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

[BrerRabbit1114]

This ride could definately use a make over but it's one of those rides that's considered a classic. Kids love it cause they can to drive the car instead of their parents, and i'm sure the kids get a kick out of it. I would be neutral if they decide to keep it or replace it.

 

[WTP]

I like the speedway, but I think it would be cool to make it more "futuristic" by making the cars run on electricity instead of diesel.

My almost 4yo is looking forward to the cars, but I'm sad that we can't even take the 1yo on with us! The height requirements for this attraction are ridiculous.

 

[Experiment_626]

And what Land would be more appropriate for a Space Ranger? Liberty Square? Frontierland? Adventureland?

I think the people who object to Buzz Lightyear being in Tomorrowland are forgetting that the character in the park is not the one from the Toy Story movies, but rather represents the "real Buzz Lightyear" -- the character that the one in the films originally believed himself to be. With that in mind, I think he fits pretty well with the "future that never was" design of Tomorrowland. Buzz's design is very much a spiritual descendent of 1950s sci-fi, which in turn owed a lot to what we think of as the Victorian, "Jules Verne" look -- both of which the 1994 Tomorrowland makeover references heavily.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if Disney decided to do something else with the Speedway. It used to fit with the theme, kind of -- the original concept of the Autopia was centered more on what people expected the interstate highway system would offer for the future than specifically on letting kids drive cars, at least in terms of concept. That was the futurist part of it. However, the system is certainly contemporary at best now. While I think Buzz (and even Stitch, in so far as he is a genetically-engineered alien from outer space) fit in Tomorrowland well enough, I think Cars would be a puzzling addition to that land. And truthfully, if they're going to keep the ride at all, I don't think a cosmetic change in the appearance of the vehicles is an answer. they need to vastly improve the ride experience itself. Remove that rail in the center and add restraints on the outside edges of the roadway to keep the cars where they should be -- or find some sort of futuristic guidance system/course correction technology that keeps drivers from gong too far off course without having to use a low-tech rail. Make it possible to go faster (the amusement park near my home growing up did both of the above -- no center rail and faster cars -- in the 1970s and had a ride that was more fun than Disney's in this one particular case) while incorporating cutting edge collision-avoidance technology to stop guests rom ramming the car ahead of them. In other words, revamp the ride and make it, once again, about the future of driving, not a ride appealing almost exclusively to children (though still including them). This way, you've at least restored it to "20 minutes into the future" status, which is maybe a bit more than what Autopia had at the beginning.

And the idea that I'm the dated portion of the equation is a little off-base; I rode and was deeply disappointed with the Speedway when I was 10, and didn't ride it again until my little boy needed someone to ride with him. And defending the ride with "kids love it" presumes that if Disney got rid of it, they would replace it with something children would hate, which is unlikely. Maybe they would put something there that kids would love as much, or even more.

But it should at least be updated and made more interesting fun for all, and the idea I put forth above is one way that could happen.

As for Cars, I'd rather see (and think we eventually will see) DHS get a version of of CarsLand, as DCA is getting.

How many of you will read this, and how many will skip it because "it's too long," I wonder ...

Scott

 

[scion5220]

I think the people who object to Buzz Lightyear being in Tomorrowland are forgetting that the character in the park is not the one from the Toy Story movies, but rather represents the "real Buzz Lightyear" -- the character that the one in the films originally believed himself to be. With that in mind, I think he fits pretty well with the "future that never was" design of Tomorrowland. Buzz's design is very much a spiritual descendent of 1950s sci-fi, which in turn owed a lot to what we think of as the Victorian, "Jules Verne" look -- both of which the 1994 Tomorrowland makeover references heavily.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if Disney decided to do something else with the Speedway. It used to fit with the theme, kind of -- the original concept of the Autopia was centered more on what people expected the interstate highway system would offer for the future than specifically on letting kids drive cars, at least in terms of concept. That was the futurist part of it. However, the system is certainly contemporary at best now. While I think Buzz (and even Stitch, in so far as he is a genetically-engineered alien from outer space) fit in Tomorrowland well enough, I think Cars would be a puzzling addition to that land. And truthfully, if they're going to keep the ride at all, I don't think a cosmetic change in the appearance of the vehicles is an answer. they need to vastly improve the ride experience itself. Remove that rail in the center and add restraints on the outside edges of the roadway to keep the cars where they should be -- or find some sort of futuristic guidance system/course correction technology that keeps drivers from gong too far off course without having to use a low-tech rail. Make it possible to go faster (the amusement park near my home growing up did both of the above -- no center rail and faster cars -- in the 1970s and had a ride that was more fun than Disney's in this one particular case) while incorporating cutting edge collision-avoidance technology to stop guests rom ramming the car ahead of them. In other words, revamp the ride and make it, once again, about the future of driving, not a ride appealing almost exclusively to children (though still including them). This way, you've at least restored it to "20 minutes into the future" status, which is maybe a bit more than what Autopia had at the beginning.

