Disney’s New Frontiers: How ‘Cars’ Will Pivot Frontierland Into Something New
Lightning McQueen and Mater are joining in on the Frontierland fun.
We knew ahead of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that Frontierland was changing. After the event, it was announced that the new Cars-themed area would be replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. A move that has confused a lot of people. Disney originally pitched Beyond Big Thunder as exactly that… behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They didn’t pitch it as a reimagining of Frontierland. Yet that seems to be the path.
I encourage you if you want to read more about Frontierland and its evolution and history, to check out my colleague Kelly McCubbin’s piece on the subject.
“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 race-car from the big city.” — Josh D’Amaro
That’s your new synopsis for Frontierland.
Although it may be confusing… it’s safe and that’s what Disney wants and needs. Frontierland exists in name only, it’s now really just New Frontiers. A place where Disney stories with a slight Country or Southern twang can be clumped together.
The funniest thing about the Cars to Frontierland announcement was that so many people were adamant that this was fake or not a real possibility. It once again shows that nobody knows anything besides Disney. The people who dismissed the rumor failed to consider how much of a draw Cars is. The land over at Disney California Adventure is immaculate and if we get something on the same level but with a different theme we are in for a real treat.
I’m also a big Cars fan. I also see how frustrating this can be for people who love Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America. Truthfully, I don’t get why this couldn’t have gone Beyond Big Thunder. Maybe Villains Land is too big? Perhaps there are logistical issues they ran into after the big Blue Sky pitch? It’s a shame that Magic Kingdom is losing a phenomenal view. I also think it’s quite bothersome that fans believe nothing in Magic Kingdom is sacred but Disneyland can stay untouchable. I think Walt Disney World has earned some historical leeway here — although the resort clearly isn’t afraid to kill iconic attractions like The Great Movie Ride.
There’s also people who love quoting Walt’s classic “We keep moving forward” quote and yes that’s a wonderful quote but we can’t use that quote every time Disney makes a questionable decision. I didn’t say good or bad, I just said questionable. I also think theme parks are bound to evolve but not every single thing in a theme park needs to be something that can be gauged for a return-on-investment. You still need the quiet spaces, the overlooked hidden gems, and the built-in places that make these parks feel one-of-a-kind.
The reason why I remain optimistic that Cars in Frontierland will work is the fact they aren’t building a clone. WDI is considering the theming and story aspect similar to what they are doing with Tropical Americas. This time they are creating a Cars land that is west of Radiator Springs with its own distinct feel and look. They are calling it “an uncharted territory of the great outdoors.” It will be a place where “vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.”
The new Cars area will bring you along for the ride with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, dodging geysers, and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes. In addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.
“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.”
The problem fans should have is that Beyond Big Thunder currently feels like a bait and switch. Unless they announce some massive plans for Villains Land I think it’s fair to question why they are building Cars where they are. Also, if some of the land optioned for Beyond Big Thunder was unsuitable for building then it was irresponsible to consider it within a Blue Sky session.
Once again I got to reiterate I think this Cars concept is cool. I just think it’s valid that people are questioning the decision-making behind it. I think the wilderness, and national park look mixed with geysers may make for a picture-esque area. Honestly, I sorta imagine the Cars area as Grizzly Peaks Airfield East.
Lightning McQueen and Mater are now legends of the American Frontier. Cars represents a full pivot of Frontierland. What could be next? Liberty Square? That’s another article for another time.
Construction begins on the new Cars Frontierland area at the Magic Kingdom in 2025.
Sidenote: I thought this would be a hit tweet.
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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
