News Disneyland to Electrify Autopia: Are Tomorrowland Speedway's gas cars next?

Doberge

True Bayou Magic
Premium Member
Interesting to announce as a confirmation to LA Times instead of just waiting a few weeks to announce in own message as part of Earth Day.
 

doctornick

Well-Known Member
So, does any insider know if plans apply to MK as well (seems likely based on the context of "why" they are making the change at DL, but who knows). And, if they do change to electric at MK, will they also use the opportunity to make the roadway "Tron-ified" as some previous concept art suggested was on the table at one point?
 

Sir_Cliff

Well-Known Member
I agree with you for MK, but definitely not at Disneyland. It's a hidden gem.


Disneyland Paris' is great too.

Yes, something nice about those versions is that they take you on a little journey out of the hustle and bustle of the park to a slightly more serene setting among the trees. MK's is just a slow progression along a giant expanse of concrete surrounded by other riders as you wind through some lawns and the odd tree here and there.
 

MisterPenguin

President of Animal Kingdom
Premium Member
"Light Racer" once on the path to being greenlit at MK, but got cut....

1712094130065.png
 

Disstevefan1

Well-Known Member
Before summer 2028. That's the sphere DLR lives in currently. With a slight eye towards the 75th.
So for now, we will say December 2027...
"Light Racer" once on the path to being greenlit at MK, but got cut....

View attachment 776650
This is really cool but we all must remember, Disney wants to spend as little as possible on attractions at WDW.

DVCs on the other hand, money is no object ;)
 

AndyS2992

Well-Known Member
Hong Kong DL opened with an electric version years ago, that was later removed to make space for IASW...I would have thought they would send the cars over to WDW back then...but it never happened sadly. WDW has the smallest track of the iterations, and the least amount of charm and design. They really need to reimagine the WDW version from the ground up...with the electric vehicles, an expanded track, with scenic and show elements... Make it feel like Disney and not International Drive. Make it feel like Tomorrowland not some strange area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.View attachment 776548View attachment 776551
Indeed, though it was to make way for an Avengers attraction. It's a Small World is no where near where Autopia was.
 

ᗩLᘿᑕ ✨ ᗩζᗩᗰ

HOUSE OF MAGIC
Premium Member
For WDW, the return would need to be substantial to warrant even a minor retheme. For nominal effort, WDI could easily change the shell of the car, sub in natural gas motors (Honda lawnmowers anyone?) that are quieter and produce little smell, and add TRON-inspired props and signage along the route. To maximize the investment however they'd really need to focus on capacity increases... which I don't see happening.

Don't suppose there's any way to add track length within the same footprint? For a bit of armchair, always thought this attraction could benefit from a tunnel. I suspect anything done here will be bare minimum.
 
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Disstevefan1

Well-Known Member
I’d rather they get the axe permanently. Valuable space being wasted.
I would agree if I thought they would replace it with something and not take 5 to 7 years to do it!!
At this point my total lack of trust makes me think leave well enough alone at least we have an attraction there.

But I know they will do what they will do and take too long to do it and we will be staring at walls with one less attraction in MK for 5 to 7 years someday. 😡
 

Brer Oswald

Well-Known Member
I would agree if I thought they would replace it with something and not take 5 to 7 years to do it!!
At this point my total lack of trust makes me think leave well enough alone at least we have an attraction there.

But I know they will do what they will do and take too long to do it and we will be staring at walls with one less attraction in MK for 5 to 7 years someday. 😡
The issue is, if they just replace the system to make the cars electric, we will still be staring at work walls for upwards of a year.
 

build_it

Well-Known Member
Glad to hear this. The DL version is already far superior to the MK version. Making it electric will only make it even better.
W
I wonder if they will have audio engine noises or if they will add some other form of extra audio.
The MK version would benefit from a relocation. The current location is so small and unexciting, moving it to DHS or AK could be a real improvement. Maybe and electric jeep version Jungle Cruise meets Autotopia…
 

Figments Friend

Well-Known Member
Terrific long overdue news. I will say though that Autopia at Disneyland is SO good and underrated. It's such a cool attraction compared to Magic Kingdom's and formerly Tokyo Disneyland's simple concrete loop. Hopefully, this charge also comes to Magic Kingdom with at least an entrance redo as well.

Totally agree 100%.
Long overdue, and once again Disneyland takes the lead.

Very glad to hear this is finally happening after many rumors and plans that seemed to be on again, then off again.
Looking forward to what the new vehicles will end up looking and feeling like !

-
 

Stitchon

Well-Known Member
It's about time. I was surprised they never found a way to port Hong Kong's Autopia vehicles to one of the other resorts given how short-lived the attraction was - and how Honda's sponsorship in Hong Kong was ported over to California as well.

Hong Kong DL opened with an electric version years ago, that was later removed to make space for IASW...I would have thought they would send the cars over to WDW back then...but it never happened sadly. WDW has the smallest track of the iterations, and the least amount of charm and design. They really need to reimagine the WDW version from the ground up...with the electric vehicles, an expanded track, with scenic and show elements... Make it feel like Disney and not International Drive. Make it feel like Tomorrowland not some strange area between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

Hong Kong Disneyland's Autopia was removed to make way for their Avengers Campus. I believe the elevated guideway for the cars that meanders around Tomorrowland is still there, no idea if they plan on reusing it for pedestrians or not.
 

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