On Wednesday, June 13, in an event that rivaled the glitz and glamour of a blockbuster Hollywood premiere, Cars Land officially opened with a night-long celebration. The event was attended by Disney and Pixar executives, imagineers, special invited guests, media, and of course, some of ABC and Disney’s biggest stars, including many of the voice talents behind Cars. 


The night began with the red carpet arrivals. Just like a movie premiere, Hollywood stars and Disney execs spoke with media and mingled with fans as they made their way toward the big, official opening of Cars Land. My favorite gal Marcy Massura and I joined forces to get these great, exclusive red carpet interviews with Tom Staggs, Bob Iger, Andy Garcia, Ariel Winter, John Ratzenberger, 

Cheech Marin, actor and voice of Ramone

Rico Rodriguez, Modern Family

Katherin Helmond and Brad Garret

Jennifer Lewis, voice of Flo from the Cars movies

Actor Andy Garcia and son Andres

Vincent Martella, voice of Phineas from “Phineas and Ferb”

Bob Iger

After the red carpet arrivals, invited guests and select media were escorted over near the entrance of Cars Land, where we were treated to an exciting dedication ceremony for Cars Land featuring car-related music, a presentation given by Tom Staggs and John Lasseter and a climactic ending that only Disney can provide! Check out the video of the entire dedication shot by my good friends at DAPs.

Tom Staggs, Richard Kind and John Lasseter

Tom Staggs, Larry the Cable Guy and John Lasseter

The ceremony was followed by a lavish party for the invited guests and select media outlets that included even more musical entertainment, catered food and drinks throughout Cars Land and the ability to order any of the different foods served in Radiator Springs!

With my friend Robert of DAPs

I was thrilled and honored to attend the gathering. It was a great celebration of the hard work of all of the craftsmen (and women!) and imagineers who worked to create Cars Land. It was also great to enjoy the evening with the hard working members of the media I have become so close to while reporting on all things Disney.

The Cars Land premiere was an incredible night for a truly incredible place. I am honored to have been part of the evenings events. I didn’t get home from Disney California Adventure until late Friday and I’ve been trying to catch up ever since. I know that I’m behind on posting everything, but promise there is so much to come!