The Tomorrowland Speedway, located in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, is a classic attraction that has been delighting guests since the park’s opening day in 1971. Modeled after a traditional raceway, the ride allows guests to hop into gas-powered cars and race around a 0.4-mile track at speeds of up to 7 mph. While this ride has maintained its nostalgic appeal, it has also faced its share of criticism over the years. Here’s everything you need to know about Tomorrowland Speedway.
Ride Overview and Experience
At its core, Tomorrowland Speedway is a miniature racing experience that gives guests the chance to drive cars around a scenic raceway. The attraction consists of small, gas-powered vehicles that seat two people (driver and passenger), with a center guide rail to help keep the cars on track. Though the cars are gas-powered and provide an authentic driving experience with the sound and feel of a real engine, they’re designed to be safe for all ages, with a top speed that’s intentionally kept slow.
The track winds through a section of Tomorrowland, featuring simple sets and landscaping that contribute to the overall experience of being on a futuristic raceway. Guests will navigate over bridges, through tunnels, and around curves as they take control of their own vehicle.
Who Can Drive?
One of the most appealing aspects of Tomorrowland Speedway is that it allows children to experience the thrill of driving. Guests must be 32 inches tall to ride, and anyone 54 inches or taller can drive their own car. Guests under 54 inches can still participate, but they must ride as a passenger with someone tall enough to drive.
For young children, this attraction can be especially thrilling, as it gives them their first taste of driving and controlling their own vehicle (with the guide rail assisting to ensure they stay on track). Parents and guardians can enjoy the ride as a passenger while watching the excitement on their child’s face.
Nostalgia and Theming
Tomorrowland Speedway has a deep connection to the origins of Disney’s theme parks. It’s a spiritual successor to Autopia, the car ride that was one of the original attractions at Disneyland in California. The ride embodies a sense of nostalgia, offering a window into a time when the idea of “the future” involved driving cars in high-speed adventures. The concept of racing on a futuristic speedway was seen as an exciting vision of what Tomorrowland might offer in the future.
While many Tomorrowland attractions have been updated to reflect more modern or space-aged theming, Tomorrowland Speedway has remained largely the same, maintaining its classic appeal. The attraction’s signage and overall aesthetic are simple, but this adds to its nostalgic charm.
Pros and Cons of Tomorrowland Speedway
Pros:
- Great for Young Kids: For young children who are too small for some of the more thrilling rides in Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Speedway provides an exciting experience. Kids love the chance to drive, and parents enjoy seeing them have fun behind the wheel.
- Classic Disney Appeal: For guests who appreciate vintage Disney attractions, Tomorrowland Speedway offers a classic experience that harkens back to the original vision of Tomorrowland. It’s a piece of Disney history that connects to the early days of the park.
- Interactive: The ride’s hands-on nature, where guests are actually controlling their own vehicles, sets it apart from other passive dark rides. This level of control, even with the guide rail, adds an interactive element that keeps kids engaged.
- Fun for All Ages: While it may not offer high-octane thrills, Tomorrowland Speedway is a family-friendly attraction that guests of all ages can enjoy together. Adults can accompany their kids or take a ride themselves for a leisurely experience.
Cons:
- Dated Theme: Many guests have noted that Tomorrowland Speedway feels outdated compared to newer attractions. As Tomorrowland has evolved to embrace a more space-age, futuristic theme, the retro design of the Speedway doesn’t align as well with the rest of the land. Some guests feel that the ride lacks the innovative appeal of other Disney rides.
- Environmental Impact: The ride uses gas-powered vehicles, which produce noise and fumes. In a world that’s becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, this aspect of the ride has drawn some criticism. While the cars run at low speeds, the use of gasoline engines in a futuristic-themed land feels out of place to many.
- Slow and Jumpy Ride: The ride is intentionally slow, so guests expecting a fast-paced race might be disappointed. Additionally, the cars can be difficult to steer, often jerking as they bump along the guide rail, which can make the ride feel a little rough for some guests.
- Long Wait Times: Despite being a classic ride, Tomorrowland Speedway can have surprisingly long wait times, especially during peak hours. The loading process is relatively slow, as each car is carefully loaded with guests and sent onto the track. If the ride has a long wait time, it may not feel worth it for some guests, given its slow pace and simple design.
Location and Queue Experience
Located near Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway’s entrance is easily identifiable by its large sign and retro design. The queue itself is fairly simple, consisting of shaded outdoor switchbacks, but it can become uncomfortable during hot summer days due to the lack of air conditioning and limited airflow. The ride’s loading area is located in an elevated station that overlooks the track.
The theming of the queue area is minimal, focusing more on the concept of a speedway, with basic signage and a view of the track below. However, the simplicity of the queue is in line with the retro charm of the ride.
Tips for Riding Tomorrowland Speedway
- Ride Early or Late: To avoid long wait times, try riding Tomorrowland Speedway either early in the morning or late in the evening. The attraction can experience long lines during the middle of the day, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours.
- Great for First-Time Visitors: If you’re visiting with children or first-time Disney guests, Tomorrowland Speedway is a great ride to introduce them to the concept of a driving attraction. It’s a simple and fun experience that offers a hands-on element.
- Prepare for a Slow Pace: If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, Tomorrowland Speedway may not be the ride for you. It’s slow-paced and more about the experience of driving rather than the speed of racing.
- Consider the Fumes: If you or your children are sensitive to exhaust fumes, be aware that the cars are gas-powered and can produce some noticeable exhaust during the ride.
Final Thoughts
Tomorrowland Speedway is a Disney classic that offers a hands-on driving experience for families and younger guests. While it may not have the thrills or technological advancements of newer attractions, it remains a nostalgic favorite for many Disney fans. Its simple charm, opportunity for young kids to drive, and connection to the original vision of Tomorrowland keep it as a staple of Magic Kingdom.
However, the ride’s slower pace, dated theme, and environmental impact might leave some guests wanting more from a futuristic-themed attraction. For those looking for nostalgia and a bit of lighthearted fun, Tomorrowland Speedway is a must-do. But if you’re seeking fast-paced thrills or cutting-edge technology, you may want to look elsewhere in the park.
