New lands and adventures: what the Magic Kingdom expansion means for Disney fans

Updates 8/23/26: All about the newly announced Magic Kingdom expansion – what to expect, when to expect it, and how it will affect the theme parks:

2024 was a very exciting D23 Expo year – at least when it comes to theme park announcements! All of the parks will be getting some love in the coming years, but the announcements about the Magic Kingdom expansion were some of the most exciting. The 2026 D23 Expo saw additional details on many of these projects.

But big expansions mean big changes. Are these new things replacing anything else? When will they be done? What should I expect?

I’ve shared below some of the announcements and details that we know so far about what is coming with the Magic Kingdom expansion in the next 5 years.

Piston Peak: Cars land and attractions

Where: Frontierland, replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

When: Construction started in early 2025. It will most likely be a few years before it opens (maybe 2028, though nothing has been confirmed).

What: a new area inspired by Cars coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland, which will have 2 attractions (one more of a thrill attraction, the other targeted at younger children and families).

Details

 “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.” (Disney Parks Blog)

This is a new Cars concept – it is not Radiator Springs brought over from California Adventure. It is being built where Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America used to be, which has been drained and filled in. In addition to the two rides, there will be several other buildings as well. We don’t know what all of them will be, but Disney has mentioned being able to “explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more.”

Cars Ridge Run Rally – this thrill ride will take you through America’s National Parks, up Piston Peak, before you plummet back down to the finish line – where Lightning McQueen and Mater await. It was described as taking you on “wild terrain” on a “thrilling rally race through the mountains.” At the 2026 event it was described as “really bouncy” and they stated it uses a completely new ride vehicle.

Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along – the “family-friendly” attraction will be hosted by Miss Fritter from Cars 3, and features a “bus-sized” animatronic. She’s hosting a stampeding bash and inviting you to join.

Thoughts

I know some people mourn the loss of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, but I think putting something else here makes sense. It felt inconvenient to get to it (having to take a raft over there), and it was already kind of a shell of what it used to be.

I’m actually surprised they are doing a new concept and not just copy/pasting Radiator Springs from California. I am not a big Cars fan, but they did a very good job in California and I can imagine they’ll do this well. The concept art looks really pretty, but I’m still not a huge fan of this going in Frontierland.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure being in Frontierland was odd enough, and now we’re throwing Cars in. I will say that with both projects they have done (or are doing) a decent job and matching the aesthetics of the land. Tiana’s exterior still mostly looks like Splash Mountain. Cars could have felt really out of place, but the concept art we’ve seen looks pretty gorgeous. Even though I’m not a huge Cars fan, I think this could be a really lovely place to just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Imagineers have discussed how they’re using “Parkitecture” developed by the National park Service to make sure they harmonize with natural elements you’d find in those parks.

As for what we know about the rides themselves, I’m not sure what to think yet. I love a good thrill ride, but I’m a little hesitant at just how “bumpy” Cars Ridge Run Rally will be. It’s also not totally clear exactly what Miss Fritter’s is yet, but I’m expecting something more along the lines of Alien Swirling Saucers.

How does this affect my park visit?

This one has a few more things that may affect park visitors and Disney fans.

• Construction begins early 2025, and likely to continue ~3 years
• That most likely means construction walls, cranes, affecting sight lines, etc.
• Starting in early 2025, you will no longer be able to visit Tom Sawyer Island or ride the Liberty Belle riverboat (these attractions are being replaced by the Cars Land)
• Don’t expect to be able to visit Cars Land or do these attractions until at least 2028.

Villains Land

Where: “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” – a new area behind Frontierland

When: unknown. This is probably one of the projects that is the furthest out – I wouldn’t expect to see this opening until 2029 or 2030.

What: A new villains themed area that will have two major attractions, dining, and shopping

Details

“Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.” (Disney Parks Blog)

The official name for the land was confirmed to be “Villains Land.” (Keeping it simple!). Some of the backstory we received tells us that “someone made an evil wish here that corrupted the stone and broke open the structure, spreading the well’s poisoned magic through the forest.” This attractions many of our favorite Disney villains, of course.

And we know it will be big! They did say that this (combined with the Cars Land) will be the biggest Magic Kingdom expansion in history. Villains Land itself was confirmed to be about the side of Galaxy’s Edge. We know there will be shopping and dining, as well as (at least) two attractions.

Maleficent Coaster – one confirmed attraction is a Maleficent roller coaster that takes you through the enchanted briar. It will include “new coaster elements” that have not been attempted by Disney before.

Mirror Realm Dark Ride – the other attraction takes you into the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace. The mirror magically transports you to the other side of the mirror, where you’ll encounter various villains.

