Disney Ditching Autopia’s Gas Cars…Eventually
Disney has confirmed that Autopia, the classic wish fulfillment attraction that allows kids to drive cars, will be electrified at some point in the future. This post shares the details of the news, Disney Legend Bob Gurr’s reaction, and our thoughts on what should be done with both this ride at Disneyland and Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom.
Let’s start with the announcement itself, which comes indirectly via a long-winded piece from the climate columnist for the Los Angeles Times. The article reads as if it were a predetermined op-ed arguing that Disney should ditch oil and go electric at Autopia, a position with which I agree. The author mentions “several weeks of my prodding the company for answers on the future of Autopia” before publication. Finally, he received the following statement from Disney:
“Since opening with Disneyland park in 1955, Autopia has remained a guest-favorite most popular with young kids experiencing driving for the first time,” spokesperson Jessica Good said in an email. “As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years.”
I mention the prodding and the op-ed angle for a couple of reasons. First, this isn’t an exclusive that Disney gave to the LAT; they did not even confirm whether the replacement will be electric vehicles or hybrids. Second, Disney provided no timeline or other details–only a vague statement that they’ve developed a roadmap, are evaluating technology, and it will enable them to convert from gas engines in the next few years. To me, this reads less like a concrete plan by Disney and more a way to assuage the author’s concerns while still being fairly non-committal to anything.
Of course, I could be misreading this. But I’m skeptical that this evinces a firm plan or even constitutes an actual announcement. Disney uses a lot of wiggle words that suggest they’re still looking into it. None of that is necessary, as Imagineering has already done exactly this at Hong Kong Disneyland, which had (past tense) a version of Autopia that used electric vehicles! So it’s not as if Disney would really need to reinvent the wheel on this one…just do what they already did back in 2006.
Back when it was announced that Tomorrowland Speedway would be closing ahead of TRON Lightcycle Run construction in 2018-2019, our hope was that Imagineering would take the opportunity to convert the attraction to electric and use the HKDL Autopia fleet and other props that had been salvaged from that extinct attraction. Obviously, that did not occur.
Disney Legend Bob Gurr is the original designer of the Autopia cars, and perhaps the most prolific living Imagineer. (Gurr is basically a rockstar, and you should make every effort to hear him speak about…anything…if you have the opportunity to attend one of the many events he does.) Gurr was pretty blunt about what Disney should do with Autopia: “Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes.”
In speaking with the LA Times, Gurr also expressed a grander vision for Tomorrowland as a hub for stories about renewable energy, public transit and other sustainable technologies that will help us create a better tomorrow. He says it’s time for an Autopia where guests “don’t smell the fumes, don’t hear that racket of the little motor going putt-putt-putt.”
Gurr contends that guests would enjoy a Tomorrowland with brighter colors and more kinetic energy, where they could “hear these whirring sounds like little tiny jets and turbines all over the place.” Gurr added that he’d “love to have really sexy-sounding electric cars.” None of this is the least bit surprising if you’ve ever talked to Gurr or even heard him speak. Even today, he’s very forward-thinking with eyes on the future rather than the past.
Turning to commentary, I’m fully on board with converting to EVs in Autopia and Tomorrowland Speedway and have been since first riding the far superior attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland over a decade ago. Even then, it seemed so obvious that the versions of the ride at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom were stuck in the past. Not necessarily from an environmentalist perspective (although that too), but in terms of the experience. Autopia was actually enjoyable!
We’ve often “joked” that Tomorrowland Speedway is a great way to enjoy loud noise, vehicle exhaust stench, and incur some mild brain damage. I suppose that’s all part of the fun–everyone knows cognitive abilities are overrated. (This blog is proof positive of that!) We barely even ride either version of the attraction anymore, save for the holiday overlay. I’m not exactly in a rush to get Megatron on it, either.
Autopia is one of many attractions that’s better at Disneyland, thanks to its more engaging track, lush environment and interconnectedness of Tomorrowland. It also received new life back in 2016, with the addition of ASIMO and Bird–two characters who now appear in show scenes thanks to the Honda sponsorship. Even then, I remember rumors/wishful thinking that Autopia would be converted to EVs.
At this point, my guess is that Autopia will be due for another update around 2026-2027, which is likely when the current Honda deal ends. Either they’ll reup and commit to funding an EV overhaul, or Disney will find a different sponsor for the attraction. The most likely outcome is Honda returning as sponsor–the company has a long partnership with Disneyland and is probably one of the resort’s biggest corporate alliance deals.
