From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Valerie Lee
Ka-chow!! We’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of Cars Land and invite you to join us for an exciting road trip in Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort!
Starting with a stroll down memory lane, Cars Land opened on June 15, 2012, at Disney California Adventure park. This new land captured storytelling in a whole new way, bringing our guests right into Radiator Springs and into the world of Disney and Pixar’s film “Cars.” Spanning a whopping 12 acres, Cars Land today remains charming, immersive and a must-see, must-do for visitors of all ages.
Ready, set, go! Rev up for 10 great ways to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cars Land!
1.) Meet Cars Car-acters
You may meet the legendary race car, Lightning McQueen, or his pal Mater parked in front of the Cozy Cone Motel. Straight from the track and ready to relax, these best friends are happy to be hanging out at their home in Radiator Springs – and are excited to meet you!
2.) Tote the New Tow Mater Premium Bucket
How tow-tally adorable! Dad gum! If you stop for a refueling snack, you may want your very own novelty Tow Mater premium bucket from Cars Land, now available for purchase at Flo’s V8 Cafe, Fillmore’s Taste-In and the Cozy Cone Motel while supplies last. Availability may vary throughout the summer.*
3.) New! Guido Photo Location
As part of the 10th anniversary, Radiator Springs’ very own Guido is grabbing a parking spot in front of Luigi’s Casa Della Tires, marking his outdoor debut at Cars Land! Strike a pose and say “Buongiorno!” to Guido as you get ready to ride Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, presented by Enterprise.
4.) Race on Radiator Springs Racers
Zoom through Radiator Springs and the fantastic scenery of Ornament Valley in this thrilling, high-speed road race. Meet your competition at the starting line and then take to the road, zipping over hills and straightaways past stunning red rock formations, with a quick pit stop at Luigi’s Casa Della Tires or Ramone’s House of Body Art for a racing makeover!
5.) Take a Spin!
At Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, hop into a miniature Italian roadster that glides, turns and spins across a trackless “dance floor.” Did you know: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters was the first Disney attraction in the United States with this trackless ride system!
6.) Score a Road Trip Souvenir
Stop by Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Ramone’s House of Body Art for merchandise, toys and apparel celebrating Cars Land and car culture, including the new Cars Land 10th Anniversary Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater limited edition pins.
7.) See Radiator Springs at Sunset
As the sun begins to set, the “Sh-boom” music moment begins and 16 neon signs light up the night sky at Cars Land. The setting is stunning and a nod to the neon signs of 1950s Americana and Route 66.
8.) Enjoy a Milkshake and a Meal at Flo’s V8 Cafe
Modeled after roadside eateries along the original Route 66, Flo’s V8 Cafe is a delicious dining spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fill your tank with the Ka-Cheeseburger or Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken and a Flo’s Classic vanilla, chocolate or strawberry milkshake topped with “road gravel” cookie crumbles for dessert. Tip: Mobile order in advance on the Disneyland app to pick-up in a jiffy!
9.) Make a Pit Stop at the Cozy Cone Motel
Check in at Sally’s roadside motel to try different “i-cone-ic” sweet and savory treats from five welcoming walk-up windows shaped like orange traffic cones. You may have a hankering for the Chili Cone Queso made with beef chili, cheddar cheese and corn chips, served in a bread cone!
10.) Sightsee Along Route 66 to Cadillac Range
Enjoy the spirit and charm of the Route 66-inspired road in Cars Land where sightseeing, snacks, pit stops and shops abound in the town of Radiator Springs. Off in the distance, you’ll see the breathtaking backdrop of Ornament Valley and the six mountain peaks of Cadillac Range which represent Cadillac tail fins from 1957 to 1962.
Check out this fun video about the history of Cars Land from Roger Gould, creative director, Theme Parks, Pixar Animation Studios:
And here’s another fun fact: During Halloween Time and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Cars Land receives delightful, decorative overlays themed to these special seasons.
What’s more, you can celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cars Land at home, by building your own miniature version of this special place – out of paper! This #DisneyPaperParks set of Cars Land, designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, features a Radiator Springs playset.** From the buildings along Route 66 to the rock formations of Ornament Valley, follow the instructions on these printable, 3D activity sheets to craft favorite Cars Land locations and characters. The activity sheets require the use of scissors, glue and folding along lines in specific directions. For best results, we recommend printing the activity sheets at their actual size, not scaling them to fit the page. We also recommend adult participation or supervision for those with little ones to help make this great activity even more enjoyable!
What’s your favorite memory of Cars Land over the past 10 years?
Happy 10th anniversary, Cars Land!
Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/Updates for important information to know before visiting.
*Limit two per person, per transaction. No discounts apply.
**By downloading Disney Paper Parks, you acknowledge and agree that these materials are being provided to you for personal, non-commercial use.
- Ultimate Disney Pretzel Guide for Pretzel Day - April 25, 2024
- Cast Reflect on 35 Years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios - April 24, 2024
- Meet the CM’s Creating Stuffed Toys with Recycled Materials - April 24, 2024