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June 21, 2011

Inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Cars 2"? Walt Disney “Wheels” - Resort Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Gear-spinning good times get rolling at Walt Disney World Resort, where car-lovers can experience auto-themed attractions and shows, climb behind the wheel for a high-octane thrill ride and even settle back for a meal in a setting reminiscent of a time when families watched motion pictures from a cozy car seat.

Here's a spin around of "Walt Disney Wheels":






"Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" -- This fast-paced show takes Disney's Hollywood Studios guests behind the scenes of big-budget movies to spotlight the high-octane best of the movie industry's stunt masters -- including precision driving, edge-of-your-seat jumps, pyrotechnics, high-speed spins and plenty of surprises. The extravaganza sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening and jumping across an enormous, 177,000-square-foot outdoor stunt arena themed as a Mediterranean village movie set. Joining the cast later this summer is Lightning McQueen, the star of “Cars” and “Cars 2.”

Take the Wheel, For Real, at the Richard Petty Driving Experience -- Auto enthusiasts have the chance to step into a scene most only dream about -- getting into the seat of a real stock car and tipping speeds up to 145 mph. The Richard Petty Driving Experience features a choice of daily ride-along and driving programs in cars with about 600 horses under the hood. Plenty of celebrities -- from NASCAR champions Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart to swimmer Michael Phelps to actors John Travolta and Leonardo di Caprio-- have joined in the fun at Walt Disney World Speedway. Reservation information is available by calling 800/BE-PETTY or online at www.1800bepetty.com.

Feel the Need for Speed (at 7.5 miles per hour) -- It may not be the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort, but Tomorrowland Speedway lets young hopefuls and seasoned veterans take turns around the Magic Kingdom's half-mile track at a whopping 7.5 miles per hour. One of the popular Magic Kingdom attractions that debuted on the theme park's opening day in 1971, Tomorrowland Speedway welcomes drivers and riders (adults and children) to replicas of landmarks made famous by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the famed Yard of Bricks and Gasoline Alley. Through the years, the attraction has been home to many first-time drivers, with many guests climbing behind the wheel of the colorful, scaled motorcars long before taking the wheel of a full-sized automobile.

Test Track -- Sponsored by General Motors, this high-speed thrill attraction in Epcot invites guests to buckle up and brace themselves for a series of automobile tests. It's the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort and is modeled after real-world, GM automobile proving grounds. The rigorous testing schedule includes an engine-roaring, three-story ascent, a wildly out-of-control skid and a high-intensity speed loop pushing 65 miles per hour around the massive testing facility.

Just Eat in the Car, Under the Stars -- Cars and film combine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, a drive-in movie-inspired eatery inside the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Diners sit in vintage-style cars as fiber-optic stars twinkle overhead. The theater's movie screen shows outrageous sci-fi movie clips as servers journey from car to car dishing out classic American cuisine. The 1950s-themed restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and guests can arrange reservation times by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Speed Thrills on Car-Themed Coaster -- A wild, stretch limousine ride through the Hollywood Hills provides guests high-speed thrills aboard Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, an indoor roller coaster in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The legendary rock group Aerosmith teamed with Walt Disney Imagineering to create a one-of-a-kind coaster that features a high-speed launch (0 to approximately 60 mph in 2.8 seconds), three inversions, rock-concert lighting and a customized Aerosmith soundtrack thundering from 120 onboard speakers in each train. Each coaster train is constructed to resemble a super-stretch limousine, complete with headlights, taillights and a trunk.

For more information about Walt Disney World Resort or to book a vacation, guests may visit disneyworld.com.

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