What I’d instead like to see happen is Disneyland partner with an upstart EV maker. For the longest time, Tesla was the target among fans; it was all wishful thinking, no actual rumors. And that made sense, as the brand was the darling of Southern Californians and there was a sea of Teslas in Burbank and Glendale lots. It’s safe to assume there’s no longer any chance of that happening given Elon Musk’s recent remarks (etc.) about Disney.
Personally, I’d love to see a partnership with Rivian. This company is based in nearby Irvine and has a strong presence in Laguna Beach, where their flagship showroom is located. We’ve stopped in a few times, and it’s really cool–Rivian is actively involved in the community, too. More to the point, Rivian has an eye-catching design. It’s an acquired taste that isn’t for everyone, but it would translate really well to Autopia cars that you aren’t going to buy and drive daily.
Beyond that, what I like to see happen is Autopia shortened. The ride takes up a ton of valuable real estate at Disneyland, and at least some of that could be put to better use when the old Innoventions building is inevitably demolished. I don’t know to what extent Autopia could be condensed since the monorail winds above it (and I wouldn’t want to lose any of that), but I’d imagine its entrance could be moved to accommodate a larger plot for expansion.
When it comes to Walt Disney World, my dream is for Tomorrowland Speedway to bite the dust entirely. I know this is a controversial opinion or hot take that’s often criticized by parents as overlooking how important the ride is as a rite of passage for kids. Now that I’m a parent, I feel like I have more latitude to say that, while true, it’s also a massive waste of space.
Just look at what Tokyo Disneyland did, replacing its Grand Circuit Raceway with Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast and the Happy Ride with Baymax. In fairness, those attractions occupy more than just the former speedway plot, but there’s also more to that expansion than just those two rides. The point is that it’s a massive amount of real estate in Magic Kingdom that could not only become a couple of attractions, but also offer a better transition from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland and open up more pathways to TRON Lightcycle Run so it doesn’t feel isolated from the rest of the park.
Finally, I’d love a modernization of both Tomorrowlands. For me, this simply looks like rolling the look back to the mid-century Space Age design of old. Bring in Googie architecture, and add flourishes of biomimicry and the end result is a design that’s retro-futuristic and timeless. I think this would work well on both coasts, and address the perpetual Tomorrowland problem. This has been on my wishlist for the last few D23 Expos…we’ll see if 2024 is the year it finally gets announced! (I’m not holding my breath this time.)
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and many other SoCal cities!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of Disney retiring the Autopia gas cars for electrified vehicles? Hope that it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to Tomorrowland changes? Would you like to see Autopia or Tomorrowland Speedway replaced entirely, condensed, or remain untouched? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I wish Disney would leave their iconic rides alone. First Splash Mountain, now the cars, what’s next? I wish they would bring back Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Now that’s the Disney I grew up on. It’s just sad. Oh, and while I’m on my gripe session. Please leave County Bear Jamboree alone.
It’s too bad Disney couldn’t pair with a start-up company…specifically Aptera. They have a vehicle that will be solar powered (covered in solar charging panels) and the one I have seen is amazing and futuristic looking…almost like a personal spaceship. No plugging in would be ideal for Disneyland and would likely work in Florida even given the frequent rain.
I wholly agree with your sentiments on Tomorrowland Speedway and the vision for Tomorrowland more broadly.
Also, the founder of Rivian is from Melbourne FL as another connection, just next door in Brevard county.
I agree with all of this! I recently saw a Rivian in a parkinglot here in St. Louis, where…you can imagine we don’t get many of them. I spent a good ten minutes looking it over, and left convinced that it was a Transformer trying *really* hard to pretend it was a human car.
Tom, I hope for your sake that somebody agrees to update Autopia before Megatron is old enough to demand to ride/drive it. I swear I can feel myself losing brain cells as we listen to the endless loops of Bird introducing himself (could not agree with you less about whether or not Bird is an upgrade) and I genuinely feel like a bad parent for letting my kids huff exhaust at both the DLR and WDW versions.
Maybe SoCal Edison or PG&E? They could both use a brand image boost.
LOL. Well, in fairness, we’ve probably done Autopia a grand total of 4-6 times since ASIMO and Bird have been added. So when you’re doing it about once per year, I’d imagine it’s less grating than regular rides!
