Wishes Travel with Naomi

Hello, travel enthusiasts! 🌍✨

Today, we’re diving into one of our most memorable RV adventures: exploring Route 66! Join me as I share the story of our magical expedition—a journey brimming with nostalgia, wonder, and incredible family memories.

Igniting the Dream: Route 66

My husband has always been passionate about antique cars. Recently, he rebuilt a 1972 Chevy Blazer, and driving Route 66 was a dream he cherished. Our boys, big fans of the Cars movies, were just as excited. I took the opportunity to research the iconic places along Route 66 that inspired the Pixar animators and Imagineers who brought Cars Land at Disneyland to life. And so, our epic adventure began in our trusty Class C motorhome!

The Journey Unfolds

Hitting the Road in Our Class C Motorhome

We embarked on our journey in our cozy Class C motorhome, ready for the sights, sounds, and excitement of Route 66. This gave us the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, with all the amenities of home on wheels.

Exploring Iconic Places Along the Way

• Seligman, Arizona: This quirky town is brimming with nostalgia, complete with retro diners and classic cars. We made sure to stop in at Angel’s Barbershop, a beloved Route 66 landmark. Angel’s story was a huge part of the plot of the original Cars movie. While Angel wasn’t there, we had a wonderful visit with his son-in-law, who shared the story of how Angel had saved Route 66. Walking through Seligman felt like stepping into the world of Radiator Springs.
• Williams, Arizona: Full of vintage charm, souvenir shops, and colorful murals, this town added vibrant hues to our travel canvas. While in Williams, we also took in the awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon. The breathtaking vistas left us speechless and added a majestic touch to our journey.
• Tucumcari, New Mexico: The charming Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari was the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in the Cars movie. It was a delightful stop with its retro neon signs and vintage vibe.
• Holbrook, Arizona: We were enchanted by the Wigwam Motel, with its iconic teepees. These teepees were also part of the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars, adding another layer to our adventure.
• Shamrock, Texas: We couldn’t miss the U-Drop Inn, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture. It served as the inspiration for Ramone’s House of Body Art in Cars.
• Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas: This outdoor art installation of half-buried Cadillacs was an explosion of creativity and color, a must-visit roadside attraction. Cadillac Ranch is the inspiration for Cadillac Range, which can be seen in the background of Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland.
• Winslow, Arizona: We had to take it easy and stand on the famous corner in Winslow, Arizona, just like in the Eagles song “Take It Easy.” It was a fun and memorable stop that added some rock ‘n roll to our road trip.

Chasing Radiator Springs

Every stop along our Route 66 journey brought us closer to the world of Radiator Springs, where our boys found endless delight in recognizing places that looked just like scenes from their beloved Cars movies. They were thrilled to walk in the same spots where the Pixar team found their inspiration.

Making Cars Land Even More Magical

The best part? Our Route 66 adventure made our next visit to Cars Land at Disneyland even more incredible. Recognizing the real-life inspirations behind the fictional world of Radiator Springs allowed us to experience the park in a whole new light. Our boys were beyond excited, and our family memories became even more precious.

Ready to hit the road like Lightning McQueen? Whether you’re a vintage car aficionado or a fan of animated adventures, a Route 66 trip can be the journey of a lifetime. Contact me to start planning your magical road trip today. 🌟🚐

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Have questions or need assistance with your travel plans? Shoot me an email at naomi@wishestravel.com or use the contact form to reach out.

Happy travels and see you on the open road! 🚐💫

Naomi