While visiting Magic Kingdom earlier today, we stopped by Frontierland to check out the latest progress on the Piston Peak National Park construction site. While the first signs of work popped up in mid-January, it wouldn’t be until a couple of weeks later that we’d report that the work was for a stream along the perimeter of the new land. Here’s the latest!
Thick Concrete Retaining Wall in Piston Peak National Park
Back in early February, we speculated that rebar and concrete forms were for the stream that would run along the perimeter of the new Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park expansion of Frontierland. About a month later, we saw the first concrete pours taking place for the foundation of what would eventually become a retaining wall for the new land.
This stream will likely end up being about 1/3 or even 1/4 of the width of the former Rivers of America, but like the Rivers of America, it will run along the Frontierland boardwalk.
We can see the stream in the Piston Peak National Park “fun map” below. The stream was also present in the early concept art released back in August 2024. Here’s the original fun map, followed by a version with just the water features highlighted. There’s no doubt that water will play a critical role in Piston Peak National Park, and I think the area will be better for it. For the purposes of this article, we’re focused on the water feature running along the boardwalk on the left side of the fun map.
Here’s how Disney describes the waterway that will be visible from within the current areas of Frontierland.
From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.
Turning back to the construction, here’s a look at the rebar that sits in the middle of the concrete wall, as seen in late March.
Next, here’s a look back at the Meva modular formwork system from a couple of weeks ago, before the concrete walls were poured. As you can see, the wall is quite thick. Thick enough, in fact, for a worker to comfortably stand “inside” the wall between the formwork. This is where the concrete would be poured.
And here’s a look at the wall from our visit to Magic Kingdom today, with the concrete poured and the formwork system removed.
Here’s a look at the wall from near the Diamond Horseshoe, toward Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This is where we spotted Cast Members test riding Big Thunder earlier today.
For a better look, we hopped on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Not only could we see this particular wall, located in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but we could also see work taking place along the Frontierland boardwalk.
Of course, all of this will, eventually, be hidden by theming.
For everything we know about the Cars-themed expansion to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, check out our dedicated project page below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!