And the idea that I'm the dated portion of the equation is a little off-base; I rode and was deeply disappointed with the Speedway when I was 10, and didn't ride it again until my little boy needed someone to ride with him. And defending the ride with "kids love it" presumes that if Disney got rid of it, they would replace it with something children would hate, which is unlikely. Maybe they would put something there that kids would love as much, or even more.

But it should at least be updated and made more interesting fun for all, and the idea I put forth above is one way that could happen.

As for Cars, I'd rather see (and think we eventually will see) DHS get a version of of CarsLand, as DCA is getting.

How many of you will read this, and how many will skip it because "it's too long," I wonder ...

Scott

I read it. Should've skipped it.

 

[goofyernmost]

Kids love this attraction.

As adults we so quickly tend to lose sight of that. Kids love it. It is for kids, not adults. It's the whole package...the smell, the noise, the shear joy of feeling like your driving that appeals to kids. How fast it is going is of no consequence or concern. It is just fun for little kids to do. They can drive, they are not likely to get hurt, it seems unprotected and like a taste of freedom.

They could change it over to electric cars, but it would not be the same. It is a very primitive psychological adventure. Can't we just let kids be kids for a few minutes and let them have their fantasies that aren't necessarily the same as ours.

I remember going with my girls when they were little. They thought it was great and they really thought they were controlling it completely. Personally, I wanted to get out and push. I could have rolled along the ground faster then those cars were going, but, just like suppressing nausea on the tea cups, we do it for them. It's part of the job description. Parenthood is not for the weak!

It isn't dated out completely. We still have gas engine cars on our highways. They still look somewhat similar to what those cars look like (especially race cars) and, as someone mentioned, to a young child it is tomorrow. It is up ahead for them to actually experience without those simple methods of providing them with tomorrow, today.

 

[MomofKatie]

My almost 4yo is looking forward to the cars, but I'm sad that we can't even take the 1yo on with us! The height requirements for this attraction are ridiculous.

The 54" requirement is only for children to ride alone, i.e, without a parent in the car with them. There is no minimum requirement for little ones to ride with parents,although they recommend babies under 12 months should not ride at all.

When DD was small, she would sit in the driver seat and steer. I would press the gas pedal.

 

[LilGMom]

Personally I love this ride and it is one that I look forward to doing and did even before having kids. I'm not sure if it my family's ties to the Indy 500 (my grandfather was a firefighter way back when and my dad has a brick from the original track) or because I have always secretly wanted to be a race car driver or just the fact that it is a classic ride. I'd rather see Dumbo and all of the Dumbo-ish rides go bye-bye before losing the Speedway.

 

[JimmyV]

Can't we just let kids be kids for a few minutes and let them have their fantasies that aren't necessarily the same as ours.

Thank you. You have captured the concept beautifully. Yes, it could be replaced with a hi-def, 3-D, total immersion, high-speed, virtual reality, interactive, motion simulation, laser shooting adventure with a free fall and a water feature. But then again, maybe "reality" beats "virtual reality" and all the interaction a kid needs every now and then is "push pedal=car moves".

 

[Brian Noble]

It's not particularly unique---most any "regular" amusement park has one. My local has three of them!

It also takes up a *lot* of real estate.

But, kids of a certain age LOVE to "drive" a car all under their very own "control." Who am I to say they shouldn't get to? Update it? Sure! Axe it? Meh.

 

[disney_bob]

I think the people who object to Buzz Lightyear being in Tomorrowland are forgetting that the character in the park is not the one from the Toy Story movies, but rather represents the "real Buzz Lightyear" -- the character that the one in the films originally believed himself to be. With that in mind, I think he fits pretty well with the "future that never was" design of Tomorrowland. Buzz's design is very much a spiritual descendent of 1950s sci-fi, which in turn owed a lot to what we think of as the Victorian, "Jules Verne" look -- both of which the 1994 Tomorrowland makeover references heavily.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if Disney decided to do something else with the Speedway. It used to fit with the theme, kind of -- the original concept of the Autopia was centered more on what people expected the interstate highway system would offer for the future than specifically on letting kids drive cars, at least in terms of concept. That was the futurist part of it. However, the system is certainly contemporary at best now. While I think Buzz (and even Stitch, in so far as he is a genetically-engineered alien from outer space) fit in Tomorrowland well enough, I think Cars would be a puzzling addition to that land. And truthfully, if they're going to keep the ride at all, I don't think a cosmetic change in the appearance of the vehicles is an answer. they need to vastly improve the ride experience itself. Remove that rail in the center and add restraints on the outside edges of the roadway to keep the cars where they should be -- or find some sort of futuristic guidance system/course correction technology that keeps drivers from gong too far off course without having to use a low-tech rail. Make it possible to go faster (the amusement park near my home growing up did both of the above -- no center rail and faster cars -- in the 1970s and had a ride that was more fun than Disney's in this one particular case) while incorporating cutting edge collision-avoidance technology to stop guests rom ramming the car ahead of them. In other words, revamp the ride and make it, once again, about the future of driving, not a ride appealing almost exclusively to children (though still including them). This way, you've at least restored it to "20 minutes into the future" status, which is maybe a bit more than what Autopia had at the beginning.

