Disney has just revealed details on the new Cars-inspired area of Frontierland, which only fuels the controversy over this change!
Everyone knows that Disney parks have to change and evolve with the times. A few classic lands have seen some shifts over the decades. A prime example is how Tomorrowland keeps changing as it’s hard to predict the future.
However, Disney World’s plans for Frontierland have garnered huge controversy for how massive they are. To change the area to a Cars-themed spot is one thing. Removing the Rivers of America with The Mark Twain Riverboat and Tom’s Sawyer Island has sparked a near-revolt among Magic Kingdom fans.
Now, at last, Disney has revealed just what the replacement area will be. First, the confirmation that the Rivers, Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat will all close on July 6. So anyone visiting WDW on the 4th of July weekend can expect massive crowds of guests wanting to visit these areas one last time.
Disney has shown that the new Cars Land will be a bit more original than believed.
What is the new Cars land?
Disney is not simply providing a Florida version of California Adventure’s hit Cars Land area with Radiator Spring Racers. Instead, they are expanding the Cars universe with an area called Piston Peak.
This will include a new mascot character, Park Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore. The character is a true deep dive as he appears to be based on J. Audubon Woodlore, a park ranger who popped up in many 1950s Disney cartoons.
The illustration for the area shows some differences from the initial concept artwork that was shown when the announcement of the new area came at D23. Notably, it seems Disney has realized getting rid of an entire water system is problematic and only adds to the heat of the area (a major concern in Florida).
Indeed, the illustration indicates Disney has listened to at least some guest concerns to create a long huge waterfall/river that goes around Piston Peak with a geysers section also helping.
While still unnamed, the big e-ticket ride is an off-road rally racing ride and the drawing shows what looks like the track. That will go around the area with touches like a snowy mountain area.
There also seems to be a building at the front of the entrance area that may house another family-friendly ride to offset the rally race one (perhaps a white water rapids ride?)
The press release had Imagineers discussing “Parkitecture,” which was “developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.” They’re also spinning it as the area providing a gateway to part of America to fit the west side of the park.
“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.”
It’s our first bold look at this transformed Frontierland, but can it win over the public?
Why Piston Peak is still controversial
Obviously, Disney fans are still upset about this. Taking out a key part of the park for 50 years was always going to be unpopular and replacing it with a Cars Land isn’t helping. It ranges from how much guests loved Tom Sawyer Island to how removing the Rivers alters the landscape and eliminates a necessary cooling effect.
That said, it’s striking that this illustration shows Piston Peak…doesn’t look that obtrusive. It appears the Imagineers aren’t just plopping this into Frontierland at random but carefully reworking it around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain.
See how the waterfall/river flows by Liberty Square and the pathways work out to the other areas. There is supposed to be a gateway to the planned Villain’s Land and yet it’s remarkable how this boasts a connection to nature that fits the area.
If anything, this is as close as we’ve gotten to the legendary, never-built Western River Expedition attraction that was supposed to be the highlight of Frontierland. That has become part of Disney lore, with the idea of a ride flowing through the area, a throwback to that old idea. One has to give credit to Imagineers trying to bring that to life after 50 years.
That said, many feel the best part of the Rivers was providing a bit of calm and relief from the hustle and bustle of other Disney parks. There do seem to be some good touches of pathways and a building to rest in, but that comes with the roar of this new rally ride.
This is still in the early stages as the Rivers close on July 6 and construction on this will likely last several years. That gives us more time for debate, and who knows if any alterations are to come as we finally know what’s taking the place of this iconic part of WDW and years of questioning if it’ll work or not.
Will the gang from Radiator Springs make the transition?