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LP Lotion: Cars Land Grand Opening and Red Carpet
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The most anticipated event during the Grand Reopening weekend for Disney California Adventure was the opening of Cars Land. Years of planning and construction culminated on the evening of Wednesday, June 13 with a gala event that included many of the stars of the original Cars feature film, the film’s creators, Disney stars, and company executives. After enjoying the wonders of Radiator Springs, guests walked the red carpet and shared their impressions. 

Near dusk, invited guests gathered at the entrance to Route 66, where a specially constructed stage concealed the town of Radiator Springs. A troupe of Radiator Springs Racers drivers and Flo’s V8 waitresses opened the ceremony with an energetic song and dance. Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company welcomed the guests before turning the proceedings over to Tom Staggs, head of Parks and Resorts, and John Lasseter, head of Pixar and Disney Animation, as well as the creator of Cars.

In an amusing portion of the program, Lasseter envisioned both Iger and Staggs as cars. As images were shown on large screens flanking the stage, Iger was depicted as a stylish sports car, a family-friendly station wagon, and finally (since he carries the weight of the entire company), a semi-truck. Staggs was given similar treatment, first seen as a muscle car, then a “smart car,” and finally (based on his “good humor”) an ice cream truck.

After introducing the Cars celebrities that were present, the executives gathered to officially open the road, by placing jumper cables to a battery, which sparked fireworks and neon. The stage opened to reveal Radiator Springs in all its splendor. As music, confetti, and cheers filled the air, the crowd surged forward to explore Cars Land, and the little town of Radiator SpringsThe most anticipated event during the Grand Reopening weekend for Disney California Adventure was the opening of Cars Land. Years of planning and construction culminated on the evening of Wednesday, June 13 with a gala event that included many of the stars of the original Cars feature film, the film’s creators, Disney stars, and company executives. After enjoying the wonders of Radiator Springs, guests walked the red carpet and shared their impressions.

Videos

Click below to view the videos

• Complete Opening Ceremony (23:22)
• Larry the Cable Guy (Mater) (0:48)
• Bonnie Hunt (Sally) (0:47)
• Richard Kind (Van) (0:46)
• John Ratzenberger (Mack) (0:48)
• Edie McClurg (Minny) (0:46)
• Jenifer Lewis (Flo) (2:09)
• Michael Wallis (Sheriff) (1:44)
• Katherine Helmond (Lizzie) (1:09)
• Composer Randy Newman (0:52)
• Disney CEO Bob Iger (1:24)
• Disney Parks Chief Tom Staggs (2:10)
• Disney Parks' Meg Crofton (:48)
• Disneyland President George Kalogridis (1:34)
• Actress Ariel Winter (Modern Family) (0:54)
• Actor Nolan Gould (Modern Family) (1:40)
• Vincent Martella (Phineas in Phineas and Ferb) (1:23)
• Actress Zendaya (Shake it Up) (1:01)
• Disneyland Ambassadors Rene Turrico and Jolie Hales (1:28)

The stage is set for the Grand Opening of Cars Land
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Themed backdrop hides Cars Land during opening ceremony
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Music was provided by a live band
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