Welcome aboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover- your quiet and carefree highway in the sky. Does this sound familiar? If so, you have most likely ridden the “PeopleMover” in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. If not, in this article, I will explain the ride and why it is a completely underrated attraction in the park. Let’s get started!
Brief Origin Story
This beloved 10-minute ride opened in 1975 in the Magic Kingdom, in Orlando, Florida. The ride was originally called the WEDway (WED: Walter Elias Disney) PeopleMover and was inspired by the already existing PeopleMover ride in Disneyland California. It was positioned in Tomorrowland, a futuristic themed land of the park. However, the ride was refurbished in 1994, re-named to Tomorrowland Transit Authority, and later included the play on words, PeopleMover, due to the purpose of the ride, which was to “move people.” So, in 2010, it became and continues to be, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Ride Layout
The mechanism of the ride is simple; the track uses linear induction motors, and with the help of electromagnets, they move the bright blue metallic cars along a one-way loop track. Each tram has 4 cars and each car fits 2-4 guests facing each other. The seating is very comfortable and spacious, especially if it is a party of one or two.
Why Is It Underrated?
The PeopleMover has a continuous load system which means your wait time is reduced by half in just a couple of minutes. The tram is constantly loading guests on and off, which guarantees swift boarding. The ride is also notorious for its relaxing vibe. On those brutal Florida days where you feel like the sun is going to boil you alive, this ride is a lifesaver. It goes at a pleasant speed that naturally produces an oncoming breeze towards you. Another underrated fact is that the PeopleMover lets you see Tomorrowland from a different perspective. If you ride this in the daytime or at night, you will see gorgeous views of Astro Orbiter, Tron Lightcycle Run, Tomorrowland Speedway and Cinderella’s Castle. If you time it right, that is, riding after 9:00 pm, you can catch glimpses of the fireworks which make for a perfect picture.
Additionally, the one-way loop gives you a behind-the-scenes look of Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, as well as other animatronic and fun Disney features. How so? On the PeopleMover, you can go inside Space Mountain! That’s right, on your left and right side, you can see and hear guests on the rollercoaster. If the lights are on (sometimes happens), you can catch a great view of the entire Space Mountain track. For Buzz Lightyear’s ride, you can see through a window how guests aim at the various alien life forms, while on their star cruiser. This is a neat aspect of the PeopleMover if you enjoy seeing exclusive sights and uncommon viewpoints of popular attractions.
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is an excellent and unique ride vehicle. Most Disney fans appreciate this niche ride; for others, it is not held in high esteem, however, I hope this article gives you a new, fresh outlook on the value of this attraction. It is glorious and salient in Disney history. May you enjoy it on your next visit, dear reader and in the words of the PeopleMover’s narrator, enjoy the rest of your day and have a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Maria Mora
For as long as Maria can remember, there was always a Disney movie playing in her house. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Dumbo, or Tarzan, she became enthralled with all things Disney. She has visited the Disney Parks over 100 times and on different continents! Her love of Disney goes hand in hand with her love of reading, which has motivated her through the years to become a zealous writer. She hopes that whatever she does helps her community. After all, with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, anything is possible!
