Cars Land at Disneyland's California Adventure

 

Any fan of the Cars movies MUST go visit Cars Land at California Adventure.  Our first visit to Cars Land was just before Christmas, and they were all decked out for the holiday.  My kids loved the car snowman! 

 

 
 
 Cars Land has three main attractions - Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi's Flying Tires and the Radiator Springs Racers.  We loved Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, especially since my son could ride - the minimum height requirement was 32 inches. 

The other ride that you must make sure you do not miss is the Radiator Springs Racers.  This ride typically 'sells out' of the FastPasses early in the day - so make sure you head to the FastPass distribution line first thing as soon as you arrive to California Adventure.  If you are staying off site at a Good Neighbor hotel, try to go on a day that does not have extra Magic Hours for California Adventure - and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to park opening so you can get into the park as soon as they open the gates - then you'll have a good chance at getting a Fast Pass.  You can try to Standby line, but I have seen that line creep up to 2+ hour waits during the non-peak times, so just be prepared.  It really is a fantastic ride - you get the fun adventure through Radiator Springs, along with the thrill of the race!  There are two different tracks, so your second ride may be different from your first one! 

 

Disney really went all out with Cars Land - you truly feel like you've stepped into the movie when you first walk down the main drag.  It's a magical experience!

 

 

You and your kids can meet some of their favorite Cars characters over at the Cozy Cone Motel, as well as grab some fun snacks, all in a cone!

 Don't miss the dance party with DJ!  

 

 

 

For me, the magic really happens at night when all the Neon is turned on.  There's something very nostalgic about it!

 

Cars Land offers more than just another 'land' in Disney - it's a chance to step into the movie and really explore!  You can eat at Flo's V8 Café, walk through Luigi's Tire shop and watch the cars race by.  Kids and adults enjoy this fun area of California Adventure!

 

Have you been to Cars Land?  What did you think of it?

Premium Character Dining Meal at California Adventure - Ariel's Grotto

  

 One of the Premium Character dining options available at the Disneyland Resort is Ariel's Grotto, inside California Adventure.  This is a must stop for our family, since we have a HUGE Ariel fan in the family.  (You may noticed she's dressed as Ariel in these photos)

 Advanced reservations (up to 60 days in advance) are definitely recommended - when you check in at the podium, you may want to request to sit inside - it can get a bit chilly outside next to the water.   Before they seat you at your table, you stop to see Ariel first - she will sign autograph books, and pose for pictures, along with the official souvenir photo, available for purchase during your meal.






After you sit, at least 4 princesses will come and visit you at your table - each one is officially announced upon their entrance, and the anticipation of them arriving at your table is often hard for the little ones to contain.  On this particular afternoon, we were visited by Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White and Tiana.

 The princesses are present for Breakfast, lunch and dinner - but they are not present for the World of Color dining package option.

The food is delicious - their menu offerings have changed over the past few years, but we haven't been disappointed.  The kids menu offers kid-friendly meals, and if you have little ones younger than 3 traveling with you, they have special menu selections available for them, at no additional charge when you pre-pay for the Premium Character Dining.

Follow me on Facebook for more fun tips, and help planning your Disney Vacation!