Tomorrowland - Exploring the World, One Land at a Time

Everyone knows "Four Parks, One World", but each of those parks is made up of multiple, themed "Lands". Each land contains it's own unique decor, dining, experiences and history. With so much to do and see, it's easy to miss many of the details that make these lands special in their own way. This series will explore each of these lands in detail to show how they are part of the Magic that is Walt Disney World resort.

The final land in Magic Kingdom takes us into the future. Walt Disney was fascinated with technology and space travel. He hoped to fill this land with all the wonder and hope of great things to come. However, Walt had no idea just how fast progress would happen and at times, new technology actually surpassed many of the ideas showcased in this land.

 "Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future." - Walt Disney 

Feel the thrill of racing when you get behind the wheel atTomorrowland Speedway. Drive these gas-powered cars around a 4/10 mile track and feel like a winner when the checkered flag is waved! These cars are on a guided track, so kids that meet the height requirement can take the wheel.

In mid-2017, rumors circulated that the Speedway would shut down to make room for a new Tron Lightcycle Power Run. However, it was later revealed at D23 that the new attraction would, in fact, be next to the speedway as shown in this concept art. In light of this new attraction, which should be completed ahead of Magic Kingdom's 50th anniversary in 2021, perhaps the speedway will receive some sorely needed updates to better fit in with it's futuristic counterparts.

Here's a little before and after for you. I found the images on the left in an old family album from 1975. The ones on the right are from current trips. In 1974, this ride opened in MK as Star Jets based on the Disneyland version. The attraction was redesigned and reopened on April 30, 1994 as Astro Orbiter, part of the complete renovation of the park's Tomorrowland section. Set atop the Peoplemover platform, this ride gives an incredible view of the park. However, it may not be good for guests who have a problem with heights. Once was enough for me!

In 2004, the ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounter, thought to be too scary for young guests,  was replaced with Stitch's Great Escape. This seems to be a love it or hate it ride in Tomorrowland. It's been voted least favorite ride on many forums. However, as a Stitch fan, I enjoy it. Guests watch a humorous pre-show before being led into a circular theater. As you are strapped into your seat, my advice is to sit up tall. The only part of the attraction I dislike, the automatic shoulder harness is a bit too tight for my taste, so if you sit up tall until it locks into place, you have a little breathing room. Then, it becomes a wild time as Stitch escapes from captivity and causes havoc. Due to it's lagging popularity, this attraction has only been open on a seasonal basis in recent years.

Across the "galaxy" from Stitch, you can head in to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This ride-on video game will have you shooting targets and competing for high scores. Will you be number one??

First, it was the WEDway Peoplemover. Then it was the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Now, it is officially the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover. This mass transit system of the future takes you on a 10-minute ride through Tomorrowland with some unique looks at the most popular rides. It is powered completely by magnets so it is environmentally friendly as well. If you ride the Peoplemover when Space Mountain is down, you will get a special peek inside while the dome lights are on for a rare look at the track layouts.

I have to say this is my favorite quick service restaurant in MK.Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe offers more than just the standard chicken nuggets and burgers (but, they have those too!). You can also get soups, sandwiches and even a rotisserie chicken dinner! Plus they have a toppings bar with all the toppings you can imagine. While you eat, you can enjoy an out-of-this-world lounge act by the one and only Sonny Eclipse.

The monsters are no longer collecting screams. They are in the laugh business now! So, they have opened up this comedy club in Tomorrowland called the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Mike Wazowski is your Monster of Ceremonies for this funny, interactive show. The jokes keep coming until the laugh canister is full. While waiting, guests can text in jokes that may be used in the show.

Magic Kingdom's first "thrill" ride, Space Mountain, opened January 15, 1975. It would be the first of the three mountain rides at Magic Kingdom. Space Mountain is an indoor, in-the-dark, outer space themed steel roller coaster. It remains the oldest operating roller coaster in the state of Florida.

The Carousel of Progress was an attraction created by Walt Disney for the 1964 World's Fair. It was then moved to Disneyland until 1973. It was then placed in the Magic Kingdom in 1975. The show follows a family through the technological advances of the 20th Century. It is reported to have been Walt's favorite attraction and is the only attraction in WDW that has been touched by Disney himself. It also features the classic song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow". It is a wonderful nostalgic ride.

Tomorrowland is full of treats to satisfy you. Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant is open seasonally for burgers, pasta and more. It has also become home to the famous dessert parties that give you a fabulous fireworks view while enjoying a huge buffet of sweet treats. Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies is your stop for smoothies and frozen treats. Or, try the Lunching Pad for specialty hot dogs and more.

You can also find out-of-this-world gifts and souvenirs in Tomorrowland. Check out Merchants of Venus, Mickey's Star Traders, Space Mountain shop and Buzz's Star Command!

Finally, some Tomorrowland FUN FACTS:

*While riding the TTA Peoplemover, you will pass a model of a city which gives us a glimpse of what Walt envisioned for the City of the Future, which was the original idea for EPCOT.
*When passing the Tomorrowland Speedway, heading towards the Mad Tea Party, you will discover the only area in Magic Kingdom where no music is piped in because Imagineers could find no natural way to transition from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland.
*Tomorrowland was not completed when Magic Kingdom opened. There were only 2 attractions open at that time, Grand Prix Raceway and Skyway to Fantasyland.
*Tomorrowland was not completed to its original design until 1975.
*To become a Galactic Hero at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, you need to score at least 900,000 points.

Discuss this, and more Disney fun! Join the BEST Disney SUPER Fans Group on FB!

photo credit: some images may have been obtained from Google Images