Tomorrowland speedway

[Castle2Castle]

Agree with the above comment about changing the current ride not providing the park with a good ROI. While we haven't ridden the Speedway on any of our trips as adults, we do always notice it has a healthy line of people and it seems understandable why many kids would like the experience. Even if we never ride it, I can appreciate others enjoying it -- especially when I think about all the people waiting in line for something I walk past not being in the line for whatever I'm walking to ride.

As far as not fitting in with Tomorrowland, that seems to be the most scatter-themed land in all of Disney. Stitch's Great Escape and Buzz Lightyear's Spaceranger Spin can claim "tomorrow" only to the extent that they are each set in space -- and really, Buzz is set in a space-themed collection of toys. Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor is a huge stretch for "tomorrow" in framing laughter as an alternative energy source - there's certainly nothing "tomorrow" about the monsters or a comedy club. It's a pretty motley crew of attractions over there when you think about it.

 

[Flynn_Rider]

In a perfect world they would take it out of Tomorrowland, put in the studios and re-theme it Cars themed. The studios desperately needs more rides, and rides focused on younger kids would be great. Then open up the area in the Magic Kingdom for something else.

 

[JillyBean1899]

All those who are saying to "make it electric" probably do not understand what that would entail from a financial perspective. If by "electric", you mean "battery powered" (i.e. like a battery-powered golf cart), then not only would this require all new cars, it would also require significant, ongoing maintenance (re-building / replacing electric motors), let alone the cost to replace the batteries. Remember, these cars run ~20 hours per day, 365 days per year. Such an application would consume a crap-ton of batteries on an annual basis. The current gas powered engines, by comparison, are very simple and are far less costly to maintain on an ongoing basis.

As many here have posted, this is a very popular attraction in its current state. Disney's return on investment for making such a change would be non-existant, as going to electric cars is not going to bring more people through the ticket gates, and it would only cause maintenance fees to go in the wrong direction.

I don't think people mean electric cars like the Nissan Leaf type electric cars. The local amusement park that used to be here in Panama City had a car ride that you could "drive" that ran on electricity. It got the electricity from the track that it ran on, not from a rechargeable battery.

 

[Chuck S]

I say leave it as it is. It brings back so many memories for so many of us that grew up with Disney. I remember that Disneyland had TWO complete tracks, one in Fantasyland and one in Tomorrowland when I was growing up. In DL they are/were called the Autopia.

 

[LaidBackDad]

All those who are saying to "make it electric" probably do not understand what that would entail from a financial perspective. If by "electric", you mean "battery powered" (i.e. like a battery-powered golf cart), then not only would this require all new cars, it would also require significant, ongoing maintenance (re-building / replacing electric motors), let alone the cost to replace the batteries. Remember, these cars run ~20 hours per day, 365 days per year. Such an application would consume a crap-ton of batteries on an annual basis. The current gas powered engines, by comparison, are very simple and are far less costly to maintain on an ongoing basis.

As many here have posted, this is a very popular attraction in its current state. Disney's return on investment for making such a change would be non-existant, as going to electric cars is not going to bring more people through the ticket gates, and it would only cause maintenance fees to go in the wrong direction.

I hate to say; but, this appears to be over complicating things and not exactly accurate. It's funny that golf carts are used as an example. More and more golf courses are switching their golf cart fleets over to electric every year due to several advantages. Not the least of which, they are far cheaper to operate and maintain than gas carts. The batteries are rechargeable, last for years, and are easily switched out with fresh batteries when they need recharged. Replacing the cars and re-theming the existing attraction could be done a fraction of the cost of a new attraction designed from scratch and while it may not draw droves of new people to the park by Disney standards it certainly would create excitement and cause a bump in ridership.

P.S. A few golf courses have started adding hovercraft to their golf cart fleet. Those courses are able to charge a huge premium for the round when they are used and their is often waiting list. Just saying...

 

[myadventurebook]

In a perfect world they would take it out of Tomorrowland, put in the studios and re-theme it Cars themed. The studios desperately needs more rides, and rides focused on younger kids would be great. Then open up the area in the Magic Kingdom for something else.

This is the best idea. It could go right next to LMA. There's a lot of dead space back there that they are talking about using for Star Wars Land or something else anyway (if that ever happens), since I know the Speedway needs so much space. Probably not going to happen, but yes that would be nice.

 

[Andrew015]

I hate to say; but, this appears to be over complicating things and not exactly accurate. It's funny that golf carts are used as an example. More and more golf courses are switching their golf cart fleets over to electric every year due to several advantages. Not the least of which, they are far cheaper to operate and maintain than gas carts. The batteries are rechargeable, last for years, and are easily switched out with fresh batteries when they need recharged.

