Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is a fun and energetic ride located in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Based on the character Luigi from the Disney Pixar Cars movies, this ride brings guests into the Casa Della Tires shop to experience a dancing car ride unlike anything else at the Disneyland Resort. The ride replaced Luigi’s Flying Tires, which closed in 2015. While the old attraction simulated the feeling of floating on air, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is a trackless ride system with cars that twist, turn and spin to Italian music as they roam freely around the ride floor. The advanced technology allows each car to follow its own path, so riders never know where they’ll go next!
Location and Best Times to Ride
Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is located in Cars Land, which recreates the town of Radiator Springs from the Cars films. The ride’s entrance is across from Flo’s V8 Café and next to the popular Radiator Springs Racers attraction. When planning a visit, it’s best to ride Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters in the morning after Radiator Springs Racers or during the late afternoon and evening when crowds die down. Since Cars Land is usually busiest between 11am-3pm, visiting earlier or later in the day can mean shorter wait times.
Height Requirements, Accessibility, Genie+ & Lightning Lane, and Single Rider
Height Requirement: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters has a 32 inch height requirement, which is typical for family-friendly Disney rides.
Rider Switch: Is offered so groups with a child who doesn’t meet the height requirement can take turns riding without having to wait in line twice.
Disability Services: The ride does have DAS and accommodates wheelchairs and ECVs through its regular queue. At the loading area, there are two specially designed ride vehicles for guests with disabilities to transfer into.
Single Rider: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters doesn’t offer a single rider line.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters doesn’t offer Genie+ or Lightning Lane at the moment.
Ride Experience
The fun begins when guests enter through the Casa Della Tires shop, filled with memorabilia from Luigi and his assistant Guido’s racing careers. After winding through the indoor queue, guests emerge outdoors into a garden area where the line continues to twist and turn. Each bright and colorful ride vehicle is designed to look like a Fiat 500, with half of the cars made to look like male characters and the other half female characters. No matter which car you get, they all have giant eyes for a friendly, animated look.
As soon as the cars take off, they begin spinning and dancing to upbeat Italian music. Five songs play throughout the ride, some sung by Luigi and others by his cousins. The advanced ride system allows each car to follow its own choreography, so no two rides are ever exactly the same! The cars swirl and dip as they roam freely around the ride floor, often getting close to other vehicles before veering off in another direction. Their movements are smooth and fluid, creating an almost dance-like quality.
At certain moments, all the cars come together and synchronize their moves in an exciting finale. Since there’s no track, you never know where your car will go next. The unpredictable movements add an extra layer of fun and surprise. The ride lasts just under two minutes, leaving guests smiling and ready to ride again.
Design and Architecture
Opening in March 2016, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters replaced the previous attraction, Luigi’s Flying Tires. Disney Imagineers designed Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters as the first trackless ride system in a U.S. Disney park. Similar systems had been used at international Disney parks, but this was a first for a stateside attraction. The advanced technology allows each car to operate independently from the others. An onboard computer uses Wi-Fi and sensors to navigate the ride floor, receiving directional signals that prompt the car’s next choreography. This gives the vehicles an ability to improvise and change direction rapidly while avoiding other cars.
The system provides a smooth, seamless ride experience without the feel of following a guide rail or track. This freedom of movement allows for the dance-party style ride that has made Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters so popular. In addition to the technical achievements, the ride’s design fits perfectly within the Cars Land setting. Luigi’s shop and the surrounding garden queue area are filled with automotive details that further immerse guests in the land’s Route 66-inspired theme. It’s a great example of Disney’s knack for blending storytelling environments with innovative attractions.
Queue and Music
The ride’s indoor queue begins inside Luigi’s Casa Della Tires showroom, where the walls are lined with Fettuccini brand tires. Highlights include a trophy case displaying Luigi’s racing accomplishments and a large painted mural showing Luigi and Guido enjoying a spaghetti dinner. After passing through the showroom, the line continues outdoors as it winds through garden planters overflowing with flowers. The outdoor area provides shade for waiting guests, with grape vines and other plants adorning the queue. Music is an essential part of the experience, with five upbeat Italian songs that keep the energy high:
- “Rollickin’ Roadsters” – Sung by Luigi’s voice actor Tony Shalhoub, this song sets the stage for the fun ahead. Luigi sings about dancing cars, good friends, and rollickin’ all day long.
- “Mambo Italiano” – A lively rendition of the famous Dean Martin song plays as the cars spin and dance.
- “Tire-antella” – Luigi’s cousins provide vocals on this upbeat tune that incorporates tire-themed lyrics.
- “Rollickin’ Day and Night” – Luigi returns to sing about dancing from day to night.
- “Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters” – An instrumental medley of the other songs creates a high-energy finale.
The music is punctuated by revving engine sounds and car horns, adding to the automotive ambiance. Whether you’re waiting in line or riding along, the songs are sure to get your toes tapping!
Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween
- Theming: The entire Casa della Tires is decked out in Halloween décor. From tire-themed pumpkins to spooky signage, the ambiance takes a playful turn towards the eerie side of Radiator Springs. Even Luigi and Guido get into the spirit, donning their own festive Halloween costumes.
- Music: One of the most notable changes is in the music. The cheery Italian melodies that guests are accustomed to during the regular operation are replaced by spooky Halloween-themed tunes. Some of these tracks are original creations made specifically for the event, adding to the unique experience. You might hear songs that have a fun spin on them with titles like “Terror-antella” and “The Chop Top of Carsoli.”
- Dance Routine: Corresponding with the music changes, the dance routines of the cars also get a Halloween twist. The synchronized spinning, twirling, and gliding take on a more whimsical, spooky choreography.
- Lighting: If you visit during the evening, the attraction benefits from eerie lighting effects that further immerse guests in the Halloween theme. The cars and the surrounding plaza get bathed in haunting shades, enhancing the overall festive experience.
Personal Experience:
Riding Luigi’s during its Halloween transformation is a delightful treat! The Halloween-themed overlays breathe a fresh life into the attraction, making it familiar yet refreshingly different. The spooky tunes, combined with the playful décor, make it an attraction that both returning and first-time guests would appreciate during the season. It’s a testament to Disney’s commitment to keeping the park experience dynamic and ever-evolving, ensuring that each visit, regardless of the season, offers something special.
So, if you find yourself in Cars Land during the Halloween season (September 1st – October 31st), don’t miss out on Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. It’s a boo-tiful dance of cars you wouldn’t want to miss!
Conclusion
With its innovative ride system, choreographed dancing cars, and catchy tunes, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters delivers family-friendly thrills in the heart of Cars Land. The smooth, unpredictable movements create a one-of-a-kind experience that guests of all ages can enjoy together. From the imaginative queue to the dynamic ride itself, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters brings the world of Cars to life through a uniquely Disney spin on thrill rides.
