In a new video from Walt Disney Imagineering, Imagineers are seen in a timelapse-style video, packing up a model to take to the Anaheim Convention Center for the 2026 D23 Expo. The music chosen is reminiscent of “Life Is A Highway” from the Cars franchise, hinting that the model being shown is for the upcoming Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park.
Imagineering Packs Up Piston Peak National Park Model for Display at 2026 D23 Expo
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Walt Disney Imagineering shared a timelapse video of a model being packed for D23 Expo.
- The music choice points toward Piston Peak National Park, though Disney has not confirmed the model’s subject.
- D23 Expo runs August 14th through 16th at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Walt Disney Imagineering posted a new video on social media. It shows Imagineers wrapping and crating a model in timelapse format. The footage tracks the process of preparing it for transport to the Anaheim Convention Center. Disney is gearing up for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The video never shows a full shot of the model itself, but what stands out most is the music.
The track playing over the footage is reminiscent of “Life Is A Highway.” That’s the song most associated with the Cars franchise, largely due to its use in the 2006 Pixar film. The musical choice is the clearest hint in the video. It lines up with Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-themed expansion of Frontierland currently under construction at Magic Kingdom.
Piston Peak Showcase at D23 Expo
Piston Peak National Park has been under construction since the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island closed permanently in July 2025 to make way for the project. Crews have spent the months since demolishing the former Fort Langhorn and the island’s cave systems. They’ve also laid utility pipe and started some construction on structures around the site’s perimeter. That includes new work behind an existing Liberty Square facade. Despite that steady progress on the ground, Disney has not publicly released a physical model of the completed land. The project’s initial concept art debuted back at the 2024 D23 Expo, and nothing since has offered a concept art-style view.
A detailed model would give fans their first true sense of scale for the area. That includes how the mountain range, waterway, and attraction buildings all fit together. Disney has previously used physical models at D23 Expo to showcase major park expansions. A Piston Peak model on the show floor would fit that pattern well.
Story So Far
- Disney announced the Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park at the 2024 D23 Expo.
- Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America closed permanently on July 7th, 2025, to make way for the project.
- Walt Disney Imagineering filed an amended demolition and site prep permit for the site on July 23rd, 2026.
- Disney unveiled Imagineering: Horizons as its largest-ever D23 Expo pavilion in July 2026.
- Walt Disney Imagineering shared a timelapse video of a model being packed for transport to D23 Expo, with music suggesting a Cars connection.
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