Disney is hoping Lightning McQueen, Mater and other loveable automobiles from the Pixar movie Cars can turn things around for its struggling California Adventure theme park. According to The Hollywood Reporter Mouse House CEO Robert Iger and parks and resorts chairman Jay Rasulo revealed that Cars Land will be part of their new five-year plan to overhaul the Disneyland-adjacent tourist attraction, which may even get a new name.
Featuring an E-ticket ride dubbed Radiator Springs Racers, Cars Land will reportedly occupy a sprawling 12 acres of the 60-acre park, which will also feature a new, high-energy 4-D cinema attraction based on Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story franchise and a Little Mermaid ride. Development of the toon-based additions are being spearheaded by Pixar topper John Lasseter, who was named principal creative advisor at Walt Disney Imagineering when Disney acquired Pixar last year.
Rumors have the California Adventure overhaul carrying a price tag of around $1.1 billion. The investment is intended to attract more attention to the park, which last year drew in 6 million visitors compared to the 15 million who came from around the world to experience Disneyland.
