New Disney Patent May Reveal Mystery Cars Ride at Magic Kingdom

A newly published Disney patent may be the first meaningful hint at what the second Cars-themed attraction at Magic Kingdom could look like—and the technology described suggests it may be unlike any ride currently operating in the park.

Patent application US 2026/0027482 A1, released in January 2026, outlines a ride system in which vehicles travel along a traditional track while being guided by an articulating mechanical arm attached to a moving chassis. This arm can lift the vehicle, slide it sideways, or even raise it completely off the ride surface while the attraction is in motion. The patent was originally filed in July 2024, only weeks before Disney revealed plans for its Cars-themed expansion area at D23 in August of that year. The timing alone makes the filing noteworthy.

A second attraction still wrapped in secrecy

When Disney unveiled the Cars expansion concept, it confirmed that two attractions would anchor the new land. The first is positioned as the headliner: a high-energy rally-style adventure through mountainous terrain filled with geysers, mud pits, and rugged scenery. That ride is widely assumed to be the major thrill experience.

The second attraction, however, remains largely undefined. Disney has only described it as being “geared toward smaller guests” and “fun for the whole family.” No ride name has been announced, no ride system has been revealed, and the concept art provides few technical clues. That lack of detail is exactly why this patent is drawing attention—it may finally point to what that mystery attraction could be.

Why the Disney patented system fits a family ride

The ride system described in the patent centers on a standard track with a separate mechanical arm controlling the ride vehicle’s motion. The vehicle itself can be shaped to resemble any themed conveyance, including something that looks like a car from a movie franchise. Because the arm controls how the vehicle moves, designers can program gentle lifts, smooth side-to-side motions, or subtle bumps that simulate rough ground.

This approach is ideal for a family-friendly experience. It allows Imagineers to create dynamic movement and visual excitement without requiring extreme speed or sharp drops. Instead of relying on raw intensity, the system delivers surprise and physical storytelling—perfect for younger riders or guests who want adventure without high thrills.

The patent also mentions a steering interface that allows riders to influence where their vehicle goes. While this does not mean guests fully control the ride, it does suggest an interactive element. That kind of light participation aligns naturally with the Cars universe, where driving is central to the narrative and characters’ identities.

Visual hints tied to Cars in Disney Patent

Although Disney never references specific properties in its utility patents, the illustrations offer some subtle hints. The drawings show a small, low-profile vehicle shaped like a compact car riding on a flat track with a mechanical arm connected to one side. The proportions and silhouette resemble the style of vehicles seen in the Cars franchise.

The patent also discusses paths that move through different “terrain zones,” which fits thematically with the idea of navigating a national park-style environment. The ability to simulate climbing, shifting across rocky areas, or traveling over uneven ground would match the outdoor adventure tone Disney has established for the Cars expansion.

Disney Patent – What remains uncertain?

There is no official confirmation that this patent is tied directly to the Cars project or to the second attraction planned for the land. Disney files many patents every year, and not all of them ever become real rides. Some exist only as concepts or experiments.

Still, several factors line up. The filing date matches the development window for the Cars expansion. The vehicle type described suits a franchise built around cars and movement. And the system’s flexibility seems well-suited to a family attraction focused on exploration rather than speed.

Construction on the Piston Peak area of Frontierland began in early 2025, but Disney has not yet announced an opening date for either attraction. Until official details are revealed, this patent stands as the strongest technical clue yet about what the second Cars ride could be—suggesting a creative, interactive experience that emphasizes motion and terrain over sheer thrills.