5 Jaw-Dropping Changes To Disney World's 'Cars' Experiences: New Land, Major Closure, And A 2025 Construction Start Date

As of December 12, 2025, the landscape of Pixar’s *Cars* franchise at Walt Disney World Resort is in the middle of a monumental overhaul, marking one of the most significant changes to a single IP in the parks' history. Gone are the days when the only dedicated experience was a show at Hollywood Studios; the focus has shifted entirely to a massive, brand-new expansion.

This dramatic transformation involves a significant closure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the long-awaited announcement of a dedicated, immersive new land coming to Magic Kingdom. Guests planning their Orlando trips need to be aware of these two major developments to ensure they don't miss out on the current and future high-octane fun with Lightning McQueen and the whole Radiator Springs crew.

The Complete Pit Crew: Key Characters of the *Cars* Universe

To truly appreciate the new experiences coming to Walt Disney World, it's essential to know the key players from the Pixar films. These are the iconic entities—the champions, mentors, and best friends—who form the heart of the *Cars* universe and who guests hope to encounter in the parks:

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• Lightning McQueen: The star of the franchise, a speedy Piston Cup racer with a heart of gold. His iconic number is 95, and he is often referred to as "Rookie" early in his career.
• Mater (Sir Tow Mater): Lightning McQueen’s best friend, a rusty but lovable tow truck from Radiator Springs. He is famous for his catchphrase, "Git-R-Done!" and his tall tales.
• Sally Carrera: A beautiful blue Porsche 911 who left her fast-paced life to settle in Radiator Springs and became Lightning McQueen's love interest. She owns the Cozy Cone Motel.
• Doc Hudson (The Fabulous Hudson Hornet): A wise, retired race car and the town judge and doctor of Radiator Springs. He was a three-time Piston Cup champion before his racing career ended.
• Cruz Ramirez: A next-generation trainer who helps Lightning McQueen return to racing in *Cars 3*. She eventually becomes a Piston Cup racer herself.
• Luigi and Guido: A pair of Italian-speaking mechanics who run Casa Della Tires. Guido, the forklift, is obsessed with pit stops and Ferraris.
• Ramone: A low-rider Chevrolet Impala who runs Ramone's House of Body Art, painting himself a new design every day.
• Sarge and Fillmore: Sarge is a Willys MB Jeep and a military veteran who runs a surplus store, while Fillmore is a Volkswagen Bus who sells organic fuel and is a peace-loving hippie.
• Red: The shy fire truck of Radiator Springs.
• Mack: Lightning McQueen’s long-haul semi-truck, who transports him to races.

The Shocking Closure: Saying Goodbye to Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

One of the most immediate and significant changes for *Cars* fans is the permanent closure of the franchise's dedicated show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which was located on Sunset Boulevard, closed its doors for good on October 7, 2024.

The attraction, which debuted in 2019, featured a high-tech, wraparound screen and a life-sized animatronic Lightning McQueen teaching guests the rules of the road and racing techniques.

The closure was announced to make way for a brand-new, highly anticipated offering: a Disney Villains-themed stage show. This new show is currently scheduled to debut in the summer of 2025, taking over the space previously occupied by the Racing Academy. While the *Cars* show is gone, guests can still occasionally find Lightning McQueen and Mater for character meet-and-greets in other areas of Hollywood Studios, though these appearances may change as the park evolves.

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Full Throttle Ahead: Everything We Know About the New *Cars* Land at Magic Kingdom

The biggest news, and the future of *Cars* at Walt Disney World, is the massive expansion coming to Magic Kingdom. This new, immersive area will be built in a reimagined section of Frontierland, fulfilling a long-standing dream for many Disney fans.

Piston Peak National Park: A New Destination Beyond Radiator Springs

Unlike the iconic *Cars Land* at Disney California Adventure, which recreates Radiator Springs, the Magic Kingdom expansion is inspired by the setting of the 2014 film *Planes: Fire & Rescue*, which is part of the broader *Cars* universe. The new area is officially titled Piston Peak National Park.

This location allows Disney to create a completely unique environment, moving beyond the desert landscape of Route 66 and into a lush, mountainous national park setting. The expansion is part of the largest development project in Magic Kingdom's history, signaling a major investment in the park's future.

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Construction and Attraction Timeline

The project is moving forward rapidly. Construction for the new *Cars* area is officially scheduled to begin in July 2025. To prepare for this massive undertaking, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are slated for closure starting July 7, 2025, to clear the way for the new Piston Peak National Park.

The land is confirmed to feature two all-new *Cars*-themed attractions. While specific details on the ride systems and concepts are still emerging, Disney has already released concept art for the unique ride vehicles that will be used. The attractions are designed to fully immerse guests into the world of high-flying races and scenic park adventures with Lightning McQueen and his friends.

Topical Authority: The *Cars* Franchise in Disney Parks

The new Piston Peak National Park is a strategic move by Disney to bring a dedicated *Cars* experience to the East Coast that rivals the success of its West Coast counterpart. *Cars Land* at Disney California Adventure (DCA) is home to the wildly popular Radiator Springs Racers, a thrilling slot-car dark ride that remains one of the most beloved attractions in any Disney park.

The introduction of a new *Cars* land in Orlando not only gives Magic Kingdom a fresh, highly marketable IP expansion but also ensures that the character entities like Mater, Sally, and Cruz Ramirez have a permanent, immersive home. This expansion will likely feature new dining and merchandise locations, allowing guests to fully experience the atmosphere of Piston Peak, perhaps offering unique menu items inspired by the film's setting, such as a themed counter-service restaurant or snack kiosks.

The focus on Piston Peak National Park, rather than a direct copy of Radiator Springs, is a smart play for topical authority, ensuring that Walt Disney World offers a unique experience that complements, rather than duplicates, the existing land in Anaheim. This strategy keeps the offerings at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World distinct and equally appealing to fans of the *Cars* movies.

Planning Your Visit: What *Cars* Fans Can Do Right Now

With the permanent closure of Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, *Cars* fans visiting Walt Disney World in late 2024 and early 2025 have fewer dedicated experiences, but the magic is still there:

• Character Sightings: Look for Lightning McQueen and Mater appearances at Disney's Hollywood Studios, often near the former Racing Academy location or during motorcades.
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater: At Hollywood Studios, you can still dine in a "car" at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, which offers a fun, car-themed dining experience, though not specifically *Cars* branded.
• Merchandise: Dedicated *Cars* merchandise, including toys, apparel, and collectibles featuring Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Doc Hudson, remains widely available across all four parks and Disney Springs.
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: Keep an eye out for topiary displays during Epcot's seasonal festivals, as *Cars* characters often make appearances as beautifully crafted topiaries.

The next few years will be an exciting time for *Cars* enthusiasts. While one door has closed at Hollywood Studios, a massive new gate is opening at Magic Kingdom with the Piston Peak National Park expansion, promising a thrilling new chapter for the franchise at Walt Disney World. Keep your engines revving, as the new land is set to be a world-class destination for generations of fans.