It’s official — a major Disney ride problem is finally being fixed.
Disneyland’s Autopia
Autopia opened with Disneyland on July 17, 1955, and the attraction has been putting kids behind the wheel — and creating some seriously stinky fumes in the process — ever since. That’s all about to change soon, though. And, now that Disneyland is finally fixing this annoying ride problem — can we expect Disney World to do the same?
Disney is planning on replacing the pure gasoline engines that have powered Autopia’s cars since its inception with new electric or hybrid power sources. A spokesperson for the company said, “…we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years.” That is SO exciting — especially because if you’ve ever been anywhere near Autopia, you know just how STINKY the gas-powered cars can be.
Autopia
But, as of now, Disney hasn’t made any announcements about the potential for a similar change to happen at the Disney World version of the ride — Tomorrowland Speedway. It’s something that fans have been begging Disney to change, especially when we talk to our readers about which rides are in serious need of updating. Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom is almost always at the top of the list.
Tomorrowland Speedway
And, while not quite as bothersome as the smell of the fumes, those cars are pretty darn loud as they putter around the race track (can someone please check the catalytic converters?!) It would only make sense for Disney to transition the Tomorrowland Speedway to some sort of electric or hybrid vehicle. Not only would it greatly improve an entire area of Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, but it would be in line with Disney’s recent efforts to be sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Tomorrowland Speedway
No timetable for the Autopia changeover has been given as of now, and even less is known about whether or not these changes will come to Disney World. As soon as Disney makes any sort of announcements, we’ll let you know!
Stay tuned to DFB as we continue to bring you the latest news from Disney World and more!
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One of the original rides that is more than long overdue an overhaul.
Noisy and smelly, I will not be sad to see it changed.
I really hope they update the ride because I hate inhaling the fumes… I avoid it most times.
Instead if just upgrading the engines I wish Diz would just REMOVE THESE RIDES ENTIRELY!!! They are very dated holdover from the 59s, when highway travel was new and exciting. What they could do with all the space these rides occupy is add not just one attraction, but several!
Hey, to each his own, Matthew. I LOVE Autopia. Nice to see the upgrade.
I admit that I have not enjoyed seeing some attractions disappear while these stinky, noisy space hogs have stuck around. However, I also do not enjoy seeing the classic attractions fall to the new and often unappealing ones at Disney Parks. Trading the cars in for quieter, less smelly versions seems like a fair move. I am glad those who love them will not have to lose them. And the rest of us can breathe easy while we walk on by 🙂
Matthew,
then they will need to replace all the original rides. Autopia is one of the original rides and if they do it at Disneyland then they need to do it at all parks which NO ONE will like. Autopia is an icon and the lines show it’s popularity.