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

[Mugglemama]

I was just looking at Disneyland on Google Earth, because I read an article that mentioned Disney execs were talking about building new attractions in some space in Frontierland.

So then I was just looking around and realized what a GIGANTIC space Autopia takes up! It's a huge corner of the park. And I'm not sure how most people feel, but I'd sure be happy to see Autopia go in exchange for some fun, new attractions.

Is Autopia REALLY that popular? We haven't bothered with it in so long that my 8 and 5 year olds have never even ridden it, lol. Just a tired, boring ride IMHO. I wish they'd 86 it and put in some new stuff!!

 

[DirkLogan]

I am torn on that one. When I was a kid, I always wanted to "DRIVE" the cars. Now I rarely ride, mostly because they are super crowded for how fun they are. If it was a really good attraction, I would be ok, but it is sort of a staple. It would have to be something Space or Thunder Mountain caliber for me to be totally ok with it.

 

[Mugglemama]

I am torn on that one. When I was a kid, I always wanted to "DRIVE" the cars. Now I rarely ride, mostly because they are super crowded for how fun they are. If it was a really good attraction, I would be ok, but it is sort of a staple. It would have to be something Space or Thunder Mountain caliber for me to be totally ok with it.

Yeah, I realize it's an early, early Disneyland ride, so I can see why some people would feel weird about exchanging it for something else. It just seems like an extremely dull attraction for all the space it takes up.

 

[disney-inspired]

Once Cars land is completed in DCA I bet that area will be a ghost town. I think they might remove it once Cars land is up and running because it does no good to tear out a ride that attracts a lot of guests when its upgraded counterpart isn't even started.

I think Autopia is lame and I've had more fun on the go carts at Boomers!

 

[Albort]

you do know that autopia area houses Nemo yeah?

I dont think they want too much things weighing down on Nemo.

 

[LuLusApple]

The line at autopia is usually long even the FP is not very fast. After driving 8 hours to get there, driving again is not my favorite thing to do but seems others really enjoy it.
I vote for ripping out innoventions and that area under the monorail where the old motor boats used to be. It's a smoking section I think now.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I thought I heard something about them using the old boat ride area again. I thought I read that but I could be wrong.

If only they could somehow make a car ride there that is futuristic. Walt was always trying to think of ways to improve city life and I feel sure he wouldn't leave those there that long but would urge his people to think up some new kind of car.

 

[Golfing Goofy]

I don't know what it is, but kids just seem to love autopia. When our kids were little, we spent so much time in that LONG line. LOL. It felt like hours and hours. I agree that making it somehow futuristic would be cool.

I think that would be neat if they would bring back the boat ride. I used to love that as a kid.

 

[deejdigsdis]

Oh, I'd hate to see Autopia go the way of the Motor Boats... Autopia is a staple for me. We took our kids to DL for the first time a few months ago and it was my first time back in 13 years. My youngest son squealed the entire time. He was almost 4. Actually, I was laughing most of the time too. For some reason it just makes me laugh when the steering wheel starts spinning by itself and it's out of control. So for me, it's nostalgic. It does take up a lot of space, though.

 

[nana50]

Now that we are grown, autopia seems silly. Think back to when you were 8 or 9 and you ACTUALLY got to DRIVE those cars. I hate waiting in that long line, but now my grandkids LOVE it.

 

[Mugglemama]

you do know that autopia area houses Nemo yeah?

I dont think they want too much things weighing down on Nemo.

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.

 

[iheartdisney]

I don't see it going anywhere.
First, the fact that there is always a long line is a testament to the fact that there are always people on it, or in line for it.
Second, it is a classic. Yes, it has been updated since Walt used his gold car on the track, but it is still one of Walt's attractions.
third (and probably the most important for the BUSINESS of Disneyland) it is a **SPONSORED** attraction.

 

[kailuagirl]

I can see why the kids just love this ride. And I like that it is "old school Disney. I haven't been on this ride in years and years, at least that I can remember, or maybe never. Last June when we went, no matter what time of time or night it was the line was like a 50 minute plus wait, even the fastpass line. So needless to say we never go to ride it Dh didn't wanna wait. This next time around we will stand in line so my soon to be 3 year old can ride it. i think she'd have a blast.

 

[FlameGirl]

When we were there in December, we (husband, daugheter 10 and myself) decided to go on. When we got to the front of the line, they ended up splitting us off into two groups - I took off in a group of cars in front of the other two, and then they each got their own car.

When I got to the end, I stood and waited for my daughter and husband to come rolling in. It was dark, but I could see my daughter kind of limping the car back. I laughed and made the comment that "OMG you are a horrible driver!" and then I realized that, oh, she is bawling her eyes out.

She wasn't really strong enough to clamp down on the gas pedal to get the car moving and she knew she was holding up the rest of the cars behind her...poor thing. The poor cast members working the ride thought she was hurt so we had to assure them she was just humiliated but was fine.

I don't think we will ever get her on that ride again. I wonder why they make it so hard to push the gas pedal down?

 

[disney-inspired]

The line at autopia is usually long even the FP is not very fast. After driving 8 hours to get there, driving again is not my favorite thing to do but seems others really enjoy it.
I vote for ripping out innoventions and that area under the monorail where the old motor boats used to be. It's a smoking section I think now.

Noooooo, I love innoventions!

 

[blackjackdelta]

You wonder what will happen when they open Carsland?

Jack

 

[LuLusApple]

Noooooo, I love innoventions!

really?
but see isn't that great there is something for everyone and some stuff some of us could care less about. That's the beauty of Disneyland

 

[Mugglemama]

You wonder what will happen when they open Carsland?

Jack

I hadn't really thought of that, but Cars Land will likely prove to be a lot more fun (I hope!). And maybe then it will seem redundant to have Cars Land AND Autopia? Who knows.

I guess I hadn't really thought of what some other posters have said either, which is that Autopia is one of "Walt's" rides, and I can see why many would feel that fact matters (myself included).

I've been going on Autopia since I was 4 years old, and have never had fun on it (as I mentioned before we haven't even so much as glanced in that direction of the park in more than 8 years). I think my two oldest kids have each been on it once (and never asked to go again), and the two youngest have never been.

But I realize that's just my experience, and that lots of people might actually really enjoy it. Still, it does feel like a lot of wasted space for what it is.

I guess I also didn't think about the fact that Autopia is probably a really great ride for kids who are frightened by the darker, more intense rides of DLR. My kids have always been little thrill-seekers, so maybe that's why Autopia seems particularly boring to us.

 

[bumbershoot]

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

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



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...


The Carsland ride won't be a driving ride. I've read that it will be more similar to Test Track...you don't have control. And I've read that they are redoing the hover things, so there's your new type of vehicle right there! Leave Autopia alone (and maybe the line won't be so ghastly)!


Until DS's legs are long enough, I'll be there to push the pedal down for/with him. 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. Either way, I'll help him out until he doesn't need helping anymore! (since I am short and my fave ride at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was the (now gone, I hear) cars, I've had experience being the helped-out kid )

 

[HydroGuy]

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.