Exactly one year has passed since the permanent closure of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in the summer of 2025. Since then, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has been aggressively marching forward into its “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion era. As of July 2026, we have a clear look at the massive progress happening on the ground for both Piston Peak National Park (the Cars-themed area) and the highly anticipated Villains Land.

Piston Peak National Park: Vertical Construction

The former Rivers of America has been entirely filled and transformed into a sprawling construction site. Here is what is happening right now:

• Going Vertical: For several weeks, visible vertical construction has been taking place in the new Frontierland area, with major concrete retaining walls and sloped embankments replacing early demolition zones.
• Retaining Walls & Utilities: Massive retaining walls have been erected in front of Big Thunder Mountain. Drainage pipes, non-potable reclaimed water lines, and water main extensions are actively being staged and installed.
• The View: With Big Thunder Mountain officially reopened to guests this summer, riders are getting an unprecedented, elevated peek straight into the Piston Peak construction zone from the queue and the ride itself.

Villains Land: Clearing the Way

Directly behind the upcoming Cars area and extending behind the Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” lies the future home of Disney Villains.

• Ground Zero: The forested area north of the berm has been fully cleared of trees, leaving massive dirt mounds and a clean slate for development.
• Visual Barriers: A large wall has been constructed specifically to block the Villains Land construction site from the view of Big Thunder Mountain.
• Site Prep: Construction trailers and pipes are staged on the smooth dirt surfaces, marking the beginning of infrastructure installation for the dark and mysterious new land.

Anticipated Opening Dates

Disney has not officially announced an opening year for either expansion.

• The Timeline: Permits for water main extensions covering both Piston Peak and Villains Land currently list an end date of December 2027.
• Realistic Expectations: Industry expectations suggest we are looking at a likely debut around summer 2029 for Piston Peak, with Villains Land potentially following suit or opening in phases shortly after. Early wastewater permits also indicate a targeted construction completion by December 2029.

The Rumor Mill: Ride Tech & Cut Attractions

• Piston Peak Ride Tech: A newly published patent suggests the main off-road Cars attraction might utilize technology that allows vehicles to move along multiple paths over uneven terrain. Rumors indicate this could allow riders to experience tame or intense routes, maintaining high ride capacity even during slower, bumpy sections.
• A Scrapped Second Ride?: When Piston Peak was originally pitched, two attractions were promised. However, some recent concept maps omitted the smaller family ride, leading to widespread rumors that the second attraction may have been heavily scaled back or cut entirely from the final budget.
• Villains Land Scope: The current rumblings around Villains Land suggest the area will feature a major dark ride, a theater show, and a heavily themed restaurant.