If Disney does't get rid of that darn Tommorrowland Speedway...

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I can see little kids enjoying this attraction exactly the way it is, however I agree that it's time for it to be changed because it's very out dated and I think having a theme from the movie Cars would be a great idea.

 

[jayandstacey]

So I ask you...whats the big deal about making changes to Tomorrowland Speedway? Seems like Disney pulled it off many of times before with other attractions.

No problem here.

My only fear with a Cars theme: if the cars themselves are characters from the movies - will kids be pissed if they can't drive Lightning McQueen or Mater?

The solution might be that the driving cars could be just 'non descript' characters from the movie, and they could meet L McQ and Mater along the way somehow.

But it isn't a big deal.

 

[mking624]

this ride has on youngsters. I'm talking about the 4-8 year olds.

My gosh, to be able to drive a REAL car just like mom and dad! Kids dream about this day. My kids jump behind the wheel of my cars (when I'm not looking) when they are parked all the time!

Come on. Don't you remember the feeling you had as a kid taking the wheel of this attraction? This is what WDW is all about. Imagination...Dreaming...for the kids. Not us adults.

Sure 10 year olds might be jaded in this day, but let's let the young kids keep their innoncence and fantasies.

I agree with this to an extent. I do think many kids look at it the way you describe.

The part I disagree with is that it's not for the adults. Not just with this specific attraction, but any part of Disney. Disney is *not* meant to be just for the kids. Walt Disney wanted a place where children AND parents could have fun together.

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway."
-Walt Disney

 

[mirage0306]

I wouldn't mind this ride being updated some, but i have to say, the ride was one of the highlights of the trip for both of my kids. They absolutely loved it.

 

[ancestry]

I too wish they would change it. I can find a ride like this at almost every amusement park.

I go to Disney for a theme park experience, to ride rides that I can't find anywhere else. I don't like having to stand in line for a "standard" amusement park ride.

 

[goofydad621]

Yup it seems kind of old, maybe a little dated that being said our DD who is turning 14 (our older 2 that are 23 and 25 still talk about going on it as young ones) still rides it everytime we go, we have allot faster go karts in our area that she drives here but she still loves the tommorow land speedway. I think that the attraction is still needed, the Step back and remember what the magic looks like to a childs eyes, carnivals have cars on a track but not tiered, looking like a real road and to get to drive at DISNEY what I thrill.

I am looking forward to getting picutres of future grand kids on that ride that I can put on the wall next to the picuters from the past 15 years.

Just my 2 cents

Have a Disney Day

 

[agame2323]

I too wish they would change it. I can find a ride like this at almost every amusement park.

I go to Disney for a theme park experience, to ride rides that I can't find anywhere else. I don't like having to stand in line for a "standard" amusement park ride.

Good point as well.

 

[W.E.D.]

I have to admit it's actually kind of neat to ride it really late at night when it's dark and there's no line.

Hmm...I might have to try that. Sort of like the Jungle Cruise gets better at night.

 

[Robo]

I too wish they would change it. I can find a ride like this at almost every amusement park.

I go to Disney for a theme park experience, to ride rides that I can't find anywhere else. I don't like having to stand in line for a "standard" amusement park ride.

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

 

[agame2323]

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

Dumbo

I don't get it.

 

[mesaboy2]

 

[JimmyV]

I don't get it.

Robo is making the emphatic (and precise) point that Dumbo, one of the most beloved rides at WDW that builds a long line immediately upon park opening, is nothing more than a very standard amusement park ride that you can find anywhere. Yet that does not deter people from riding it and enjoying it. It could be replaced by a state-of-the-art simulator like the "Simpsons" ride at US where Dumbo flies you around the world. But little kids still like the basic ride. Now, I confess that all of this is lost on you because you don't particularly like the Dumbo ride. (See post #53). So I guess we can assume that a new thread is in the offing where you will give us your suggestions for updating and improving that ride as well.

