Happy Birthday, Cars Land! Our Radiator Springs Top Ten

One year ago today, Cars Land opened to the public, rocketing Disneyland Resort into one of the most exciting and successful seasons in theme park history. Overnight, the once-ridiculed DCA became an outstanding full-day park and the entire resort began firing on all cylinders like never before.

In honor of the land that saved an entire park, Mouse Troop happily presents the top ten reasons we find it tough to leave DCA's amazing automotive universe.

1) THE ROCK WORK

Pictures and videos don't do justice to this enormous, amazing fantasy landscape. Although it's all part of Radiator Springs Racers, the rock work of Cars Land is also an attraction in itself--one that can be enjoyed at leisure by all guests. It's certainly the main reason we find it hard to tear ourselves away from the place.

2) RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS

Currently our favorite ride on the planet, this masterpiece of humor, heart, thrills and joy isn't just a great ride--it completely succeeds at pulling you into the story and making you the main character in a quest to take part in Race Day at Radiator Springs. Absolutely amazing. The Single Rider queue provides a great way to avoid the often two-plus hour waits.

Flying Saucers, Tires, Fish Heads & Crumbs

 

Yes, I am the proud owner of a Luigi's Flying Tire hat, one of the most delightfully goofball souvenirs in Cars Land. I don't wear it to work (very often), but it's definitely a cheery item to keep around.

As many readers know, the Luigi's Flying Tires ride (which I love) owes its existence to a legendary ride from Disneyland's early years, the Flying Saucers. As someone who rode the Saucers twice as a small child, I can honestly say that I remember very little of the experience.

Aston Walrus, on the other hand, remembers quite a bit...or so he claims...

Luigi's Flying Tires: Better Without the Beach Balls?

We're standing on the Cross Street side of Luigi's Flying Tires, watching one of the ride's last nights operating with the beach balls. The cheerful Italian Flag-colored bonking spheres were recently removed, reportedly to help accelerate the load times.

Although I loved the added color, I won't miss the beach toys; they distracted nearly every rider into treating the ride like a goofy dodgeball game. Battle-crazed guests tend to ignore the most wondrous part of the whole experience: you're flying!

Okay -- technically, you're hovering...or floating...but it's still amazing. Some online critics feel this mellow non-thrill ride's not worth waiting in line for, but I disagree. Luigi's Flying Tires gives you a chance to pilot your own private hovercraft. When you get your tire scooting across the floor, it feels like surfing on air -- and I can't get that sensation from any other ride on Earth. It's a true one-of-a-kind, magical experience.

Luigi's Office

Luigi's Flying Tires isn't just a fun, one-of-a-kind ride; this attraction boasts one of the most enjoyable queues in Disneyland Resort. After touring the showroom and memorabilia-crammed fitting room of Casa della Tires, guests encounter one final room before heading out to the gardens: Luigi's office.

It looks completely believable as a functioning workspace. In fact, you could mistake it for the office of a car-parts dealer in the human world...until you notice details like the push-panels that open the file drawers and the shape of the bottle on the desk.

I'd love to get a closer look at the items on display in there. If Disney ever offers a Cars Land behind-the-scenes and on-the-set tour, I'll be one of the first in line.

Cars Land Song List *Updated*

The internet's a great place to find out others share your Disney hobbies -- for instance, creating playlists of songs you enjoy at the Disney Resorts. At Mouse Troop, we're thoroughly enjoying the sounds of Cars Land, and we're compiling a list of music we've heard there. The official Music of Cars Land CD got us off to a great start, but there's much, much more to the soundscape of DCA's newest territory.

So here's our ongoing project to list as many Cars Land tracks as we can, and indicate if they're available on CD or iTunes. Any input you can give us to complete this list would be greatly appreciated! *Update* There are a lot of terrific and dedicated Disney music fans out there, and this list could not be as robust as it is without information gathered by Anonymous friends as well as monorail91, pixilated and RocketRodsXPR. UPDATE 12/10/12  A thanks to reader Jesse, who just identified three Ramblin' Lou songs from the RSR queue. UPDATE 3/5/2013 We weren't simply eating at Flo's on our most recent DCA trip -- we were taking notes! We've added over a dozen tracks to our Flo's V8 Cafe list and added La Bamba to Ramone's. UPDATE 7/7/13 A big thanks to Heather D., who just identified nearly a dozen additional songs for the RSR queue list!

