages with a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub and more than a few mysterious and magical surprises in store!

5 – Winter 2025 – “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” 

In winter 2025, The Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut an all-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”  Families can join their favorite herd from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and more, for an exhilarating new wild story.

6 – End of 2025 – Last Chance for Dinosaur & DinoLand, USA

DinoLand, USA, is on its way out to make way for a new Tropical-Americas-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (see #11). However, construction will begin in phases. The first wave of closures occurred on January 13, 2025. TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures are now permanently closed. However, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, and Trilo-Bites remain open. Also, Disney has confirmed that these will remain open “through 2025.” While we’re not excited that DINOSAUR is going extinct, we’re very happy we have one more year to “go get that dino.”

2026

We’re confident more announcements will be made about 2026. The following is what we know so far.

7 – Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Update

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is getting an update! The popular attraction at Magic Kingdom is set to temporarily close in August 2025, so Disney Imagineers can update the ride with a new show scene, updated ride vehicles, and gameplay enhancements. We’re super excited for these updates!

8 – New Adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mando and Grogu have a new adventure on the horizon coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join the Mandalorian and his youngling on brand-new adventures coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in celebration of the new Star Wars film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” coming to theaters in 2026.

Click here to learn more about the upcoming Mandalorian updates coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

2027

Two projects have been announced that will open in 2027.

9 – New DVC Resort – Disney Lakeshore Lodge

Projected to open in 2027, this proposed new Disney Vacation Club property will be located alongside the shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort will be inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists. The proposed Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be located within the same footprint of the previously announced Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resort. Additional information will be released later.

10 – Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature two new signature attractions – a thrilling adventure following the heroic Indiana Jones into an ancient Maya temple and a journey through the Casita Madrigal from “Encanto” following Antonio’s story on the day after he received his magical gift. It will also feature a beautiful carousel featuring animals from many favorite Disney stories, perfect for young families to enjoy. Tropical Americas is set to open in 2027.

Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Unknown Dates – TBD

11 – Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Construction is set to begin in 2025 on the first full land dedicated to Monsters, Inc., coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The land will feature the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park, where guests can experience what it’s like to zoom through the door vault in the factory, just like Mike and Sulley. Disney has confirmed that the new land will be at the current Muppet Courtyard. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will permanently close on May 10, 2025. Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will close on June 7, 2025.

Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

12 – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Re-themed to Muppets

Muppet fans need not completely despair over the loss of Muppet Vision 3D. Disney announced that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be re-themed to the Muppets. No construction timeline has been given for this project.

13 – Cars at the Magic Kingdom

Pixar Animation Studios’ beloved Cars franchise is coming to a reimagined area of Frontierland with two all-new attractions taking guests into the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs – a thrilling off-road rally race and a family-friendly attraction even the youngest racers will love. Construction on this area will begin early next year. Disney has confirmed that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close to make way for the Cars attractions.

Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!

14 – Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom

Work is already underway on a new land dedicated to Disney Villains coming to the Magic Kingdom – complete with two attractions, dining, and shopping – where happily ever after may feel like just a distant dream. It will be a fearless new vision of what a Disney experience can be on a grand scale that only Disney can deliver. Disney has confirmed that the Villains land will be “beyond” Big Thunder Mountain.

Click here to learn more about the Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom.