The cars over at Autopia in Disneyland, as well as the similar ones at Tomorrowland Speedway in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, have long been a topic of debate.
When both attractions were built, the cars ran on gas, and while the smell has been strong since the beginning, it’s only been recently that change has begun to happen with the vehicles. While no changes are in the works for Disney World at this time, Disney has previously talked about the plan to switch the Autopia cars over to electric cars. Now, it’s confirmed that not only does Disney plan to make the switch in early 2027, but the company HAS to make the change by February.
The Orange County Register has now reported that Disney is now facing an ultimatum — they can either successfully replace the current gas-powered cars with the electric ones by February 1st, or they’ll be forced to close the opening day attraction. This is due to a settlement agreement with the state agency that regulates air pollution in California, the California Air Resources Board.
Previously, Disneyland officials had confirmed that Disneyland had reached an agreement with the Air Resources Board to retire the current Autopia gas-powered engines in early 2027, but the threat of the ultimatum being that the ride would close was not previously revealed.
Additionally, Disneyland already paid a $56,000 settlement to the California Air Resources Board in 2024 after disclosing the Honda engines on the ride vehicles were operating without certified emission controls, so needless to say, this ride has been a bit of a trouble spot for Disney. A closure date for Disney to swap out the ride vehicles has not been revealed at this time, but it’s possible we could see it happen right around that February 1st timeline. That way, Disney has the rest of this year and January to run the ride as it currently is and work on the prototype for the electric vehicle.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to AllEars!
Every Location in the NEW Soarin’ Across America and Why Disney Chose Them
How do you feel about this upcoming change? Tell us in the comments!
How about changing autopia Disneyland ride to a franchise themed car ride, I would like to see it rethemed to the following ride ideas, Lilo and stitch escape maglev hovercar ride, or Wreck it Ralph sugar Rush go kart ride, or fantastic four car ride, or meet the Robinsons car ride which would be much better ride than the outdated 1950s gasoline powered autopia Disneyland ride which I want to see rethemed very badly. Also I want to see Matterhorn ride rethemed to Frozen Elsas ice Palace icy ride make it smoother to ride.
Please just replace this damn ride. It’s so terrible and not worthy of the space required.