Actually, your statement above is not exactly accurate. To think that electric golf carts are "far cheaper" to run than gas carts is a complete misconception. Truth is, the cost comparison between gas vs. electric is about the same. A quick Google search leads to a number of articles, most of which concede that both types have their advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, the total cost of ownership is about equal. Example from page #1 of Google:

http://parts.diversifiedgolfcars.com/gasorelectric.aspx


Truth be told, the reason that many golf courses are switching to electric carts is simply because the industry is changing. No longer is the preferred method to buy a fleet and maintain it on your own, but rather, courses are now electing to lease their fleets. By leasing rather than buying, the courses don't need to be concerned about long-term maintenance, nor are they worried about the costly battery replacements that are a real issue with electric powered carts.

Sure, electric powered carts do have advantages, especially on a golf course. I'm not here to dispute that. Golf courses are attracted to the quiet, smell-free operation of an electric cart, as part of taking in a golf-course is the interaction with nature, which is more enjoyable on a battery-powered cart. By contrast, one of the key attributes associated with a racetrack or "speedway" is the roar of the engines as the cars motor by. Again, for me, I have no issues with either the noise or smell of the TL Speedway, but that's just me.

Lastly, going back to the notion of using an electric cart for a TL Speedway application - these cars are in service 20 hours per day, 7 days per week. Yes, I know there are "back-up" cars in the pit area. However, the average charge for a golf-cart is ~2 hours of continuous run time (actual pedal-down time). Once depleted, it would take hours for a battery-powered cart to charge back to full. The number of "backup" cars needed to replace the dead ones would take up half of Tomorrowland. Again, this application - continous running, long-term use - is not best suited for a battery-powered car, period.

 

[Chuck S]

Actually, your statement above is not exactly accurate. To think that electric golf carts are "far cheaper" to run than gas carts is a complete misconception. Truth is, the cost comparison between gas vs. electric is about the same. A quick Google search leads to a number of articles, most of which concede that both types have their advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, the total cost of ownership is about equal. Example from page #1 of Google:

http://parts.diversifiedgolfcars.com/gasorelectric.aspx


Truth be told, the reason that many golf courses are switching to electric carts is simply because the industry is changing. No longer is the preferred method to buy a fleet and maintain it on your own, but rather, courses are now electing to lease their fleets. By leasing rather than buying, the courses don't need to be concerned about long-term maintenance, nor are they worried about the costly battery replacements that are a real issue with electric powered carts.

Sure, electric powered carts do have advantages, especially on a golf course. I'm not here to dispute that. Golf courses are attracted to the quiet, smell-free operation of an electric cart, as part of taking in a golf-course is the interaction with nature, which is more enjoyable on a battery-powered cart. By contrast, one of the key attributes associated with a racetrack or "speedway" is the roar of the engines as the cars motor by. Again, for me, I have no issues with either the noise or smell of the TL Speedway, but that's just me.

Lastly, going back to the notion of using an electric cart for a TL Speedway application - these cars are in service 20 hours per day, 7 days per week. Yes, I know there are "back-up" cars in the pit area. However, the average charge for a golf-cart is ~2 hours of continuous run time (actual pedal-down time). Once depleted, it would take hours for a battery-powered cart to charge back to full. The number of "backup" cars needed to replace the dead ones would take up half of Tomorrowland. Again, this application - continous running, long-term use - is not best suited for a battery-powered car, period.

I agree with this, I think the only way it would be feasible would be to have an electric rail or track and in order to maintain contact with that track, you'd probably forfeit a lot of the driving control (ability to swerve left or right) for the driver.

 

[Andrew015]

I agree with this, I think the only way it would be feasible would be to have an electric rail or track and in order to maintain contact with that track, you'd probably forfeit a lot of the driving control (ability to swerve left or right) for the driver.

Totally agree, Chuck. And such an endeavor would entail much more than just a basic "refresh". As it stands right now, aside from the cars of course, TL Speedway is nothing more than asphault. Adding an electric track w/ all new cars, guide system, controls, safety equipment, etc. would essentially be building an entirely new attraction from ground up, thus requiring significant capital investment. Again, the ROI is simply not there for Disney to justify such a capital expense for a ride that is popular enough "as-is".

 

[Sorcerer17]

Although my steering wheel was broken the last time I was on the ride and the car would constantly beat and bang off of the center guide beam, I still think the ride deserves to stick around.

