Speedway has got to go

[dreday3]

Love the Speedway. Just went on it again last year, before that it was in the 80s. So nice we rode it twice!
Just a silly, peaceful, longish ride.

Love the sounds/smells.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Move it to EPCOT, Call it Junior Test Track.

Replace the MK circuit with a submarine ride.

That's what I would do.

For a long time I sort of hoped they'd move it near Test Track. When a version of Cars Land was rumored for DHS it seemed to make sense to move it there. Then when Toy Story Land was announced I half hoped they'd move it there and make it like you're driving Hot Wheels cars or something. At this point I'd be plenty fine with them getting a TRON overlay, but even that seems unlikely now.

There are so many easy ways to take what is essentially Go Karts and amp them up. There's totally room for this kind of attraction at WDW, I would just ask it to deliver something above and beyond what I can get anywhere around the country. And maybe move to less prime real estate.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

For a long time I sort of hoped they'd move it near Test Track. When a version of Cars Land was rumored for DHS it seemed to make sense to move it there. Then when Toy Story Land was announced I half hoped they'd move it there and make it like you're driving Hot Wheels cars or something. At this point I'd be plenty fine with them getting a TRON overlay, but even that seems unlikely now.

There are so many easy ways to take what is essentially Go Karts and amp them up. There's totally room for this kind of attraction at WDW, I would just ask it to deliver something above and beyond what I can get anywhere around the country. And maybe move to less prime real estate.

Of all the opening day WDW attractions, this is one of the most surprising to have lasted this long, with so few changes beyond track length.

 

[ppete1975]

What they should have done before constantly reducing its size (which now is probably still long enough for kids to enjoy) is to make it bigger, but now the plot wont allow it.
Imagine if they had increased the theming, went electric, and then added 2 lanes that were more adult. Maybe something like the previous poster showed. That way the kids still have the guiderail and a slow relaxing ride, and a more thrilling ride on the outside.

Although i like the speedway concept and dont want a change, the other option would be a story book canal style ride with lots more theming.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I hear you, but the speedway is a parents and children eater we desperately need in the MK for the foreseeable future.
We are still waiting for the WDW RR, TRON, we are going to lose Splash for a couple of years at least, combine that with the totally broken Genie system, we need as many attractions open as possible.

Plus, new attractions cost MONEY and Bobby hates to spend money…

You must be kidding? We all know that the sooner Disney realizes that there should no longer be anything there for children the better. We need to make MK an adult park, stat! Leave those little ankle biters home.

 

[Pancho]

it needs to be bulldozed and rebuilt more like the one at Disneyland. just a track reroute and new landscaping. and it would be great.

 

[SteveAZee]

I like the sound and smell. But I agree, it's probably time for an upgrade to electric cars, but there's no reason this needs to go away, for the reasons listed.

Perhaps they can upgrade to electric, pipe in the engine sound through speakers, and they add a 'smoking' and 'non-smoking' lane... you can get in the smoking lane and enjoy the artificial gas fumes.

 

[Doberge]

It's my 3 year old's favorite ride that he actually rides. At least my son calls it Grand Prix Raceway so he's not completely lost. I'm on there at least once every MK day. When you start getting "angry" about a slow driver ahead that's ruining your personal best lap time then you've ridden too many times.

I've thought about this a lot of my laps, but I don't think electric cars would improve the ride. Electric cars quietly and smoothly running over the track would be boring. The noisier gas cars give some character to the loading area and the ride has enough ride "oompf" or a ... je ne sais quois.

I think the best refresh would be to move away from a speedway (that made sense for sponsors at the time) and back to a grand prix style, and then they can make the course more fun starting out in a town and making way through a woodsy section with new trees and plants all around, and toward the end back into the town. The idea would be similar to some Formula 1 courses.

 

[NickMaio]

That seems like a personal feeling because you dont like riding it. How about all the little kids that love this ride and ride it again and again and again. This is made for kids to be their first driving experience. It still looks cool so not sure about being tacky. Should they switch to the electric vehicles already on property? Yes. But remove something that little kids love and can ride... no.

My little guy is dying to drive the cars again, as he calls it.
I hope it stays in some way shape or form.
I also have nostalgic memories tied to the speedway.
Think of it......for a little one, they think they are really driving, they kind of are.
It's a great ride, just not for the older riders.

 

[NickMaio]

It's my 3 year old's favorite ride that he actually rides. At least my son calls it Grand Prix Raceway so he's not completely lost. I'm on there at least once every MK day. When you start getting "angry" about a slow driver ahead that's ruining your personal best lap time then you've ridden too many times.

I've thought about this a lot of my laps, but I don't think electric cars would improve the ride. Electric cars quietly and smoothly running over the track would be boring. The noisier gas cars give some character to the loading area and the ride has enough ride "oompf" or a ... je ne sais quois.

I think the best refresh would be to move away from a speedway (that made sense for sponsors at the time) and back to a grand prix style, and then they can make the course more fun starting out in a town and making way through a woodsy section with new trees and plants all around, and toward the end back into the town. The idea would be similar to some Formula 1 courses.

Omg yes........

 

[J4546]

What I see in that video is grown men trying to control the cars.

Speedway is a classic kids attraction. Something they aspire to being able to ride all by themselves. And for non thrill seekers it’s a perfect attraction. Sure it could do with an overlay and electric cars, but keep the rev-ing of engines and the simple concept of “driving” the car.

give the rear passenger (and maybe front one for that matter), a button or lever or watevs.... the ability to turn off the full 360 degree spinning and keep the car pointed in mostly the right direction. This would be great for beginners and parents that dont wanna spin around the entire track and get sick haha. Also give the ride a small speed boost for holding a drift well, kinda like mariokart...that would be cool imo. Enable a lap time tracking feature for ride and Genie App and make this ride a skill you can hone to try and set best lap times.

 

[zappy]

My daughter is three and the only part of this ride she doesn't like are the loud noises from the engines but she gets over them pretty quick.

She loves driving the cars and it's usually the first ride we tackle at rope drop since it's such a hit with her but what makes me laugh is she'll only drive with my wife so dad is left to take photos from the grandstand.

 

[GimpYancIent]

it needs to be bulldozed and rebuilt more like the one at Disneyland. just a track reroute and new landscaping. and it would be great.

Money. B.C. hates spending money. Only way such a redo can happen is if a major automaker sponsor's the ride, reflecting their product of course.

 

[dman1373]

Someone said this but mini Tesla cars would atleast fit the tomorrowland esthetic more ......

 

[ohioguy]

Kids love it. Remember, the primary focus of MK is family. I think a new, updated track system and vehicle design would be welcome.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

My little guy is dying to drive the cars again, as he calls it.
I hope it stays in some way shape or form.
I also have nostalgic memories tied to the speedway.
Think of it......for a little one, they think they are really driving, they kind of are.
It's a great ride, just not for the older riders.

I will say that many regional parks have similar car driving rides as well, so look into one newr you to get him that fix

 

[Mickey5150]

Disney will replace the speedway when people stop having kids.

 

[SaucyBoy]

There are other attractions at the MK that should get the ax before the Speedway.

 

[NickMaio]

I will say that many regional parks have similar car driving rides as well, so look into one newr you to get him that fix

Sadly,not where we live...... you need to be 8 to drive one.
He is a very tall little 5 year old.
Thanks for the tip though

 

[Gabe1]

I feel it could be saved with some more themeing and updated vehicles. Make them electric, and theme the course more.

THIS

It is a family ride. Little ones need something. My kids enjoyed it when they were small. Pretending to drive the car was exciting. Not every attraction has to be aimed at adults. Clean it up and new cars would be nice.