The Tomorrowland® Transit Authority People Mover®, a classic attraction, remains one of every guest’s favorite. The attraction opened in 1975 under the name WEDWay PeopleMover® (WED stands for Walter Elias Disney), and the name was changed in 1994 to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA). In 2010, Disney brought back PeopleMover and attached it at the end of the name TTA.
The attraction is themed after an urban mass transit system of the future that uses a linear induction system that propels the tram like vehicles using magnets. The magnets push and propel the vehicle, which results in the very familiar clicking that guests have come to associate with this attraction. The TTA stems from Walt Disney’s dream of building EPCOT® as a futuristic city to live, learn, and demonstrate new technology. Among the ideas of EPCOT, the PeopleMover evolved from an idea of more efficient mass transit systems.
A very relaxing attraction, it gives guests a bird’s eye view of Tomorrowland and the other attractions in this land. The guests board the slow moving vehicle at Rocket Tower Plaza® with the use of a spinning platform that is set at the same speed as the vehicle.
After passing by Stitch’s Great Escape!® and his mischievous cackle, the guests will encounter my favorite part of the attraction. Once you enter the tunnel, the guests come across Progress City®, Walt’s dream of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow®. Walt’s whole purpose of building Disney World was to be able to create this futuristic community and the Magic Kingdom® was going to allow him to accomplish this by helping to fund his dream. Sadly, Walt passed away prior to the opening of WDW and was never able to see the project through completion. Although we have EPCOT today, it is not what Walt had envisioned. The model Progress City is exceptionally detailed and allows guests the rare opportunities to view Walt’s dream. As you move by the model, try to take in as much as you can or snap as many photos as possible. Still to this day, after riding on the PeopleMover a countless amount of times, I am always noticing more details.
As the attraction heads back outdoors to offer more views of Tomorrowland, one really begins to notice some of the details. From the beautiful topiary to the futuristic props and lighting, it becomes obvious that Imagineers truly love to put in as many details as possible. Next time you are riding, try and pick out things that are only visible from the PeopleMover. You will be amazed at all the details you will find!
Another special part of the PeopleMover is the sneak previews of attractions in Tomorrowland. For me, heading through the heart of Space Mountain® is the most amazing. For guests who are not thrill junkies or may want to see the attraction through a different lens, the PeopleMover offers the perfect opportunity for this. Also, a very cool (some may think spoiling) experience is when Space Mountain is broken down; the lights inside the coaster are typically on. If you notice Space Mountain is not working, hop on the PeopleMover and check out what the inside of the Mountain actually looks like. You’ll be amazed that the Imagineers were able to fit two coaster tracks inside of it!
After passing by Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®, the PeopleMover swings around the corner and presents a beautiful elevated view of Cinderella Castle® with the Tomorrowland entrance sign in front of it. One of the many great things about the Magic Kingdom are all the different sight lines that are available and this view is one of my favorites. It combines the classic beauty of the castle with the futuristic feeling and hope for tomorrow. A common theme in Tomorrowland is bright lighting and great way of experiencing this lighting is to ride the PeopleMover at night. Sit back, relax and marvel at the true beauty of what Tomorrowland offers.
I want to know what your favorite part of the attraction is! Whether it’s the views, attraction previews or the time to relax, comment below and let me know!
(Images ©Disney.)
Alex Larson is currently a college student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, he has loved Disney since he was born. Making annual trips to Walt Disney World® since the age of three, the parks have become a very special place to him. His love for the parks is due to the memories he has had, attractions, the endless things to explore, the food and the sense of happiness every Disney fan feels while there.
