Beloved Disney Ride Vanishes Overnight as Parks Enter a Massive New Era
A Global Shakeup
What was supposed to be a day full of family memories turned frustrating for many Disney parkgoers when the Cars ROAD TRIP attraction—and the entire area around it—was suddenly closed with no advance notice. No signs. No explanation. Just gates, silence, and the hum of construction nearby.
But this abrupt closure isn’t a fluke. It’s the latest in a string of unannounced ride removals quietly happening across Disney’s global theme park empire. Why is this happening now? And what are they making room for?
Behind the Magic: A Global Shake-Up Is Underway for Disney Parks
Across three continents, Disney is executing one of its most ambitious park-wide overhauls in decades. We’re talking about multi-billion-dollar construction efforts stretching from California to Florida to Paris. With new themed lands, updated entrances, immersive attractions, and even revamped hotels, the House of Mouse is pushing boundaries to compete in a theme park space that’s evolving fast.
Cars Road Trip and surrounding areas are closed until June 20 incl.
🔧 Cars Road Trip and surrounding areas are closed until June 20 incl. pic.twitter.com/eN7S7giGwt
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 13, 2025
But while the future looks thrilling, the present is full of growing pains—like the unexpected shutdown guests experienced in Paris.
Disneyland Paris: Building a Bold New World
The closure of Cars ROAD TRIP is tied to the massive transformation happening at Walt Disney Studios Park, where Disney Adventure World is starting to take shape. This new land will bring fresh life to the park with areas inspired by The Lion King, Frozen, and Pixar’s Up.
Disney Adventure World, so close yet so far.
🔧 Disney Adventure World, so close yet so far. pic.twitter.com/1XE1rObcvr
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 13, 2025
A new attraction based on Up is already in development, and “World Premiere”—a new entryway into the park—will welcome guests starting in May 2025. Even more is coming by 2026, including a fully immersive Frozen land, complete with Elsa’s Ice Castle and a new water-based ride featuring state-of-the-art audio-animatronics.
All these projects are exciting—but the price is clear: space. Older attractions are quietly being phased out to make room.
Back in the States: Disneyland and Disney World Go Big
Meanwhile, in California, Disneyland Resort is getting an extensive facelift. Disney California Adventure is saying goodbye to Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor as it makes room for a brand-new Avatar-themed area. A Coco attraction is also in the works, nestled between Paradise Gardens Park and Pixar Pier.
Map artwork for the ‘CARS’ land in Walt Disney World. The land is named Piston Peak National Park and is inspired by the American Frontier.
Map artwork for the ‘CARS’ land in Walt Disney World.
The land is named Piston Peak National Park and is inspired by the American Frontier. pic.twitter.com/Wa1rCvHQXR
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 3, 2025
Outside the parks, Disneyland is investing in infrastructure too. A 6,000-space parking structure and a revamped transportation hub are underway to streamline traffic and guest access—something that’s been needed for years.
In Florida, Magic Kingdom is going even bigger. Its largest expansion to date is on the horizon, with the introduction of a Cars-themed “FronTIREland” and a long-anticipated Villains Land. That means drastic changes—like draining Rivers of America and removing Tom Sawyer Island.
NEW: Here’s a first look at the Disney Villains coming to Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park.
NEW: Here’s a first look at the Disney Villains coming to Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park.
📸: @omelete pic.twitter.com/IvX8GsMkD7
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 9, 2024
Over at Animal Kingdom, the Tropical Americas project is bringing lush scenery and vibrant culture into the mix. EPCOT is rolling out a reimagined Test Track that blends nostalgia with modern tech. And to top it all off, Magic Kingdom is preparing a brand-new nighttime parade.
Why This Matters (and What to Expect Next) for Disney Parks
While today’s sudden closure of Cars ROAD TRIP may seem minor, it signals something far bigger. Disney is playing the long game—modernizing its parks to stay ahead in a competitive entertainment landscape.
But guests should take note: this era of expansion will likely mean more surprise closures, shifting timelines, and rerouted plans. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you’re a local Annual Passholder, flexibility is going to be your best friend.
So if your favorite ride disappears from the app overnight, don’t panic—it might just be making way for the next big thing.
