Having most of my family in California, I’ve spent a great deal of time through the years at Disneyland. It’s only been since my daughter was born that I’ve discovered Disney’s California Adventure, which is only steps away from Disneyland’s entrance. Disneyland granted me access to the parks to bring you this post!
With areas like “A Bug’s Land”, Buena Vista Street, and Grizzly Peek, I’ve loved what California Adventure has to offer…..BUT there was one area I had never experienced. That is, until this Spring.
I’m talking about Carsland at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim. And boy, what a thrill it was.
It’s a 12-acre expansion inspired by the Disney·Pixar movie Cars. There are attractions, restaurants, entertainment, and yes, our favorite CARS characters!
First up: Carsland Attractions
There are 3 attractions as you stroll down Route 66:
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Luigi’s Flying Tires
- Radiator Springs Racers
Let’s talk about my 5 yr old’s absolute favorite ride of our entire vacation!
We’ve got a WINNER in Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree!
WARNING: You will be surprised by this ride. It looks pretty low-key. After all, Mater is just pulling kids around. What craziness could there be? Oh, let me tell you how surprised we were! 🙂 You see, Mater starts off pulling you while singing to music. So fun, right? But then he S-W-I-N-G-S the other direction, and you go flying around to catch up behind him.
Kids 7 and under need to ride with an adult, mostly because you get whipped around! If you are riding with a young (or light-weight) child, put one arm around them and hold them into you……that way, they won’t accidentally hit the side seat.
It’s fun and unexpected! I can’t count how many times we rode this one!
Next up, Radiator Springs Racers.
Now, this is the ride you’ve been hearing about. This is the one with the wait. Let me tell you – EVERY MINUTE YOU WAIT IN LINE IS WORTH IT!
TIP: My husband and I took turns riding this one, while the other stayed back with our daughter. This let us stand in the Single-Rider line. So much faster.
Doesn’t this make you excited about the ride? It should! It was just the very beginning……
Someone waited patiently for Mommy in Ornament Valley.
Take a look at the scenery, would you? As we began our adventure in our racing car, it was as if we were plunked right down in the middle of the movie. Seriously! It was almost sunset, and the surroundings were gorgeous. Just an afternoon ride.
UNTIL…….
You catch up to another racer and then it becomes a competition. Yes! You are racing the car next to you…………..speed! SPEED!
I was thrilled. I had the biggest smile on my face. Oh, you can’t miss this ride.
Of course, since we are talking Disney, you know you’ll be able to meet and greet your favorite characters! Yes, Lightning McQueen was strolling up and down Route 66, chatting with everyone along the way. There’s a character spot for photo opps too!
We certainly worked up an appetite and decided to dine at where else, Flo’s V8 Cafe. Other options to fill our tummies were the Cozy Cone Motel and Fillmore’s Taste-In.
But Flo’s just felt perfect for this visit.
Here’s the menu………I had the Pork Loin with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce. Mmmmmm. The best part, though, was the view. We sat inside Flo’s overlooking Radiator Springs Racers at sunset. So fun! Plus, it’s a spot where you see characters arrive and leave….Lightning McQueen, Mater, etc.
When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop in Carsland! Get ready for some street entertainment with cars, music and more.
We will be going back! Carsland is just another aspect that makes Disney’s California Adventure a must for the under 99 set (Yes, that means you!!). 🙂
See also:
Disneyland’s New Fantasy Faire – March 2013 Trip Report
Have you seen my trip to PIXAR for the #Cars3Event?
- Tour PIXAR Headquarters
- Sonoma Raceway Experience
- How PIXAR Came Up with Cars 3 Story
- I’m Going to PIXAR for Cars 3 Event
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I love Carsland and the kids love it too. It’s so good to see all the photos since it brings back a lot of memories.
That looks SO fun … my 7 year old would love it!
This looks like SO much fun! My little guy would absolutely love it… If they opened a Toy Story Land, too, we’d be in high heaven. 😉
We have been going back and forth over whether or not we’ll do Disney World or Disneyland when the kids are big enough. We had decided on Disney World since neither my husband and I have been, and we are from California and have done Disneyland more times than we can count. But then, they opened Cars Land…and now I don’t know!! I think my kids would love this. Looks like so much fun!!
That looks like so much fun!!! I’m waiting til mine is a bit older to take him but seeing your pictures makes it so much more exciting to look forward to! I’ve actually never been myself and neither has my husband so this will be a fun adventure 🙂
This looks so fun!! My kids would absolutely LOVE doing this. I have HUGE Cars fans in my house! 🙂
It has been WAY too long since I have been to Disneyland. My last visit was when there was only one park and resort and no public plans for more. We also have family in California and hope to get out there to see Lightning, Mater, and everything else. Thanks for sharing your magical memories 🙂
Oh, you’ll love it Beth!!! I’ve got several more posts scheduled! You’ll have to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure! It’s so worth it.
We love Cars Land!! My favorite part is dancing to ‘Sh-Boom’ at dusk as Route 66 lights up. I’m feeling the need for some Disney magic!!