If you’re a fan of Lightning McQueen and the stunning desert vistas of Radiator Springs, you might be wondering if you can experience Cars Land in Disney World.
I had the same question before planning one of our recent trips, especially since my kiddo is obsessed with all things Cars. Spoiler: there’s no official Cars Land like the one at Disneyland Resort in California—yet. But there are a few themed experiences in Florida worth knowing about, and Disney has confirmed that something bigger is in the works.
Let me walk you through what to expect, and how to make the most of it.
Cars Land in Disney World: What You Need to Know
So here’s the deal: Cars Land itself does not currently exist in Walt Disney World. That full-blown, Radiator Springs replica—with its glowing neon, rock formations, and the incredible Radiator Springs Racers ride—is only in Disney California Adventure Park out west.
BUT, that doesn’t mean Disney World is totally without Cars-themed fun. There are still a few places to find Lightning and Mater, and if you’re traveling with a Cars fan, I’d argue they’re worth checking out.
And here’s the exciting part: Disney has announced plans to bring a Cars-themed mini land to Magic Kingdom as part of a future expansion. When I first read this news, I was so excited—and a little surprised—to learn that this new Cars area will be built in Frontierland. It’s expected to replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which honestly makes sense given how underutilized that space often feels.
According to what’s been shared so far, there will be two new attractions: one is a high-speed rally-style race through rugged terrain, and the other will be more family-friendly, likely a slower-paced ride suitable for younger kids.
From what I’ve gathered, this won’t be a copy of the Radiator Springs land in California. The setting and theming will be different—it won’t be Radiator Springs, and it won’t feature the same rides.
But still, I think it’s going to be a major win for families who love the Cars movies. Construction hasn’t started just yet, and based on similar projects in the past, we’re probably looking at an opening date sometime around 2029 or 2030. It’s still a ways off, but I’m already dreaming about the day we walk into that new area.
Key Points
- You won’t find a full Cars Land in Disney World yet, but there are Cars-themed experiences.
- A new Cars-themed mini land is planned for Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
- The best current place to see Lightning McQueen is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- For a fully immersive stay, consider Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and its Cars-themed section.
Where to Find Cars Experiences at Disney World
Even though Disney World doesn’t have a full Cars Land yet, there are still a few standout places that fans of the movies will want to check out. Here are two of the best Cars-themed experiences currently available at the parks:
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
The main Cars attraction in Disney World is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, located in Hollywood Studios. It’s a short, indoor show with impressive visuals and animatronics.
Before entering, you’ll walk past a small pre-show area where you might catch DJ or Cruz Ramirez on display. The show itself is great for little ones (and honestly, the tech is fun to watch even as an adult).
If you’re planning your park days, check out my full guide to Disney World planning so you can prioritize attractions like this.
Art of Animation Resort (Cars Family Suites)
This is the closest thing to actually staying in Radiator Springs. The Cars section of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is decked out with life-sized Cars characters, themed buildings, and even Cozy Cone-style decor.
We stayed here once, and my kid lost his mind running around taking photos with Mater and Sally. Plus, the family suites are spacious, with a separate bedroom and small kitchenette.
You can compare it to other accommodations by checking out Disney World addresses and hotel options.
Tips for Making the Most of It
If you’re planning a Disney World trip with a Cars-loving kid (or adult!), there are a few ways to organize your days for maximum fun and efficiency. Here are some strategies that worked well for us:
Combine Experiences into a Hollywood Studios Day
While you’re at Hollywood Studios, there’s a lot more to do. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is a great stop if you’re already there for Toy Story Land or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Use the Lightning Lane system to skip some lines and make your day more efficient.
Here’s a list of all the rides at Disney World if you want to plan your route.
Consider a VIP Tour
If Cars is just one piece of your dream itinerary, you might look into a Disney VIP Tour to skip lines and personalize your schedule. These aren’t cheap, but if time is short or crowds are high, they’re a game changer.
You can also consult Disney World attendance by day to avoid the busiest times.
Save Money on Tickets
If you’re booking park tickets soon, you might want to check these out:
- Disney World tickets at Costco – Learn how to save money by buying your Disney tickets through Costco travel bundles.
- AAA Disney ticket prices – See if your AAA membership can get you a better deal on Disney park tickets.
- Disney World cancellation policy – Know your options in case your trip needs to be changed or canceled.
Dining & Food Tips for Cars Fans
Food is always a big part of our Disney trips, and while you won’t find anything like Flo’s V8 Café at Disney World, there are still a few ways to keep your mealtimes fun for Cars fans.
There’s no Cars-themed restaurant in Disney World like Flo’s V8 Café in Disneyland, but that doesn’t mean your dining experience has to be generic.
For younger fans, consider a character meal where they can meet classic Disney characters. It’s not Cars-specific, but it adds to the magic. Here’s my list of the best Disney World character meals.
You can also get a sense of how much to budget for meals by browsing how much food costs at Disney World.
And if you’re staying at Art of Animation, the food court there is surprisingly good for a value resort.
Transportation & Logistics
Navigating Disney World can be a bit overwhelming, especially with kids in tow. Here are a few transportation and logistical tips that helped us get around smoothly and comfortably.
Getting to and from your hotel or the parks can take some planning. Here’s how to get from Orlando Airport to Disney World, and if you’re bringing kids, make sure to check out Disney-approved strollers and preferred parking info.
You might also find Disney MagicBands helpful for keeping your tickets, Lightning Lanes, and hotel keys all in one spot.
FAQs
Is there Cars Land in Disney World?
No, Cars Land only exists at Disney California Adventure. Disney World doesn’t have a full Cars Land—yet—but it does have some Cars-themed experiences, and a new Cars mini land is in the works for Magic Kingdom.
When did Disney add Cars Land?
Cars Land opened in 2012 at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California.
Where are Cars going at Disney World?
Cars characters can be found at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in Hollywood Studios and at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. And more may be coming soon—Disney has announced development plans to bring a Cars-themed mini land to Magic Kingdom. It’s set to be added to Frontierland and will replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
Is there a Cars ride at Disneyland?
Yes! Radiator Springs Racers is the main Cars ride at Disneyland Resort in California. It’s a fast-paced, beautifully themed ride through the desert of Radiator Springs.
Which Disney resort has Cars?
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has an entire section themed around the Cars movies, including life-sized characters and immersive decor.
