Cars Land Review - From One Of The First Lucky 66 Guests To Enter

[fishgal]

Hmm, interesting I thought people had a problem with Avatarland because its not disney. Whereas Cars is disney and also fits the classic car culture in Southern California as well as the road tripping that we do here in CA as well.

[DLR159]

The land is indeed amazing! Here are my thoughts. Kathy Mangum and Kevin Rafferty were out tour guides. We split up into 2 groups and I was in the group lead by Kevin. We walked into Cars Land by going under the arch, I have never been in awe for so long. The site of the valley was breathtaking and with the waterfall and the cars zipping by and hearing their revving engines made everything come together. Kevin told us that out of his over 35 years of working for WDI that Cars Land was the most detailed and epic land that he had ever had the privilege of creating. In the rest of my post there may me some SPOILERS.

Spoiler

From there we went to Luigi's where we were told that the ride system was costumed designed by WDI and it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We did not get to ride it but from where I was stranding it looked fun. From there we made our way to the Cozy Cone. The detail is exactly like the movie and the TV antennas have been placed on top. Chile cone queso will sell for $6.99. Sally's office looks like it will be off limits to people and is just fro show. We saw her desk along with the cone alarm clocks and even buzz under a cone. We then went to Flo’s V8 Cafe which looks exactly like a diner out in the desert. In the main dinning room there is a huge window to see the valley and if you are facing away from the window there is a giant rear view mirror that you can look at to see the view. I thought this was very clever. The other part of Flo’s has a lot of medical pictures for Doc’s office. It is an eating room but is very well themed and as you walk out you see his 3 piston cups. We then walked down the street and got to ride Maters and It was a blast. It looks slow while waiting in line but it goes pretty fast and the whipping action is the highlight of the ride. I would not wait an hour for the ride but it would be worth it if it were a 15 min wait. From there we walked out of the land and were given some gifts.

[Pinrar]

It doesn't matter if we all forget about cars in the future. The land is solid and will be that way for years to come. I've never seen song of the south, yet I enjoy brer rabbit just fine. In fact, if they made a whole land based on the laughing place and it was done extremely well, people will love it just the same.

But cars isn't going anywhere. This is the one of the only things the boys really have at the park that truly caters to them. Plus it excludes no one...unlike the princesses. Its fine. Just because a whole land is based off of one franchise means absolutely nothing even when the franchise goes stale.

Just go with it and have fun just like everyone does on splash mountain. Because 90% of the guests will be doing just that when cars fades. We can either join them and have a good time, or continue to analyze it to death.

[SoCalFan]

Thanks for the reviews! Seems more and more wonderful! Every review I've read of people who've had the chance of entering have ALL mentioned how floored they were upon entering the land under the rock arch and seeing the Cadillac Range (which can be used in reference for the land but not on merchandise) and Ornament Valley with the cars of RSR revving and racing around the track with the waterfall cascading in the distance. I can't wait to step in and be in awe!

[The Disney Ninja]

So jealous! I saw all the tables set up for the blog meet up check in area, and was sooo bummed that i couldn't go. How do you manage to hear about the meet ups quick enough to get in? Is there a special trick?

All you have to do it keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for any announcements.

[DisneyDrums]

Dusty! Help me out! Has Disney announced a soft opening for Cars Land at all?

[Susan Hughes]

But isnt that the problem? Don't get me wrong, Im extremely excited to see it because "New" is always cool. But thinking long term then I just don't see Cars Land being that big of a draw. No offense to the super fans, but its essentially a very detailed recreation of a place that nobody every really dreamed of visiting that contains a single E-Ticket ride (that isnt necessarily unique) and a bunch of kiddie rides in a park with too many kiddie rides.

My problem with Cars Land is similar to my gripes about Avatar Land. Disney has so many franchises and partnerships that aren't represented enough that it seems crazy to go to "Cars" or an outsider like "Avatar" because in 5 years are we going to look back at them as classics or fads and wonder "what if...".

It just seems like a wasted opportunity to do something with Marvel or Star Wars because those are two properties that have proven to be timeless and true classics.

I couldn't disagree with you more. Long after the Cars movies have left the DVD shelves, the characters will still be popular with the later generations, much like a Disney movie that was made in 1937 is still popular today.
And Carsland will easily stand the test of time, much the same way Route 66 still fires the imagination. People will not tire of Carsland. The frenzy of this summer will eventually even out, and Carsland will settle into it's place as one of the most unique lands of all the Disney parks around the world.

[Coheteboy]

There are huge differences between Cars Land and Avatarland.

1. Cars is a Disney/Pixar property. Avatar is not. So even if both aren't best ideas, one of those is severely more lacking than the other.

2. Cars is based in the United States of America. Avatar is a far away planet and doesn't exist. Dinosaurs are part of our history. At least Beastly Kingdom is about mythical creatures that was once believed to exist in our world. Avatar is completely alien.

3. Cars has spawned two films and several shorts. Avatar is only one (so far).

4. Both have toy lines by Mattel... but Cars moved while Avatar warmed the shelves like Stinky Pete. Cars toys can still be found at retail. Avatar can be found clearanced at TJ Maxx or Ross.




But in the end, Cars Land seems to be a great addition to the park because it's a location that's comfortable, almost forgotten, and unique to the parks. My only gripe would be future expansion due to their copying of the layout so closely to the films, you don't have the room to do whatever you want. Lands should have more than 3 rides.

[sir clinksalot]

Whoa. The freebies are top notch! Carlor me jealous!

I see what you did there.

Great review. Can't wait to check out CarsLand in about 25 days.

[D23Divinity]

I don't think the Cars movies or franchise will EVER fade away. Cars is a classic, it's a wonderful movie filled with heart and fun. My kids love it, and I love it. Cars 2 might not have been the same, but my entire family found it enjoyable. My dad and my son have bonded enormously through the Cars brand, and they will always have that.

It's obvious this land is going to be a great time, and a beauty. Truly wonderous. Thanks for sharing this new review! I can't wait for my little man to see it. Will it be perfect? Absolutely not. Everyone has different opinions on what makes a great theme park, and what perfect is anyway. Some have problems with lack of adult rides, I don't. Doesn't mean we all can't appreciate it though, and see where the ride takes us. Welcome to Disneyland, and DCA- Pixar Land! lol

[biggsworth]

Awesome report and just makes me want to see it even more. there is no worry here that this land will thrive for many many years.

[Dustysage]

I have no doubt that Cars Land will be a huge success. Even if the movies quickly fade into the ether, the detailed theme of the land and the attractions will keep people coming back. How many kids have ever even heard of Song of the South? But Splash Mountain remains one of the most popular attractions in the world. Do kids today watch westerns? Not really, but they love Big Thunder. The key is not if the movie is a hit, but whether the attraction is!

Really appreciate the wonderful reviews from all the folks who have chimed in here. It is very much appreciated by all us folks who haven't been lucky enough to be escorted into the new land by an Imagineer.

Dusty

[nunz]

It doesn't matter if we all forget about cars in the future. The land is solid and will be that way for years to come. I've never seen song of the south, yet I enjoy brer rabbit just fine. In fact, if they made a whole land based on the laughing place and it was done extremely well, people will love it just the same.

But cars isn't going anywhere. This is the one of the only things the boys really have at the park that truly caters to them. Plus it excludes no one...unlike the princesses. Its fine. Just because a whole land is based off of one franchise means absolutely nothing even when the franchise goes stale.

Just go with it and have fun just like everyone does on splash mountain. Because 90% of the guests will be doing just that when cars fades. We can either join them and have a good time, or continue to analyze it to death.

Where's the thumbs up smiley thing? This doesn't need the movie tie in..cars and Route 66 are timeless.

[ravencroft]

sounds like I need to be spending more time reading the Disney Parks Blog !

[Druggas]

I get the honor of doing a cast preview June 6th.

This thread has my excited about going!