Disney California Adventure

Cars Land turns 10

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

It’s hard to believe that Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is now ten years old. To be honest, I remember the night before it opened when the media was treated to a spectacular preview of all the activities and the immersive architecture. It was just like stepping into the film. And it still is. Although there have been some changes over the past decade, Cars Land still holds a special attraction for guests.

Radiator Springs is a fun place to visit, even if you don’t go on any of the three attractions. There are many places to eat as well as a great store. I still use my Lightning McQueen sunshade for my car. It’s easy to spot in any parking lot. All I do is look for my little car sporting Lightning McQueen eyes.

The Radiator Springs Racers seem to be the most popular attraction in the land. Personally I enjoy Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (just don’t ride this if you have a sore back). Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is the newest attraction replacing Luigi’s Flying Tires. Having ridden both of them, I am happy they replaced the tire ride with the dancing cars. It’s a fun experience where guests end up laughing in their cars while the cars do their dance to the music. How many times have you laughed when your car dances? With the price of gas these days, this might be the only time guests can really enjoy riding in vehicles.

Between the Cozy Cone Motel, Fillmore’s Taste-In, and Flo’s V8 Café, guests can find just about anything to satisfy their food cravings.

What Cars Land did ten years ago changed the way new areas of the resorts are created. As I mentioned earlier, it is like stepping into the movie. The same thing happened in Walt Disney World when they built Pandora – The World of Avatar. If you visit that land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will be transported into the Avatar movie. And in Disneyland they continued that immersive experience with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It’s like stepping into another world, the world of Star Wars. These lands create the feeling of jumping into the movies and enjoying the atmospheres as well as the characters. And let’s not overlook the great recipes the creative Disney chefs concoct to enhance the experiences.

The 12-acre land gets transformed for Halloween and Christmas. And periodically guests will run into (not literally) Lightning McQueen as he makes his way down Route 66.

It’s been a fun ten years with Mater, Lightning McQueen, and the others.

Pick up a limited Mater popcorn bucket when you’re there.

 

Click below to see a roundup of Cars Land.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

‘World of Color’ is back at Disney California Adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Another nighttime spectacular has returned to the Disneyland Resort. “World of Color” is nothing short of stunning.

For those of us old enough to remember the TV show Wonderful World of Color (1961-1969) hosted by Walt Disney and Tinker Bell, this is a throwback, in a way. It was originally conceived as a “living Fantasia” combining animation, color, light, water, and music. And the opening and closing music is the theme from the TV show. Wow, that definitely takes me back.

The water in Paradise Bay features about 12000 fountains that are programmed to coordinate with the music. Height, angle, and color intensity are altered to various positions throughout the show. And a wall of water provides the screen for projections, which show scenes from different Disney shows.  Besides the lights in the water the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel also light up to harmonize with the show, immersing guests in all the magic.

WALL-E, Eve, Jack Sparrow, Dory, Marlin, Crush, Squirt, Ariel, Sebastian, Woody, Buzz, Aladdin, Jasmine, Belle, Beast, Simba, Mufasa, Scar, and more appear on the projections, accompanied by the memorable music we all know and love.

Music, water, and color are each uplifting elements in their own right, so combining them creates a spectacular worthy of the word. There is no way anyone can leave the show unhappy. It is pure delight.

Available for the first time is a dessert party package where guests can purchase a delicious dessert box (cheese, crackers, grapes, and several sweet delights) and also get a reserved location for the show. There is also a dining package complete with a 3-course meal at the Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant. Plus, the Storytellers Café at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with a reserved viewing voucher for the show. What a great combination. Food and a show beginning at $50 for adults and $25 for kids ages 3-9. Check the app or website for the various options and pricing.

Do I recommend “World of Color”? Definitely. It is a must-see for guests in Disney California Adventure. Check the Disneyland mobile app or Disneyland.com website for times and more information. Enjoy!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.  Follow her on Twitter.