OFFICIAL CARS LAND, BUENA VISTA STREET, ETC., SUPER THREAD! (Updated Daily+)

[Zzizzy]

Just a heads up for the Cozy Cones. They do not give an AP discount, but they do accept Disney gift cards. Go figure!

I was surprised about this too. The explanation is that each "Cone" is treated as outdoor vending and therefore doesn't qualify for the AP discount. That is usually because they do not have the connection at the cart from the cash register to the Disney passholder network. But as you can see (and this happened to me as well), they can process gift cards with no problem.

I think some of this may settle out over time. But I agree that it was unexpected.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I compare it to the Main Street Cone shop at DL, which will process your credit and gift cards, but doesn't offer discounts.

The fact that they both have "cone" in the name is sheer coincidence.

 

[oscarkitty1]

Hi all! I just read through this thread and didn't see an answer for my questions. Forgive me if I missed them.

First - I just found out today that my company is sending me to Anaheim this weekend for a work related project!!!! I booked my flight, have my reservation at the Fairfield Inn, and now with two whole days to plan - I will be there for Carsland Opening Day!!! Never dreamed this would happen!!

So the first bit of info I was looking for... Is the park expected to reach capacity on Friday? I don't land until 3 pm (at SNA) so I wonder if I should be prepared to not get in Friday night?

Second... I will be solo since it is a business trip (DH is soooo jealous!!). Any planned DIS meet-ups? I've met several of the DIS Divas before (when my trips coincided with the Diva's trips) so it would be great to see you again. Also would love to meet some new DIS'ers as well.

Sorry to jump in the middle of this so late in the game. I'm still pinching myself that it's actually happening! I am beyond excited!!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Hi Vicky!

I haven't seen an official meet up thread for opening day, but you might check the thread for folks going in June for something.

A bunch of us will be there on opening day, as it's the last day of the media event.

I think the park may hit capacity earlier in the day for locals, but with the other nighttime activities, over at DL - Fantasmic, Fireworks, and in DCA, like T Party, WoC, that CL may clear out a tiny bit. That and people may just tire from the crowds. It never hurts to give it a try!!!

 

[perlster]

Los Angeles Times review of Cars Land - includes links to related reviews and photos

 

[Kathymford]

Has anything come out about an actual open time for Friday? Or how early people can line up?

 

[Shananana]

Hi! I'll be there during the media day, TOMORROW. I want to be able to say hi to everyone there.

I'll have 2 kids with me, both with birthdays this last weekend, so they will be wearing their birthday buttons.

 

[rowan1813]

Has anything come out about an actual open time for Friday? Or how early people can line up?

Yes it just came out a little while ago. If you go to the Disney Parks Blog page, it's their latest blog and it gives info on overnight parking and time for the queues to start. I would link the url but I am doing this on my phone and its not working right. DLR29 also just did a thread about this too. Have fun everyone!!!! I'll be there in spirit!!

 

[Belle Ella]

A couple friends of mine are on the red carpet tonight for Cars Land. I am so jealous. But it was fun being in DCA today to see everything set up for tonight (and the lack of walls everywhere). Highlight of the day was having a nice chat with Imagineer Lisa Girolami though! Spotted her and had to go say hello.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Just a heads up for the Cozy Cones. They do not give an AP discount, but they do accept Disney gift cards. Go figure!

Bummer.

I compare it to the Main Street Cone shop at DL, which will process your credit and gift cards, but doesn't offer discounts.

The fact that they both have "cone" in the name is sheer coincidence.

Yeah, there are other places as well. It seems that Disney makes a distinction between snack and meal places and doesn't want to offer discounts at locations that are considered snack vending. This seems to include the aforementioned Cone Shop, Gibson Girl, Mint Julep bar, the fruit stand I think, and various vending carts. Many of these places can take credit and gift cards, so that has nothing to do with it. Another place that had an AP discount once but lost it a year or two ago was the Disneyland Hotel coffee shop. The lead that morning who told me they were no longer offering an AP discount said the higher management had re-classified the place as a snack location and replaced their cash register with one that no longer had the AP discount "button."

