NEWS: Magic Kingdom Aerial Photos Show Expansion Progress Including New Wall Surrounding Big Thunder Mountain

Big things are happening at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest expansion in park history with the addition of Cars and Villains themed lands. This is on top of the extensive refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Recently posted aerial photos show construction process of a massive section of land along with a new wall going up around Big Thunder.

Details and photos below.

As you can see, construction is humming along. Big Thunder Mountain is nearly ready for its scheduled May 3, 2026, reopening. Construction crews are currently erecting a wall around Big Thunder Mountain that will shield views of the Cars and Villains land construction. There have also been retaining walls poured and foundation work done in the Cars area.

The Cars themed area, Piston Peak National Park, is the area between Big Thunder Mountain and Haunted Mansion that used to be occupied by Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. The large area behind Big Thunder Mountain to the north of Magic Kingdom is the future home of Villains Land.

The photos above were posted by @bioreconstruct on Instagram.

RELATED ARTICLE: Expanded Frontierland to Bring Two New Cars-Inspired Attractions to Magic Kingdom

“Cars” fans got a real treat when it was announced that two attractions are coming to an expanded Frontierland in Magic Kingdom! At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared details about the upcoming projects. Learn more below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Chris Beatty:

One is a quicker-than-quick racecar who eats losers for breakfast, and one is a tow truck with a heart of gold. Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater are racing into Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!

At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh told the crowd.

Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions.

One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.

But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.

Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.