Cruella? – Cruella DeVil took the stage at the most recent D23 event, demanding her own attraction. Nothing was actually said to confirm this, but was it a hint for what’s to come or just a silly gag?

Thoughts

When it was first announced in 2024, this one was a huge suprise! Though some sort of Villains Land (or even 5th theme park) has been rumored and wished for by Disney fans for a long time, I didn’t expect to actually get this announcement at the D23 Expo. Two major attractions is very exciting, and I love roller coasters so I’m excited to see Disney do something new here.

I think it will be hugely popular and has a lot of staying power. You’re leaning into some of the most well known and loved Disney movies, but with the villains twist. No, it won’t be for everyone – but that’s why it’s a land in Magic Kingdom and not an entire theme park of its own. It might not be the place for those with young kids, but Storybook Circus is also an area that many without young kids don’t spend time in. Something for everyone.

Even though this is a long ways off, I cannot wait to get more details and see this open in the coming years!

How does this affect my park visit?

This project seems to be the last one that will be completed, and without knowing as much about it, we can’t really say for certain what to expect. But here are a few thoughts or things to keep in mind:

• The land will mostly be previously undeveloped land behind Big Thunder Mountain, so it isn’t replacing anything else (that we know of right now)
• Construction here could mean shutting down at least part of the Walt Disney World Railroad for several years
• We may see some construction walls, but they won’t be as intrusive as other projects since it’s towards the back of the park
• Concept art often changes drastically when planning this far ahead, so don’t expect everything you see there to actually happen
• Don’t expect to be able to visit Villains Land or do these attractions until at least 2029.

Carousel of Progress update

Where: Tomorrowland

When: opening Spring 2027

What: a completely new storyline for Carousel of Progress

Details

The current version of Carousel of Progress closed on July 6, 2026. The new version is expected to open in the spring of 2027. It will be a full upgrade, featuring 4 new show scenes and an introduction from an animatronic Walt Disney. A new script and voice actors have been announced, with Bryan Cranston voicing the dad and Jamie Lee Curtis voicing the mom. We have been assured that the song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” will remain.

The first scene will take place in 1969, as the family watches the moon landing. We then move to 1985, which takes place at Halloween. A first in Carousel of Progress history, this portion will be narrated by the mother, Sarah, rather than the father. After that it’s on to 1999, and the final scene will feature a “possible future.”

Thoughts

I’m excited Carousel of Progress is getting an upgrade. It’s a classic attraction, but it’s also one that necessitates updates (it’s called the carousel of progress, after all). Carousel of Progress has already seen many changes in its lifetime, so this is nothing new. When it debuted in 1964, it covered the last 60-ish years of human progress. By starting in 1969, we’re again covering the last 60-ish years of human progress.

I think the years they chose are good ones to feature, especially as we see so many technological changes. It’s crazy to think that 1999 is a “historic” time period now, but it is. My world in 1999 was very different than what we have now. No smart phones or easy internet access, kids! I also think it’s a good idea to make the last scene a “possible future,” and hopefully they keep it general enough that it doesn’t get outdated.

How does this affect my park visit?

This one has a pretty quick turnaround time, but if you’re visiting in the next year here’s what to expect:

• Current version of Carousel of Progress will be closed from July 6, 2026, until sometime in the spring of 2027
• The new version will open sometime in the spring of 2027
• This project should not impact your time in Tomorrowland at all.

Projects that have opened recently

Disney Starlight

Where: Magic Kingdom
When: Summer 2025
What: A new nighttime parade

Details: ““Disney Starlight” will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the “Main Street Electrical Parade” using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love.” (Disney Parks Blog)

I’ve now seen this parade once, but unfortunately an inconsiderate human who held their iPad high in the air the whole time ruined much of my view. It was pretty and I hope to catch it again sometime. From what I’ve seen, I enjoyed both the Main Street Electrical Parade and Paint the Night more. But it’s nice to have any nighttime parade in Disney World again!

Beak and Barrel

Where: Adventureland
When: August 2025
What: A bar/lounge area themed after Pirates of the Caribbean

Details: “A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. This first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.” (Disney Parks Blog). This pirates themed bar has both food and drink, and welcomes guests of all ages. It features an animatronic parrot and other effects that happen in the room throughout your time there.

I’ve visited twice, and had a positive experience and a negative one. I think the themeing is great, the drinks are pretty good, and the food was tasty. But they missed the mark on a few things. It’s clearly based on Oga’s Cantina, but Magic Kingdom is not Hollywood Studios – and that does make a difference. I’m willing to give it another chance eventually!

I will update as we learn more in the coming years!

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Are you excited about this Magic Kingdom expansion? What are you most looking forward to?