Facts And History Of Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom first opened in 1971. Featuring 6 distinct lands, Magic Kingdom continues to thrill guests with its intricate theming and sense of fantasy, exploration, and history. Tomorrowland is an area of Magic Kingdom that is loved by many guests. Although it has seen many changes throughout the years, Tomorrowland still remains dedicated to the idea of the future that will never be. Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland was inspired by the Tomorrowland that came before it in Disneyland, but throughout the years it has become its own unique area.  Many guests today consider Tomorrowland to be their favorite area in the park, and its attractions have become Disney classics. Continue reading to learn more facts about Tomorrowland and its history.

History

Tomorrowland was an opening day area for Magic Kingdom in 1971, but the area was unfinished at the time. Tomorrowland only had two opening day attractions: Skyway to Fantasyland and Grand Prix Raceway. Tomorrowland Terrace restaurant opened a few months after the park’s opening. Additional attractions, America the Beautiful and Flight to the Moon opened late 1971. In 1971, Space Mountain opened making its debut as the first indoor roller coaster in the parks. The Carousel of Progress also opened this year, bringing Walt Disney’s World Fair Show to the masses. Later on, The People Mover would take its first guests on their tour of Tomorrowland.

Tomorrowland remained fairly unchanged until 1994 when it received a science-fiction makeover and paint job. This renovation changed Tomorrowland from its original stark white design and incorporated more retro-futurism in its place. Tomorrowland again went unchanged until 2019 when a new entrance sign was constructed. In 2023, Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster opened making it Magic Kingdom’s most intense thrill ride yet.

Attractions

Current attractions running in Tomorrowland include Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, The Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, The Carousel of Progress, and TRON Lightcycle Run. Restaurants include Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, The Lunching Pad, Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, Energy Bytes, Tomorrowland Terrace (operates seasonally), and Joffrey’s Revive Coffee Station. Shopping destinations include Star Traders, Tomorrowland Facepainting Kiosk, Tomorrowland Launch Depot, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Photos at the exit of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin attraction.

Fun Facts

• Tomorrowland is home to Sonny Eclipse, an audio-animatronic alien who sings lounge-style music at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• The original prototype for EPCOT can be found within the People Mover attraction
• Some lucky guests might catch a glimpse of Space Mountain with the lights on if they ride the People Mover when Space Mountain is closed
• The Carousel of Progress is the oldest attraction in the park
• The metal palm trees near Space Mountain have a backstory of harnessing energy from the sunlight. One tree is closed up with no coconuts which signifies that the energy has already been harvested.

Future Plans

There are no current future plans for Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom.

What is your favorite thing to do in Tomorrowland? Which land is your favorite? We want to hear from you in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray