A few months ago, I was honored to do a guest post for Cathy over at A Peek In To My Paradise as part of her month-long Disney Series. It occurred to me that the post I wrote would make a great peek behind the scenes of my blog, and so I am sharing it as today’s Backstage Pass!
Meeting McQueen and Mater
If you’ve been following me for a while (or even not!), then you’ve probably ascertained that my son is a maniac for CARS. We’ve seen both CARS and CARS 2 so many times, we’ve resorted to hiding the cases to keep from having an argument about watching them! I do love however that he’s completely developed his own little self, one that knows what he likes. What he likes, of course, is CARS.
You can see how we made his day by giving him a full on CARS bedroom.
You name it, he loves it. I’ve taken him to a grocery store before where he spotted a CARS themed rubber ball from twenty feet away! Accidentally say instead of spell CARS? You’re pretty much doomed.
The last five years, we lived in Las Vegas, a mere four-hour drive from the Happiest Place On Earth. We had discussed Disneyland a few times and decided he was too young at 2 1/2. However, when we decided earlier this year we would be moving home to our native Chicago, I turned to my husband and announced that my son was going to Cars Land to meet Mater before we left…and that was THAT.
It was the best decision we could have made. We did cram a little Disneyland in as well, since J is also really into Mickey Mouse now, but Cars Land was the main attraction. I think the pictures say it all:
Even I was impressed…it is ACTUALLY like stepping right into Radiator Springs!
He’s completely involved watching Lightning McQueen.
“Look, Daddy! It’s Red!” The fire engine made sounds, squirted water, and drove up the street. Seriously cool.
McQueen smiles and talks to you and is pretty much awesome!
We lucked out, and Lightning took off right after our photo, and Mater showed up! So we got two for one!
Bye, McQueen!
Hello, Mater!
Don’t let the face fool you. It was the end of the day for us, and Mr. No Nap was finally getting over it all.
I would absolutely 100% take him back to Cars Land and Disneyland for a do-over. In our rush with the move and another California commitment, we tried to pull off a bit of Disney AND Cars Land in one day, and on a deadline of being out of the park by 3pm. (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHEDULE. EVER.) Even so, the joy and astonishment on my little guy’s face was worth the no nap and subsequent tantrums. He had the time of his life, and he was in complete awe, meeting the characters he loves so much.
I highly recommend a trip to Cars Land, whether you have a fanatic in the family or not. I’m still disappointed we didn’t get to see EVERYTHING, and I’m planning our return already.