And the idea that I'm the dated portion of the equation is a little off-base; I rode and was deeply disappointed with the Speedway when I was 10, and didn't ride it again until my little boy needed someone to ride with him. And defending the ride with "kids love it" presumes that if Disney got rid of it, they would replace it with something children would hate, which is unlikely. Maybe they would put something there that kids would love as much, or even more.

But it should at least be updated and made more interesting fun for all, and the idea I put forth above is one way that could happen.

As for Cars, I'd rather see (and think we eventually will see) DHS get a version of of CarsLand, as DCA is getting.

How many of you will read this, and how many will skip it because "it's too long," I wonder ...

Scott

Where did you read that its not supposed to be the Toy Story Buzz?

Anyways, while we're throwing things out we might as well throw out Monsters Inc. That has no place in Tomorrowland. Unless you want to try to use the "but its sci-fi!" excuse.. which I don't buy, personally.

In regards to the speedyway, just because you didn't like it at age 10 doesn't mean its a waste for children. I thorougly enjoyed it then. And with the Disney trend lately they'd replace it with a Cars meet & greet (like they have at DHS), another store, and call it a day.

I will have to agree, though, that when I was younger I sure wished I wasn't constrained by that rail. It might be tricky to pull off but it would be neat!

 

[Robo]

In epcot they are changing test track cars to the "Cars" cars.

Do you have a source for that into?

 

[agame2323]

I'm NOT arguing that it is dated. You are. I agree with the above statement. It is hard to argue that the ride is dated.



With just a few exceptions, (1976, 1982 and I think one other year), I've been to WDW at least once a year since 1972. Often times twice a year. Most recently in October, and headed down again in two weeks. But I am not sure how this is relevant. The young kids to whom this ride appeals don't give a Rat's Ratatouille about current technology. These same kids ride the Carousel and Dumbo and take delight in both.


And you know this how? Aren't you reading the responses to this thread? Have you seen one poster who has stated what you posit as a certain truth? Even the posters whose kids ride it two, three or four times per trip?


And they don't. And yes, I'll grant you that maybe 14 is pushing it.


I'm not debating what "could" be done. But everything has to be looked at through the cost/benefit analysis. Should WDW spend millions building a new ride that a 6 year old may, or may not like better? Pooh could have been a drive through, 3-D extravaganza. Peter Pan could be oh-so-much more than ships floating over stationary dioramas. But not every ride has to be Star Tours. I think you are way over-thinking the base enjoyment that young kids get from the simple pleasures. Just because we age and become more sophisticated does not mean that 6-year-olds do as well. 6 is still 6. Sure, they can program the DVR and work a computer. But that doesn't erase the fact that they still like to do stuff that 6 year-olds like to do.


I'm going to leave that one alone. The length of the line (and that of Peter Pan and Pooh) speak for themselves.

LOL. Okay, dude.... its really not THAT serious. I was just expressing my view on the state and condition of the Tomorrowland Speedway. Obviously you feel "some type way" about the attraction. One who would be very upset (perhaps brought to tears) if this ride was to change one bit. I'm not talking about Dumbo, Peter Pan, or any other ride you mentioned. I simply was comparing new to old. In other words....I think a new version of the ride would be awesome.

The irony in it all is YOU claim I'M over thinking it, but you're referencing a cost verse return assessment to the enjoyment of 6yr olds. Really? Money had nothing to do with my original post.

My friend, my initial statement was simply saying an update to the ride would be cool to see. That's it. You're statements are little outside of the given context. I understand your point. Your question change. I support change. Relax dude. Its a message board.

 

[JMB123]

It's a favorite with my boys (6 and 4), right along with Test Track and LMA. There's just something about little boys and cars - they even got me hooked!

As far as it being dated, I look at it along the same line as the tea cups and the carousel. These are classic amusement park rides that all parks have, but Disney does it so much better (as usual!) The kids love that they can steer themselves and that it's a long track. Could it be updated? Sure, there's definitely room for improvement. But, it's always worth standing 20 minutes in the sun for our family - to see the joy that the kids get is totally worth it.