So, as Mater sings at his Junkyard Jamboree, "Scatter n' scoot n' away we go!"


FROM RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS:

Radiator Springs Racers Full Attraction (Available on The Music of Cars Land and iTunes)
Behind the Clouds - Brad Paisley (Available on Cars soundtrack)
Low Rider (Espanol Fantasmo Mix) - War (Available on The Music of Cars Land)

FROM THE RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS QUEUE:

Riding in My Car (Car Car Song) - Woody Guthrie (Available on The Music of Cars Land)
Auto-Conga - Xavier Cugat (iTunes)
Hot Rod Blues - Ramblin' Lou (iTunes)
In My Merry Oldsmobile - Bix Beiderbeck (iTunes)
Listen to the Rhythm of the Range - Gene Autry (iTunes)
Roly Poly - Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys (iTunes)
Henry's Made a Lady Out of Lizzie - Beth Challis (iTunes)
No Parking Here - Jimmy Littlejohn (iTunes)
The Little Ford Rambled Right Along - Billy Murray (iTunes)
The Automobile Song - Ramblin' Lou (iTunes)
Model T Baby - Ramblin' Lou (iTunes)
My Ford Sedan - Fiddlin' John Carson (iTunes)
Crazy 'Cause I Love You - Tex Williams (iTunes)
The Automobile Song - Luke McDaniel (iTunes)
I'm a Truck Driving Man - Red Simpson (iTunes)
Dig That Hot Rod = Paul Westmoreland (iTunes)
The Chevrolet Six - Frank Hutchison (iTunes)
Hot Rod Baby - Dick Reinhart (iTunes)
Hello, I'm a Truck - Red Simpson (iTunes)
Truck Driver Blues - Red Simpson (iTunes)
Runaway Truck - Red Simpson
Wildwood Flower - The Carter Family (iTunes)
I'm Wild About Horns On Automobiles, That Go Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta - Billy Hays & his Orchestra with vocal by Pete Moore (CD: Four-Four Rhythm: Victor Territory Bands 1928-1931: Volume 1: Available through Amazon)


FROM ROUTE 66:

