As we have been reporting, Pixar and Disney have begun production on Cars 3. The new installment in the franchise will be released in theaters on June 16, 2017. While we wait for more details, let’s take a look at how to build the Ultimate Florida Speedway.
The First Step
The first step is to secure the location for the track. According to our sources, Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California, is the current shooting location for the movie. It was also where the original Disney Parks and Resorts stood before it was remodeled into its present-day state. The lot measures 9.8 acres and has a white track shrouded in yellow lights for night shoots.
Anaheim is about an hour drive from Los Angeles. It doesn’t get any closer than that. There are also direct highway connections to both Orlando and Tampa. The logistics of getting all of this equipment to three different cities for three different seasons make this option very appealing.
However, if you live in California and want to build a Florida Speedway, than the options are a little more limited. The closest major airport to Cars 3 is Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. From there, it’s a straight shot on the 405 to the 526 (the freeway).
The Biggest Cost
The next hurdle to clear is the money. According to our information, the cost to build the Florida Speedway is a whopping $18 million. That’s a lot of coin, especially for a film with a production budget of $75 million. We don’t know how much the actual land costs, but there are plenty of comparable lots in Anaheim that go for well above that amount.
We do know that many of the cars in Cars 3 will be customized for the individual characters. It will be interesting to see how much this affects the build cost. We also know that some of the cars will be electric vehicles (EVs). These are built on the same assembly line as other cars, but they have fewer parts and a more intricate design. We don’t know how much this contributes to the final cost of the vehicle, but it’s sure to increase it. The lack of standard parts also makes it more expensive to fix should anything go wrong.
The Second Step
Once you have the land, it’s time to secure the building permit. There have been several false alarms over the last couple of months. We’re told that Disney is very mindful of the fact that this is a heavily-trafficked intersection and doesn’t want to cause any unnecessary hassles for drivers who live nearby. They have also stated that they will be taking every step possible to make sure that the track is safe and well-maintained.
The Third Step
Once you have the building permit, it’s time to get to work. Disney has set a September 2016 deadline for the completion of the project. They have also said that they will be monitoring the construction closely and will have plenty of extra workers on hand to help out with any problems that may arise. They also promised to keep the community up to date on the progress of the construction.
What About Parking?
One of the oft-asked questions is, “What about parking?” The studios can’t build a 9.8 acre lot without some sort of parking structure attached to it. Disney has said that they are committed to providing adequate parking for the community. They’ve also said that they will be utilizing valet parking services or offering shuttles to and from the nearest metro stops.
Who Is Building It?
While we don’t know much about the architecture of the upcoming Florida Speedway, we do know that it is being constructed by an Italian company called Grimaldi Group. They’ve been handling all of the construction for Disney. This is their second project for Disney. The first was the Burbank Town Center where the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, & Fantastic Four reside.
It’s been reported that the Grimaldi Group is charging $622,500 per month, plus expenses for this project. While that may seem like a lot, it’s not including the value of the land. You can bet that in five months, that cost will be well worth it.
Hopefully, this article has helped build a clearer picture of how to build the Ultimate Florida Speedway. We know that it’s been a while since you’ve been this excited about a new installment in the Cars franchise. We’re almost certain that you’ll be able to find a way to make it worth your while.