Best Cars Land introduction?

[gcatt]

Our 14- and 17-year-olds love DLR, but haven't been to Cars Land yet. Last family visit was just before it opened, although DH & I have been there a few times on our own (work trips).

They are both really into the Disney magic. We have early morning entry to DCA for our first day in the park, but would prefer not to introduce them to Cars Land during the mad rush to RSR. Since we have two other early morning entries to DCA during our visit, we thought we would use this first morning for Toy Story, CA Screaming, etc. Either DH or I will pop over for RSR FPs when the park opens, then we will visit Cars Land together a bit later in the morning.

Would you bring new visitors into Cars Land via Route 66 from Blue Sky Cellar, or under the arch from Pacific Wharf? I am torn because I love both of these entrances. (Not considering the shortcut from a bug's land, which is more convenient than scenic.)

How would you make a first impression?

 

[gerilyne]

My DH and I will be taking his son to Disneyland with us this year (this will be our fourth time together but his first with us and since Carsland open) and I have been debating the same question. I think for a first impression, I'd go down Route 66 and take in that first look down the street to the Cadillac mountain range at the end. There is something just so immersive about the look and feel of seeing what audiences see from the movie at the same angle. Of course during the trip we will head in from the wharf and of course pop over at night with it all lit up. But in my opinion coming down Route 66 is the best way to see it for the first time, but maybe that's just because that's how I saw it first.

 

[peanutmomma]

Route 66 would be my choice - so iconic to feel like you're walking straight into downtown Radiator Springs.

The arch is nice, but it didn't quite have the same pop to it for us. (Although it does make for a great photo op!)

 

[TechGuy]

Route 66...after Dark, if you can wait and can comeback for rides later.

 

[Diszona]

Definitely Route 66, it is more like you are walking right into the movie from that direction. Night is the best, with all the neon, but probably not the best timing for an "introduction" to the area.

 

[YukonMommy]

Route 66 for sure! I remember the first time we saw it, my boys mouths literally dropped opened (as I am sure mine did also!!)

Have a magical time!

 

[Belleandtinker]

I'm for watching the movie prior to your trip. Get a FP for RSR and leisurely stroll on Route 66. After dark is MUST as well.
You'll love it!

 

[Belleandtinker]

After your visit, watch the movie again!

 

[peanutmomma]

Or dusk when they play the music from the movies and light up the neon signs one by one - I was sitting at a table outside Flo's and had no idea it was going to happen. Love those special little touches!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

If you can, take your first visit at dusk. It's so beautiful and fun at night! Come in from the front by Mater's ride. Seriously, best piece of Disney magic ever created in my opinion. The theming is just incredible.

 

[gcatt]

Thanks for all of the replies! Route 66 it is.

I would love to wait until dusk, but doubt that would go over very well with the kids.
(Especially since they can see the Cadillac Mountain Range from across the park. . . and probably from our room at PPH. )

 

[TechGuy]

If you can't wait until dusk/dark, come back later. The view is incredible. It is a very immersive land.

Cozy Cones have adult themed beverages.... yummy

 

[madasax12]

66....walking into Carsland with my kids for the first expienece was unreal, I was just as excited as they were. We hit RSR first thing in the morning with early entry, we plan to do the same this trip.