Disneyland is always evaluating its attractions and making improvements, from bigger sweeping storyline changes to technical improvements that improve the ride experience. They are finally making a change to a classic attraction that has been requested for years.
Many have complained that this historic ride is due for an overhaul to replace the gas-powered vehicles in the attraction, which have deterred some guests from enjoying it. Disneyland previously revealed that they were planning on implementing this change, and now, nearly two years after that reveal, we finally have news that they will be moving forward with the overhaul. Keep reading for everything we know so far! Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including a new Disneyland light-up popcorn bucket and two popular Disney restaurants closing for refurbishment soon.
READ MORE – Rides Disney Almost Built But Didn’t (And Why They Never Happened)
Disneyland Overhauling Autopia Ride in Tomorrowland
While there are a handful of opening-day attractions that are still operational at Disneyland, Autopia is the only Tomorrowland attraction that dates back to the park’s opening.
Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
Disneyland will soon be getting rid of its gas-powered Autopia engines, with a replacement prototype in the works. Disneyland officials confirmed that Disneyland has made an agreement with the California Air Resources Board to retire these by early 2027, and they will update the ride with a new fleet of electric cars. Right now, they are working on designing and testing the new electric vehicle prototype.
We do not have any further details yet on when the attraction will officially close and reopen. It’s possible that Disneyland may take this opportunity to make general updates to the ride and scenery beyond just updating the vehicles. We do not anticipate the closure will have a major impact on park operations, as the attraction is tucked away in the back corner of Tomorrowland, and it rarely has a long wait.
Some visitors choose to pass on this ride in favor of more popular options nearby, like Star Tours and Space Mountain, deterred by the noise and smell of the gas engines. However, it is possible that this update could reinvigorate interest in the ride.
Disneyland officials shared that turning Autopia electric is part of Disney’s broader effort to reduce its carbon footprint and implement a net zero emissions future in all aspects of the resort. Disneyland has made a commitment to shift to cleaner renewable energy sources in order to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
This news about the upcoming changes to the Autopia vehicles was first reported by the Orange County Register.
In the Los Angeles Times column from 2024 that originally shared Disney’s plans to replace the gas engines, Disney Legend Bob Gurr shared his thoughts on the change. He is the Imagineer responsible for creating over 100 attraction designs, including the original Autopia cars that debuted in the mid-1950s. He put it succinctly: “Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes.”
READ MORE – This Controversial Disney Hack Actually Causes Big Safety Issues
We do not yet have any news on what’s in store for the Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom, which also utilizes gas-powered cars. We assume that a similar change is also coming for that attraction, though the timeline may be a bit further out.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