Route 66 - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
V-8 Ford Blues - Mose Allison (iTunes)
Hot Rod Man - Tex Rubinowitz (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
Little Forty Ford - Leon Smith (iTunes)
Road Runner - Bo Diddley (iTunes)
409 - The Quads (Amazon mp3)
Let's Go for a Ride - The Collegians (iTunes)
Welcome to Radiator Springs - Joe Louis Walker (The Music of Cars Land)
Ride on Josephine - George Thorogood & the Destroyers (iTunes)
Big Green Car - Jimmy Carroll (iTunes)
Hot Rod Is Her Name - Tom Tall & Ginny Wright (iTunes)
Automobiles - The Spaniels (iTunes)
Ford V-8 - Honey Boy Allen (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett (iTunes)
Maybellene - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
Coupe de Ville Baby - Vernon Green & The Medallions (iTunes)
Hot Rod - The Collins Kids (iTunes)
Led Sled - Denny Freeman (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
Cruisin' - Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
No Particular Place to Go - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
Bring My Cadillac Back - Baker Knight & The Knightmares (iTunes)
Key to the Highway - Little Walter (iTunes)
Hot Rod Queen - Deke Dickerson & The Ecco-Fonics (iTunes)
Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (iTunes)
Draggin' - Curtis Gordon (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
One Piece at a Time - Johnny Cash (iTunes)
Stand on It - Mel McDaniel (iTunes)
Built for Speed - Stray Cats (iTunes)
Fastest Short in Town - Robert A. Irvine & The Kentucky Colonels (iTunes)
Rocking Little Roadster - Fred Mollin & The Blue Sea Band, featuring Gunnar Nelson (iTunes)
Hot Rod Lincoln - Johnny Bond (iTunes)
Twin Pipes and Pin Stripes - Sammy Masters (iTunes)
You Can't Catch Me - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
Spinout - Elvis Presley (iTunes)
My Mustang Ford - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
The Phantom Dragster - The Bobby Fuller Four (iTunes)
Flat Tire - The Del Vikings (iTunes)
Black and White Thunderbird - Fred Mollin & The Blue Sea Band (iTunes)
My Old Car - Fred Mollin & The Blue Sea Band, featuring Johnny Neel - (iTunes)
Pink Cadillac - Sammy Masters & His Rocking Rhythms (iTunes)
My White Convertible - The Hall Brothers (iTunes)
Loud Mufflers - Robert Williams and The Groovers (iTunes)
Six Days on the Road - Dave Dudley (iTunes)
Hotrod Gang - Stray Cats (Hot Rods & Custom Classics)
Pontiac Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson (iTunes)
Green Onions - Booker T. & The MG's (iTunes)
Freeway of Love - Aretha Franklin (iTunes)
Radiator Rock - Joe Louis Walker (The Music of Cars Land)
Ride on Josephine - Bo Diddley (iTunes)
Wheels - The Flying Burrito Brothers (iTunes)
V-8 Ford Boogie - Eleven Hundred Springs (iTunes)
Go Champs Go - The Champs (iTunes)
Dear Dad - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
Hot Rod Susie - The Manin Brothers (iTunes)
I Want to Be Your Driver - Chuck Berry (iTunes)
Mustang Sally & GTO - John Lee Hooker (iTunes)
From a Buick 6 - Bob Dylan (iTunes)
Cadillac - Bo Diddley (iTunes)
Hot Rodder's Lament - Deke Dickerson & The Ecco-Fonics (iTunes)
Hardtop Race - George Stogner (iTunes)
Slow Down "GTO" - Joe Louis Walker (iTunes)
King of the Road - Roger Miller (iTunes)
Peroxide Blonde and a Hopped Up Model Ford - Jumpin' Gene Simmons (iTunes)
I've Been Everywhere - Hank Snow (iTunes)
Push Button Automobile - Vernon Green & The Medallions (iTunes)
Motor Head Baby - Johnny "Guitar" Watson (iTunes)
Look at That Cadillac - Stray Cats (iTunes)
Sh-Boom - The Chords (iTunes) *Special event song played only once a night

FROM MATER'S JUNKYARD JAMBOREE:

Junkyard Jamboree - Larry the Cable Guy  (The Music of Cars Land)
Big Bull Dozer - Larry the Cable Guy (The Music of Cars Land)
Tow Mater (The One You Want To Call) - Larry the Cable Guy (The Music of Cars Land)
Mater's Square Dance - Larry the Cable Guy (The Music of Cars Land)
Let's Go Drivin' - Larry the Cable Guy (The Music of Cars Land)
Welcome to Radiator Springs - Larry the Cable Guy (iTunes)
Radiator Rock - Larry the Cable Guy
Welcome to Radiator Springs (blooper version) - Larry the Cable Guy

FROM FLO'S V8 CAFE:

Stop in the Name of Love - The Supremes  (Available on The Music of Cars Land)
I Hear a Symphony - The Supremes (iTunes)
Jimmy Mack - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (iTunes)
Dancing in the Street - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (iTunes)
Tell Him - The Exciters (iTunes)
He's So Fine - The Chiffons (iTunes)
Da Doo Ron Ron - The Crystals (iTunes)
Take Me in Your Arms - Kim Weston - (iTunes)
Chapel of Love -  The Dixie Cups (iTunes)
Nowhere to Run - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (iTunes)
Mama Said - The Shirelles (iTunes)
Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes (iTunes)
Sweet Talking Guy - The Chiffons (iTunes)
And Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals (iTunes)
One Fine Day - The Chiffons (iTunes)
Baby Love - Diana Ross and the Supremes (iTunes)
He Was Really Saying Something - The Velvelettes (iTunes)
Don't Let Him Shop Around - Debbie Dean (iTunes)
Come See About Me - Dianna Ross and the Supremes (iTunes)
Back in My Arms Again - Diana Ross and the Supremes (iTunes)
Sailor Boy - The Chiffons (iTunes)
Respect - Aretha Franklin (iTunes)
The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) - Betty Everett (iTunes)
Rescue Me - Fontella Bass (iTunes)

