TTA PeopleMover August 2014 after refurbishment

My Favorite Attractions: Magic Kingdom – Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is located immediately to the right of the Cinderella Castle Hub at the end of Main Street USA. When it first opened, the theme was “the future”, but the future happens pretty quickly.

In the 1990s, Disney updated the theme by going back in time taking the viewpoint of mid-20th century science fiction writers designing the land as the future that never was and always will be.

Attractions in the area include Astro Orbiter, which gives awesome views of the land, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Carousel of Progress, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, and my favorite: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover!

Let’s take a look at the PeopleMover!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

The general concept for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority got its start at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York City as the Ford Magic Skyway. This elevated, urban mass transit system now circles Tomorrowland in both Disneyland and Disney World.

It was rebranded in Disneyland as the WedWay PeopleMover by Goodyear opening on July 2nd, 1967 in Tomorrowland. The ride closed on August 21st, 1995, so the only remaining version of this attraction is in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

Wedway PeopleMover opened on July 1st, 1975, but it didn’t use linear induction motors instead of Goodyear tires, so Goodyear wouldn’t sponsor the Disney World version. The other most noticeable difference is, while the Disneyland version had an open-air ride structure and covered cars, the Disney World version has open-air cars and a covered ride structure.

In 1994, the ride received a major refurbishment to fit the changing theme of the land. The name was changed to Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and it got a new track, new narration, and a new backstory.

Let's ride around Tomorrowland!
Let’s ride around Tomorrowland!

In 2010, the original name was restored and combined with the previous name making it Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

While taking a spin around Tomorrowland on the PeopleMover, you can see a concept diorama of EPCOT!
While taking a spin around Tomorrowland on the PeopleMover, you can see a concept diorama of EPCOT!

The TTA PeopleMover doesn’t have any thrilling drops, and you certainly won’t get wet.  However, it is one of the most beloved attractions in all of Disney World e- ven winning Disney’s World’s March Madness competition.

This could be for a few reasons all of them having to do with the fact that TTA PeopleMover gives one of the most unique views of any land in Magic Kingdom. The ride is elevated, and you ride around Tomorrowland on the second story, so you see everything from a bird’s eye view! You also pass through Space Mountain and by a diorama of Walt’s original Progress City.

Another really cool thing about this ride is that, while it passes through Space Mountain, their ride systems are independent, so the TTA doesn’t have to stop when Space Mountain goes down. This means that you just might get a view of Space Mountain with the lights on!

What’s your favorite Tomorrowland attraction?