One of the most iconic buildings of Tomorrowland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is Space Mountain. It opened in 1975, and was the first one Disney built.
Originally, Tomorrowland was a vision of the future. But as it became obvious that trying to keep the future up to date was an impossible task, Disney took a more science fiction approach to the land.
Now it is populated by alien creatures such as Stitch from the Disney animated film “Lilo and Stitch,” or Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg from the “Toy Story” movies, or even Mike from “Monsters, Inc.”
Other attractions are classics, such as the Tomorrowland Speedway, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which first appeared in nearly the same form at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Opening in 2021, in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, will be a domestic version of the Tron Lightcycle Power Run, which first appeared in 2016 at Shanghai Disneyland. The attraction will be a major addition to the land and will be just north of Space Mountain.
(Editor’s note: Short opinions from the writer, a former Disney Imagineer, appear in italics.)
Dining and snacks
Eating in Tomorrowland is more about speed.
There are two main places to eat in the area. The first is the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. It is a counter service restaurant and features burgers, premade salads, and even peanut butter and jelly at this quick-service facility near the entrance to the land.
The second is Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. This quick, counter-service restaurant also serves burgers, along with hot dogs, fries, chicken nuggets and more. While eating, diners might catch a live show on the elevator stage in the dining area.
The Lunching Pad sits underneath the Astro Orbiter rockets and the station for the PeopleMover. It features snacks, pretzels and beverages – important in the Florida heat and humidity.
Another snack stand is Cool Ship with snacks and beverages.
Attractions
Astro Orbiter — Riders spin around in a rocket jet that they control the height of during their ride. Adults may ride with their children, as there are no minimum height or age requirements for this attraction.
This is the old-style rocket jets ride, but with a science fiction look to it. Unlike Disneyland’s version, this one is up high on its original platform – leading to some nice, if quick, views of Tomorrowland and beyond. Not a good idea to ride when it is raining or during thunderstorms.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Riders are enlisted by Buzz Lightyear of the “Toy Story” movies to board the constantly moving vehicles to defend the planet from the evil Emperor Zurg. On board, riders will find laser guns they use to zap the evil attacking robots and aliens. The vehicle also keeps score in this ride version of an arcade game. Adults may ride with their children, as there are no minimum height or age requirements for this attraction. Fastpasses through Fastpass Plus may be obtained for this attraction.
This is loads of fun for all. It is very popular – but the line moves fairly quickly. So focus on getting Fastpasses for other attractions that have longer wait times. But I always try to ride this, and see if I can beat the scores of the rest of my family.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor — A comedy club meets the characters from the movie “Monsters Inc.” is the best way to describe this attraction. The monsters, including the emcee, which is the one-eyed, green colored Mike Wazowski, interact with the audience, thanks to some Disney magic and each show is different. Visitors can also text in their favorite joke before the show and it may be used. There are no height or age requirements for this attraction. Fastpasses through Fastpass Plus may be obtained for this attraction.
Though there is a basic scenario for this show, it is the audience interactivity that makes this a unique experience. One or more members of the audience are sometimes targeted for special treatment by the monsters, making it a bit more personal – in a fun way. I recommend this show because the corny jokes still make me laugh, and because it is different each time.
Space Mountain — Blast off into space on this classic Disney attraction. It’s really a roller coaster in the dark with a spacegoing theme. This is the original, first Space Mountain built by Disney at its theme parks. The vehicles are similar in design to the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland. There is a minimum height requirement of 44 inches for this attraction. A person at least 14 years old must accompany children under the age of seven. Fastpasses through Fastpass Plus may be obtained for this attraction.
If you like fun roller coasters, you will really like this. A Fastpass Plus should definitely be obtained, as the lines are always long. Unlike Disneyland’s Space Mountain, there are two tracks. One really cool portion of the ride is the journey after leaving the load station across the mountain to the lift hill – of which there is only one for each track. Be sure to check out the gravity-defying astronaut while going up the lift. Then hold on for the ride back down to Earth. This is a must-ride in my book.
Stitch’s Great Escape! — Visitors are first brought into a briefing room where they are told they are there to be guards for the Galactic Federation, and taught the basic guard duties. They are also told of the prisoner classification levels. They then get an alert that a Level 3 prisoner will be beamed into the center. Visitors then go into that central chamber. After being seated, restraints are brought down to hold the guards (visitors) in their seats.
Soon, the Level 3 prisoner, Stitch, is beamed into the chamber. Of course, things go wrong and Stitch escapes. The lights go out and he can be heard, and felt, jumping around the chamber – touching many visitors. After a few moments of this, Stitch escapes to the outside world. The guards (visitors) are released to exit into the gift shop. There is a minimum height requirement of 40 inches for this attraction. Because it can be scary to some, a person at least 14 years old must accompany children under the age of seven.
This is the third attraction put into this space. First was Mission to Mars, then it was “The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.” Now it uses Stitch in a format similar to the Alien Encounter in an attempt to lighten it up. Both the previous Alien Encounter and this version use binaural sound, which can be quite disconcerting as it makes it seem like Stitch can be right next to you during the show. That plus effects like water and one that makes it feel like Stitch is trying to tickle you can be jarring and scares many away. Personally, I like this attraction, but I’m probably in the minority.
Tomorrowland Speedway Just like Disneyland’s Autopia, this is the chance for kids to drive a gas-powered car. It is designed to appear like they are on a racetrack, but the cars don’t go anywhere near racetrack speeds. There is a minimum height requirement of 32 inches for this attraction. To ride alone, a person must be at least 54 inches tall. A person at least 14 years old must accompany children under the age of seven. Fastpasses through Fastpass Plus may be obtained for this attraction.
As much as this doesn’t really fit the theme of “tomorrow,” it is a very popular attraction for many. I wish Disney would come up with cars that are not powered by gasoline, and if it is a race, make the start of it seem more like a race. It has long waits, so get a Fastpass.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Linear induction motors use magnets to power this smooth ride that takes people on a tour of Tomorrowland, including a trip inside and around the interior of Space Mountain. Another highlight is a viewing of the model of Progress City, the conceptual predecessor of Epcot. There is no minimum height or age requirement for this attraction. A person at least 14 years old must accompany children under the age of seven.
This was originally built as a demonstration of a new way to transport people around a city. It is kind of fun to ride. Why it’s not used around the whole Walt Disney World resort, I don’t know.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress A nostalgic attraction based on, and nearly identical to, the first Carousel of Progress that premiered at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Visitors are seated in the theater and moved, via a carousel, through the four acts of this show hosted by the Audio-Animatronic figure of John. John, with the help of his family, shows how technology has made life better.
Act 1 is set in the spring at the turn of the 20th Century, where gas lamps, a hand-cranked washing machine and other marvels have made life easier.
Act 2 is set in the summer of the 1920s. New conveniences like the light bulb, an electric sewing machine, radio and refrigerators make an appearance.
Act 3 is set in the fall of the 1940s. Technology advances now include automatic dishwashers and televisions.
Act 4 is set around the holiday season and now John is doing the cooking on a modern stove with a modern automatic oven. There is HD TV, and a variety of voice-activated household appliances.
As the audience advances to each act, the classic Disney song, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” written by the Sherman Brothers, is heard.
There is no minimum height requirement for this attraction.
While this is a classic Disney attraction, and fun for those of us familiar with Disney history to see, the figures and the script seem a little antiquated. It might be time for a top-to-bottom rethink.
Guide to Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland
Guide to Walt Disney World’s Main Street U.S.A.
Guide to Walt Disney World’s Adventureland
