Tag Archives: Lightning McQueen
Disney Attack Plan – Radiator Springs Racers
Vroom, Whoosh, Screech, Vroom… When I think of Cars and specifically Radiator Springs Racers these are the sounds I hear in my head. It’s okay if you don’t hear the same things. You might want to get it looked into though. Amongst the many attractions you’ll find in Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers is by far the most popular. You’ll need to have a plan of attack to get on this ride!
It’s not uncommon to be in line at Radiator Springs Racers for upwards of 2 1/2 hours on a slower park day. Here’s a tip though, get to the park early! When I say early, I mean before the park even opens. Head over to Buena Vista Street entrance half hour or more before park opening. You’ll be able to get into the park around 30 minutes before official opening. Once in California Adventure, send one person from your group to get the Fast Passes at Radiator Springs Racers, while the rest of you hit up the new Starbucks.
Radiator Springs Racers is the most popular attraction in Cars Land, and honestly in all of California Adventure currently, and there are days when the entire allotment of Fast Passes are gone within the first hour or so of park opening. You’ll be sorry if you don’t get those Fast Passes early!
Quick tip for those with toddlers, make sure you have them measured up first. The ride height minimum is 40 inches. In addition to the ride height requirement, know that the ride is fast, there are dips and hills, quick turns and speed. These can be scary to some kids, so know your toddlers limits. If your children are anything like mine, they will expect to be the “winner” every time they ride. This won’t happen, so prep them early to know that there is no set car that will “win” every time. You’d have as much luck figuring out how many drops and how far the Tower of Terror will have. There are a few moments of stomach drops as you experience roller coaster like “flying” and “near misses” along the way. These can be scary for most younger kids, but generally if they enjoy rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, they’ll be just fine on Radiator Springs Racers.
One last tidbit that you should know is that much like it’s cousin, Test Track, in Walt Disney World, this ride will break down and break down often. Much of the long line can be attributed to those holding out hope for the ride to be fixed and quickly return to operation. Unfortunately the ride hasn’t gotten the bugs worked out completely so be prepared to entertain the kids, and adults, in your group for possible extended periods of time.
Overall, take the time to enjoy Radiator Springs Racers and all of Cars Land. you’ll find there is plenty to do and if you can swing it, ride the racers twice. Hit it once during the day and again at night for two completely different experiences. Whatever you do, you do not want to miss Cars Land during your visit!
I hope you find this information fun, new and worthwhile.
Related articles
- Visiting Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure (chipandco.com)
- I’m Going to California Adventure. Now what do I do? (chipandco.com)

Wheel of Fortune and Disney Come Together to Make Magic Memories for Contestants and At-Home Viewers
It’s “Disney Time” at Wheel of Fortune as the fun of America’s Favorite Game Show and the magic of Disney come together in the game show’s 30th season including a week of shows and a sweepstakes for at-home viewers.
“Wheel of Fortune Making Disney Memories Week” airing January 28-Feb 1, 2013, will feature a custom set including three different scenes depicting “Sleeping Beauty Castle,” “Cinderella Castle” and the Disney Dream cruise ship. Additionally, Disney is providing iconic elements from the Disney Parks including a Disney teacup from the “Mad Tea Party” attractions, Lightning McQueen from the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure theme park, a pirate ship from “Peter Pan’s Flight” and a Dumbo car from “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant.” And show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White will be greeted on set by beloved Disney characters.
During the week of shows, Wheel of Fortune contestants can win “Magical Vacations” to Disney Parks or on Disney Cruise Line. The cars available through the “1⁄2 Car Tag” game element will alternate between Honda and Chevrolet models, sponsors of Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, respectively.
Walt Disney World Resort Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times
Gear-spinning good times get rolling at Walt Disney World Resort, where car lovers can experience auto-themed attractions and shows, climb behind the wheel for a high-octane thrill ride and even settle back for a meal in a setting reminiscent of a time when families watched motion pictures from a cozy car seat.
Here’s a spin around of “Walt Disney Wheels”:
- “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” – This fast-paced show takes Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests behind the scenes of big-budget movies to spotlight the high-octane best of the movie industry’s stunt masters — including precision driving, edge-of-your-seat jumps, pyrotechnics, high-speed spins and plenty of surprises. The extravaganza sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening and jumping across an enormous, 177,000-square-foot outdoor stunt arena themed as a Mediterranean village movie set. Even the star of “Cars” and “Cars 2,” Lightning McQueen, gets in on the action.
- Take the Wheel, For Real, at the Richard Petty Driving Experience – Auto enthusiasts have the chance to step into a scene most only dream about — getting into the seat of a real stock car and tipping speeds up to 145 mph. The Richard Petty Driving Experience features a choice of daily ride-along and driving programs in cars with about 600 horses under the hood. Plenty of celebrities — from NASCAR champions Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart to swimmer Michael Phelps to actors John Travolta and Leonardo di Caprio– have joined in the fun at Walt Disney World Speedway. Reservation information is available by calling 800/BE-PETTY or online at www.1800bepetty.com.
- New from Petty Holdings is another dream opportunity, the Exotic Driving Experience – Exotic Driving Experience features supercars by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and Porsche and welcomes car buffs to experience the awe-inspiring acceleration, speed and handling of these high-performance driving machines. Following an interior road course-style section at Walt Disney World Speedway, drivers can get behind the wheel for six laps around the circuit (prices start at $199) or opt for thrill rides with a professional driver behind the wheel ($99). Reservations can be made at www.exoticdriving.com or by calling 855/822-0149.
