Sure it needs updating and some TLC, but it's an iconic piece of the MK.

There aren't many rides left, if any, that you can actually (somewhat) control.

Plus, more than anything, it's relaxing. Just like a normal car ride through the mountains is for some folks.

Just for a few minutes, it feels like you aren't in a crowded theme park, and you get to take it all in from a unique perspective.

 

[bbak3030]

I think it's a horrible attraction and it gives me whiplash!

 

[SunshinesOrangeBird]

This has always been an arguement between my DW and I. She never lets me go on the Tomorrow Speedway. She feels that it just isn't exciting and isn't worth our time. I do agree with a lot of you that Disney's Tomorrow Speedway isn't that exciting and it desprately needs a Redo. And when I finally went on I saw it to be what it truely was...a waste of a wait time. However, considering all the take downs...like Snow White's Scary Adventures. Some of the old Magic Kingdom needs to remain. And everytime I walk by I remember the amazing history of the Magic Kingdom. Tomorrowland Speedway needs to remain for Magic Kingdom's history and I just want to walk by it and see how cool it looks.

 

[jenniferlaural]

Yes, it's hot in the sun and the fumes are ridiculous (how do the cast members not get sick?), but my 8 and 6 y/I boys love it.

 

[jaymi20]

Actually the "fumes" are actually smells pumped into the ride. There are no actually fumes!!! Learned this from a behind the scenes tour! So no need to worry about fumes or people getting sick! Just seems like the real thing which makes it awesome!

 

[mch521]

I will be honest, I didn't get the appeal of this ride & was totally ready to skip it on our trip this past December. However my family wanted to ride it & it ended up being great! Just to see my daughters smile and look back and see my husband with my oldest daughter & the smiles on their faces was worth it. My girls are 8 & 9, they enjoyed themselves so much. The thrill for a child to be in "control" of the driving is overlooked as a parent I guess. Definitely a to do for our upcoming October trip. I wouldn't change it at all.

 

[Andrew015]

I will be honest, I didn't get the appeal of this ride & was totally ready to skip it on our trip this past December. However my family wanted to ride it & it ended up being great! Just to see my daughters smile and look back and see my husband with my oldest daughter & the smiles on their faces was worth it. My girls are 8 & 9, they enjoyed themselves so much. The thrill for a child to be in "control" of the driving is overlooked as a parent I guess. Definitely a to do for our upcoming October trip. I wouldn't change it at all.

I believe that most of the folks crying to "rip out" this ride would change their opinion if they were to experience Tomorrowland Speedway with young children as you have. Again, at 30 years old, this ride doesn't speak to me as it once did. But I still remember being "that child" who counted down the days to our flight to MCO, with one of the primary drivers for my excitement being a chance to ride Tomorrowland Speedway. Now when I ride this attraction, the excitement level is certainly not there, but the memories still are. I feel like a kid all over again with every twist and turn of the track.

Just because you don't have kids, or because your kids are older and no longer ride this attraction, doesn't mean that others don't appreciate it for what it is.

 

[Andrew015]

Actually the "fumes" are actually smells pumped into the ride. There are no actually fumes!!! Learned this from a behind the scenes tour! So no need to worry about fumes or people getting sick! Just seems like the real thing which makes it awesome!

I don't know that I actually buy this in its entirety. I've never taken the backstage MK Tour, so perhaps there is some merit to your statement. But fact of the matter is, gas engines emit fumes. I don't believe the levels emitted by these tiny engines to be significant enough to cause anyone any harm.

Some might not care for the fumes, but you are at the "Speedway". A racetrack without gas fumes or engine roar might as well be called the Tomorrowland Car Dealership sponsored by Chevy. Oh... wait... they already have that after Test Track...

 

[andrews_dad]

My 5 year old LOVES the ride, as does his 4 year old sister. Based on the long lines to ride it, I think it still a winner for most!

 

[tjkraz]

Actually the "fumes" are actually smells pumped into the ride. There are no actually fumes!!! Learned this from a behind the scenes tour! So no need to worry about fumes or people getting sick! Just seems like the real thing which makes it awesome!

Perhaps you had the same tour guide who claims during the Epcot Future World tour that the Dolphin and Swan were designed to eventually have the monorail glide through. And that one Test Track vehicle produced enough energy to power the entire Magic Kingdom.

 

[DaddyMickey]

I love that smell. But my father was a mechanic when I was a kid. All I know is my 3 and half year old son thinks he's driving. Kids love that ride.