Insights on Cars Off Road Rally in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

Insights on Cars Off Road Rally in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

After speaking up about lack of transparency on what the new Frontierland additions would be coming to Walt Disney World, I’ve settled down emotionally, and decided to give insight to what I think this land is all about. After all, this is Disney Insights. There is a lot of cool stuff here, but it’s a different Frontierland, and we need to define it. It is about Cars, but not as in the original movie, as some have supposed. It’s really coming more from very different animated source. We talk about this, as well a fascinating ride system technology that we need to give insight to. That second attraction? That takes us to a choice that could set a series of dominoes to fall throughout several parks across the globe. We look at all this and more, while still offering some hesitations to what is going on, as I think there is a chance to suggest a compromise to adding this attraction without losing the river and island. Yes! I do have a better idea. So let’s look at Cars Off Road Rally in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom on this 498th episode of Disney Insights.

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What is Frontierland?

Traditional Frontierland has been a place in the continental United States that spoke to the post-colonial era all the way through the end of the 19th century. Yes, there are aspects that might be newer, especially in Grizzly Hall, but it has largely been a world of cowboys and Indians, with a disappearing Davy Crockett aspect tying it all in. To understand where Imagineers are going with all of this, we have to ask, “what is Adventureland?”

Adventureland is not so much a period of time. And it isn’t a section of geography. Disneyland’s stayed more of an African bazaar waterfront with a tiki room out front. More varied, Walt Disney World’s Adventureland begins with Caribbean themes, then separates into a tropical waterfront landing with a large treehouse on the one side, while creating something of an Arabian bazaar complete flying carpets. It then weaves past a South Pacific ceremonial house with talking birds before coming to a Castillo similar to Puerto Rico. Add to this, we even accept the fact that in less than 15 minutes your skipper will navigate the waters of the Amazon in South America, the African Congo, the Egyptian Nile and then the East Asian Mekong River. Tokyo Disney and Disneyland Paris borrows some of those same themes for its Adventureland, as does Hong Kong, which feels like a park sitting in one big Adventureland.

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

As for timeline, Adventureland can go from 17th and early 18th centuries with pirates, and late 19th and early 20th centuries with colonialism in Africa and elsewhere.

In short, Adventureland is all things more equatorial, driven by dense jungle. And its history canvases several centuries.

So why can’t Frontierland? Why can’t it cover more than “west of the Mississippi?” and if Tiki Birds can sing, why can’t Cars drive themselves and talk. After all, this is the Magic Kingdom, and things come to life in the Magic Kingdom. So the frontier is really about more rugged, mountainous, and colder regions than it is about cowboys and Indian stories. We’re looking at something more akin to the Rockies, Yellowstone or the Redwoods. So forests, mountains, waterfalls, trails, rivers, canyons, national parks and even bayous are possible. The region is wider and the timeline is too.

Two additional thoughts: First, Walt could have called his lands Jungle Frontiers and American Adventures. Instead, he called it Adventureland and Frontierland. They are different geographic places and that’s what separates the two lands.

Second, many other theme parks have done themes around adventurous jungles and frontier woods. There are even other coasters similar to Big Thunder. But a flume theme around Disney’s Princess and the Frog and a road rally around Pixar’s Cars is something no other park outside Disney can do. That and a good gift shop make this a must-do approach.

What is this Cars Off Road Rally About?

Let’s hear how Disney positioned this two days after D23:

“It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. 

Major Disney World expansion to add lands for villains, 'Monsters, Inc.'
Image by Disney.

“’We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,’” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”

“The new area will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.”

In truth, this land is not West of Radiator Springs (off of Route 66) but rather more North of the desert areas represented by Radiator Springs. So what is the actual thematic setting of this area of the park and its attractions.

What is the Actual Theme in this Land?

The imagery released two days after D23 offers many clues around how this attraction will look and feel. Here are some important considerations:

It’s an Off Road Rally

This off road rally is sponsored by Racing Sports Network RSN. It’s banners are colorfully displayed throughout, especially at the starting gate and at the end of the attraction.

More specifically, this is a very off road rally. There are no tracks or even “vehicle track”. This looks very “off road”. The terrain is very rocky–and it’s especially vertical at times. In other words, this is NOT Radiator Springs Racers. But what is it?

This Isn’t the Cars Land You’re Thinking Of

Jack in his DSNY podcast mentioned the same thing that caught my eye as I stared at the strange mountain formations and the national park look and feel. This isn’t Cars. This is Planes! More particularly this is Planes 2: Fire & Rescue! Don’t get confused, there are no planes planned here, just cars–road rally style (as of yet). The Planes films shows animated cars as well.

All that said, the look and feel of this new section of the park mirrors so much of what is in this little seen film. Here is a list of components found in the film that are very much alike to what could go here.

