Happy 4th of July everyone! I hope you have an enjoyable and safe day!
In keeping with my recent theme of Disney ephemera, I thought some highlights from the July 5, 1975 Eyes and Ears (Cast Publication) from Walt Disney World are in order!
This particular Happy 4th of July issue came out on July 5th, the date after the holiday. And while the headline was about the 4th, the main focus was on the WEDway PeopleMover which opened on July 6th at the Magic Kingdom.
“The WEDway PeopleMover is the first large-scale use of a new method of magnetic propulsion for transportation purposes.” I remember when this attraction was introduced thinking.. “This is how we are going to travel in the future!” At the time, I was about to begin college and thought it would make a great way to travel around large campuses.
The PeopleMover was presented by Edison Electric Institute and opened as an “E” Ticket attraction!
As is the case today, the ride took you on a tour of Tomorrowland. But unlike today, the sights were a bit different!
“Once on your way, you pass above the Space Port shop, Mission to Mars and enter a city of tomorrow. Spread out in front of you is a model depicting what could be EPCOT or some other city of the future. Then back out into the daylight and over Grand Prix. Leaving the roar of the car engines behind, you enter the cool tingling darkness of Space Mountain, filled with it’s sounds of tomorrow and outer space. You pass just above the home of future living and out into the giant inner void of space Mountain, with its whirling meteorites and screaming guests. Then over to the Carrousel of Progress and through If You Had Wings. Lastly you glide past America the Beautiful and back to the PeopleMover Station. Total elapsed time, ten and a half minutes since your journey began.”
Cast members enjoy a test ride prior to the official opening.
Each of the flat boxes located in the track are individual linear induction motors which propel the cars.
Today, this attraction still operates but under the name of Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
For more information check out the TTA – Tomorrowland Transit Authority Blog which includes Disneyland’s version.
I hope you enjoyed today’s Step Back in Time!
Wow, these vintage pictures and materials are just amazing. Although not completely familiar with WDW, its always amazing to look back into the history of anything Disney. Very awesome!
Gotta love the PeopleMover! Happy 4th!