As construction wraps up in Cars Land, parts of the land gradually become “ready for their close-up.” And that’s when we can get to work on taking photos of what this amazing place will actually look like when it welcomes its first Disney California Adventure park guests on June 15.

Last month, I was able to share some of the first photos of Cars Land as it will be seen once the sun goes down, and today I’m pleased to be able to share a few more to help tell the whole story out in Radiator Springs.

So, cue the “Sh-Boom” song and let’s have a look!

Flo’s V8 Cafe is simply irresistible. And Ramone’s House of Body Art adds even more color to every shot. You won’t believe your eyes (or your lens!).

As pleased as I am with how these shots turned out, I have to tell you, nothing compares with actually standing on Route 66 surrounded by this beautiful neon with that incredible mountain range in the distance. And one piece of advice: Bring your camera!

Read more about Cars Land in the posts below:

• Sophia Grace and Rosie Get a Sneak Peek of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park
• Top Secret: Mater Sheds Some Light on Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park
• Inside Ramone’s House of Body Art at Cars Land with Auto Designer Chip Foose

Tagged: Cars Land, DCA, DLR, Photography

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

When night falls in Cars Land, all I can say is “get your camera ready!” For years, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering all the different photographs to be had at the Disneyland Resort once the sun goes down, so having the opportunity to explore all the new photo possibilities in Cars Land at night has been a real treat.

When you enter Cars Land at night, you’re going to want to walk down Route 66 and take in the spectacular lights and neon signs of Radiator Springs.

This photo was taken just outside Radiator Springs Racers. You can really see the shape of the front of a car come into view in the rockwork with the way it is lit at night (the grill to the left, hood ornament on top, and even a wheel well on the right). Be on the look out for more surprises in the rockwork, some things are easy to find and some are a little harder.

This photo is one of my favorites so far. The cars are close and you have great view of the mountain range. It was taken just after sunset and I used a slow shutter speed to show motion.

Check back soon as I will be sharing more photos from inside Cars Land. I’m thinking of sharing some pictures highlighting some of the amazing (and fun) detail you’ll see throughout Radiator Springs.

Tagged: Cars Land, DCA, DLR, Photography

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Behind the construction walls of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, a photographer’s dream is waiting to be discovered. From the awe-inspiring rockwork to the whimsical traces of all the residents of Radiator Springs, there is so much to see (and shoot), that I thought it was time to share some of my favorite photos from this one-of-a-kind place.

When I saw the clouds this day, I knew I had to shoot Ornament Valley. Shooting this location is like being transported to another place.

You can already imagine cars zooming by Willy’s Butte!

The plant life in Cars Land is really amazing. It seems like there are as many photos to take as there are cactus in the valley.

Here is a slightly different angle on the entrance to Radiator Springs Racers that Kathy Mangum shared yesterday. This arch really invites you in to this incredible attraction, not to mention photo location.

Before we leave Cars Land, it seems only fitting to show the statue of Stanley, the founder of Radiator Springs. This location is surely going to be a popular one when Cars Land welcomes guests this summer.

I’ll be sharing more unique photos from “the cutest little town in Carburetor County,” so check back soon!

Tagged: Cars Land, DCA, DLR, Photography

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

Let your conscience be your guide for this edition of “Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…” You’ll have to be very specific when naming this location – and here’s a special challenge for Disneyland Resort guests who are in the parks more than I: what is the very cool thing that you’d find right in front of this image of Jiminy Cricket?
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Tagged: DCA, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

One of my assignments at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, was to find and photograph as many Menehune as I could. I found out that it was easier said than done.

This first one was in an elevator that I rode every day, but didn’t I see him until almost the very last day of my trip. I just know he was laughing at me every time I took that elevator.

I really enjoyed photographing this next pair of Menehune. It was a perfect day, no wind at all – at least that’s what I thought. After about five minutes standing under the water, trying to get the perfect star effect in the photo, this big gust of wind came up and drenched my camera and me. Mischief makers or just mother nature? I’m not sure.

Whether under the water, on top of telephones outside the conference center, or hiding in a canoe as you’re enjoying the water slide, the Menehune will eventually make their presence known!

Tagged: Aulani, DVC, Menehune

Filed: Aulani, Disney Vacation Club, Menehune

It’s time once again for “Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…” If you look around really hard you can find this at Disneyland park – can you tell me where?

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Tagged: DL, DLR, Fantasyland

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

The title says it all. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Disneyland Resort!

Tagged: DL, DLR, Photography

Filed: Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort