Tomorrowland Autopia Tomorrowland Disneyland
Introduction | Attraction | Touring Tips | Kids/Characters | Dining | Shopping | Interesting Facts
INTRODUCTION
At the Tomorrowland Autopia, kids can get a taste for how it feels to be behind the wheel of a car – anyone tall enough to reach the pedal can drive one of the small, gas-powered cars around the course.
ATTRACTION
The Tomorrowland Autopia is located at the back of Tomorrowland, between the Monorail station and Star Wars Launch Bay. The queue winds around and over the track, giving guests a good view of the loading area and the cars. Much of the queue is unshaded, and can get very hot on a sunny day.
From the bridge over the loading area take the steps down to the loading area where a Cast Member will direct you to a car in one of the four lanes. The cars will seat an adult and a child, though kids who meet the height requirement are allowed to drive by themselves. Guests should secure themselves with the seatbelt, and once the track ahead is clear simply push down on the accelerator pedal to make the car go forward. There’s no brake, but letting up on the pedal will slow the car down and stop it.
The track has a guide rail in the middle to keep less skilled drivers on course – it can be a challenge to steer and avoid coming into contact with the rail.
The course winds around the lagoon and under the monorail track, with quite a few turns. There’s even an off-road dirt section, billboards, and traffic signals. If there’s no slow traffic or delays ahead it takes about 5 minutes to complete the course.
Upon returning to the loading area, follow the Cast Member’s instructions and park where directed. Make sure the car behind you has stopped before getting out.
Read about the Walt Disney World version of this attraction HERE.
TOURING TIPS
Lightning Lane access for Tomorrowland Autopia is available with the purchase of Genie+.
This attraction is somewhat of a rite of passage for kids, especially when they are tall enough to drive themselves, and the wait can be long. The line moves fairly slowly. It’s best to ride early in the day.
Drivers must be 54″ tall to drive alone. All riders must be at least 32″ tall.
Expectant mothers should not ride, and due to the risk of bumping, those with back and neck problems should consider the advisability of riding.
Cars follow along a guide rail and are somewhat difficult to steer. Be aware that inexperienced drivers may stop suddenly in front of you, or inadvertently ram you from behind.
Wheelchair/ECV users should proceed through the normal queue and take the elevator down to the loading area. They must be ambulatory to ride this attraction, and if driving, must be able to operate the foot pedal.
The closest restrooms are located in the base of the Star Wars Launch Bay building, behind the Winner’s Circle shop.
KIDS AND CHARACTERS
This attraction is a favorite for many kids who really enjoy the opportunity to drive their own car.
There are no Disney characters associated with this attraction. There are other character Meet and Greet opportunities nearby – check the daily Times Guide for times and locations.
DINING
Tomorrowland Terrace offers burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner, and also serves a quick-service breakfast.
Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – featuring pizza, pasta, and salads, is next to the entrance to Space Mountain.
Disneyland Restaurants at a Glance
Menus Around the Disneyland Resort
SHOPPING
Autopia Winner’s Circle – is located just past the entrance to the attraction and features Disney character hats and other small souvenirs.
Photo booths along the exit ramp offer photos sized to affix to your very own Autopia license.
INTERESTING FACTS
Autopia is an original Disneyland attraction, and opened on July 17, 1955. It is the only original Tomorrowland attraction still open at Disneyland.
There was a major rehab when Chevron took over sponsorship of the Autopia – all of the cars were replaced and the Fantasyland and Tomorrowland Autopia courses were combined into one attraction. The re-vamped Autopia opened on June 29, 2000.
The current version of Autopia is sponsored by Honda, and opened on April 29, 2016. There are new body styles for the cars, but the engines are still gas powered.
In April, 2017, new figures of ASIMO and his robot friend Bird were added to the attraction. There are several scenes showing the (mis-)adventures of ASIMO and Bird on a road trip.
The cars have a maximum speed of 7 miles per hour.
For a number of years there were three different Autopia attractions active simultaneously – the original Tomorrowland Autopia, the Junior Autopia (July 1956-December 1958), and Midget Autopia (April 1957-April 1966). After the Junior Autopia closed the Fantasyland Autopia opened in June 1959.
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