Toby Wilson (Art Director)

Tour Through Piston Peak National Park – Planes: Fire and Rescue

Disney disclosure


Have you watched Disney Planes: Fire and Rescue yet? It flew into theaters last Friday and I can’t wait to see it again. My girls loved it and I appreciate the fact that it is doing well in honoring firefighters. Such an important job on both sides, right?!

Piston Peak National Park
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Piston Peak National Park

If you have seen the movie, you may have noticed the amazing landscapes and scenery that Dusty and the crew fly over. Even though it is animated, there is no lack of breathtaking views. Piston Peak National Park is quite a sight to see. We were able to sit and talk with Toby Wilson, Art Director for Planes: Fire & Rescue, about the park and all of its many features.

 Toby Wilson (Art Director)
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Toby mentioned that his research really began as a child on his many trips to Yosemite with his parents. You can see the attention to detail in the movie. Let’s take a tour through the park so you can see for yourself!

Piston Peak Park Map
Piston Peak Park Map ©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

It is actually quite exciting to take a tour through the park. Each area has been well thought out and planned. As you view the map above you can see the small details that make a huge difference in the park. For instance, “Rail Ridge” very much resembles a train and “Canopy Dome” takes the shape of an airplane. Going back to the research and truth in materials, each of the drawings and park locations adhere to Disney’s intricate way of doing things.

Piston Peak National Park
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

From one end of Piston Peak National Park to the other you will find incredible landscapes and fun, auto-type names for places and things. For instance, the Grand Fuel Lodge refers to the fuselage of an airplane. The main part that actually holds the crew, passengers, and cargo. Obviously quite fitting due to the fact that is the main area of the park, meant to hold the guests. The resort and main helm of most activity within the park. Fun, right?!

Grand Fusel Lodge
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Next, flying over both Piston Peak and Anchor Lake, you will come into Augerin Canyon. This is were Dusty spends several hours of training time. There are natural twists and turns following the flow of the water below, as well as a beautiful waterfall that greets you once you arrive at the furthest edge of the canyon.

Upper Whitewall Falls
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Upper Whitewall Falls is breathtaking as the background to several climatic scenes in the movie. Day or night, the water flowing over the ridge to the river below sets the stage for adventure and romance as you continue your way through the park.

Dipper & Cabbie Hangars
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Finally, over Canopy Dome and off in the distance, you will stumble upon Air Attack Base. Here is where you will find Dusty, Blade Ranger, Dipper and the others when they are not busy fighting fires. With over 2.5 million trees and 16 square miles of Piston Peak Park to cover, they stay busy.

Smokejumpers Hangar
©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Have you taken a tour of Piston Peak National Park by watching Planes: Fire and Rescue yet?

The movie is now in theaters everywhere. Check for movie news and updates by liking Disney Planes on Facebook.