 

[Joe Buck]

There really are 3 Dumbo rides in the MK. Dumbo, Astro Orbiter and Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride. Its funny how the Dumbo ride will have a huge wait, where sometimes you can go on Aladdin's Ride and have no wait.

But in regards to Tommorowland Speedway, I am suprised that is still around. Kids ride gocarts all of the time now and that is much more fun than being on rails. Plus it has so much real estate over there. They probably could add a few new rides there.

 

[agame2323]

Robo is making the emphatic (and precise) point that Dumbo, one of the most coveted rides at WDW that builds a long line immediately upon park opening, is nothing more than a very standard amusement park ride that you can find anywhere. Yet that does not deter people from riding it and enjoying it. It could be replaced by a state-of-the-art simulator like the "Simpsons" ride at US where Dumbo flies you around the world. But little kids still like the basic ride. Now, I confess that all of this is lost on you because you don't particularly like the Dumbo ride. So I guess we can assume that a new thread is in the offing where you will give us your suggestions for updating and improving that ride as well.

First of all, you know what they say about people who assume.

Second, you continue to attempt justifying the actions of a little kids. Kids at that age just want an enjoyable experience, no matter what the ride is. Kids that age are not familiar with what technical changes could be made to an attraction.

No one is debating whether little kids will like or dislike the ride(s). I don't know too many 4 or 5 yr old's that will say "I don't like Dumbo because its a very standard amusement park ride that you can find anywhere." This isn't JUST about the kids. WDW is a place people of all ages can enjoy. Not to mention more children can relate to Dumbo then the Tomorrowland Speed which IS a standard ride with NO characterization attached to it.

 

[agame2323]

There really are 3 Dumbo rides in the MK. Dumbo, Astro Orbiter and Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride. Its funny how the Dumbo ride will have a huge wait, where sometimes you can go on Aladdin's Ride and have no wait.

But in regards to Tommorowland Speedway, I am suprised that is still around. Kids ride gocarts all of the time now and that is much more fun than being on rails. Plus it has so much real estate over there. They probably could add a few new rides there.

Kids identify WITH THE CHARACTER that's associated with the ride. Lines aren't long because the ride is so cool. Its the theme of the attraction that kids love.

It also has to do with alternative. Of course the lines are long because these are rides targeting children and families. What else do you ride when your kid isnt tall enough to get on Space Mountain or any other thrill rides?

Couple that with how many children are in the park (especially during peak season) it makes total sense why the lines are long for these rides. Its pretty simple when you think about it.

 

[JimmyV]

I don't know too many 4 or 5 yr old's that will say "I don't like Dumbo because its a very standard amusement park ride that you can find anywhere."

That is exactly the point that Robo was making. And I don't know too many kids who say: I don't like the Speedway because its a very standard amusement park ride that you can find anywhere. Maybe you do. Our mileage may vary. Yes, WDW is about more than the kids. It should contain attractions that appeal to every demographic. And that includes a few low tech rides that bring a smile to kids' faces, even if they resemble the rides of other, lesser amusement parks. Let's not discount the fact that other parks copy Disney. Just because a local amusement park replicates a Disney ride is not reason enough for Disney to jettison its version.

We are up to page 10 here, and after you take out our back-and-forth colloquy, (which I promise to stop here and now), you will find that the majority of posters have stated that their kids love the ride and can't get enough of it. There is a fair amount of dissent among the adults here. But actually very few who admit to their kids disliking the ride. That number is greater than zero, to be sure. But it is distinctly the minority position.

And lest you think that I am some sort of anti-progress Luddite, my favorite ride is Tower of Terror; I fully endorse the makeover of Journey Into Imagination though I think that they failed in the effort. In other words, I have no love lost for the original, (a decided minority position in this board),but think that the current version stinks too; and I think that just about every other change to Epcot was an improvement. I'm not against change. I just happen to think that little kids dig the Speedway, so it doesn't deserve the constant bashing it gets here. Over and out. It's your thread. You get the last word if you want it.

