Should Tomorrowland Speedway be the Next to Go?

[Dr Gunnie]

I found an old map today on-line and was looking at some of the rides that I went on when I was a kid:

http://disney-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/mk_map_old.jpg

It's pretty crazy to think about how much MK has changed. Some of my most vivid memories include the riding the Skyway, 20,000 Leagues, Mr. Toads... anyway, it got me thinking about what other rides might next to go. We were at the MK in December and I rode the Speedway with my 9 year old - I'm not sure it holds up in today’s go-kart and scooter world. A lot of kids have some sort of vehicle that goes faster and I was pretty disappointed after riding it all these years later. Plus, when you look at the amount of space it takes up in the park that could be used for new rides, I think it would be on the short list to go if they are looking for space for some new rides.

What do you think? What ride could you see being eliminated in the next ten years or so?

 

[niroc]

I would very much like to see this ride go. It is outdated, loud, and annoying. The space can definitely be utilized better.

 

[jeepnjudy]

My son would be so bummed. Despite how slow it is, he loves this ride. The only thing he can DRIVE that resembles a real car!

 

[Dreamport]

I still love going on these 'old car' rides as an adult just as much as I did when I was a kid. Maybe not removed, but I wouldn't mind seeing it redesigned. It certainly doesn't fit "the world of Tomorrow" very much anymore. (Come to think of it, the whole of Tomorrowland could use another upgrade, too.)

 

[FLchick415]

I don't know if it should go completely, but I think it could stand to be re-themed for sure. (My vote is still for Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph lol)

 

[sweetpea29488]

Our niece loves this and has to ride each time we go. I would hate to see it go because of all the memories we have.

 

[MrInfinity]

I don't know if it should go completely, but I think it could stand to be re-themed for sure. (My vote is still for Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph lol)

That would be pretty cool. I was gonna say Cars, but I like your idea better.
And of course the gas engines need to be replaced w electric versions.

 

[ellie05]

I would like to see it go.

 

[100acreHiker]

My boys love the idea of the speedway, but it's lack of speed, handling and awful exhaust fumes leaves us disappointed. I'd like to see them keep the track, but update with some sort of eco-friendly car that goes just a touch faster and has some theming throughout the ride.

 

[puffkin]

This is one of the rides that we have to walk out of our way to avoid if we don't want to lose an hour of time or suffer through an epic melt down. Both my kids love, love, love this ride. It is DS8's 3rd favorite attraction after Space Mountain and Everest. I don't love it or hate it, but I know my boys would be very disappointed if this was gone.

 

[L&Lfan]

I wouldn't miss it in the least. Very valuable space that could be used for a real E ticket attraction!

 

[ChimneyJim]

Definitely needs a re-theming. I like the Sugar Rush idea. Something more eco friendly than gasoline would be nice as well. Batteries unfortunately won't work with the long charge cycles. Perhaps they could setup a pantograph system to provide power.

 

[Mickey&Mouse]

I don't know if it should go completely, but I think it could stand to be re-themed for sure. (My vote is still for Sugar Rush from Wreck-It Ralph lol)

Love this idea! Re-theming to Sugar-Rush or Cars would be fun.

 

[JimmyV]

It is outdated

I have to disagree with this. As long as the legal driving age across the country remains at 16 (and I don't see it being lowered any time soon), kids who are tall enough to reach the pedal will want an opportunity to experience "real driving". That idea never goes out of date. It was true in 1930, it is true now, and it will be true 100 years from now. See below. Very representative of how kids feel.

My son would be so bummed. Despite how slow it is, he loves this ride.

My boys love the idea of the speedway

Of course as adults, we have no love for the attraction. Once you have been behind the wheel of a real car, why would this excite us? But for a 10 year old? The Speedway is pure gold. Is it time to move to alternative energy cars with less noise and no exhaust? Absolutely. I will agree with your comment that the attraction is loud and annoying. But take away the noise and fumes, and it is still a "must do" for little kids who dream of someday driving their own car. And that idea is timeless.

 

[ach222]

My boys love the idea of the speedway, but it's lack of speed, handling and awful exhaust fumes leaves us disappointed. I'd like to see them keep the track, but update with some sort of eco-friendly car that goes just a touch faster and has some theming throughout the ride.

This is where I am. DS was very excited about it and liked it but I think it could be much better.

 

[niroc]

That idea never goes out of date. It was true in 1930, it is true now, and it will be true 100 years from now. See below. Very representative of how kids feel.

I will agree with your comment that the attraction is loud and annoying. But take away the noise and fumes, and it is still a "must do" for little kids who dream of someday driving their own car. And that idea is timeless.

The concept of the ride may still be contemporary but the ride itself is not. If the ride gets updated to a new theme and take away the noise and fumes then I would be in favor keeping the ride too!

 

[Dr Gunnie]

I have to disagree with this. As long as the legal driving age across the country remains at 16 (and I don't see it being lowered any time soon), kids who are tall enough to reach the pedal will want an opportunity to experience "real driving". That idea never goes out of date. It was true in 1930, it is true now, and it will be true 100 years from now. See below. Very representative of how kids feel.

Of course as adults, we have no love for the attraction. Once you have been behind the wheel of a real car, why would this excite us? But for a 10 year old? The Speedway is pure gold. Is it time to move to alternative energy cars with less noise and no exhaust? Absolutely. I will agree with your comment that the attraction is loud and annoying. But take away the noise and fumes, and it is still a "must do" for little kids who dream of someday driving their own car. And that idea is timeless.

While I agree with your point, I also think that kids today have a lot more opportunity to experience "real driving" than we did when we were kids. I know in my neighborhood most of the young kids have either an electric go-kart, scooter, or some even have gas powered mini-bikes (I hate those things) that go faster than the speedway cars. I just think it's outdated. An updated version of it (that took up half the space) would be a great move IMO.

 

[BrianL]

They shouldn't get rid of it but they should upgrade it. Electric vehicles is a must, plus maybe some more Sci-Fi theming. I think it's a great ride for kids not yet old enough to drive.

 

[vacationer1954]

Unless they can figure out a way to have hover cars I vote for using this space better. It is a lot of room for a loud, slow, smelly attraction.

 

[JimmyV]

While I agree with your point, I also think that kids today have a lot more opportunity to experience "real driving" than we did when we were kids. I know in my neighborhood most of the young kids have either an electric go-kart, scooter, or some even have gas powered mini-bikes (I hate those things) that go faster than the speedway cars.

Interesting. My observations are the exact opposite. When I was growing up in the 60's-70's, there were many, many kids who tinkered with lawn mower engines and made homemade go-karts. I don't see that at all any more. Can't tell you the last time I saw one. Instead, kids spend their time behind the "wheel" of X-Box cars.