One Rock, Two Checkpoints

Willy's Butte, one of the most recognizable rock formations in the Cars Universe, marks two important story moments both in the film and on Radiator Springs Racers.

In the movie, it's the site of two character life-changing scenes for rookie Lightning McQueen and veteran racer Doc Hudson.

On the ride, it visually bookends the first and last acts of the adventure, first appearing to riders as a remote landmark silhouetted against the sky, then later looming over the race's climactic banked turn. Between those two moments, guests have changed from curious sightseers to honorary citizens of Radiator Springs--and from relaxed spectators to whooping, adrenaline-pumped competitors.

There are many, many reasons the ride succeeds so well, and this awesome rock plays a silent but important role as the journey's lighthouse and cornerstone.

The Cars Look Like the Rocks -- Not the Other Way 'Round

Cars Land bursts with hidden little attractions like the Doc Hudson Museum, Mater's Petting Zoo, and these wonderful little Geological Info-stations placed along Cross Street. Just like the kind you find at many of our nation's scenic viewpoints, these displays identify what you're looking at.

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And -- in Cars Land -- the more you look, the more whimsical they get, presenting their mockumentary Ornament Valley geology lessons as straight-faced as can be.

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The best part, and a key to the Cars universe, is learning that -- in this alternate world -- the Cars modeled themselves after their surroundings. The rocks don't look like the cars, the cars look like the rocks.