The Magic Kingdom is about to get a massive makeover featuring the stars of Pixar's Cars, as well as a long-awaited appearance from Disney's villains. However a new player just entered the game this week, and animation buffs should be incredibly impressed.
As much as we love the likes of Lightning McQueen and Mater, Disney is introducing a new original character to Piston Peak in their new Frontierland expansion. The truth of the matter is... he's not exactly "new."
Calling Ranger Woodlore!
Eager Disney fans waiting to see what happens in this new Frontierland addition might notice a bespectacled ranger vehicle on some of Piston Peak's promotional material. The name J. Audubon Woodlore might go over a few heads, but longtime animation junkies have heard that name many times, but not from a Pixar property.
Ranger Woodlore has been with The Walt Disney Company since the '50s, and has had more than a few recent appearances. From his debut in Donald Duck's Grin and Bear It and keeping Humphrey the Bear in line to guest appearances on the House of Mouse TV show.
Often seen locking horns with Donald or keeping Humphrey and his ursine companions out of trouble in Brownstone (not Jellystone) Park, the ranger is known for his persnickety demeanor and plump, jolly form. However, it seems Piston Peak has given him more than a makeover.
Per WDW News Today, the ranger will be feature at the Piston Peak Park attraction as a member of the Cars universe. The article shared the following,
"His car counterpart is a ranger at Piston Peak National Park and will be seen in the queue for the main attraction, where guests participate in an off-road rally. He will appear in a Ranger Room, where he will be an Audio Animatronic figure. While guests queue, Woodlore will provide key story details such as the lore of Piston Peak and an explanation for why guests are racing through the Rocky Mountain-inspired wilderness that day."
Despite initial hesitation, the Cars-inspired additions seem to recognize the importance of Disney's glory days, as well as its evolution into the 21st century. Although ground has yet to be broken on this upcoming change, it might be the case that Disney has more to offer than many first thought.
Did you know about Ranger Woodlore?