The engines are roaring and the fireworks are flying as Disneyland Resort marks its 70th anniversary in 2025. But even amid the celebration, not every attraction is staying open, and over on the East Coast, the Cars franchise is driving into a whole new frontier.
Guests visiting Disney California Adventure Park this summer should take note: Radiator Springs Racers will go offline for refurbishment starting August 18. Disney has confirmed the temporary closure will last a little over a month, though it’s not yet reflected on the park’s official calendar.
The project includes standard maintenance like track recoating, as well as more advanced updates. According to a recently filed permit, the ride will be outfitted with LED show lighting, along with upgrades to audio, video, and network systems—ensuring the beloved attraction continues to deliver high-speed thrills with modern efficiency.
This latest downtime follows two previous closures in the past year and a half—February 26 to March 1, 2024, and a slightly longer stint in August 2023. Opened in 2012, Radiator Springs Racers remains a cornerstone of Cars Land, widely praised for its immersive environment, stunning rockwork, and iconic finale.
Even during the Racers’ hiatus, Cars Land will still provide a rich guest experience. Visitors can stroll down the neon-lit streets of Radiator Springs, enjoy a meal at Flo’s V8 Café, and hop on family-friendly attractions like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.
Over at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, big changes are coming to Frontierland, as Disney unveils plans for Piston Peak National Park, the first full Cars-themed land at the Florida resort. This new destination will feature two rides: one a thrilling rally-style adventure through mountainous terrain, the other a slower-paced journey suitable for families.
The transformation means bidding farewell to two long-standing experiences. Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close July 7, paving the way for this reimagined Western landscape. Themed as a national park, Piston Peak will include a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails. Disney Imagineers are employing a design style called “Parkitecture” to ensure the new buildings harmonize with the natural setting.
New mountain peaks will rise across the water from Grizzly Hall, and the popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad geysers will flow into the rugged Cars rally terrain. A tree-lined barrier will also be introduced to maintain a natural transition into adjacent areas like Liberty Square.
During last year’s D23 Expo, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro highlighted the spirit behind this next chapter, saying, “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 racecar from the big city.”
Back in Anaheim, the 70th anniversary festivities continue across both parks. Disneyland Park features favorites like Wondrous Journeys and the beloved Paint the Night parade, while Disney California Adventure showcases new offerings including Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration! and World of Color Happiness!
With Avengers Campus already open and an Avatar-themed area in development, Disney California Adventure continues to evolve, drawing in guests eager to explore everything from superhero escapades to Pixar celebrations.
As Radiator Springs Racers prepares for its next lap and Frontierland gets a Cars-fueled makeover, fans have plenty to look forward to—whether they’re cruising down Route 66 or blazing new trails in a reimagined Magic Kingdom.
How do you feel about the closure of Radiator Springs Racers? Let us know in the comments down below!
