Disney unveils theme park redo with Cars Land

The company's latest virtual world, based on the Pixar film 'Cars,' is being tested for rollout this summer. The subscription-based online community is modeled after Disney's Club Penguin. Walt Disney Co. believes that World of Cars, its new subscription-based online community aimed at boys and based on the Pixar movie "Cars," won't get lost in the traffic of virtual worlds. ¶ Things are already a bit congested. Some 200 virtual worlds target children under 12.

VideoDISNEYLAND RESORT -- There’s been gridlock and bumper to bumper traffic on Route 66 ever since Cars Land opened in Disney California Adventure, right next door to Disneyland. The new theme park, which is like stepping right into a real-life version of the computer-generated Cars movies, features Route 66 and [...]

"Star Wars" theme parks may be the next adventure for Disney.

California Adventure will unveil Cars Land, based on the 'Cars' film, on June 15.

California Adventure has always lagged behind Disneyland, but with a major overhaul, including Cars Land, Disney executives believe it'll catch up.For more than a decade, Disney California Adventure Park has been putt-putting along in the slow lane, trailing its neighbor Disneyland in the race for big attendance numbers.

A Disney spokeswoman says the increases for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park were triggered by a regular evaluation of rates, not the opening of new attractions.Visits to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim just got more expensive, with admission prices increasing as much as 8.7%.

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger received a big raise for landing the Lucasfilm deal.   SEC filings show Iger received a 20 percent raise in 2012, totaling $40.2 million. 

The opening of a 12-acre Cars Land expansion fueled big crowds and long lines at the Anaheim park this weekend.The opening of a 12-acre Cars Land expansion at Disney California Adventure Park fueled big crowds and long lines at the Anaheim park this weekend.