I wonder why Disneyland doesn't use Autopia space for something new?

[Mugglemama]

Nemo/Autopia...I have read that most of Nemo happens without being actually underwater, inside of a building/structure...so I bet that's what Albort means when he says Autopia houses Nemo...

Oh, I see. No, I didn't realize that. Although we've been to DLR several times now since Nemo opened, we still haven't gone on it. The line just always seems way too long for what it is, IMO. I liked the submarines when I was little though, so hopefully the lines will be reasonable enough to bother with during our next visit. I really had no idea that a lot of the submarine ride happened inside of a building.....it doesn't seem that way in the YouTube video???

 

[Mugglemama]

According to the recent AL Lutz articles (http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al010510a.htm and http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al022310a.htm) the space being considered for multiple new E-ticket rides include:

o The Big Thunder Ranch area behind BTMRR where they have a BBQ and outside auditorium (used now but not very well)

o The old Motor Boat area (not used)

o Innoventions (used but - ahem - boring)

o Moving the berm out some more to create more space.

I can only see the berm moving to the north - every other direction seems blocked.

Where's the old Motor Boat area? I'm thinking that was already closed before my first trip to Disneyland (which was in 1977, I think)?

 

[FlameGirl]

Doesn't Autopia have two pedals, just like the "bumper car" ride in bug's land? I can't remember if I have to cross my leg over to the driver's seat when DS is driving, or if there's a pedal right in front of me too.

I'm pretty sure it's just one pedal. I remember having a heck of a time when my daughter was 4 mashing that pedal down for her.

 

[daneenm]

Oh no! That would be tragic in our house. Our son (9) likes to ride Autopia several times each trip. I still enjoy riding it with them.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Where's the old Motor Boat area? I'm thinking that was already closed before my first trip to Disneyland (which was in 1977, I think)?

The Motor Boats were over in that area kind of in front of Small World. According to my Disneyland Encyclopedia (man, I sound like a dork! ) they closed in 1993.

 

[Amommy21]

Autopia is a classic and as a kid is one of the best rides, they feel like they have control, get to do something that only grown ups are supposed to do, totally what Disney is about.. And i have a zillion pictures like the one posted... the look on a kids face is priceless, at all ages. Even teens seem to have a great time on this ride. And the line proves it.

Let's taalk about using wasted track from the people movers or replacing innovention... or getttingn a cool 3d movie in that's better and mroe updated than Captian EO or Honey I shrunk the kids.

 

[Belle Ella]

I still love Autopia - even as an adult! It's been a bummer for me, not finding time to ride on my past two trips because it wasn't somtething the other half of my group was interested in. I will rectify that come July. I'd absolutely hate to see it go, if and when that time ever comes.

And the same for Innoventions!! People don't give that enough credit. It's such a shame.

I agree with the PP - it would be great to get something to replace HISTA that wasn't a step backwards like bringing back Captain EO is.

 

[LuLusApple]

I love Autopia! And so does my son. I mean, does this face lie?

Each time we go I snap another, very similar, picture.

I love that picture he looks like he is going sooo fast
I know kids love Autopia

 

[HydroGuy]

Where's the old Motor Boat area? I'm thinking that was already closed before my first trip to Disneyland (which was in 1977, I think)?

I remember riding those dorky motor boats as a kid.

See the "Fantasia Gardens" area just north of Matterhorn and nemo:

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8127381&lon=-117.9186684&z=18&l=0&m=b

 

[Albort]

Houses it, or just surrounds it? It's hard to tell from Google Earth, it just looks like it surrounds it. It's such a large space, I imagine they could still put in something really good without affecting Nemo. Then again, I'm no engineer.

As another PP said, Autopia appears to be a nostalgic staple for many people. We usually forget it's even there, we never venture into that corner of the park. The only time we see the ride is when we're on the train (which, IMO, is actually more fun than Autopia, lol).

Oh well, who knows what they will do? It is exciting to think of all the new changes coming up, and also any possible other changes that we haven't even heard about yet. I love DLR, but I'd also love to have a lot more of it! Especially considering how much the crowds have increased....more attractions might mean less congestion in the walkways.

i cant seem to find the map but there is a map that shows that Nemo submarine runs below autopia, in other words, yes housing Nemo the ride. there is a map that shows how its runs and its pretty long.

yes, i am no engineer either, but i guess they would probably have to reinforce the structure to add something there...

 

[Amommy21]

I will add that they could jazz up the track a bit or add some updates or something.

DS was really into the Chevron cars when he was little and LOVED all the chevron stuff that was added. He even won a free chevron car on his ticket or something once. That was a great time for him.

Now that he is 8 he can finally steer on his own and next time maybe he can even reach the peddle! LOL! he is really still growing into this ride and it is fun to see his excitement over it each year.

But Autopia is always one everyone in our party enjoys. I certainly hope they don't get rid of it just because of the new Cars area in California Adventure.

I will admit when the line is really long it can be frustrating.

 

[Mugglemama]

I remember riding those dorky motor boats as a kid.

See the "Fantasia Gardens" area just north of Matterhorn and nemo:

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8127381&lon=-117.9186684&z=18&l=0&m=b

Ohhhhhhh, I wondered what that space was there for! What's funny is that if it closed in '93, I must have been at Disneyland many times and never even noticed the ride. I'm fairly certain I've never been on it.

I'd love a new attraction....although I wonder where they could possibly fit a line queue in that area without making congestion a lot worse than it already is.

Thanks for the info, HG!!

 

[GrandBob]

i cant seem to find the map but there is a map that shows that Nemo submarine runs below autopia, in other words, yes housing Nemo the ride. there is a map that shows how its runs and its pretty long.

Well, this isn't the map you're talking about, but Wikimapia helps. Mouse over the Nemo area, and it will show you where it goes under Autopia.

-Bob

 

[Leofoenget]

The reason I don't like it,is because the cars are so uncomfortable! At Great America here in Santa Clara, they have a similar ride and because the cars are old model T type cars it's not that bad and I enjoy going on it with my kids. I think this ride should be next in line for a makeover.

 

[jennifur25]

Aww don't get rid of Autopia- my boys love it! Here's video from this weekend that I've been cracking up over since we got back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPJTsLJxhNM

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_3U9zYg_u0

 

[Disneylvrforever]

I haven't been on Autopia in a long time just bc of the long lines. Even though I drive a real car, I think Autopia is fun bc I don't have to pay attention to where I move the wheel & I'll just bump into the track. And when the track goes straight, I purposely crash myself into the track.

Some ppl may argue that Autopia is taking up too much space, but imagine if the track was shorter. That means a shorter ride & unhappy guests. Having ppl, especially kids, be able to drive a good distance makes them know that they didn't wait in a 45 min. line for nothing.

Plus, has anyone ever driven the Autopia in the rain? It's a lot of fun (if you don't mind water hitting your face)!

 

[canadian_ehngel]

Those videos are so cute!!

We're going to Disneyland for the first time as a family, and my 4-year-old is REALLY looking forward to Autopia! She's been bugging me to let her to drive our real van (yes, at 4 LOL), so for her to get to drive a "real" car, she's really looking forward to it. I remember enjoying Autopia. I hope it doesn't go anywhere!

 

[23bw]

No No No....my boys love it. The girls have their princess stuff throughout the park. Leave Autopedia for the boys.
My only complaint about autopedia is the cars. The noise and rumble is fine but they put out so much exhaust. Go electric or something. I'm sure the CMs working the ride would love to get some fresh air down there too.

 

[PinkBudgie]

No No No....my boys love it. The girls have their princess stuff throughout the park. Leave Autopedia for the boys.
My only complaint about autopedia is the cars. The noise and rumble is fine but they put out so much exhaust. Go electric or something. I'm sure the CMs working the ride would love to get some fresh air down there too.

Yes, I agree. That's what I'm saying. My boys loved it too when they were little. Don't take it out. But smelly, noisy cars are not the future. I think they could do it up to make a smoother, quieter ride. It would still be fun for kids to drive but make it some sort of concept cars or something.

 

[DizMe]

I personally hate it, but I loved it as a kid. However, I was also able to drive it as a kid, something that isn't easy to do with the current version. As a PP said, even if the kid can reach the gas pedal, it's too hard for many of them to push it down. It's hard to do it for them, too. I like the idea of going electric and making it easier for kids to actually drive the vehicle. Hopefully that doesn't mean turning into whatever those bumper cars are called in Bug's Land...the ones that ought to be in the shape of snails. Bumper cars aren't really fun if you take away all the power to bump . I liked the good old days when adults didn't worry about their kids' safety, they just let them have fun

I don't know what I'd like to see, putting in something better in Autopia's place or preserving the nostalgia. I do know I'd like to see them change the cars if they do decide to keep it. Seems like a good ride to go green.