 

[AddictedtoDoleWhip]

I hope that all you guys that are going on opening day will have a fun time! Even though I am super super close to the park and have an AP pass I probably will not be going to Cars Land for quite awhile. I will be watching the news coverage tomorrow though :'), and I am excited to go when the crowd levels are less daunting for me (I would not be able to handle the crowd levels that I know will be there for quite awhile.)

Do you think if I wait to go until lets say September that it won't be as bad crowd wise? I don't plan on going on any of the rides just yet, I just want to walk around and I don't believe I will be able to do that during July and August due to it being summer and people being out of school.

 

[mystic_path]

These next few days are going to be sooooooooo cool seeing all the opening day celebrations, because you know there will be TONS of footage posted online. The Celebs were last night. Also people on Dis get to go personally over the next few days and weeks, and can give us first hand details and photos. YAY! The WAIT IS OVER! Plus I was thinking that since it's currently Thursday the 14th and DCA is closed to the public today, that means that DCA has now closed off the temporary entrance route behind Soarin' that we no longer have to use and have taken the boards down from in front of Carthay circle boarding off BVS. The park must look officially DONE!

 

[mysteriouspnai]

I'm in front of dca waiting to get in from the coca cola sweepstakes! Looks like people were correct in guessing there will be two shifts of people let into carsland, one from 9-130, the other half from 130 to 6. Any disboarders say hi, there's a lime green mickey head on my dbf's blue and grey backpack!

 

[LeahZ]

http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/06/14/grand-opening-of-cars-land-at-disney-california-adventure/

 

[oscarkitty1]

Hi Vicky!

I haven't seen an official meet up thread for opening day, but you might check the thread for folks going in June for something.

A bunch of us will be there on opening day, as it's the last day of the media event.

I think the park may hit capacity earlier in the day for locals, but with the other nighttime activities, over at DL - Fantasmic, Fireworks, and in DCA, like T Party, WoC, that CL may clear out a tiny bit. That and people may just tire from the crowds. It never hurts to give it a try!!!

Thanks Nancy! Keeping my fingers crossed. But if I can't get in Friday night - my Plan B is to head over to Trader Sam's for a yummy drink. Not a bad Plan B at all!

Saturday morning I will be there at opening, so I know I will at least get to see everything then. I am sooo excited!!

 

[LeahZ]

Video of Cars Land Grand Opening Ceremony has been added!

http://www.disunplugged.com/2012/06/14/grand-opening-of-cars-land-at-disney-california-adventure/

 

[LeahZ]

Here are some tips/info on what to expect when DCA reopens tomorrow, June 15:

- Disney California Adventure opens at 9 am
- Disneyland opens at 8 am
- The early arrival queue will open to guests staying at a Disneyland resort at 11 p.m. on June 14.
- The Mickey & Friends Parking Structure will be available for parking (normal rates apply)
- A limited number of wristbands will be distributed to the guests in line. This will mark the order of arrival. Guests will be able to leave the line to use restrooms, purchases food and get items from their vehicles/hotel rooms until 6 am on Friday.
- Some parts of the early arrival queue will be past bag screening checkpoints, so you may not be able to bring certain items.

Downtown Disney extended hours:
Cafe Renee will be open all night
La Brea Bakery Express and Cart will be open all night
Jamba Juice will stay open until midnight on Thursday and reopen at 4 am.
Wetzel's Pretzels will stay open until 1 am, then reopen at 5 am.
Haagen-Dazs will stay open until 1 am, then reopen at 5 am.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express will stay open until 2 am, then reopen at 6 am.

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog for making all this information available!

Have fun everyone!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

New videos posted today here: Link

 

[LeahZ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr18V3grRYs&feature=share

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I'm in line now!! The entrance queue winds through the main plaza horizontally. We have blue wristbands. The real crowds are starting to show up right now.