At D23 Brazil, Disney gave a glimpse of the new Cars-themed attraction planned for the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland area by showing off a test video of the ride system.
The video (see below) appears to confirm our previous report that the attraction will use an all-terrain trackless ride system. This represents a significant departure from the traditional car approach seen at other Disney Cars attractions such as Test Track at EPCOT and Radiator Springs Racers in California.
Concept art released earlier raised questions about how this new ride would work, as images showed cars navigating rough outdoor terrain with no visible track or steering hatches. This has led to speculation that Disney Imagineering may be using a different, perhaps more advanced, ride system to deliver the promised experience of “climbing mountain passes, dodging geysers, and splashing through mud pits.”
A test video presented at D23 Brazil appears to confirm this speculation, showing off an all-terrain ride system that bears similarities to the “automated guided all-terrain vehicle” from Dynamic Attractions. This riding technology allows vehicles to handle steep inclines and inclines, accelerate quickly and navigate difficult terrain – all without the use of fixed tracks. Test footage shows the cars crossing tracks and autonomously maneuvering through rugged terrain, providing a glimpse of the immersive and unpredictable riding experience that Imagineers are aiming to achieve.
Dynamic Walking, a long-time Disney collaborator, has previously worked on high-profile rides such as Test Track, Radiator Springs Racers, and Flight of Passage. The “all-terrain” technology, with its ability to operate seamlessly indoors and outdoors while supporting near miss elements, seems well-suited to the type of experience indicated in the concept art and Disney’s description.
Set against the backdrop of Frontierland, the new car attraction aims to offer a driving experience where guests feel like they are truly racing through the rugged landscape. The trackless ride system, with its ability to adapt to various terrains and dynamic ride paths, appears designed to give guests an exciting, unpredictable adventure, unlike anything currently found at Disney World.
Stay tuned for more updates as Disney continues to improve and reveal details about this upcoming addition to the Magic Kingdom.
