Tomorrowland Speedway - Will it be updated? About This Page:

[tinker_me_happy]

I Loved this ride as a kid, but the exhaust smell as an adult was just too much for me. An overhaul and update would make it much more appealing!

[MichaelF]

I think this is an original WDW ride and it hasn't changed much. I remember riding it on my first trip in the 70's. It was the only ride I wanted to go on again and again. Today I'm not as fond of it but the kids really like this ride so I don't see it going away. An update would be nice.

[Dave Marx]

I'm not a huge fan of riding the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, but that's not unusual for an adult who can drive around at 70 mph on the Interstate (well, that's the speed limit here in Michigan). One reason I'm not a fan is that it's almost never a short wait to ride. That tells me something about its popularity with the "I want to be like a grown-up" set and the parents who have a rare chance to indulge their kids' desire to get behind the wheel of the family car. It's a classic example of what Walt wanted, a place where parents and kids can do something together. I don't think it was ever intended to be an adult-pleasing attraction.

I personally like the idea of an update - I've been hoping for one for years, in part because of the popularity of Cars. The impending opening of Radiator Springs Racers at DCA might be a good sign, but maybe not. If the Cars-themed driving experience at WDW doesn't match the Cars-themed driving experience at DLR, they might have some guest dissatisfaction issues. On the other hand, if they went with the Grand Prix race concept from Cars 2... change a bit of bodywork, put up some roadside buildings representing the various race locations, change the bodywork... Yeah, that could be real fun, regardless of actual speed.

Yes, the Jetsons would be a fun theme for Tomorrowland, but it'd cost Disney money to license it from whoever owns Hanna-Barbera's copyrights these days. On the other hand, Meet the Robinsons has some potential, but considering that film's mediocre performance... probably not.

While I personally like the idea of going "green" with electric vehicles, there are several reasons it might not work. Unless there's some sort of third rail power system to keep the cars moving all day long, it's likely they'd have to take vehicles off-line periodically to charge (enough battery capacity for a full 12-hour day is both expensive and bulky). That's not too efficient - they'd need extra vehicles, and someplace to charge them off-track. Meantime, a third rail power system is just plain unsafe. The solution for bumper cars (the ceiling is the "third rail") and for public trolley systems (overhead wires) requires a mast on the back of each car... there goes the race track fantasy. Finally, there's something inherently satisfying about the roar (well, putt-putt) of those lawnmower engines.

[Reereef]

My son loves this ride... but I am really liking the 'Cars' theme someone else here mentioned! I know it's not futuristic.... but I agree Car's is great.

[GATechGal]

Maybe they could design cars where the batteries switch out quickly. That way they could have a bunch ready to just drop and go.

[Ashli]

I don't mind the actual ride, but I definitely would be happy to see some sort of update. I always feel terrible for the CMs who work that ride and have to breathe that junk in for hours. I can hardly stand it when I'm in the area getting in and out of the cars for just a minute.