Disney-Pixar’s “Cars 3” Nationwide Tour Kicks off at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, Including First Public Appearance of Jackson Storm (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

Disney-Pixar’s Cars 3 is on the road! The film opens on June 16th, 2017, but 27 cities across the country will be part of the Disney-Pixar Cars Road to the Races tour, which just kicked off today at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). The Disney Springs leg of the tour ends on March 26th, but check out the official website to see if the event will be coming to a city near you! Here are photos and video from a media preview today, including new car Jackson Storm, who made his public debut at the event. Cruz Ramirez was first seen during the Daytona 500 week. I expect this tour to be VERY popular! Disney-Pixar Road to the Races ends during the weekend of June 24th and 25th at the Sonoma Raceway in California.

Here are the hours for Disney Springs from March 23rd – March 26th, 2017.

Signage is up for Road to the Races.

If you’ve ever been to a NASCAR race like at Daytona, this event reminds me very much of walking around the midway. There are cars, games, free samples, etc. Cars 3 has a partnership with NASCAR, so it’s not a surprise the similarities!

We interviewed Lisa Cabello, Field Marketing Specialist for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures about the event, and this is our video interview with overview of the event. Keep reading after that for plenty of photos and information.

Jackson Storm, Cruz Ramirez and Lightning McQueen are lined up for photos. There was a Photopass photographer getting ready to take pictures when we left.

This is our video of Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm.

Here is the side of Jackson Storm.

And the back.

This is the back of Cruz Ramirez, with Dinoco featured.

And of course, Lightning McQueen with Rust-eze.

Lightning McQueen has been part of the Disney parks for years, including at Disney California Adventure and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Here is one more angle.

Jeff stands next to Jackson Storm.

I mentioned that this area reminded me of a race midway, and part of that is due to sponsors giving out free samples and coupons. Coppertone was letting guests try the new Coppertone Sheer Whip and handing out $2.00 coupons for their products (I use the Coppertone Sheer spray in the parks all the time).

The Coppertone Kids product features Lightning McQueen.

The Coppertone booth had a game that had to do with power tools and wheels, so I passed. I would have no idea what to do!

Alamo Rent-A-Car Street Art features Cars 3.

The Cinetransformer Mobile Movie Theater allows guests to see exclusive Cars 3 footage. This was a pretty comfortable mobile theater! Any sort of recording/photos is not allowed in here during the film.

Here is the outside of the Cinetransformer.

The last showing today was 6:45 p.m.

Dole has a booth set up.

Smoothie samples were being given out with recipe cards. The smoothies included baby spinach, and still tasted good – I’ve never had spinach in a smoothie before.

Crest and Oral B give the chance for guests to win tattoos, toothpaste or a toothbrush.

There is also a photo opportunity here.

Mattel also has a game, and there is history of NASCAR noted on signs – as well as Cars 3 signage.

These are the sponsors of the tour.

The Disney Springs tour includes some food items for purchase (but there is great food to be found all over Disney Springs).

There is a DJ Dance Party for the Disney Springs stop.

Special Event lineup.

This was a fun event! Definitely get out to see it if you have a chance during the three month tour.