I just wanted to give you a couple pointers that I learned yesterday. Disney had a Carsland preview, plus we stayed a couple nights midweek and got the low down from the Bellman. Now with the opening this Friday, DCA is going to be packed for the rest of the Summer. At least you don't have to worry about the So Cal pass holders, they are blocked out the entire month of July, but the Premium APs and Deluxes will be able to get in, plus it's the high tourist season.
First off, don't spend your time in the Standby line for Radiator Springs Racers, especially while you are at the Hojo. One of the perks for the Summer DLR guests will be early access to RSR. If it's like the Little Mermaid last year, you'll be able to ride it from 9AM to 10AM before the non Disney Resort guests are let into the park.
Also last year they were giving out anytime FPs, one for each guest each day. If they don't do this, try to get a FP for RSR so that you also get a ride in after dark. The CM said that these two different times were like Night and Day.
But seriously, I didn't get to ride it after dark, but from the way the CM described it, the whole experience sounded really cool.
Luigi's Flying Tires, don't wait more than 20 minutes for this one. If the line extends to the room with the tires in the show room, do it some other time. We waited 30 minutes yesterday and it wasn't worth the short time we got on the ride. I've put this on my 15 minutes or less list.
Mader's Ride is fun, and a lot of people have said it's like the tea cups. Not having been on the Tea Cups, I couldn't tell you. However, I wouldn't wait more than 15-20 to do this one either.
Don't get your hopes up about eating at the Cozy Cones. They are going to have real problem with these as the lines were just awful and this was on a Preview day with limited admission. You've got lots of great dining plans and don't need to wait for snacks (which is pretty much what they serve at the cones). However, if you're like me and HAD to have a souvenir "sipper cone" than you might end up investing some time waiting. Took me 20 minutes in line for the stupid thing.
Flo's cafe looks OK as a eatery, they made it a point to make some of the choices that might often contain meat vegetarian and have it clearly labeled on the menu as well. If you're looking for CS meals n DCA, I wouldn't venture to Carsland, but instead to the newer offerings in Paradise Pier, Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta or Garden Grill. They have quite a few non meat options at those as well as hearty meat choices.
I think you mentioned that you're having lunch at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. The menu looks nice. I'm waiting to see pictures from the folks who dined there last night at $500 a head. We'll have to wait until it opens to have the $25 cheeseburger!
I wasn't paying those prices, for a three course meal none the less, even if it did go to a charitable cause.
Your trip is getting so close! That's good, I need another TR to follow as most of the folks I've been following are almost done with theirs! Have fun!
Something. Hmmm. 
