Walt Disney World has pulled back the curtain on Beyond Big Thunder, revealing a totally different concept that includes two all-new Cars rides in an expanded area of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. This post shares details, concept art, and everything we know about the plan–plus comprehensive commentary including whether we think these are potentially good or bad additions for the park.
These Cars attractions were announced during the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” or Parks Panel presentation during the 2024 D23 Expo at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a sneak peek at concept art for the future in addition and teased what was to come in a few years.
This was just one of several blockbuster announcements for Parks & Resorts at Horizons, during which D’Amaro revealed several ‘shovel to soil’ projects that will come online in the next 5 years, including over a half-dozen additions that will debut before the end of 2025. He and head Imagineer Bruce Vaughn followed through on their promise to deliver concrete details and not just tease more ‘Blue Sky’ possibilities.
Via video call, the one and only Tow Mater “announced” that he and Lightning McQueen are racing into Magic Kingdom. The dynamic duo will be part of a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” 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 D23 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.
In other words, this is not a clone of Radiator Springs from Disney California Adventure. It’s a new story and setting that goes beyond what was established in the Cars film franchise.
One of the two all-new Cars attractions 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 Cars Land area of Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
Turning to commentary, we’ll start by pointing out what might be obvious–but perhaps not–this is part of Beyond Big Thunder. Disney used the word “reimagined” for some reason when describing it, but I suspect that’s simply a matter of repositioning Frontierland a bit, which has already started to happen.
There’s also the practical reality that all of the proposed Beyond Big Thunder projects weren’t technically entirely behind or beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Some of the Rivers of America will be lost in the process, which was also true with the prior concepts. I’m not sure how much will be consumed by Cars and the other concept, but I’m guessing a lot based on the potential size and scale of these two areas…which also could explain why Imagineering has yet to file the permit, despite indicating it would happen soon back in April.
I’ll save the Rivers of America battle for another day. Frankly, it won’t bother me at all if Tom Sawyer Island is becoming Tom Sawyer Peninsula and the Rivers of America is shortened. Eliminating the dead ends at Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be huge from a crowd flow perspective, especially with all the people these two new lands are going to draw. Of course, the plan could repurpose more of this land and the river than that, in which case, my perspective might shift.
Speaking of other areas of the park and attractions, the next thought that came to mind is that the second attraction that’s geared towards smaller racers and will be fun for the whole family is an indirect replacement for Tomorrowland Speedway. There’s absolutely no need to have both attractions in the same park. If anything, the second Cars ride is a strategic addition that use less real estate than Tomorrowland Speedway.
While I don’t necessarily think that a specific concept is earmarked for Tomorrowland Speedway–or that the attraction will even close within the next several years–this is likely the long-term plan. Even though it just got TRON Lightcycle Run, Tomorrowland is undeniably in need of help.
I could see a reimagining of Tomorrowland being a tentative part of the 10-year plan for Walt Disney World and this being the first piece of that puzzle. Of course, just ask Disneyland fans about tentative Tomorrowland plans and how likely they are to come to fruition.
Beyond that, I’m honestly a little surprised that Walt Disney World opted against cloning Radiator Springs Racers and am curious as to the logic. It’s quite possible that they don’t want to work with that ride system again, and have learned their lesson about its viability in Florida weather.
It’s also possible they simply want to try something new or have a smaller footprint of land to use. Either way, I’m fine with it. When I first heard rumblings of Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom, I was looking forward to Radiator Springs Racers. (Even though I admittedly didn’t believe the rumor, so I didn’t give it that much thought.)
I’m also fine with an original attraction. Cars is pretty far from my favorite film franchise, but I think it lends itself to theme park attractions really well, and am looking forward to seeing which direction they drive it. I also think it’s a pretty good fit for Frontierland, and should transition nicely from Big Thunder to…beyond!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What is your reaction to this announcement of two all-new Cars rides coming to Magic Kingdom? Are you excited for this, or would you have preferred something else? Of the two Beyond Big Thunder projects, are you more excited for Cars or Villains Land? Anything you’re hoping does not end up coming to fruition? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
