Exciting news is rolling in for Disney and Pixar fans! A brand-new Cars-themed attraction is racing its way to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, and it's set to deliver a thrilling off-road adventure like never before.

A New Adventure Beyond Radiator Springs

First revealed at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, this upcoming attraction takes Lightning McQueen, Mater, and their friends beyond Radiator Springs and into rugged new terrain. Guests will join the Cars crew as they explore mountainous landscapes, rocky trails, and even dodge geysers — all while putting their wheels to the test.

Innovative Ride Vehicles in Development

During The Future of World-Building at Disney panel at SXSW, Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter and Disney Imagineer Michael Hundgen shared exciting details about this new attraction’s unique ride system.

“Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests,” explained Hundgen. “For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle — something that goes beyond simply moving guests from one point to another. This vehicle must create a feeling of adventure.”

To capture that sensation, the Imagineering team embarked on a research trip to the Arizona desert. There, they experienced off-roading firsthand, exploring rugged terrain and testing how real vehicles handle rocky paths and steep climbs.

Engineering the Ultimate Ride Experience

The Imagineers collaborated with a motocross company to build a custom dirt track, where they tested a specialized production vehicle equipped with sensors. By analyzing how the vehicle responded to different surfaces, the team collected valuable data to shape the movement and feel of the final ride vehicles.

“We’re turning those real-world driving experiences into engineering magic,” Hundgen added. “This customized vehicle is designed to deliver excitement, combining authentic off-road motion with Disney storytelling.”

New Cars Characters Hit the Track

The excitement doesn’t stop at innovative ride mechanics. Pixar’s creative team is developing brand-new race car characters specifically for this attraction. Each vehicle will have its own unique name and number, adding personality and charm to the off-road experience — just like a real race team.

As this Cars-themed adventure speeds toward Magic Kingdom, guests can look forward to an action-packed journey filled with twists, turns, and memorable new characters. Stay tuned for more updates as Imagineers continue to bring this high-octane attraction to life.