30 0 2 34 0
Tomorrowland Speedway showcases America’s love with fast cars. (These cars only look fast.They have a top speed of 7.5 mph. No that’s not 75 mph that seven point five miles per hour.) Yep, those are some fast cars.
Back before the interstate highway system was built. Back when most roads were two lanes. Uncle Walt wanted to show the value of wide lanes of traffic as the future of the highway system, so he designed Autopia for Disneyland.
This is a ride wholly designed for the little tykes (and their parents). Teens and young adults will be very bored.
Tomorrowland Speedway
The Preshow
Uncle Walt was great at creating an atmosphere. Here Uncle Walt took all the ingredients (including the noise and smell) of a racetrack and made them part of the ride. This includes spectators watching from a bridge over the track (smile and wave as you go by). Uncle Walt even included grandstands for those wimpy big brothers and sisters.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting tidbits –
- This ride is called Autotopia in Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s called Tomorrowland Indy Speedway at Tokyo Disneyland.
- The Disneyland version was opened in 1955, before the interstate highway system came into being.
- The track is four tenths of a mile long.
History
This attraction first opened at Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971 with the rest of the park.
- Originally it was called Grand Prix Raceway with Goodyear as it’s sponsor.
- In 1994 the name was changed in conjunction with the New Tomorrowland update.
- In 1999 Disney partnered with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and added the famous Yard of Bricks as a finish line and added Gasoline Alley logos to the ride.
Dad’s Ride Information Table
Tomorrowland Speedway |
||||||||||||
| Description: Drive replica race cars around a replica track | ||||||||||||
| Height Requirement – at least 54″ tall to drive | Fastpass:YES | Length of Ride: 5 minutes | ||||||||||
| Type of ride: Motorized cars on a track | ||||||||||||
Dad’s Ratings
|
||||||||||||
| Other Information: There are bumpers and rails but rear end collisions still happen. Riderswitch is available for this attraction. | ||||||||||||
The Fine Print
Important information –
- You should be in good health, free from high pressure, heart, neck and back problems.
- If you are expecting (yes a baby) you should not ride.
- Guests must transfer from ECV or wheelchairs to board ride vehicles.
Dad’s Bottom Line
This is one of Uncle Walt’s great creations. Youngsters everywhere all holler to drive these cars. It’s always one of the longest lines of the day. Enjoy, but check those rear view mirrors when you come to the finish line.