Tom, I think you’re probably right that with Bird, absence makes the heart grow fonder…but for us it’s more of a matter of how long we have had wait in line. As a person with good taste and no child demanding to ride irrespective of line, you’ve probably never waited 45m plus for Autopia. Bird’s loop is OK for 5-10 minutes, but once you hit the 30m mark it could probably be used as an interrogation device.
Have they EVER replaced the cars in Tomorrowland Speedway? The ones they have now look EXACTLY like they did the last time I drove one THIRTY YEARS AGO. It’s time. I’m wondering if Chevrolet’s sponsorship of Test Track precludes WDW making a deal with another company, though.
“several weeks of my prodding the company for answers on the future of Autopia”
Next up, My Six Weeks of Asking Over and Over Again About the Sailing Ship Columbia!
Seriously, I don’t think I knew that Hong Kong’s Autopia had a number of driving environments. How was it done there and can we bring that to DL or WDW?
No more fumes and noise, yes please! Rivian, absolutely! Especially if they can actually make Autopia fit with the Tomorrowland theme, which it never really has. But frankly, I think Autopia will have to go someday. My kids kinda like it; it’s my Mom’s favorite ride (childhood memories). However, it is a HUGE ride (more than twice the size of RotR). It was a C ticket when it opened, but might be considered lower than that in the current pecking order. Slow loader, hot line, etc. I think someday they will do away with Autopia entirely and make a whole new “land” there.
EV vehicles are long overdue at Magic Kingdom. Although the smell of diesel fuel and exhaust during those July summer months never leave you. lol
This was a good article ! I do enjoy reading your Blog for the up do date information you provide.
My first time behind the wheel of a vehicle was at Autopia at Disneyland at age 7 in 1961. Fond memory except my mom nearly had a heart attack until I figured things out ! My own kids and my grandson have had similar and valuble experiences.
Regarding the conversion of Autopia vehices to EV electric, sometimes what seems to make sense and simple on the surface can be much more complex:
– How is this going to be paid for and how long will the conversion process take place give the popularity of the ride(s). I kind of think Honda holds the “cards” here and I’m not so sure Rivian has the horsepower to pony up.
– Concerns about charging times. The technology is improving but no doubt there are concerns about having most of you fleet down being charged up during peak times.
– Current investment in the fleet they have including the infrastructure, disposal of the old vehicles, power supply and batteries, etc. Who hold the cards here ?
– Yes, Disney has stated they are planning on doing this but where does it stack up against all the other projects and intentions they have planned throughout all of their parks worldwide ? Probably way down the list……Most likely waiting for funding from an outside source. Once that is established it will probably be and minimum of 3 to 5 years.
Thanks !
Yeah, agreed on all points. I think this is probably a 2026 or later project—hopefully part of a bigger picture Tomorrowland update.
As for charging, I don’t recall how HKDL did it, but most trackless dark rides charge at load/unload. Even the Aquatopia (water ride) at Tokyo DisneySea does this. It’s pretty cool and efficient!
Might they be able to use the existing track to supply power like a light rail? That would solve the obvious battery charging problem at least.
A future without gasoline vehicles is a long way off. A LONG way off. If ever. Maybe if we build a lot more nuclear plants, it will speed it up. I dunno, I can see some exciting opportunities for converting SOME of the speedway cars to electric while keeping some as gas. If we completely eliminated all gas cars at once it would be lame. There currently are no all-electric race tracks and it would totally ruin the theme.
I do agree that the fumes are a bit much. When I was in the DCP at MK I dated a girl who worked there sometimes and after a shift, she smelled like exhaust fumes for some time and she did not smoke or anything like that. It was a little offputting.
There would have to be some kinds of noises, etc as the silence of all-electric cars would be boring. The one upside is we could maybe have some cars with actual acceleration for a change!
I believe in an “all of the above” (well, for the most part) approach to energy and think widespread EV adoption is way further off than most people might think.
But that’s not the point of this, at least, not for me. I just want these rides not to stink as much or be so loud. That’s why I want EV versions, not as a better thematic fit.
Sadly, I also don’t think we are getting Lightcycles in the future. Tomorrowland can play fast and loose with the facts and still work.
Going electric here is a no brainer- im honestly surprised its not been done already. They could make some really cool looking future cars that light up at night and make cool sounds. That being said my youngest loved this ride and made me go on it several times a visit lol. I believe he would love a future car version even better
My kids and now grandkids loved this ride. Stepping on the gas and hearing the roar of the engine and smelling the exhaust made them feel like they were driving a real race car. Converting the cars to electric would ruin the entire experience. How stepping on a pedal and rolling forward in silence any fun? I would just delete the attraction and use the land for something else rather than make the cars electric.
