One step inside of Disney California Adventure’s new Cars Land and I was immediately taken back to the town of Radiator Springs from the Disney Pixar movie “Cars”. Cars Land let’s you experience Route 66 in a magical way that is fun for both kids and adults alike. I had the time of my life there!
Cars Land, a 12-acre expansion of Disney California Adventure Park, features 3 super fun family-friendly rides:
Radiator Springs Racers – Radiator Springs Racers is a high speed car ride that takes you through the dips and beautiful scenery of Ornament Valley and into Radiator Springs where you’ll see the likes of Mater, Lightning McQueen, Sally Luigi, Mack, Guido, Ramone and Doc Hudson.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – A tow-tappin’ square dance hosted by Mater from Disney Pixar “Cars”. Prepare to zip around in circles on a trailer pulled by an adorable baby tractor and enjoy hoedown style music sung by Mater himself.
Luigi’s Flying Tires – Float on a cushion of air aboard a larger-than-life Fettuccini-brand Brand tire, thanks to Luigi from the Disney Pixar movie “Cars”. Slide and glide around Luigi’s 8,000-square-foot Italian garden and tire storage yard. I didn’t get a chance to go on this, but it looks like a lot of fun.
photo credit: Wikepedia
Where to Eat – Inspired by the timeless drive-up diners along Route 66, Flo’s V8 Cafe serves up classic American cuisine with a twist. While I was there, I enjoyed the home-style Rotisserie Pork Loin meal and it was delicious. The menu offers something for everyone, including a vegetarian Veggie-Tater Bake.
photo credit: miscfinds4u.com
The Inspiration – Everywhere you look inside Cars Land are architectural details, art work, and images reminiscent of “Cars” the movie and Route 66. During my trip I had the privilege to meet with Kathy Mangum, Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering and Executive Producer for Cars Land. It was fascinating to learn where Cars Land got it’s beginnings and all of the work that went into designing and creating the park. The Disney Imagineers began plans for Cars Land 2 years before the “Cars” movie was released to theaters. They even took a trip down Route 66 for inspiration. When you visit Cars Land and go on the rides, you might notice the original voice talent from the movie “Cars” flowing from the speakers.
photo credit: miscfinds4u.com
Shop, shop, shop till you drop – I love shopping at Disney theme parks and the shopping at Cars Land does not disappoint. You’ll find all the Disney and Cars memorabilia you want at Courthouse, Ramone’s House of Body Art, Sarge’s Surplus Hut, and Radiator Springs Curios gift shops.
You never know when you’re going to see Mater himself driving down the street in Cars Land!
Disney California Adventure Park’s Cars Land is a very family focused park. I had such an amazing time experiencing Route 66 at Cars Land and really look forward to going back with my family!
Disney provided travel and accommodations for this trip. All thoughts are my own.
Ah, you used my photos! You’re so sweet! You didn’t use my favorite one though! And I used one of you in my post today! http://www.miscfinds4u.com/blog/2012/07/01/cars-land-rides/
@Connie You had so many great photos to choose from…and you put one of me on there? LOL
Your pics here are AWESOME!!!!
How fun! I have been to Disney before in Florida but not California! I love all your pictures!
Wow! This looks really cool! Cars is one of my favorite Disney movies and my kids liked it as well so I can imagine us having a lot of fun here.
That Disney Land, they are always coming up with something new. We were just there a year ago and, If I’m not mistaken, it wasn’t there. How fun is that! I love that place!!
Uh huh! 🙂 I sure did!
Wow, this looks like so much fun. I would love to take my kids!
My son was watching something about this last night on TV and it looks so cool! Your pictures are amazing and I hope we can check it out in person sometime!
I want to go here as much as I want to take my daughter! Could you convince them to build one on the east coast as well?
I’m with you Sarah! Would love to see Cars Land at Disneyworld!
This place looks like a BLAST. I am so glad I live in CA because I will be visiting this park soon!
We can’t wait to go back with the kids! LOVED Radiator Springs Racers and I definitely feel like I’m in the film when I’m at the park