Disney Files Patent for Attraction Taking Over The Center of Orlando Park
A newly published patent application reveals details about the upcoming Cars attraction replacing Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom. Filed September 11, 2024, the patent shows guests will have significant control over their ride experience.
What the Disney Patent Shows
The patent application, filed by Derek Lee Howard and Edward Allen Nemeth, indicates guests will be able to adjust several ride elements:
- Speed control
- Directional choices
- Acceleration adjustments
- Obstacle engagement or avoidance
This means riders can choose whether to navigate around rocks for a smoother experience or deliberately ride over bumps for more excitement.
How It Works
The ride vehicles will navigate terrain using a track guide wire system. This allows guests to make choices while maintaining safety parameters.
Guests control elements within set boundaries that prevent unsafe maneuvers while still providing meaningful decision-making. This creates the illusion of true off-roading freedom while keeping riders safe.
Multiple Ride Paths
The patent includes various ride maps suggesting multiple route options through the attraction. Since the ride simulates off-roading rather than following a single predetermined track, different paths could create variety across multiple rides.
Disney first revealed the off-road track system in March 2025, but this new patent published March 12, 2026 indicates more variety than initially announced.
The Development Process
Last year, Disney Parks shared test footage of the off-road track system. Walt Disney Imagineer Michael Hundgen explained the approach:
“We’re using a customized production vehicle. It has sensors all over it, and we’re taking it for test drives on our dirt track to gather data on how the vehicle responds to different terrain. This is where we turn that feeling we want into real-world engineering.”
The testing involves actual off-road driving on purpose-built dirt tracks simulating terrain conditions guests will experience in the finished attraction.
Piston Peak National Park Setting
The attraction will be themed to Piston Peak National Park from Planes: Fire & Rescue. Natural obstacles and varying terrain fit this wilderness setting:
- Rocks and fallen logs
- Water crossings
- Mud pits
- Steep inclines and descents
- Narrow trails between trees
Different surface conditions like dirt paths, gravel roads, sandy washes, and rocky trails will each respond differently to vehicle suspension and traction.
The Larger Disney Expansion
The Cars attraction is part of a 14-acre Magic Kingdom expansion that includes:
Piston Peak (Cars Land): Replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island
Villains Land: New area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This represents one of Magic Kingdom’s largest additions since New Fantasyland in 2012-2014.
The Disney Controversy
Replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island generated significant controversy among fans who value the classic Frontierland elements and riverboat experience.
Disney argues the new attractions will appeal to broader audiences and drive increased visitation. The Villains area will occupy previously undeveloped land rather than replacing existing attractions.
Customizable Experience
The ability for guests to control speed, direction, and obstacle engagement creates replayability. Riders may want to experience different route variations or test different driving approaches.
Some guests may prefer smooth rides, avoiding bumps and rough terrain. Others may actively seek challenging elements for more exhilarating experiences. The choice is left to individual riders based on their preferences and tolerance for intensity.
Disney Timeline
The patent was filed on September 11, 2024, but not published until March 12, 2026, reflecting the typical 18-month delay between filing and publication.
The September 2024 filing date indicates Disney was working on technical ride system design before publicly announcing the Cars land or beginning visible construction.
No official opening date has been announced for either the Cars attraction or Villains Land, though construction is expected to take several years, given the scale of the 14-acre expansion.
