Everything You Need to Know About the Peoplemover
Located in Tomorrowland of Magic Kingdom, lies one of the greatest Disney rides, The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (AKA the PeopleMover). Opening on July 1st, 1975, this classic attraction gives you a tour around Tomorrowland. Finding yourself inside favorite attractions and having a closer look at all the things Tomorrowland has to offer! This almost 7mph ten-minute ride provides a relaxing escape to the fast-moving pace of the rest of the theme park from a bird’s eye view. This ride will forever and always be one of my all-time favorites and here’s why:
The PeopleMover tends to have shorter wait times than most attractions at Magic Kingdom. (Even if the line looks long, it is rarely ever more than a 20-minute wait.) The loading and unloading process is seamless and continues at a steady pace creating a faster boarding opportunity! Once boarded, the train detaches from the train behind it and continues to provide you with the best tour of Tomorrowland.
Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow
Through the ride, you pass through attractions like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. During the tour of Space Mountain, you experience some of the darkest parts are the ride itself. (I have rode this during a down-time at Space Mountain and was able to see it with the lights on!) In this darkness you here the thrills and the screams coming from the roller coaster. While passing through Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, take the time to map out your spots to ensure you obtain infinity points and the status of Galactic Hero! My absolute favorite section of this ride is seeing the diorama of the Progress City – E.P.C.O.T. This model was originally featured at Disneyland in 1967 when Carousel of Progress was featured there. Walt Disney was extremely excited about the Progress City, but it is clear it underwent some changed before debuting! Throughout its history, the PeopleMover has undergone changes itself. Between names, sponsors, and scenes, this ride was everchanging.
WEDWay PeopleMover
From 1975-1994 the official name of the ride was WEDWay (Walter Elias Disney) PeopleMover. This attraction was based off the Disneyland California attraction that was sponsored by Goodyear. Because this ride was going to be using a different moving system, Goodyear opted to not sponsor the attraction in Florida and The Edison Electric Institute became the attractions official sponsor. The original voice actor of the attraction was Jack Wagner, also known for voicing other Disneyland attractions including Matterhorn Bobsleds and most famously the voice of the Walt Disney World Monorails, “Please stand clear of the doors. Pro favor mantengase alejado de las puertas”. Jack Wagner’s voice was replaced in 1985 by ORAC One “The Commuter Computer” when this attraction went under another makeover for the new look of Tomorrowland. The tour passed through current attractions, Mission to Mars, and If You Had Wings (which was later changed to Delta Dreamflight).
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Once again, the attraction received another refurbishment, this time for the land to represent a city in the future instead of future technology. The name and theming of the attraction changed to coincide with the changes of the land and a new narration was produced by Pete Renaday who also voices Henry in the Country Bear Jamboree along with a huge portfolio of work. The refurbished ride reopened June 12th, 1994 until it was once again refurbished in 2009. During this time, and for the next few years, the narration was altered to match the attractions represented throughout Tomorrowland. Delta Dreamflgiht was changed to Take Flight and narration for Tomorrowland Transit Authority was replaced in 1996. Since losing sponsorship with Edison Electric Institute in 1985, the PeopleMover was without a sponsor until 2005 when Alamo became the official sponsor.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
The most recent changed occurred in 2009 when the Tomorrowland Transit Authority was closed in alignment with a Space Mountain Refurbishment. The attractions were closed for nearly five months. The track for the Transit Authority was too close for the updates needed in Space Mountain for the continued running of the ride, so updates were made in order to improve its appearance. New LED lighting was added along with repainting and adding new speakers. The timing of the ride was adjusted to fit in time with the music around Tomorrowland. Less than a month after reopening, the ride once again was home to a new narrator, Mike Brassell which debuted October 2nd, 2009. More updates including additions of Stitch’s Great Escape and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor along with surprise voice overs from our favorite Tomorrowland characters! It was not until 2010 when the name “PeopleMover” would be added back to the ride.
“It’s out of this world!”
The next time you find yourself in Tomorrowland, take a trip on the best tour around! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful scenes of the future. It is guaranteed to put you in a good head space as it is out of this world!
Special thanks to Ashley Dion for writing this article! Former cast member turned annual pass holder, I am a native Michigander who moved her entire life to Orlando, FL to be surrounded by all things Disney. I met my fellow Disney-lover husband while working for the Mouse and now we frequent the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts as pass holders as often as possible!
