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REVIEW: Relive the Route 66 era by visiting 'Cars Land' at Disney California Adventure park

by Jason Rzucidlo

americajr@americajr.com

WATCH: A Ride on the new Mater's Junkyard Jamboree attraction at "Cars Land"

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Most of today’s children probably have no idea what Route 66 was. It is nearly impossible to drive on the “Mother Road” from Chicago to Los Angeles today, but you can take a step back in time by visiting the new “Cars Land” at the Disney California Adventure theme park in Anaheim, Calif. It took over one billion dollars and five years of planning, designing and construction to complete.

As someone who grew up in Detroit, known for its automobiles, I couldn’t wait to check out Cars Land. It is based on the popular Disney•Pixar movies, “Cars” and “Cars 2.” I think the Disney Imagineers did an amazing job on Cars Land. Most of the little ones said it was like walking onto the set of the actual movies.

I visited the new section of the Disney theme park on Saturday, June 30, exactly 15 days after it opened to the public. I arrived at approximately 10 a.m. and the lines were already long. Fast passes were already gone for the Radiator Springs Racers ride for the entire day! Those fast passes can be picked up at a special booth near the entrance to A Bug’s Life.

There are three rides or attractions as they are called within Cars Land (Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Radiator Springs Racers). In addition, there are three restaurants: Filmore’s Taste-In, Cozy Cone Motel and Flo’s V8 Café.

First, I went on the Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree ride, which is the first ride you’ll see on the left side. Basically, it is a whip ride similar to the Mad Tea Party. Visitors sit inside pull cars that are attached to baby tractors. The cars go in a circle, but they also swing from left to right. Larry The Cable Guy, the voice of Tow Mater, provides the narration and music during the ride. There was a 30-minute wait when I got in line and then it was increased to a 40-minute wait as more people showed up. Even if the line looks long to you, get in line anyways – it moves fast.

Then, I wanted to go on the Radiator Springs Racers ride, which is probably the most popular ride you’ll find within Cars Land. However, I found out it was closed for technical difficulties. Many theme park visitors seemed pretty upset about its closure.

So I went to try the Luigi’s Flying Tires attraction next. That ride was also closed for technical difficulties. Disney team members passed out free buttons to the little ones and adults there. However, they had to answer one little question. How many tires are stacked up in front of the Flying Tires ride? I’ll give you a hint – it’s less than 50.

Since those two rides were closed, I decided to go for a walk around the park instead of just sitting there. I walked past the Grizzy River Run ride, which is my favorite ride at the park, after Soarin’ Over California. I thought maybe I could go on that ride and then return to Cars Land when everything was in working order. The wait time was 35 minutes for the Grizzly River Run Ride.

I decided to skip it and return to Cars Land. I came back about 15 minutes later and then the Radiator Springs Racers ride was running again. There were three possible lines that guests could get in: Single riders (30-minute wait), Fast Pass (no wait) and Families/Others (120-minute wait).

Radiator Springs Racers is a slot car dark ride that holds six people on each car. It takes visitors on a road trip throughout the fictional town of Radiator Springs and ends with a race with another car across Ornament Valley. The ride begins at a slow pace as Doc and Lightning McQueen are giving you instructions then speeds up for the race portion, which includes hairpin turns and steep banks. I enjoyed it very much as it was my favorite ride in Cars Land.

Finally, I returned to the Luigi’s Flying Tires ride, but it was still closed. Workers had no idea when it would be up and running again. That was kind of disappointing.

I decided to wrap up my visit to Cars Land by checking out the gift shops and restaurants. There are four stores that sell “Cars” and Cars Land memorabilia: Courthouse, Ramone’s House of Body Art, Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Radiator Springs Curious. There are t-shirts, posters and cups with the Cars Land 2012 logo on them. I think they would make a great gift. Most items are between $10 and $40 at those stores.

Flo’s V8 Café is the main restaurant within Cars Land. It serves everything from full entrees to kid’s meals to desserts, beer, wine and beverages. Mater’s Tulsa Tea is a special drink you’ll only find in Cars Land. Prices are $10.99 for the Citrus Turkey Salad, $11.49-$11.99 for the NY Strip, Pork Loin and Citrus Turkey Breast and $10.49 for the Veggie Tater Bake. All of the above entrees come with one side and a garlic roll. Kids meals are between six and seven dollars and desserts run around four or five bucks.

The Cozy Cone Motel is a collection of five orange cones, which serve cone-related food items. They sell “popcone,” “cone on a cob,” “cone dogs,” “chili cone carne (with beef),” and ice cream cones. The other place to eat is Fillmore’s Taste-in, which is a grab-and-go shop. There you’ll find snacks, fruit, candy and bottled drinks.

Make sure to pick up your park highlights brochure when entering Disney California Adventure. Three special events happen each day within Cars Land. The first is known as “Red to the Rescue,” which is an appearance by Red the Fire Truck near Luigi’s Flying Tires (from park open to 8 p.m.). The second is “DJ’s Dance ‘n’ Drive,” which are dance parties to get visitors dancing in the street (3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 7, 8 and 9 p.m.). The final highlight is appearances by Disney characters Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen. Each of the cars will stop in front of the Cozy Cone Motel for photo opportunities (8 a.m. to park close).

I really enjoyed my day at the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. I would like to go back one day soon so I can try out the new Luigi’s Flying Tires ride, go for another spin on the Grizzly River Run ride and hop on board the Soarin’ Over California ride again. Also, I’d like to see Cars Land lit up at night when all of the neon signs are turned on. It makes me wonder…when is there going to be a “Cars 3”?

Bottom line: Bring your patience and dedicate at least four to five hours to go on all of the rides within Cars Land. I would go there at the beginning of your day rather than at the end in case the park closes before you go on all three rides. If you don’t mind who you are sitting with, get in the Single riders line. Check the Disney California Adventure website before buying your tickets online just to make sure none of the Cars Land rides are closed for the day.

Special thanks to the great folks at Disney who allowed me to visit their theme park so I could write this review.

Since the new Cars Land has opened, ticket prices have gone up by seven dollars. One-day tickets are now $81 for ages three to nine and $87 for ages 10 and up. Park Hopper tickets for one day are now $119 for ages three to nine and $125 for ages 10 and up. Visitors from southern California can receive discounts on two or three day tickets. In addition, monthly payments are also available for SoCal residents. Click here to purchase your tickets online.

For more information about the Disney's California Adventure theme park, visit disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure.

PHOTO BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com

Visitors aboard two race cars passing the finish line during the Radiator Springs Racers ride.

A large crowd at the new "Cars Land" within the Disney California Adventure park.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is the first ride you’ll see on the left side.

Signs promoting the new "Cars Land" within the park.

Visitors sit inside pull cars that are attached to baby tractors during the Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree ride.

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