I totally agree, Roy. my family’s favorite things about the ride are the smell of the gas — which makes it seem like a real speedway — and the sound of the cars (which is a lot like the sound that drew Mr. Toad to cars).
Scrap Autopia and Tomorrowland Speedway entirely imo.
Those footprints could house something much better, especially at DLR where space is more scarce.
Only so much that can be done with the space at Disneyland before the monorail also needs to go or at least be shortened. Personally, I do not want to lose that.
Oh interesting. I didn’t realize that.
Oh, boy, Tom! One of the worst aspects of parenting, in line with 3rd-grade beginner band concerts, financial planning for college, and Calliou repeats, is the confusion and horror that washes over you when your small, previously perfect child inievitibly ADORES the Tomorrowland Speedway. Meticulously planning your rope drop strategy only to find yourself frantically negotiating with a boneless toddler while inwardly cursing the “short-cut” you attempted through this far side of Tomorrowland; realizing 45-seconds in that, much like dog years, one minute of diesel fume-saturated queue = 5 minutes of interactive Winnie the Pooh queue…oof. I wish for all future parents that this attraction either electrified or disappears as soon as possible.
We are dreading the day. I feel like 3-4 years is enough runway for them to figure it out, though!
I worked on Autopia in the late 90s and early 2000s. They’ve always been just “1 or 2 years” away from going all electric.
This is more or less my son’s favorite ride in Magic Kingdom since birth. I’m all for it being upgraded and reimagined, but there is little that will delight a child quite like the experience that autopia provides compared to say, Dumbo, which ranks at basically a zero for him. For little kids, it’s thrilling without being scary. I’m all for them re-theming this to a “Cars” style attraction using electric power and a lot of fun sound effects. Before someone says it will be overshadowed by California Adventure’s Cars land, I will point you no further than lightning mcqueen’s racing academy in Hollywood Studios.
No way. Kids LOVE driving their own car. My daughter treasured that little license and even brought it to school for show and tell. We are a car-centric society and kids deeply want to drive. Megatron will LOVE it starting around age 4 through at least age 10. I’m cool with it becoming a better ride, though!
I have never been on either version of the attraction because of the fumes. I always feel bad for the cast members who staff it, and am honestly shocked Disney hasn’t updated the vehicles. Given how concerned parents are about all sorts of health related issues these days, I would have thought the amount of complaints would have forced Disney’s hand long ago.
Years ago, I tweeted to Elon Musk that I would like to see Tesla sponsor Tomorrowland Speedway and electrify all the vehicles. The pollution and smell from those current cars are terrible, and I’m excited to see they are finally going electric. I like your idea of Rivian sponsoring it, because Elon Musk can be so polarizing. Can’t wait for all of this to happen.
Unfortunately, Rivian is in really dire financial straits currently.
I agree that it’d be a risk to partner with Rivian today, not knowing where they’ll be in a few years. But by 2026 when this will actually happen, I assume lower interest rates will improve their situation. Or they will already have failed, and it’ll be off the table.
Rivian is almost non-existent in the vehicle market. I’ve seen one or two of them here in San Antonio, but LOTS of Teslas. Their truck looks decent but suffers from the same fate as all EVs, limited range. And they are absurdly expensive. Yeah, so is a Model S!
While some may think Elon is controversial, he is a leading tech and science innovator and would be a great sponsor. SpaceX, need I say more? But yeah, political activism is not something he’s a fan of… He is, however, a great success story of a poor immigrant who came here, worked hard and followed his dreams to become one of the wealthiest and more influential people today. Sounds like a Disney story to me.
MrNico, I almost never agree with you but I usually let it go rather than argue. But I just cannot with this latest bit of mis/disinformation. Elon Musk is very much a political activist – you need only look to the type of (far-right) political voices he amplifies on Twitter, which is the textbook definition of political activism. What he isn’t a fan of is anything promoting rights for minorities to be protected from hate or given a level playing field after centuries of discrimination. I have no idea how you came up with the idea that he was a “poor” immigrant – his family had made their fortune mining in apartheid South Africa before he came to America. It’s only a “Disney story” in that it’s a total fairytale to claim a property developer/emerald mine owner’s son was poor.