Walt Disney World Review: Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Short lines and a relaxing ride

Cons: For some, too tame.  Lots of outdoor parts, so exposed to weather

The Bottom Line:
Relax and enjoy

Tour of Tomorrowland

From above the crowds

Enjoy a Leisurely Tour of Tomorrowland

When they removed the PeopleMovers from Tomorrowland here in California, I was crushed.  I always enjoyed riding them in the afternoon and enjoying a few minute break.  So when I visited Disney World and discovered that the Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom had the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMovers, I had to ride it.

The idea is that you are taking a trip on the public transit of the future.  You go up to a platform that allows you to board these always in motion cars.  Four people will fit into each car facing each other, which means half of the people ride backwards.  There are no restraints and no height limits, although you must be able to get out of your wheelchair to the platform and board to ride.

Once you are on board, you are in for a 10 minute tour of Tomorrowland as you travel over almost a mile of track.  You weave in and out of the various buildings and hear spiels for the attractions housed in them.

Make no mistake about it, this is not a thrill ride in any way, shape, or form.  You go on this ride to relax and see Tomorrowland from up above everyone else.  There are some interesting bits like a glimpse at early concept art for EPCOT and Space Mountain.  But mostly you are looking at the outsides of buildings or special windows into the buildings you travel through.

As a result, many people pass on this ride.  They would rather spend those 10 minutes doing something more exciting.  Personally, I find this kind of ride perfect for late in the afternoon when you need to sit down and relax.  You can rest and recharge while still being entertained.

Because this isn’t a popular attraction, there is hardly ever a wait.  Even if there is, you are always moving because cars are always coming back to the station and leaving again.  I doubt you’ll have to wait more than 5 minutes for this one.

This is not a way to duck out of the weather, however.  While the track is covered, you are outside for much of the ride, so you will still feel the heat, humidity, rain, etc. that is happening that day.

But if you need a few minutes to relax a little and what to spend it seeing a different side of the park, be sure to check out the underappreciated Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMovers.