News: Cars Race Rally, at Disneyland Resort Paris

Posted at 4:57 PM EDT (2057 GMT)

Sep. 30th, 2008 -- Paris, France - Fuel up and start your engines for some four-wheeled fun, with Lighting McQueen and Mater, on the new Cars Race Rally, opening June 2007 at Disneyland Resort Paris during the yearlong 15th Anniversary celebration.

With Walt Disney Imagineering behind the wheel, the animated world of the Disney-Pixar film Cars has come to life for the first time in a Disney Park. Radiator Springs, the small desert town featured in the hit movie has sprung up and been spruced up in the new Toon Studio zone of the Walt Disney Studios Park. The setting for Car's Race Rally, inspired by Disney-Pixar's Cars was created using replicas of the storefronts, shops and neon signs of the sleepy town off Route 66.

Rev your Engines and Head for the Finish Line

Designed for even the youngest of drivers, this crazy desert racing adventure features exciting twists and turns and plenty of close calls for the entire family.

The engine-roaring family fun begins when race fans arrive at Radiator Springs, a little town full of the friendliest folks on four wheels, eager to show off their community and its thriving businesses. First to greet daring drivers are Luigi and Guido, two of the stars from the film. This is the first time these "car-a-cters" have been created in three dimensions in a Disney Park.

As racers make their way to the track they'll see Flo's V-8 Café, Luigi's Casa Della Tires, Ramone's House of Body Art and the prized Piston Cup. Taking inspiration from the cars in the film, Imagineers and Pixar have created a new character especially for this attraction. It took more than one-year to design and build the colourful ride vehicles. There are 12 vehicles in all, driving under the tutelage of two famous race coaches.

As racers "speed" toward the finish line on the crazy-spinning race track which resembles a figure eight, they'll get more than driving advice from #95 Lighting McQueen and his rusty but trusty friend Mater. The two seasoned veterans help coach drivers to toward victory lane.

"Guests of all ages are going to love being immersed in the incredible world of the first Cars-inspired attraction to a Disney Park", said Cory Cory Sewelson, Senior Show Producer, Creative Development, Walt Disney Imagineering .

Cars Race Rally is located "driving distance" from another Disney-Pixar inspired attraction, Crush's Coaster* from Disney-Pixar film Finding Nemo. Together the two "blockbuster" attractions are the centerpiece of a new area at the Walt Disney Studios Park named Toon Studio. This animated setting also features new character meet-n-greets and photo locations.

Toon Studio and the new attractions will open as part of Disneyland Resort Paris yearlong 15th anniversary celebration. The party continues daily until March 2008, with a new parade spectacular at Disneyland Park featuring dozens of Disney characters; an enchanting makeover of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and special new live entertainment in both theme parks.

Ground only Factbox

For further information about family holidays to Disneyland Resort Paris during the 15th birthday celebrations call 08705 03 03 03 or visit www.disneylandparis.com. In August, prices start from £233 per adult and £85 per child (aged seven to 11 years) for a three night, four day package staying at Disney's Santa Fe. Children under seven years old stay and play for free. The package is based on two adults and two children (7-11 years inclusive) sharing a family room and includes three night's accommodation with continental breakfast and a four day entry ticket for the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Disneyland Report Paris is Europe's leading tourist destination with over 200 million visits since the resort's opening in 1992. The resort includes two spectacular theme parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, seven Disney-owned and operated themed hotels with approximately 5,800 hotel rooms, and an additional 2,400 hotel rooms operated by partner hotels, two full-service convention centres and a 27-hole world-class golf course. In addition the resort is home to Disney Village, one of the largest entertainment districts in the Ile de France Region. Spanning over 30000 m2 Disney Village offers, themed restaurants, shops, nightclub and a cinema multiplex. In all Disneyland Resort Paris includes 54 attractions, 56 shops, and 69 themed restaurants. The resort celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2007 with the addition of iconic attractions and unique shows and welcomed a record 14.5 millions visits (FY07).

* Height restrictions apply

** One paying adult per room booked; children under 7 at the moment of stay. For more information, call 0825 30 60 30 (0,15€/mn). Proof of age(s) will be required at check-in. Transport, options and insurance can be added but are not free for children aged 3 and over.