As for these typical amusement park rides - they are my 4 yos favorites in all of MK. No need to be scared of the dark or loud noises or 4D effects or big drops. Just pure 4 yo fun! Totally worth keeping IMHO.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Personally I love this ride and it is one that I look forward to doing and did even before having kids. I'm not sure if it my family's ties to the Indy 500 (my grandfather was a firefighter way back when and my dad has a brick from the original track) or because I have always secretly wanted to be a race car driver or just the fact that it is a classic ride. I'd rather see Dumbo and all of the Dumbo-ish rides go bye-bye before losing the Speedway.

Agree, agree !

 

[JimmyV]

I understand your point. Your question change. I support change.

Actually, that is not my point at all. My point has nothing to do with change. Instead, it is simply a rebuttal to the oft-stated position here that the Speedway doesn't appeal to anyone and it should be replaced. The problem with that statement is that 4-10 year-olds don't post here, so their views don't get represented. Adults think the ride is a waste. That much is clear. Kids don't. I wouldn't be the least bit upset if they updated the cars. And it wouldn't bother me one bit if they put "Cars" shells on the chasis. I'm not opposed to change. But I am opposed to thinking that every ride designed for 6 year-olds has to be hyper-technical.

 

[Neil Patrick Harris]

It's not particularly unique---most any "regular" amusement park has one. My local has three of them!

It also takes up a *lot* of real estate.

But, kids of a certain age LOVE to "drive" a car all under their very own "control." Who am I to say they shouldn't get to? Update it? Sure! Axe it? Meh.

I agree with you. It takes up a ridiculous amount of space, is not particularly visually appealing and is not at all unique. That space could be used for something that is going to make the park much much more enjoyable.

 

[agame2323]

I think the people who object to Buzz Lightyear being in Tomorrowland are forgetting that the character in the park is not the one from the Toy Story movies, but rather represents the "real Buzz Lightyear" -- the character that the one in the films originally believed himself to be. With that in mind, I think he fits pretty well with the "future that never was" design of Tomorrowland. Buzz's design is very much a spiritual descendent of 1950s sci-fi, which in turn owed a lot to what we think of as the Victorian, "Jules Verne" look -- both of which the 1994 Tomorrowland makeover references heavily.

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if Disney decided to do something else with the Speedway. It used to fit with the theme, kind of -- the original concept of the Autopia was centered more on what people expected the interstate highway system would offer for the future than specifically on letting kids drive cars, at least in terms of concept. That was the futurist part of it. However, the system is certainly contemporary at best now. While I think Buzz (and even Stitch, in so far as he is a genetically-engineered alien from outer space) fit in Tomorrowland well enough, I think Cars would be a puzzling addition to that land. And truthfully, if they're going to keep the ride at all, I don't think a cosmetic change in the appearance of the vehicles is an answer. they need to vastly improve the ride experience itself. Remove that rail in the center and add restraints on the outside edges of the roadway to keep the cars where they should be -- or find some sort of futuristic guidance system/course correction technology that keeps drivers from gong too far off course without having to use a low-tech rail. Make it possible to go faster (the amusement park near my home growing up did both of the above -- no center rail and faster cars -- in the 1970s and had a ride that was more fun than Disney's in this one particular case) while incorporating cutting edge collision-avoidance technology to stop guests rom ramming the car ahead of them. In other words, revamp the ride and make it, once again, about the future of driving, not a ride appealing almost exclusively to children (though still including them). This way, you've at least restored it to "20 minutes into the future" status, which is maybe a bit more than what Autopia had at the beginning.

And the idea that I'm the dated portion of the equation is a little off-base; I rode and was deeply disappointed with the Speedway when I was 10, and didn't ride it again until my little boy needed someone to ride with him. And defending the ride with "kids love it" presumes that if Disney got rid of it, they would replace it with something children would hate, which is unlikely. Maybe they would put something there that kids would love as much, or even more.

But it should at least be updated and made more interesting fun for all, and the idea I put forth above is one way that could happen.

As for Cars, I'd rather see (and think we eventually will see) DHS get a version of of CarsLand, as DCA is getting.

How many of you will read this, and how many will skip it because "it's too long," I wonder ...

Scott

THIS is what I was referring to. I hope JIMMYV read this.

 

[Robo]

For the life of me I can't understand why this "ride" is still active. Don't get me wrong, it was probably very cool in its heyday. But now...talk about DATED!

I've been hearing rumors of Cars coming to one of the parks. I think this would the perfect place for an attraction like that. Or just simply update the cars that or on the track. Make them more modern and a little bit faster.

Is there an attraction that you LIKE at WDW?

 

[mesaboy2]

Is there an attraction that you LIKE at WDW?

 

[Brian Noble]

I agree with you.

Oh, Neil. You left off "...in part." Because, fundamentally, you don't.

PS: I always thought NPH was way cooler than that.