Film Review: 'Planes: Fire & Rescue'
Image by Disney.
  • Film takes place in Piston Peak National Park
  • Piston Peak Buttes or Butte
  • The Grand Fusel Lodge
  • Geysers can be found
  • Yosemite Tree with Hole above and below for both cars and planes
  • Not far is Piston Peak Railway
  • You get titles like
    • Canopy Dome
    • Rail Ridge
    • Augerin Canyon
    • Upper Whitewall Falls
    • Anchor Lake
    • Piston Peak
    • Thunderbolt Bluffs
    • V6 Valley
Does the Cars Franchise Fit Frontierland? - Disney Tourist Blog
Image by Disney.

Planes: Fire & Rescue is a sequel to Planes itself a spin-off of Pixar’s Cars franchise. In fact, the reference to Smoke Jumpers feels more akin to the restaurant in Disney California Adventure. Odd that isn’t themed to this Pixar film. Again, there’s no indication of the planes making a showing here. But the resemblance is spot on.

What is The Ride?

Let’s walk the proposed track as best as we can see it:

Original Image by Disney.

Starting at 0 the vehicles Load and unload in a place similar to the Grand Fusel Lodge

  1. Heads to the Starting Point where you are racing against another car.
  2. Moves upward in the terrain to a bridge crossing the river
  3. Comes down from the bridg
  4. Heads into a subterranean passage perhaps something like Taillight Caverns, like in Radiator Springs Racers
  5. Emerges and zig zag along what was the waterfront of the Rivers of America.
  6. Climbs up vertically a mountain terrain full of snow on the peaks , and then apparently go through some subterranean tunnel or passage as it heads down. Note that this is Piston Peak.
  7. Emerges along the former Rivers of America near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, The Frontierland Railroad and the former Tom Sawyer Raft location. This is also the geyser section, reminiscent of the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
  8. Circles around the “other attraction” yet to be named
  9. Completes the race at the finish line where you meet up with Lightning McQueen and Mater

Oddly enough all of this offers considerable kinetic energy to the land. From race pennants, to cars to waterfalls and rivers, this could be quite dynamic.

Cars' area coming to Magic Kingdom, largest expansion in park history
Image by Disney.

What is the Ride Vehicle?

Again, Jack of the DSNY channel hit it square on the nail with the possibility of All-Terraine Dark Ride Vehicle from Dynamic Attractions.

  • 6 Passenger
  • Multi-Vehicle
  • Easy to Theme
  • Indoor or Outdoor
  • Steep Banking
  • Steep Climbing
  • Steep Descending
  • Good for any Story
  • Military-grade navigation technology for precision tracking
  • Rapid acceleration and deceleration
  • Near-miss capability
  • Multiple vehicles able too cross its own or other vehicles paths

Here are statements made by the manufacturers of this ride vehicle, who are creating this in Orlando no less:

Photo by Dynamic Attractions.

“This is a traditional dark ride vehicle,” he said. “In the theme park vocabulary, that means it’s not a ferris wheel, it’s not a roller coaster. It’s a thing that takes you past stuff that you get to see or interact with.”

The vehicle, though, isn’t bound by tracks or rails. The attraction can fit any story too, whether it takes place outdoors, inside or both.

“What if there were flame effects, or you were behind a waterfall,” Walker said, referring to the doorless, cageless exterior of the vehicle. “Or there was T-Rex coming at you!”

If you think of a roller coaster vehicle, you’d never sell it separately from the track. Same thing here for interested buyers — the all-terrain vehicle would be coupled with the theming.

“We’ve very scientifically calculated the right angle of pitch, the right distance between where the tire will hit the bump,” he said.

The all-terrain dark ride is fully-developed, meaning it’s no longer going through design. Like other theme park industry rides, each time one is ordered, it must be built, go through factory acceptance testing and then be installed.”

It would be fascinating if the track could be adjusted to allow segment maintenance.

Also, Important! This is an electric vehicle. That doesn’t mean there won’t be revving sounds. But that can be controlled so as to not upset the experience.

Other Components

Pedestrian Walkways. There is ample evidence that there will be ways to not have to walk “around” like with the former Rivers of America, but rather cut through and immerse yourself in this section of the park.

Retail/Dining. Not been declared. But it’s almost guaranteed that some kind of offering will be available between the Grand Fusel Lodge and the second attraction. Oddly, what is Pecos Bills in the far left of the master photo is actually images of restaurants more akin to the Silver Spur Steakhouse in Disneyland Paris. Strange.

The Liberty Belle Dock. Strange that this dockside landing is in the forefront of this attraction. It offers an architectural buffer blocking it from Liberty Square and vis versa. Could this be utilized in a different way, perhaps as an outdoor deck that looks out on this new land? Also, the sloped exits of this dock could be entrances and exits into the trails that traverse this new land.

Haunted Mansion & Villains Land. Strange that we really don’t see how these two separate experiences are going to merge with Haunted Mansion and the Villains Land so many are really excited about. On the right side of Big Thunder Mountain we still get a sense of some lake or pond. Water may not be completely gone. But how does it link with the Villains Land?

Lightning McQueen. You’ll recall that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy recently closed to make way for a new Villains themed show. Obviously, it’s intended for this attraction, but it may not be the only thing moving to the Magic Kingdom.

The Second Ride. This is where it gets really interesting. The great mystery is what is the second ride for this land which has not been announced. Strange huh? Some have thought it might be Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree or Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, both from Disney California Adventure. But this announcement always led me to consider whether Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, translated to mean Cars Race Rally in English could be coming to this land. It’s a ride for families, but especially the younger set.

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Could this ride be taken out and moved to Orlando? This attraction is separated from the Cars Road Trip that takes you to “Cartastrophe Canyon”? It sits in a land called Toon Studio, which incorporates three unrelated attractions from Cars, Aladdin and Finding Nemo. Could they take the Blowfish Balloon Race at Tokyo DisneySea and put it in place of Aladdin’s Magic Flying Carpets. Then take Jumpin’ Jellyfish from DCA and place it over in Paris as they enlarge that corner of the park to perhaps put Coco in it? This corner of the New Disney Adventure World could then become a Nemo’s Cove, with a more cohesive theme tying it to Crush’s Coaster, rather than the mixup menagerie that is currently Toon Studio. Perhaps that domino effect is why the minor attraction has not been announced.

Challenges Moving Forward–Is This a Window of Opportunity

Taking down the Rivers of America is a water management action of significant consequence. As a result Disney has to work with the South Florida Water Management District. They have asked for more information in a six page letter as to how the some 300 acres of wetlands around Magic Kingdom would be impacted. This has not stopped the project, but this is delaying the course of events as Disney addresses a variety of issues. And with this delay, is a new opportunity possible that could allow Disney to address serious complaints from fans about this project.

Also, a major re-construction of Big Thunder Mountain is happening.

Is a Compromise Possible?

Again, my enthusiasm for what this attraction can offer doesn’t change the fact that I think it should go “Beyond” Big Thunder now “Before Big Thunder”. There is still power in the beauty of the river, and how it really makes this theme park a “park”. I think with zoning challenges there is still an opportunity to give consideration to the frustration many, many park goers have about these changes. There is room to put this “Beyond” Big Thunder, though it might cost more to do so. Moreover, I really think there are huge opportunities with the existing river and its Liberty Belle ship as well as a the playground known as Tom Sawyer Island. At any rate, I’m throwing a last minute Hail Mary on this before construction begins, hoping that somebody listens.

Liberty Belle

I’ve wondered if a steam boat, though represented in Princess and the Frog, doesn’t also symbolize in some way slavery. And that perhaps that’s why this attraction is moving on. It does well at Disneyland, where a newly revised Rivers of America offers enough to see that another ship, The Columbia, also takes visitors, as well as canoes.

In some ways river boats were a mode for transporting slaves. But according to an article by Sasha Coles, the steam boat offered emancipation as well. It was often a way a slave could stow away up North to Cincinnati or Pittsburgh and find freedom. It also gave free men and woman jobs.

Still, it would be nice if the river could simply be shortened like Disneyland’s and with that shortening be revised as a more scenic trip. And why not make this a place to see Tiana, rather than Princess Fairytale Hall. Or, go back to doing Princess and the Frog shows on the river boat, similar to what happened when the film first came out.

By the way, some have suggested it could go to Riverside at Port Orleans Resort. But if it has to go, what might be better than that, could it go to Fantasmic!? That’s the ship Disneyland uses rather than the Steamboat Mickey style of ship. Not sure it could fit in that tighter water way, but maybe?

Tom Sawyer Island

I don’t find this back story that problematic. I see where others are coming from, and I empathize with their view point. But maybe that all doesn’t matter as much to Disney as the fact that they really don’t own that IP. But couldn’t a playground full of adventure happen in its place with a Disney tied theme. Something like Redwood Creek Trail, but more of something of a theme found at Tokyo Disneyland. There they have a Camp Woodchuck Kitchen restaurant themed to Huey, Dewey, and Louie and the junior Woodchucks. It includes Humphey Bear and J. Audubon Woodlore.

Image by Disney.

Posters on the wall practically layout this idea. And it would really bring in an intellectual property more beloved than Planes. “Beyond Big Thunder” they could then develop the Cars Mountain Rally concept.

Image by Disney.

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