The Tomorrowland Transit Authority first opened in Disney’s Magic Kingdom back in 1975 and is as popular today as it was then. Originally called the WEDway People Mover (WED standing for Walter Elias Disney), the ride is situated high above the ground, providing unique views, in the middle of Tomorrowland. There is never queue as it is a continuous ride and if your feet are in need of a rest it provides a relaxing, welcome break for ten minutes.
An escalator transports you to a moving walkway where you board your little blue car. Travelling at ten feet per second (hardly Space Mountain then! ) the cars seat four passengers, two facing forwards and two backwards. They are pulled magnetically along the one-mile track, which makes for a quiet ride around the Tomorrowland area, both inside and outside the attractions.
One of the best times to ride is at night when Magic Kingdom is all lit up, it gives a whole new perspective of the park. One of the first areas you will visit is inside Space Mountain. Although you will not be able to see a lot, as this ride is in total darkness, you can hear the screams from the riders as they whiz along the roller coaster track. The track weaves in and out of various attractions and rides, through Mickey’s Star Traders, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and past a futuristic model city. This was an original concept model for Epcot before the park was actually built.
Look for the Hidden Mickey on the ladies belt buckle as she sits having her hair done.
If you have enjoyed the ride there’s no need to hop off, just tell the cast member that you wish to stay on and around you’ll go again. One time, during a summer shower, we stayed on the ride for four or five circuits until the rain had stopped. As the ride is covered it was a good way to stay dry and have a rest at the same time!
There are some good photo opportunities during the ride especially when you are out in the open passing Cinderella’s Castle. So make sure you have your camera at the ready. Whilst Tomorrowland Transit Authority is certainly low on the thrill factor scale, you will not encounter queues and it is an excellent way to pass the time whilst you wait for your fast pass for Space Mountain to kick in!
An escalator transports you to a moving walkway where you board your little blue car. Travelling at ten feet per second (hardly Space Mountain then! ) the cars seat four passengers, two facing forwards and two backwards. They are pulled magnetically along the one-mile track, which makes for a quiet ride around the Tomorrowland area, both inside and outside the attractions.
One of the best times to ride is at night when Magic Kingdom is all lit up, it gives a whole new perspective of the park. One of the first areas you will visit is inside Space Mountain. Although you will not be able to see a lot, as this ride is in total darkness, you can hear the screams from the riders as they whiz along the roller coaster track. The track weaves in and out of various attractions and rides, through Mickey’s Star Traders, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and past a futuristic model city. This was an original concept model for Epcot before the park was actually built.
Look for the Hidden Mickey on the ladies belt buckle as she sits having her hair done.
If you have enjoyed the ride there’s no need to hop off, just tell the cast member that you wish to stay on and around you’ll go again. One time, during a summer shower, we stayed on the ride for four or five circuits until the rain had stopped. As the ride is covered it was a good way to stay dry and have a rest at the same time!
There are some good photo opportunities during the ride especially when you are out in the open passing Cinderella’s Castle. So make sure you have your camera at the ready. Whilst Tomorrowland Transit Authority is certainly low on the thrill factor scale, you will not encounter queues and it is an excellent way to pass the time whilst you wait for your fast pass for Space Mountain to kick in!