If you’ve ever visited Disney California Adventure, you know how incredible Cars Land is in-person. No photo can truly capture the feeling of stepping into Radiator Springs and seeing the glow of the neon and the scale of Cadillac Ridge.
The Disneyland Resort does lighting so well, making both parks even more special at night. During the “Disneyland After Dark” episode of the Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, Walt talks about his favorite time to walk around Disneyland was at dusk when the lights came on Main Street, U.S.A. and “a new kind of magic takes over in Disneyland”. While there’s nothing like the original magic of Disneyland, you can also experience this same moment in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.
Just like in the movie Cars, the song “Sh-Boom” plays as the neon gradually comes on along Route 66. This special moment takes place at sunset each evening and a good rule of thumb is to get to Cars Land 10 minutes before the official sunset time. Since the moment is based on the actual sunset, you won’t find an official time listed anywhere. You’ll also see a crowd of people gathered in the middle of the street signaling you made it to the right spot.
Cast Members also hand out racing flags to young racers to start the “Sh-Boom” parade as the song begins to play. This is a fun moment and a nice tradition to start with your family. It’s pretty incredible to be in a real-life version of the beloved Pixar film in an actual moment that takes place in the first movie. That’s Disneyland magic for ya.
With so much to do at the Disneyland Resort, it’s important to slow down and appreciate the detail and care taken to preserve Walt’s original park. Whether it’s on Main Street or in Radiator Springs, there’s something so pure about the moment the lights come on. So next time you’re at Disneyland, make the time to share this moment in both parks with your family and friends. Better yet, enjoy it with a popcorn just like Walt did and fall in love with Disney Parks all over again. “Life could be a dream…”
