Can someone explain to me the popularity surrounding the Tomorrowland Speedway?

[MrDroopy]

During every trip my family and I go on, the longest lines/waits often to be around the Tomorrowland Speedway. While I understand that some families want to experience everything there is to do at Disney, I just don't understand the appeal for this particular attraction. Even when I was a few years old, I found it somewhat bland.

Can anyone please explain why this attraction may be so popular? Maybe I'm missing something... THANKS!

 

[twinspluscade]

I personally didn't think the ride was great. However my son--almost 3 at the time--thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was one of his favorite rides on our trip last year. My 4 year old daughters really liked it as well. I think it's so appealing for kids because they can steer the cars themselves. For adults/teens.....it's maybe not so appealing.

We went in Sept last year so lines were non-existent; we literally walked right on. I certainly wouldn't wait more than 10 minutes in line for it.

 

[Rob_b]

After being on the Speedway in Disneyland I will probably never go back on the one at WDW. The Disneyland version actually goes off road.

I am also confused why it is so popular at WDW. The track was shortened when Mickey's Toon Town fair was built.

 

[Allison]

I think a 4 or 5 year old would have to explain it to you. It's not something an adult is going to get excited about.

 

[Disney Ella]

I don't get the appeal either; it doesn't seem to fit into MK, but my kids used to love it. We would ride first thing in the morning because there was no way I was waiting in that line later in that day.

 

[mama4]

I dread dealing with this ride at Disney. My ds 5 loves it too. I think it's just the appeal of "driving a race car" -especially if they haven't had the opportunity before. Luckily so far my dh and ds 16 have been willing to take him and ds 3 on it while I stay with the baby. The lines have always been very long for us too. It appears that the lines move very slowly so that is probably why they get so long. If it's real busy, we just try to avoid that whole area and hope they will forget about it.
Ds5 may be getting wise to my ways though. Last trip (in June) he wanted to ride IASW really bad. The line was horrendous and we were all ready for a break. I told him we'd try to get back to it later when the line got shorter -knowing that that area was getting more and more busy. We left without riding and he never let me forget it Next trip (January) I hope to make it up to him.

 

[May Queen]

I don't get it either. I think it's just the fact that some kids would run with the opportunity to be able to drive. But, I mean, what about Barbie dream cars, you know? ha ha ha

 

[stczt]

Little kids like to "drive". And on our first trip I wanted to get pic's of my kids on a ride I rode when I was thier age. Now we keep on walking.

 

[becka]

I don't get it either but my 5 year old DS is dying to ride it next time and I don't think there will be anyway to get around that unless it is closed. He wanted to go last time and the line was so long that we skipped it and he like a previous posters' kid does not let me forget that we never did get to go on it so that is why he is so determined this time. I hope to hit it early right after Dumbo and maybe Pooh.

 

[Marty Joe]

My DD loves this ride. We have to go on it several times. I understand her love for it, but what I don't understand is the number of late teens and adults riding it by themselves. I think its funny to watch mom or dad sitting next to their kid behind the wheel with their Mickey ears and shades on. They can't even reach the pedal but they think they are driving this big, fast, gas powered race car. Unfortunately, you have to wait 45 - 60 minutes in line because of people who already drive "have the need for speed". They will actually cut in line to do it. To me, it's the equivalent of a 40yo man riding dumbo by himself going "WAAHOO" all the way around. But it's your ticket, ride it if you want to. Pretend your Bo Duke tearing up the countryside in the General Lee. Or maybe you could be Burt Reynolds in Stroker Ace! Me and my 7yo daughter will be waiting in line, watching you! Way to take that turn, Stroker!!

 

[justdoip]

Like others have said, I don't particularly care for it, but my DD loves it.

 

[JessiMommy]

The draw for me plain and simple is a memory. On my first trip to WDW at age 5, I drove my Daddy around that track. (That was 31 years ago) I have the cutest picture of how proud we both were. Every time my "daddy" goes with me to WDW we still take our little drive. It's also cute to watch my DH and our DD taking those little drives now.

 

[bennythepug]

we have never gone on it and most likely never will, unless there is no line for some reason. we have go-carts around here that are much more appealing to my kids

 

[disnut8]

I think it can be explained by my son, who is 25 years old now. He begged and begged to go on it when he was 3. We did just for him. He's taken his stepdaughter to Disney World twice and each time she's begged to go on it. She still has to do it since my son explained to her that the ride just isn't worth the wait. I don't think his newborn son stand a snowball's chance in hell of getting on it either unless there's no line at all. Or a manageable one. Or aliens invade the world that day.

 

[ntsammy5]

I think it can be explained by my son, who is 25 years old now. He begged and begged to go on it when he was 3. We did just for him.

Yup........

 

[skater]

I love it - only because my kids love it. We have videotape of my DS - 5 at the time grinning all over himself. I think we were still holding the gas pedal down for him, but he still felt like he was driving. As long as we have kids, Disney is mostly about watching their faces. (Except for the occasional drink by the pool or date night of course )

 

[twoeeyy]

We go because we love to sit at the end getting bumped and breathing in the exhaust fumes from the kids pumping the gas when they are already up against the car infront of them.

No really we do it just to do it cause were at Disney.

 

[Magical Disney]

When it comes to Tomorrowland Speedway, you better watch out. Im the slowest driver. I cant possibly follow the rails that the cars are on. I am always bumping from side to side. Maybe thats why my mom stopped going in the car with me.

 

[nezy]

It is all about the kids!

 

[nezy]

This is one of those rides we did for the kids.