Magic Kingdom to see ‘historic expansion’ soon. See details on ‘Villain land,’ new Cars attractions

Portrait of Samantha Neely Samantha Neely
USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Magic Kingdom will be getting a makeover over the next few years.

At  D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event last weekend, officials announced that the Disney World theme park will see "historic expansion," adding it has already kicked off as permits were filed to start moving ground.

Where is Magic Kingdom? How big is Magic Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom is located at 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista. Divided into six themed lands, the theme park is roughly 107 acres.

Construction for Disney 'Cars' attractions in 2025

Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen, Mater and their friends are coming to Orlando. According to Disney, a section of Frontierland will be reimagined with the Pixar movie with two new attractions.

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“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we — quite literally — explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”

On Aug. 12, 2024, Disney reveals a first look at a newly announced reimagined area of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park that will be home to two new Cars-themed attractions taking guests into the wilderness beyond Radiator Springs.

One of the rides will invite guests on a "thrilling rally race through the mountains." Concept art shows similar designs to the "Radiator Springs Racers" at Disneyland.

"Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes," Disney writes online.

The second attraction will be geared toward smaller racers and the entire family. Construction for the land will begin in 2025, adding guests will have plenty of time to enjoy Frontierland as it is today.

Will Tom Sawyer's Island be replaced with new 'Cars' attractions?

To make way for Radiator Springs, the theme park is getting rid a relic. Disney confirmed Monday that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island would both be reimagined, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

"It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers," the website shares.

Tom Sawyer Island opened at the Magic Kingdom in 1973, just two years after the park opened in 1971.

Responses from parkgoers and Disney fans varied, with some expressing their disappointment over the loss of shaded play areas for kids and seating areas. Others said they never went to the attraction and were excited for an update.

The villains are taking over in new 'Villain Land' area

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro said happily ever after may feel like a distant dream in the new Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom is also getting a bit darker and more mysterious, as a new land dedicated to Disney villains coming. A place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day, Disney teases.

The new land will be houses near Big Thunder Mountain, beyond Frontierland. The space will be home to two major attractions, as well as additional dining and shopping.

They did not reveal when construction would begin or any other details about

Miss the Main Street Electrical Parade? New nighttime parade is coming

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this weekend, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed exciting new details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World.

Nights in Magic Kingdom will be getting brighter next summer.

A new nighttime parade, called Disney Starlight, is coming in the summer of 2025. It will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the iconic “Main Street Electrical Parade.”

"This dazzling parade will use the latest technology to tell new stories featuring characters fans love, including Peter Pan, Anna and Elsa, and the magical Madrigal family. It will be a starkissed constellation of Disney dreams brought to life by the Blue Fairy."

Dine with Jack Sparrow-esque patrons. A 'Pirates' inspired tavern coming soon

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this weekend, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed exciting new details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World.

Pirates of all kinds, big and small, will have a new welcoming haven in Magic Kingdom. The tavern is set to open next year in Adventureland.

"Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! In the newly released artwork, X marks the spot for a sea-worthy selection of grogs and grub inside this tavern location coming to Magic Kingdom Park."