It’s great to have so many new attractions on the way at Walt Disney World in the next few years. The major expansions draw crowds and generate excitement, but they’re only part of the package. It’s the small moves and extra touches that make the difference. With the resort’s 50th anniversary on the horizon, now is the perfect time for Disney to raise their game. We’ve heard rumors on the Disney Dish Podcast about 50 upgrades that could happen for that celebration. I’m here to offer suggestions on ways to improve the parks without a huge investment.
It’s easy to list ideas to replace full attractions with something better, but those changes are expensive. Disney is already spending countless millions on Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the Epcot changes. These must require limited capital, relatively speaking at least. My picks aren’t $100 updates, but they also aren’t $100 million updates either. There are ways to fix dead spots and improve sections that don’t match theming in the rest of that area.
This article is the first in a series that will look at specific areas at Walt Disney World that deserve more attention. I could do a lot of posts about Future World, but I’m going to start in a place that has plenty going for it. Tomorowland has great attractions and a cool atmosphere. Even so, there are small ways to make it even better. I’ve picked five small moves that could only enhance the experience in The Magic Kingdom. It was always my favorite land as a kid, and Tomorrowland just needs some tweaks to stay at that high level.
5. Plus the People Mover
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover is an iconic attraction that makes everything click; just look at the difference without it in Disneyland. It’s one of my favorite things to do at Disney World, but there are a few sections that could use some help. The first is the dark tunnel inside Space Mountain, which once gave us a cool view of the coaster. We now spend a lot of time in the dark and only briefly see the attraction. Disney is wasting the opportunity to enhance our excitement for Space Mountain. If the view isn’t possible, another option is adding projection effects that combine with the attraction score to provide a cool experience.
The other unfortunate spot occurs above Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. When If You Had Wings occupied this space, the People Mover offered a view purposely designed to offer an interesting perspective. The futuristic beauty salon and similar décor now blocks much of that view. What we see of Buzz Lightyear does not generate much excitement or give a cool view. Disney could do so much in this space to either connect with Buzz or try something completely different. Why not offer another glimpse of Walt’s plans for Progress City? While the current sets might draw a few laughs, there are better ways to use that space.
4. Re-Record the Audio in the Carousel of Progress’ Final Scene
I’d love to see a significant overhaul to the Carousel of Progress, with a focus on the last scene. I even wrote a blog post that included five ways to fix the final scene. I’m thinking more about what could realistically happen in this article, however. An easy way to remove the obvious ‘90s references is to just re-record the audio. You wouldn’t even need to start over for the entire attraction either. These characters don’t look or sound exactly the same as the other scenes already. The kids are older, and the grandparents seem different too.
In my previous blog, I described this option as “The Car Phone Fix”. That reference and grandpa talking about “laser discs” obviously place this moment in the early ‘90s. Disney should also avoid just replacing those terms with modern ones because those could become outdated. The goal is to create a conclusion that doesn’t immediately connect to an exact time. Improving the virtual reality game to something better would make that easier. I still love the Carousel of Progress, but making this small upgrade could draw in a few cynics that scoff at the dated references.
3. Create a Tomorrowland Exhibit in Place of Stitch’s Great Escape
It’s not hard to make a small change that improves on Stitch’s Great Escape. This overlay of the intense ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter removes the thrills and misses the wit. It features a character for kids yet is too frightening to the target audience. I’d enjoy seeing a new attraction in this space, but here is a different idea. Disney could set up an exhibit that celebrates the best of Tomorrowland through its past and its future. You could even call these areas “Looking Back at Tomorrow” and “Tomorrow’s Windows” to connect to Horizons.
This space would include exhibits on past Tomorrowland attractions, but not just static posters. Instead, Disney could use interactive attractions to offer a glimpse at gems like Delta Dreamflight, The Skyway, and Mission to Mars. They could even use virtual reality to simulate what it was like to experience those attractions. The “Tomorrow’s Windows” section would function in a similar vein to the Blue Sky Cellar at DCA. It could include concept art and videos of Imagineers talking about upcoming attractions like the Tron Lightcycle Power Run. It’s a promotional tool for Disney but not in an obvious way like movie sneak peaks. Guests would also have a fun way to escape the Florida heat and connect with the park’s history.
2. Add On-board Audio to Space Mountain
My final two picks will require more investment, but the benefits would also be greater. Space Mountain is one of my favorite Disney World attractions, and the queue and two tracks make it seem more epic than Disneyland’s version. On the other hand, that Space Mountain offers a major upgrade in the sound department. The on-board audio makes for a more intense and immersive experience than we have in Florida.
There is music in Disney World’s Space Mountain, but it’s atmospheric and easy to miss while your vehicles blitz along the track. It is not an easy change, but the benefits far outweigh the costs or downtime. The ride is still excellent, and this move would only increase the fun. It would also give Disney the chance to offer variability with this classic attraction. There is only so much they can do with the current sound system.
1. Upgrade the Tomorrowland Speedway to Electric Cars
Yes, this is not a small move. However, it is essential to connecting this rite-of-passage attraction to our future (or even our present). Tron will become the Speedway’s neighbor in a few years, and it will look very strange if we don’t see an upgrade. Electric cars are an easy change and seem futuristic despite being available today. If Disney themes the raceway in a similar vein to Tron, it would transform the Speedway into something fresh and new.
I’m not in the camp that believes Disney should close the Speedway. I’ve seen how fun it is for my older daughter to drive those cars. I’d just love to see a move away from the loud engines and outdated vehicles. Guests could feel like they’re driving through a bright, forward-thinking cityscape instead of an old-school raceway. That side of Tomorrowland will change forever when Tron opens, but why wait until that happens? Let’s start making it better now!
The Next Steps
Disney World is more popular than ever, which makes it easy for Disney not to upgrade attractions that still draw guests. On the other hand, that success gives them an opportunity to make the parks even better. I have no complaints about the level of investment from Disney in the parks for the next three years. They are making huge changes to the resort that should draw even larger crowds. My hope is that Disney won’t forget about the small moves along the way. Those changes will help to keep Disney at the top of their game for a very long time.
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They definitely should do these improvements.
I doubt any would happen, but I think even one or two of these would really help.
Agree with all.
Thanks! Any other ideas that I missed?
I agree that a few tweaks could make the People Mover even better, and I like your suggestions. There are so many cool scenes or effects that they could add. With the Space Mountain portion, perhaps they could put back this gorgeous music from the past https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4zFD1fvmzo
I remember hearing this music and passing the “RCA dogs” as a child and it just takes me back to that moment whenever I hear it.
I bet if they made some retro “If you had wings” merchandise, it would sell a LOT. SO many people have fond memories of that ride and its catchy song!
It surprises me each time to ride through that Space Mountain portion and not see more after riding it so much as a kid. It’s still good but seems to be missing those extra touches. I loved If You Had Wings as a kid. We rode it a lot because it had no lines and air conditioning. I still think about it a lot.