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Credit: DisneyThe skyline of the most visited theme park on earth is changing faster than ever. As we move into February 2026, the massive $60 billion expansion of Walt Disney World is no longer just a collection of concept art and blue-sky dreams—it is a landscape of steel, dirt, and heavy machinery.
Thanks to the latest aerial imagery from photo-journalist @bioreconstruct, we now have our clearest look yet at the two most anticipated projects in Disney history: Villains Land and the Cars-themed Piston Peak.
From the total transformation of the Rivers of America to the massive earth-moving operation “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” the Magic Kingdom is currently the largest construction site in the themed entertainment world. Here is the updated status of these projects and our latest estimate for when you can finally step into these new worlds.
Piston Peak: The Transformation of Liberty Square
The most controversial and visually striking part of the current expansion is the progress on Piston Peak. Located in the footprint of what was formerly Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, this new land is rapidly taking shape.
The “Dewatering” Milestone
As seen in the latest @bioreconstruct aerials, the “Rivers of America” are effectively gone. The vast majority of the riverbed has been dewatered and filled with specialized soil and gravel to create a stable foundation for the rugged terrain of the American West.
Observers can now see the skeletal outlines of the two new attractions coming to the area:
- The Off-Road Rally: Aerials show the initial grading for the high-speed outdoor track. The “peaks” of Piston Peak are starting to rise, with steel rebar cages indicating where the massive rockwork will eventually dwarf the surrounding Liberty Square architecture.
- The Family Attraction: Closer to the Liberty Square entrance, foundations are being poured for the second, more accessible attraction.
Restructuring the Waterway
One detail highlighted in the recent tweet is the new retaining wall being constructed to separate the remaining portion of the river (near the Haunted Mansion) from the new land. Disney is working at a feverish pace to ensure the “visual transition” from the colonial charm of Liberty Square to the rugged peaks of Cars is as seamless as possible.
Villains Land: The Darkest Kingdom Rises
While Piston Peak is a transformation of existing space, Villains Land is a true “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion. This project is massive in scale—comparable in size to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—and the current construction reflects that ambition.
Taming the Wilderness
The latest photos show that the dense Florida woods that once sat behind Big Thunder Mountain have been completely cleared. A massive new service road has been paved to allow hundreds of construction vehicles to access the site without disrupting the guest experience in Frontierland.
Grading Continues
The grading in this area suggests a multi-level land. Large pits have been excavated, leading many to believe that the Villains Land will feature significant “underground” elements or water-based features, perfectly fitting the dark, brooding atmosphere of Disney’s most iconic antagonists.
The $60 Billion Investment: Why Now?
The speed of construction for Piston Peak and Villains Land is part of Disney’s aggressive strategy to combat rising competition in the Orlando market. By accelerating the Magic Kingdom expansion, Disney is ensuring that it remains the “gold standard” of family entertainment.
The project isn’t just about rides; it’s about capacity. With the Magic Kingdom frequently reaching guest limits, these two lands will provide much-needed breathing room, adding thousands of square feet of “guest-facing” space, new dining locations, and high-capacity E-ticket attractions.
Estimated Timeline: When Will They Open?
Disney has been careful not to provide specific opening dates, but based on the progress shown in the @bioreconstruct aerials and typical Disney construction cycles, we can form a realistic estimate.
Piston Peak (Cars Land)
- Current Status: Infrastructure and Foundation stage.
- Next Milestone: Completion of rockwork and track installation (late 2026).
- Estimated Opening: Late 2027.
- Why? Because Piston Peak is replacing existing land rather than building on completely raw terrain, the infrastructure (utilities, drainage) is already somewhat established, allowing for a slightly faster build time.
Villains Land
- Current Status: Land grading
- Next Milestone: Enclosure of the primary show building (Early 2027).
- Estimated Opening: Late 2028 or Early 2029.
- Why? The sheer scale of the “Beyond Big Thunder” project is immense. Building an entirely new ecosystem from scratch, including the complex rockwork and specialized lighting needed for a “Villains” theme, traditionally takes 4-5 years from the start of vertical construction.
The Impact on Your Next Vacation
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026, you will definitely notice the work.
- Frontierland & Liberty Square: Expect to see construction walls near the Big Thunder Mountain exit and along the edge of Liberty Square.
- Transportation: The Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island remain permanently closed.
- Noise: Disney has done an admirable job of “sound-dampening” the construction, but you will occasionally hear the distant hum of progress while waiting in line for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Conclusion: The Magic is Growing
As the aerial photos prove, the “Turbo-Charged” expansion of the Magic Kingdom is in full swing. The sight of Piston Peak rising behind Liberty Square and the dark foundations of Villains Land being poured “Beyond Big Thunder” marks the beginning of a new era for Walt Disney World.
While it is difficult to say goodbye to the Rivers of America, the promise of two massive, immersive lands—one celebrating the spirit of adventure and the other embracing the “happily never after”—is enough to keep any Disney fan on the edge of their seat.
Are you more excited for the off-road thrills of Piston Peak or the dark magic of Villains Land? Join the conversation in the comments below!