Crews at Disney's Magic Kingdom have begun installing massive steel supports for a boundary wall between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the new Piston Peak National Park. The structure separates the classic mining-themed ride from the upcoming Cars-inspired wilderness area. This milestone signals vertical construction on the expansion replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.
Late April 2026 photos show workers bolting steel beams into place along the Frontierland edge. The wall will block views of construction equipment from Big Thunder Mountain riders, dampen sounds from Piston Peak's high-energy attractions, and create a thematic transition using rockwork, foliage, and timber fencing. Walt Disney Imagineering designed it to blend the 1880s gold rush aesthetic with off-road park vibes, establishing the land's footprint after site clearing ended. Piston Peak National Park, announced at the 2024 D23 Expo as part of the Beyond Big Thunder initiative, draws from the Cars franchise's rugged outdoor style in Planes: Fire & Rescue and Cars on the Road. It transforms the former river space into a mountainous environment with trails and trees. Disney filled in much of the Rivers of America and closed low-capacity Tom Sawyer Island to build this active land. Two attractions anchor the area: the Off-Road Rally, a rugged vehicle race through mountains and mud distinct from Radiator Springs Racers, and a family-friendly interactive ride possibly using trackless technology. Recent Big Thunder Mountain refurbishments, completed early 2026, included track replacements, sensory updates, and narrative links to the neighboring park for seamless sightlines. Disney has not set an official opening, but steel support installation typically precedes debuts 18-24 months later, pointing to late 2027 or early 2028. Guests in late 2026 will see construction walls, soon to give way to themed facades.
