Walt Disney World is set to expand yet again, offering guests a new adventure inspired by Pixar’s Cars. One of the highlights of this addition will be an off-road attraction that promises to bring a fresh experience to Magic Kingdom. This new ride will anchor a Cars-themed area, using innovative ride vehicles and unique storytelling to immerse visitors in the world of Lightning McQueen and Mater.
Below, we’ll explore the ride concept, the technology involved, and what this expansion means for the future of Magic Kingdom.
Off-Road Adventure Concept
The off-road attraction will take riders beyond the familiar town of Radiator Springs into rugged, uncharted terrain. Imagineers are designing an experience inspired by desert landscapes, complete with rocky paths, steep climbs, and natural features like geysers. The goal is to give guests the feeling of an off-road racing adventure that’s unlike anything the Cars characters have encountered before.
Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests. For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it.
Michael Hundgen, ImagineerDuring the 2025 SXSW panel about Disney’s world-building initiatives, Imagineers revealed early concepts for the ride vehicles and track. The ride mechanics will simulate the bumpy, uneven sensation of off-roading while creating a seamless and engaging experience for park visitors.
Innovative Ride Vehicle Design
A key feature of the attraction is its new ride vehicle design, specifically crafted to amplify the emotional connection between guests and the Cars storyline. These vehicles are being engineered with sensors and custom-built structures that respond to various types of terrain. The ride vehicles are designed to move dynamically, allowing them to race over rocky paths, ascend inclines, and handle terrain shifts in realistic ways.
@disneyparks Real-world engineering meets Disney magic. 🚙✨ Off-road testing is underway for the new Cars attraction coming to Magic Kingdom at Disney World. #SXSW #Cars #Disney #DisneyParks #MagicKingdom #DisneyNews ♬ original sound – Disney Parks
To achieve this, Disney Imagineers partnered with a motocross company to study off-road vehicle movement and gather detailed data using real dirt tracks. This research is helping the team fine-tune the motion controls for the ride vehicles, ensuring that they capture the authentic feel of an off-road adventure.
Additionally, each ride vehicle will have its own distinct personality, much like the racing characters from the Cars films. From unique names to individual racing numbers, these vehicles will add storytelling depth to the attraction while letting guests feel like they’re truly part of the Cars universe.
Expansion of Magic Kingdom
The off-road Cars ride will be part of a new 14-acre expansion in Magic Kingdom. This area will take over the space currently occupied by the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It’s reported that the expansion will also include a second major attraction and additional themed experiences, further enhancing its appeal to guests.
By incorporating the Cars franchise, Disney Parks continues its trend of building immersive lands tied to beloved films. This new space will complement areas like Tomorrowland and Adventureland by providing guests with something completely different—a high-energy racing environment that explores uncharted territory for the Cars series.
The Future of Magic Kingdom Attractions
This project reflects Disney Imagineering’s focus on innovation and storytelling by blending advanced technology with creative narratives. The combination of a rugged off-road theme and dynamic ride mechanics makes this attraction a noteworthy addition to the park’s lineup.
For fans of Cars and thrill rides, the off-road attraction offers a great opportunity to explore new aspects of the Pixar universe while engaging with characters in an interactive way. Additionally, the expansion further supports Disney’s commitment to keeping Magic Kingdom fresh and exciting for returning guests.
Final Thoughts
With the magic of Disney storytelling and cutting-edge ride technology, this Frontierland expansion will undoubtedly be an exciting chapter in the park’s ongoing evolution at Magic Kingdom. By using innovative ride vehicles and immersive storytelling, Disney Imagineers are sure to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a themed attraction. Exciting times to be a Disney fan!
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
