Ordering at Flo's -- The Lure of the Lightning Lunchboxes

A visit to Cars Land isn't complete without a relaxing break at Flo's V8 Cafe to enjoy the knock-out view of Radiator Springs Racers, the excellent food, the music, the backstory and the adjoining Doc Hudson Museum. Before you can rest your feet and drink up the atmosphere, of course, you need to pick up some "fuel." Fortunately, the quick and friendly crew make that chore a pleasure.

A waitress will hand you a menu as you reach the front of the fast-moving queue, and stand ready to answer any questions or make recommendations. You'll soon be directed to the next available register to place your order (I highly recommend the Citrus Turkey.)

The displays certainly help sell a ton of Lightning McQueen lunchbox/meal combos. Though intended for children, it's no surprise that nearly as many adults end up ordering one; They really are great, well-made souvenirs (a head's up to parents: the toy car rolls very, very well; make sure the food packed inside doesn't go flying during a daring off-the-table stunt!) The children's meals (turkey sandwich, roast beef sandwich or Mac and Cheese) are actually very good, considering they play second fiddle to the container.

The milk shakes, represented on the second shelf, are delicious, but I have mixed feelings about the "road gravel" candy floating on top; It's a cute detail, but the topping usually ends up blocking my straw. But, seriously, if that's my biggest problem on vacation, I think I can live with it...

A DCA Moment: Slinky Dog

This is why the parks rule: There simply aren't enough giant, good-humored, stretchy pull-toy canine hind legs high-fiving people in the real world.

Screamin' Over Toy Story

Today we have a quick look at California Screamin' looping gracefully over Toy Story Midway Mania. Both rides are technological marvels presented as old-time seashore boardwalk fun.

The combination of old and new, plus the blending of classic amusement park showmanship and Disney's attention to detail makes today's Paradise Pier one of the company's most unusual and thrilling themed lands.

Bullseye Stallion Stampede

Bullseye is one of my very favorite Pixar characters, so I was happy to see him awarded an appropriate DCA mini-attraction of his own in 2009.

Soon after Toy Story Midway Mania opened on Paradise Pier in 2008, the area's midway games underwent a major theme change to add some desperately-needed character elements. The Bullseye Stallion Stampede is one of those games where a prize is awarded each time, and your odds of winning depend on how many other players take part. Rolling a ball into holes on the playing field sends your little 2-D horse advancing across the race track.

The best scenario for this game is for one or two parents to compete alongside their child with no other players present, guaranteeing a plush prize for a reasonable cost. Although "real" world carny games are notoriously stacked against the player, this family-friendly twist can actually be a good entertainment/souvenir deal when all participants are in the same touring group.

Review: Toy Story: Smash It! for iPhone and Android

In another bid to prove they're serious about gaming, Disney has released Toy Story: Smash It!, a polished, enjoyable mobile game that's easy to play but challenging to complete.

The Kind of Home a Jeep Could Love

Sarge the Army Jeep lives a down-to-basics, no-nonsense lifestyle, and that's reflected by the exterior of his combination home/business in Radiator Springs, Sarge's Surplus Hut. Modeled after a WWII-era quonset hut, the weathered and rust-stained dwelling truly looks as if it's been sitting in Cars Land for decades.

Inside the shop, things get a bit more whimsical. It seems Sarge has realized that human customers are more inclined to choose die-cast miniatures and plush Maters over his usual stock of military surplus. If you look around while toy shopping, however, you might notice some stashed-away items from his store's original inventory, including an enormous pair of night-vision goggles.

Green Army Men in 2008

Our recent post on Toy Story Midway Mania has got me thinking back on the attraction's first summer at the resort. It's hard to believe the ride will soon reach its fifth anniversary!

Midway Mania was the first major step in "fixing" the old DCA, and the loyal Green Army Men were sent outside the park's borders to spread the word via a clever little show in the Esplanade. The performers did a great job, drawing crowds as they drummed up excitement for the new ride/game.

You don't often see Disney characters performing outside the turnstyles; this was actually a free little show that anyone could enjoy -- even if they'd just come to the resort to stroll through Downtown Disney.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt a bit sorry for these guys on that particular summer afternoon; they were performing in nearly hundred degree heat.

Toy Story Midway Mania

The lively atmosphere of this loading station sets the mood for a terrific ride; Toy Story Midway Mania provides one of the most intensely entertaining sensory-overload experiences in all of Disneyland Resort.

It's also one of the trickiest rides to board without a hefty wait in line. Unlike its sister attraction in Florida, the DCA Toy Story ride has no Fastpass option. The good news: without Fastpass, the line moves fairly quickly, and an average afternoon wait hovers around the 45 minute mark.

The bad news: that  line remains consistent throughout most of the day. The only way to board quickly is to hurry over to Toy Story first thing in the morning (while everyone else is in Cars Land).

Or, there's Plan B...

The World Behind World of Color: Dark Paradise Pier

If you've already seen the terrific World of Color at Disney California Adventure, you might want to consider an alternate plan during the next performance: Dark Paradise Pier. It's one of the park's most atmospheric and unexpectedly pleasant surprises. It's also one of the very best times to visit Toy Story Midway Mania.

Mr. Potato Head Works the Crowd

Entering Toy Story Midway Mania requires a stroll past the watchful and witty Mr. Potato Head, Paradise Pier's number one (and only) sideshow barker.

While the Florida version of the ride uses its queue to make guests feel they've shrunk to toy size, California's Midway Mania queue enlarges the Toy Story world to blend in with an early-twentieth-century boardwalk.

On both coasts, riders are treated to one of the most amazing interactive adventures in theme park history.