If you're a Disney Park fan, you're probably familiar with the morning ritual known as the "Rope Drop", where early-bird guests are admitted to the park's entry area, but held at a temporary barrier (the "rope") until the official opening moment.
Today, we're at Disney California Adventure for one of the most well-organized and clever rope-drop variations I've ever encountered: The Cars Land Mini-Parade and Gasoline Hose March! There are a couple of tricks to it you might find helpful on your next visit...
First off, be sure to arrive early -- crazy early. The goal is to be near the front of one of the many entry lines before the park opens. After the morning greeting from the cast and a click through the turnstyle...
Move as quickly as possible (without running) down Buena Vista Street. There is a massive crowd flowing in behind you at this moment...
Continue around the right side of the Carthay Circle Restaurant. Don't look back!
You'll arrive at the "rope" (just below our view, here) and halt momentarily. The Cars Land entrance waits up ahead. You just might see Lightning McQueen and Mater driving about, getting into place for the Hose March (
not Disney's official name for the event).
Unlike at Disneyland, where the rope-drop crowd splits off in different directions between three or four big attractions, almost every single person behind you is heading for Radiator Springs Racers. No worries: Prepare for a really clever bit of crowd control by the DCA cast.
The gasoline hose approaches. No, they're not going to spray us with fuel...
I hope the person who thought of this got a raise.
Getting ready. Note Lightning and Mater waiting up ahead.
The Hose March begins!
Entering Radiator Springs, with Mater and Lightning leading the way.
As you head down Route 66, start shifting to the right side of the crowd...
Yeah...like this...because...
Up ahead, Red the Fire Engine is driving out to greet us! And he's not just there for show. He's functioning as the world's most charming bit of crowd control, effortlessly blocking half the street.
Everyone heading to Radiator Springs Racers now funnels down along the right side of the avenue. As a nice bit of double-duty, Red provides a splendid distraction for very small children who don't meet the ride's height requirement. One parent or guardian can take the child to meet Red, then regroup with the rest of their party at the Racers' exit.
The hose has vanished, but the march continues! As the funnel narrows another step, we enter the temporary queue extension, passing Sheriff's office and approaching our goal...
Let the fun begin! Worth getting up early for? Darn tootin'! After your ride, anyone who'd like to immediately ride again with no wait should immediately enter the Single Rider line, which will be a walk-on for the next several minutes.
Final tip: Breakfast at Flo's!
I hope you've enjoyed this look at Cars Land's unique early morning tradition. Please note that there's no guarantee the Gas Hose March will take place the day of your visit: Please check with the park. One way or another, though, early-morning Cars Land is worth setting your alarm for!
Note: If you don't have Extra Magic Hour
admission, these tips only apply if you're visiting DCA on a
non-EMH day (check with your hotel; Extra Magic Hour usually alternates
between Disneyland and DCA).
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