BREAKING NEWS: Disneyland Ticket Prices Have Gone UP! The minimum ticket increase is $39. 🙁
One obvious reason for the price hike is the Grand Opening of Cars Land and the re-invention of Disney California Adventure Park. For those of you that haven’t heard, Disney California Park has been undergoing a complete transformation for the past five years starting with Toy Story Mania (a super fun interactive 3D game and ride all in one). World of Color (probably my favorite of ALL Disney shows I’ve ever seen), The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure (my new favorite attraction), and Goofy’s Sky School (the only Wild Mouse type roller coaster I’ll ride) are all part of the transformation that have been very popular.
If you’ve been to Disney California Adventure Park recently, you have definitely noticed some construction. Beginning June 15, Disney California Park will reopen with a whole new land and a whole new look. The entire park entrance will be transformed into Buena Vista Street, echoing Hollywood in the 1920s when Walt first came to California. Buena Vista Street will feature rides on the Red Car Trolley as well as architecture, fountains, and foliage reminiscent of that time. The highlight of Buena Vista Street will be Carthay Circle Theatre, a reproduction of the theatre where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered. The theatre will host the Carthay Circle Restaurant, a fine dining experience headed up by award winning Napa Rose chef, Andrew Sutton.
Most of the buzz is centered on Cars Land, an all-new 12 acre re-creation of Radiator Springs. I can hardly wait to experience it all firsthand! It’s been kind of a tease, because you can see the red rocks (patterned after those found along Route 66) and get a bird’s eye view of Cars Land when you’re riding California Screamin’ and the Mickey Fun Wheel. A few months ago I was able to sit in on a panel with John Lasseter, the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar and Principal Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering. Cars Land has been his baby and he detailed the new shops, restaurants, and most importantly, attractions. In addition to putting an incredible amount of time and artistry into the décor and theming of the land itself, the attractions are going to be spectacular.
First is Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree – and whose kids don’t love Mater?! This ride, geared towards smaller tykes, will load riders into a trailer where you’ll be pulled around by a baby tractor square dance style. Cute, right?
Luigi’s Flying Tires pays homage to the original Flying Saucers attraction from Disneyland. You’ll board your own flying tire and glide along as if you’re on a giant air hockey table.
And for the grand finale, Radiator Springs Racers is, in John Lasseter’s words, “the most E-ticket attraction Disney has ever done.” I mentioned that Cars Land is 12 acres. Radiator Springs Racers takes up six of those acres! Riders will begin with a peaceful road trip through Ornament Valley with views of Radiator Falls. You’ll then race alongside another car through steep banks, quick turns, and dips past stunning red-rock formations. It combines classic story telling with the adventure of thrilling Disney attractions like Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain.
There has always been a ton to do at the Disneyland Resort, and with Disney California Adventure Park’s new addition of Cars Land, there’s more now than ever before.
For even more Disneyland tips and tricks, check out these posts:
Our Disneyland Family Vacation, Part 1
Our Disneyland Family Vacation, Part 2
Our Disneyland Family Vacation, Part 3
Guide to Disneyland and California Adventure
Our Favorite Disneyland Tips and Tricks
More Disneyland Tips and Tricks
Disneyland Thoughts & Tips from a Real Pro
Avoiding the “Gimmies” While Vacationing at Disneyland
Visiting Disneyland During the Busy Season