FROM RAMONE'S HOUSE OF BODY ART:

Low Rider (Espanol Fantasmo Mix) - War (iTunes)
Wooly Bully - Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs (iTunes)
Why Can't We Be Friends - War (iTunes)
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens - (iTunes)

FROM LUIGI'S FLYING TIRES:

Eh Cumpari - Julius La Rosa (iTunes)
Luigi - Louis Prima (iTunes)
La Strada Del Bosco - Claudio Villa
Che Cosse` L'amor - Vinicio Capossela (iTunes)
Funiculi Funicula - Various - From the album "24 Exitos - 10 Grandes Artistas Paris - Italia" (iTunes)
Arrivederci, Roma - Mario Lanza (iTunes)
Tie, Ti, Tie Ta - Claudio Villa
Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) - Domenico Modugno (iTunes)
Carina - Nicola Arigliano (iTunes)
Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney (The Music of Cars Land)
La Donna è Mobile (Rigoletto) - Orchestra Italiana
That's Amore (That's Love) - Dean Martin (iTunes)
Papa Loves Mambo – Perry Como (iTunes)
Forget Domani - Perry Como
O Sole Mio - Various - From the album "24 Exitos - 10 Grandes Artistas Paris - Italia" (iTunes)
Soldi, Soldi, Soldi - Sophia Loren (iTunes)
Juke Box - Fred Buscaglione (iTunes)

The Best Rides at Disney California Adventure

It's amazing what a multi-year expansion can do for a park; back in 2001 when DCA first opened, I couldn't have listed ten great rides there if my life depended on it. Things are certainly different now; Disneyland's next-door neighbor finally boasts a solid roster of great attractions. Here are Mouse Troop's picks for the ten best rides at Disney California Adventure.

Let's start with the best:

#1 - RADIATOR SPRINGS RACERS

Since it's possibly the greatest ride on Earth, it's no surprise that Radiator Springs Racers wins our award for Best Ride at Disney California Adventure. A perfect blend of indoor dark ride and outdoor thrills, it's got heart, humor, spectacle and surprises around every bend, including the most amazing audioanimatronics we've ever encountered. You become the main character in a quest to take part in Race Day at Radiator Springs and, from Sheriff's seat belt warning to Lightning and Mater's parting words to your group, every inch of the trip is pure fun. Riders whoop and holler with joy at the race's finale, whether they've won or not; it's an exhilarating, spirit-lifting rush. Absolutely awesome.

#2 - CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN' 

It's the state's longest roller coaster, and the longest looping coaster on Earth. An opening-day original, it's always been one of the best reasons to visit DCA. California Screamin' is a fantastic thrill ride packed with great coaster elements, including a catapult launch, an intense loop, huge, stomach-flipping drops, high-speed banked turns, air-time on several hills and a wild helix finale. It's a darn pretty coaster too, forming a perfect backdrop for the old-time boardwalk setting of Paradise Pier.

#3 - TOY STORY MIDWAY MANIA
A hit at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, this ride/game combination makes everyone laugh and shout as they frantically compete for the best score in the ride vehicle. The games are simple, yet full of surprises to discover. The 3D is amazing. Favorite characters, jolly music, great art direction, and startling physical effects keep the pace intense but never overwhelming. It's a real winner, still drawing crowds four years after its debut.