 

[elainesj]

I agree with this to an extent. I do think many kids look at it the way you describe.

The part I disagree with is that it's not for the adults. Not just with this specific attraction, but any part of Disney. Disney is *not* meant to be just for the kids. Walt Disney wanted a place where children AND parents could have fun together.

"You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway."
-Walt Disney

I think Dumbo is rather lame...but I know when my kids were little they adored all those types of rides. What Dumbo has that others don't is the mystique and the magic..it's Dumbo...and it's the classic MK ride so even grownups ride it and smile I love that they are doing twin Dumbos...that makes the ride more exciting. And that circus themed waiting line sounds like so much fun. We've done Dumbo once and have no real interest in doing it again (my kids are 9 and 10) - but will definitely do the new twin Dumbos because it sounds different.

As for Sppedway, my DS9 still loves that ride. But he also loves all the antique car rides at all the other amusement parks we go to. From my perspective, I'm disappointed they don't make the Speedway a little more attractive to adults. I actually really enjoy all the antique car rides at other parks. They're usually cool and shady and it's fun to be driven along by your kids.

I find on speedway, the pedal is really hard to push, the lineup area is awfully designed (HOT), loading and unloading is slow, and the track itself is so-so.

It could be done SO much better- still keeping along the same theme of kids driving but with stuff to make it more attractive and interesting to adults. A Cars theme would be fun or even interesting things to see along the route, SHADE, etc.

 

[mking624]

I think Dumbo is rather lame...but I know when my kids were little they adored all those types of rides. What Dumbo has that others don't is the mystique and the magic..it's Dumbo...and it's the classic MK ride so even grownups ride it and smile I love that they are doing twin Dumbos...that makes the ride more exciting. And that circus themed waiting line sounds like so much fun. We've done Dumbo once and have no real interest in doing it again (my kids are 9 and 10) - but will definitely do the new twin Dumbos because it sounds different.

As for Sppedway, my DS9 still loves that ride. But he also loves all the antique car rides at all the other amusement parks we go to. From my perspective, I'm disappointed they don't make the Speedway a little more attractive to adults. I actually really enjoy all the antique car rides at other parks. They're usually cool and shady and it's fun to be driven along by your kids.

I find on speedway, the pedal is really hard to push, the lineup area is awfully designed (HOT), loading and unloading is slow, and the track itself is so-so.

It could be done SO much better- still keeping along the same theme of kids driving but with stuff to make it more attractive and interesting to adults. A Cars theme would be fun or even interesting things to see along the route, SHADE, etc.

Oh I'm not saying that the Speedway should stay the same. My DH and I have said a few times to each other that doing a Cars theme would be great or something (not that I'd personally care if it changed or not, it's not really my thing anyway). I was just responding to the PP when he said that "this is what WDW is all about... Not us adults." There are attractions that will be geared towards certain ages (and every single attraction will have its lovers, haters, and in betweeners), but anyone saying that WDW is not meant to be for adults (whether through its attractions, appeal, or something else) completely missed the point of why Disney wanted this theme park to be built in the first place. That was the only point I was making.

 

[Donn2n]

This ride is a fun - and yes, i'll be bold enough to say "classic" attraction. My children are now 14 & 18 - so the thrill, just like Peter Pan & Dumbo is not what it used to be. But, ohhh - the wonderful memories.

It brings a tear to my eye seeing youngsters drive their parents as i remember 10+ years ago that it was me & my kids in that car (as I wonder where the time went).

And even if my kids have outgrown an attraction, I'm happy that other guests can experience the same magic.

Drive On!!!

 

[arbolita]

Speaking for myself when I was 5 and on my first trip to Disney, I was SO EXCITED about this ride. It was probably one that I was most excited about, and loved "racing" against my sister, and thinking I was awesome because I got to drive a car.

Granted, I haven't ridden it since that first trip (I was 23 the next time I was at Disney), but I'd imagine there are still plenty of kids out there whose first experience with the Speedway lines up with mine.