Disneyland’s Autopia To Transition From Gas Engines to Electric

Disneyland’s Autopia has been thrilling young guests by letting them get behind the wheel and take a drive around Tomorrowland for almost 70 years now.

During that time, generations of fans experienced the joy of Disney driving, and the attraction has been recreated around the world.

Photo: Disneyland

Even in today’s increasingly technology-based age, young visitors to the Disney Parks flock to Autopia and its sister attractions, still thrilled to drive for the first time.

Autopia’s Gas Engines Have Been Criticized For Years

Despite the attraction’s continuing popularity with young guests, Disney adults often roll their eyes at the Autopia. Not only does the attraction seem dated, but its reliance on gas motors creates a sound and stench that are undeniably unpleasing.

Photo: D23

While kids can largely overlook these downsides, adults turn up their noses at the original Disneyland attraction.

Disneyland Will Transition to Electric Autopia Cars

Luckily, as Autopia prepares for its 70th anniversary, Disneyland has plans to update the attraction’s ride vehicles and ensure that the attraction continues to entertain young fans for generations to come.

According to a new report by the Los Angeles Times, Disneyland has a plan in place to replace Autopia’s gas motors with new electric motors.

Photo: 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.”

While at this time, it is unclear if the new motors will be hybrids or electric vehicles, a change is on the horizon.

Autopia. Photo: D23

Disney Legend Bob Gurr, who designed the original Autopia cars, says that the time for change has come.

Photo: Walt Disney Archives

“Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes,” he said.

Will Walt Disney World Follow Suit?

While it is unclear when the transition from gas engines to electric will take place, it sounds like Disney has a plan.

If the Disneyland Autopia is converted to electric as promised, it would seem likely that Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland Speedway would soon follow suit.

Hopefully, with the gas engine issue solved, the Disney Autopia attractions will stick around for another 70 years.

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