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Cars Land Premiere at Disneyland California

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Disneyland California has launched its latest new attraction, ‘Cars Land’, with a star studded V.I.P premier, which included voice actors for the Disney Pixar movie Cars, such as Lightning McQueen and Mater.  Also in attendance were Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, John Lasseter, chief creative officer, Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The magnificent opening ceremony included roller skaters, dancing mechanics and a breath-taking firework display above the mountain range of Ornament Valley.

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Cars Land is the largest part of Disney California’s 5 year expansion plan and allows all the family to have a go at driving fun. During their visit, guests are invited to explore “the cutest little town in Carburetor County, ” where they can immerse themselves in a variety of Cars Land activities, including Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi’s Flying Tires and Radiator Springs Racers, all set over a whopping 12 acres.

Cars Land Premiers at Disneyland California Along with a variety of themed shops and restaurants, there is the ‘Cozy Cone Hotel’, where McQueen and Mater make guest appearances for photos. All three of the attractions have their own unique character which helps visitors to understand and connect with the characters that live in Radiator Springs.
During their visit, guests are invited to take a trip through Ornament Valley in one of the cars.  Each car has a personality of its own and once aboard will take guests on an excursion through Radiator Springs, stopping at either Luigi’s “Cuscino D’Aria Tires” or Ramone’s House of Body Art.  The outing concludes with a death-defying race to the finish.

“Cuscino D’Aria” tires is described as being like riding on air, or a giant air-hockey table; riders lean left and right aboard the flying ‘Tires’, a ride which is all too reminiscent of the classic Disneyland Flying Saucers attraction. During the ride, giant inflatable balls float across the floor, whilst music plays to further enhance the experience.

“The crown jewel of our Disney California Adventure expansion, Cars Land is the extraordinary result of a close collaboration between the gifted filmmakers at Pixar Animation Studios and our talented Imagineers and cast members, ” Iger said. “It’s also a spectacular example of our ability to take our characters and stories and bring them to life in new and unexpected ways.” 

“Cars Land immerses guests in the world of ‘Cars’ like never before and combines the imagination of Pixar with the creativity, innovation and legendary storytelling that are the hallmarks of a Disney Parks experience.”

“We want guests to think they are on this great road trip and, in a way, almost like they are going home, ” said Kathy Mangum, executive producer of Cars Land. “Cars Land will feel very familiar in so many different ways. I can’t tell you how many people have seen it and said ‘I can’t believe I am in Anaheim.’”
Throughout Cars Land, guests will find a range of shops selling various Disney and Disney Pixar related souvenirs and merchandise, whether it is t-shirts or hats, pins or magnets, there is something collectable for all Cars fans.

Cars land guests will also find a strong 1950’s influence, with Neon streets in the shape of all things car-related.  There is also a Route 66 theme throughout the theme park which was inspired by a design-team road trip; whatever your interest, if you are a fan of the movie Cars, you’re sure to have a fantastic time.

The new ride and facilities add to the existing attractions within the Disneyland resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and a Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.

“While I love all of the movies we’ve made at Pixar, the ‘Cars’ films are particularly close to my heart, so seeing Radiator Springs come to life at Disney California Adventure is a dream come true, ” Lasseter said. “The artistry and attention to detail throughout Cars Land is absolutely incredible, and I couldn’t be more proud of the teams at Pixar and Walt Disney Imagineering who worked side-by-side to make this project a reality.”

Image: PRNewsFoto/Disneyland Resort, Paul Hiffmeyer

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