#4 - TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR

This ride scares me every single time I ride -- and I love it. The drops are terrifying and hilarious at the same time, evoking both screams and laughter from each elevator load of guests. I love the way this ride plays mind games with its passengers, catching them off-guard over and over again. It's definitely the scariest ride at Disneyland Resort, and one of DCA's very best.

#5 -  SOARIN'

The best flight simulation ride ever, Soarin' is an experience no one should miss. It captures not just the sensation and thrill of flight over California's beautiful landscapes and seashores, but the emotion and grandeur as well. It's a perfect combination of music, imagery and motion -- a work of  genius.

#6 - MATER'S JUNKYARD JAMBOREE

"Whippin', whirlin', twistin' twirlin'," sings Mater in one of this attraction's soundtrack songs, and that pretty much sums up the crazy atmosphere of this awesomely fun ride. Folks who pass it by (thinking it's a kiddy ride) don't know what they're missing; this thing packs a surprising thrill as the tractor-pulled trailers whip wildly around the course. Combined with a fantastically detailed setting right out of the Cars films, Junkyard Jamboree is a winner.

#7 - GRIZZLY RIVER RUN

Splashing through the caves and mine shafts of Grizzly peak and plummeting down two steep drops, this ride gets my vote for best whitewater rapids attraction on the planet. The setting's beautiful, the river layout is imaginative, and a unique mechanism actually spins your raft as you hurtle down the big final drop. The only problem with Grizzly River Run is that -- like all whitewater rides -- it can completely soak you. We recommend riding it on your way back to your hotel room; you might have to change into some dry clothes.

#8 - LUIGI'S FLYING TIRES

Yes, all three of Cars Land's rides made the list! Luigi's Flying Tires is a wonderful and unique ride. These gentle round giants hover and scoot about like enormous air hockey pucks. Steering's easy (lean in the direction you want to go) and the party-like atmosphere is great fun. Our advice: don't waste time trying to bump into other riders; head for open space and simply have fun piloting your tire around the arena.

#9 - THE LITTLE MERMAID - ARIEL'S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE

A fun, relaxing journey through the musical highlights of a modern classic, Little Mermaid contains great audioanimatronics and convincing sets. Although we wish there were a bit more "adventure" in Ariel's Undersea Adventure (where's the shark? The Storm? The Battle with Ursula?), this is a great one for families with small children, and a good-humored journey for all ages.

#10 - MONSTERS INC. - MIKE AND SULLEY TO THE RESCUE

This dark ride through the world of Monstropolis is packed with funny gags and imaginative surprises, leading to a suitably eye-popping finale in the famous "door warehouse." It's worth riding just to hear Boo squeak, "Mike Wazowski!" This one's both fun and endearing. When Roz talks to you near the ride's ending, be sure to actually respond; she'll react to your answer!


One thing's for certain, taking a spin on every one of these rides adds up to one great day at DCA! Did we overlook a favorite? Do you think Goofy's Sky School or the Silly Symphony Swings deserve a spot? If so, post your thoughts!

Forget Bad Reviews: Flying Tires Rock!

Luigi's Flying Tires (pictured above in pre-launch mode) turned out to be a pleasant surprise on our first Cars Land visit. Some early reviews had labeled the ride boring, difficult to control and unbearably slow loading.

Hogwash!

The ride is incredibly fun. You really do float on a cushion of air -- which is a great experience in itself -- and you can really get those things scootin' across the field at a nice clip!

The tires are incredibly easy to control: Lean. Don't lean too much. That's it. Not too difficult, right?

The ride isn't the fastest loader on property, but it swallows up large groups with each cycle, and the queue winds through Luigi's shop and gardens, presenting you with tons of fun details and backstory to enjoy. If the line is not reaching outside Luigi's front entry, your wait should be very reasonable.

My advice: don't concentrate too much on bumping into other riders, and simply have fun piloting your tire around the arena! A family member suggested the ride could be improved with two fewer tires on the field to give all pilots more maneuvering room, and I completely agree.

By all means, take Luigi's tires for a spin on your Cars Land visit. It's a unique, playful joyride.