We couldn't wait for our first trip to see the new CarsLand in Disney California Adventure. Even though we had traveled all day and were wiped out the first thing we did after check-in was head straight for the park to check it out. Our first impression left us feeling like we had walked right into the movie. Once there we excitedly went directly to the Radiator Springs Racers ride and found that the line was 3 hours long for standby, and the fast passes were all gone for the day. So, we bit the bullet and got in line. We waited and, waited and, waited. In order to pass the time we played word games and checked out the new decor in the queue line which isn't all that exciting. We also said that the next day we would have a better plan for getting on this ride. Here are the things you need to know to make sure you don't have to wait in the standby line if you don't want to.
1. Radiator Springs Racers: This ride is awesome and, anyone over 40 inches can ride. There are a couple of options if you don't want to wait in the standby line. The easiest option is to wait in the Single Rider line. This line is generally about the same wait time as the Fast Pass line. The ride sits 3 passengers to the front seat and 3 passengers in the backseat. This leaves a lot of open seats for them to fill with single riders. My kids were 8 & 11 at the time, plenty old enough for them to sit by themselves and enjoy the ride. You still wait together as a party in the line and only get separated at the platform. In many cases you may even end up in the same vehicle. We did this option several times and think it is the best way to ride with out a Fast Pass. Your next option is the Fast Pass. These require some real planning to get because they run out of them quickly. To ensure that you get a Fast Pass it is best to get to the park when it opens so that you can go directly to the Fast Pass line. If you were fortunate enough to get an Extra Magic Hour in California Adventure with your hotel package this would be a great way to get to the very front of line. I’ve written more about the benefits of booking a package with Extra Magic hours in my article on Choosing The Right Place to Stay in Disneyland Resort. The Fast Passes are distributed at the front of Bugsland and the line will wrap back to the front and down Buena Vista Street. Don't be intimidated by the length of the line, as long as you are there by the opening of the park you will get a Fast Pass. Only one person has to wait in the line to get the passes but, in order to get a Fast Pass for every person in your party they must be inside the park. Here’s more information on How to Avoid Long Lines in Disneyland Resort
2. Luigi's Flying Tires: As you enter Casa Della Tires you see the display of European tires and hear the voice of Luigi in the background. The ride is surprisingly enjoyable as you use your body by leaning and shifting your weight to direct the tire. Watch out for others as you bump and and get bumped on the Air pressured platform. Disney fans may recognize this attraction as a remake of the old Flying Saucer Ride from the early sixties. 
3. Mater's Junk Yard Jamboree: This is along the lines of a tilt a whirl or tea cup ride so avoid this if you don't particularly care for those type of rides. If you are familiar with any of Mater's Tall Tales episodes you may spot some items in the queue line from these stories. A bit of trivia is that Larry The Cable Guy recorded the original sets of music for the ride along with the background musicians Billy Hill and The Hillbillies from Disneyland's Frontierland fame. Listen for the blooper reel that was created from outtakes during the recording session.
4. Sally's Cozy Cone: Sally has transformed her iconic motel into a snack shack for the new CarsLand. You can get treats like Pop - Cone, Ice Cream Cone, Chili-Cone-Queso. It is also the spot where you can meet your favorite Cars Characters such as Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, and Sally.
5. Receive a free Cars pin: At Ramone's House Of Body Art (the souvenir shop) you can receive a free Cars pin by answering a trivia question about the Cars Pixar Movies. Just approach a Cast Member and ask about the pin, they will gladly give you a question to answer. 
6. Check out the Neon: One of the special Disney touches is when dusk rolls around and the neon lights begin to light up. Station yourself along Route 66 and watch them come on one by one with the background music "Life Could Be A Dream" from the scene in Cars where they cruise the newly paved strip with the neon lit up. Only Disney can integrate a movie/theme park experience so well.
8. Flo's V8 Cafe: Our family enjoyed this restaurant for breakfast one morning. They served a classic diner inspired breakfast with eggs, bacon, and potatoes. Although it is a quick service establishment it does serve meals with dishes and silverware giving it a much nicer feel. There is seating both inside and out and has some of the best viewing of Radiator Springs Racers while you dine. On the inside you will find the walls decorated with memorabilia of Floe's life as a singer back in the day.
7. Read the road signs in front of the Radiator Springs Race Track: The signs are styled after the old Burma Shaving Cream adds from the fifties and have a message to read both coming and going from the area. This part of the park is generally less crowded too, which makes it a nice break from the crowds.
9. Fillmore's Taste -in: This snack vender sells items to keep you refueled. From chips and soda to fresh fruit and water. We also found it quite fun to walk around Fillmore's psychedelic dome and let the kids pose for pictures with the different hippie background decor. 
10. Shortcuts in and out of the area: Finally, as much traffic as this land gets you're gonna want to know how to get around more easily. There are two back entrances into the CarsLand area. One connects you with Bugsland and then Buena Vista Street through a shortcut located by Hollywood Tower Hotel. This is the quickest way get to CarsLand from the park's entrance. The other shortcut connects you to the food court in the Pacific Warf area by way of the path that travels past the front of the Radiator Springs race track. This is generally a less crowded path and much easier to navigate. As you travel through these areas to get in out of CarsLand make sure you try some of our Top Disney Treats. Such as the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street. If your lucky enough to go during the Christmas Season check our Top 5 Things To Experience At Disneyland During The Christmas Season. Have a wonderful first visit to CarsLand.
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