Early Morning in the Junkyard

Summer mornings at Disneyland Resort during Extra Magic Hour often come equipped with overcast skies and cool temperatures. Mater's Junkyard takes on a calm, relaxed atmosphere during these moments despite the swirling tractors and Mater's loud, tongue-in-cheek serenades.

The Junkyard Jukebox Stands Outside of Mater's House

It's a perfect time to check out the hundreds of details in the junkyard queue while taking multiple spins on the funniest tractor pull that ever square-danced through Radiator Springs.


Even at 7:00 A.M., these tractors have their dancin' tires on!

As we've mentioned before, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is one of the most enjoyable family thrill rides in any Disney park, and much wilder than it looks from outside the fence. Don't miss this one on your next pass through Carburetor County.

Photos by Lana Whitham

Tips For The Cars Land Rope Drop & Mini-Parade

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.

Welcomed by the Turnstyle Ducks

Our Extra Magic Hour at Disneyland got a bonus touch of charm on our recent trip when a delightful pair of ducks (no relation to Donald) waddled up to inspect the crowd waiting to enter. I believe this smart feathered couple figured out how to get a jump on their comrades farther back in the park, and reasoned that early morning guests are often equipped with muffins and bagels.

Most of the waiting crowd had no idea of the cute antics happening up ahead. See, this is another reason to arrive early! Look at this crowd stretching back toward the entry to DCA. Keep in mind, these are just the Magic Morning/Extra Magic Hour ticket holders, an hour and fifteen minutes before the park's public opening on a Tuesday non-holiday in February!

Meanwhile, everyone up front (including the family chosen to lead the opening countdown) continued be delighted by the tiny unofficial greeting committee/donut inspectors.

Disneyland's high-tech marvels are often enriched by the simplest, most basic pleasures in life. As a life-long fan of the children's classic Make Way For Ducklings, I love the thought that this web-footed pair have chosen the best place on Earth to safely raise their family.

DCA Early Birds

Passholders and resort hotel guests wait patiently (sort of) about fifteen minutes before the DCA gates open for Extra Magic Hour -- an hour before the general public is allowed in.

You can bet about 95% of these folks are heading straight for Radiator Springs Racers or the RSR Fastpass machines.

I'm a park early bird, and always arrive at the gates well before opening to secure a spot in line for the rest of my group. I often wonder, while hiking through Downtown Disney at dawn, if I might be a bit too early--doomed to appear awkward standing alone at the gate. In all my years of visiting Disneyland Resort, however, I've never been the first to arrive. There's always somebody--usually many somebodies--ahead of me. We all stand waiting, chatting and watching the sun creep above the horizon as the crowd quickly grows bigger and louder.

That anticipation of waiting for the gates to open has actually become one of my favorite vacation traditions. I wouldn't dream of missing it!