Cars Land Tips: Expert Advice for a Day in Disney’s Cars Land
Cars Land tips for the perfect day trip, from Rain Blanken, auto enthusiast and Disney Vacation Expert.
Racing fans… it’s time to start your engines and head on down to beautiful downtown Radiator Springs. Here, Disney’s Cars characters are brought to life with thrills, food and, of course, shopping. But before you hit the road, use our tips for visiting Cars Land at Disneyland to help you map out your trip.
Attractions at Cars Land
The rides here aim to please the whole family. Radiator Springs Racers, for guests 40” and taller, will thrill older kids and adults alike. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree can sit even preschoolers, but avoid this one if you’re sensitive to dizziness. Luigi’s Flying Tires is perfect for everyone, featuring moderate speeds and giggle-inducing turns.
Radiator Springs Racers
Cars Land Tips
Are you ready for high-speed adventure? Can you handle the open throttle and the road ahead? Start your engines and get ready to race. This stop on your tour of Radiator Springs will have your hair blown back and heart racing. A seemingly peaceful drive through Ornament Valley just might turn into a photo finish!
Cars Land Tips for a Great Day
- TIP: The Radiator Springs Racers Fast Pass Kiosk is located just outside Cars Land. Grab some Fast Passes before you walk all the way to the ride.
Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
Disneyland Cars Land Tips
Tow Mater is one of Disney’s Cars most memorable characters, and visiting his junkyard just might be at the top of the list for many youngsters. Here, families can climb aboard for a good ol’ fashioned tractor pull… and you’re the spinning cargo!
Luigi’s Flying Tires
Mount one of the flying ‘Fettuccini’ brand tires at Luigi’s Casa del la Tires for a unique thrill. Your family can control where the tire goes just by leaning to-and-fro within Luigi’s 8,000 square foot garden. Take a tour of Luigi’s showroom, his private office, and even encounter a few surprises along the way.
- TIP: You might just catch Lightening McQueen and Mater rolling through the streets if you’re hanging around Luigi’s Flying Tires, Flo’s v8 Café or even Ramone’s Body Shop.
Cars Land Restaurants
Fillmore’s Taste-In
“We’re all driving on a highway to an intergalactic interstate… and our final destination is… life!” If this philosophical dreaming has given you the munchies, then it’s time to head on down to Fillmore’s Taste-In, where you can fuel-up with fresh fruit and drinks.
Cozy Cone Motel
Tips for Cars Land
Ready for a nap? Just kidding. Since no one at Disneyland wants to spend their time sleeping, the Cozy Cone Motel has been transformed to serve up the best kind of cones… ice cream! Grab a snack here and enjoy some splash time at the Cozy Cone Motel, the coolest spot in Radiator Springs. There are several ‘cone’ counters to choose from, each serving up different snacks and food.
- TIP: We take the advice of the Disney Food Blog, and suggest the Breakfast Cone and Pear of Dice Soda at the Cozy Cone Motel. Most of the counters at Cozy Cone don’t open until 11am, but now you’re in the know… one serves breakfast. Head there early to grab the Bacon Scramble or Verde Scramble Cone to start your day. Featuring scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese sauce, these are served in a bread cone that will keep you fueled and ready to roll.
Flo’s V8 café
Ready to hit the grill? After a full day of rides and shopping, it’s probably a good idea to cool those kids off in the A/C. Flo has you covered, and she’s got the grill going, too. Stop spinning your tires and come in here for a fill-up.
- Tip: While this might look like a table-service eatery, this is actually a counter-service dining experience. You’ll get served up quick, then find a table to enjoy the delicious air conditioning… and food.
Shopping in Cars Land
Cars Land Disneyland
- TIP: Don’t miss Cars Land at night. The retro lighting on each building add a new dimension to Radiator Springs. All of the neon lights actually light up to music at dusk.
Radiator Springs Curios
Want something from Disneyland that really shows off your Cars Land experience? The Radiator Springs Curios shop has Cars and Disney merchandise you won’t find anywhere else.
- TIP: Check your Entertainment Times Guide for the DJ’s Dance and Drive. This is a fun block party with music and entertainment that takes over the Route 66 intersection.
Ramone’s House of Body Art
What would a vacation be if you can’t get the kids tattooed? Just kidding. There might not be any tattoo artists in here, but Ramone is a master at makeovers and he’s ready to restyle your body with signature Champions Custom Speed Shop shirts and accessories.
Sarge’s Surplus Hut
10-Hut! Sarge, our favorite curmudgeon Jeep is in charge of this Cars gift shop, decked-out in patriotic flair. Here, your family can shop for all the vacation essentials, including Cars-themed Mickey Ears, and exclusive Cars gear. Not real gears… but clothes, toys and souvenirs are all accounted for.
- Tip: See if you can score a free button. Some shops at Cars Land will give out a free Cars button if you just walk up to the clerk and ask. No guarantees, but it’s worth a shot, right?
Are you planning a trip to Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure park? Share your experiences and especially your tips with us. We’ll post your tips to the blog and note where they can from. Have fun out there and watch your speed!
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Rain Blanken is an author who specializes in covering art, travel and the automotive industry. With three kids and a lot of road trips ahead of her, she is always excited to review the latest models and to check out classic car shows. Rain has written for The New York Times, Barnes & Noble and Running Press. She currently lives in the land of cornfields and airfields; Dayton, Ohio. See more articles by Rain.