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.

Screamin' Around Paradise Bay

California Screamin' barrels around a turn above the waters of Paradise Bay. This end of the massive coaster gets up close and personal with passerby, roaring over the main walkway several times and zipping past the lower observation deck of the Silly Symphony Swings -- which is where we got this view.

Screamin' doesn't tell a story or dazzle with special effects, but it's still an amazing experience -- and nearly as much fun to watch as it is to ride. If I could change one thing about the ride (besides theming the brake run at the end), I'd love to see the shoulder harnesses replaced with simple lap bars someday; I really want to be able to raise my arms all the way up on this thing!

The World's Biggest Slot Car Track

Here's an early morning, sun-flare-blasted shot of Radiator Springs Racers. In a view from the ride's exit path, we see the competitors zipping around the Radiator Cap helix, their car radios crackling as Doc Hudson barks, "Hold tight around the turn!"

Like many other young slot car fans racing model cars in the 70's, I often daydreamed about how much fun a life-size slot car track would be. When Test Track opened in Epcot, I thought the only thing missing was side-by-side racing. Now that a genuine, full-sized, two-lane slot car track has opened in Cars Land, I've found the actual ride experience is even more fun than I ever imagined.