For many children, driving a car on Autopia at Disneyland is almost a rite of passage. I can remember years ago driving one with my grandpa, both of us wearing Goofy hats. Through the years, the cars have changed and the roadways updated. In the coming years, the cars apparently will be updated once again.
The Disneyland Resort has confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that in the coming years, the gas-powered Autopia cars will be going away. In their place will be something more environmentally friendly. This could be EV or it could be a hybrid, or something else that innovative. Disneyland wouldn’t confirm what the new technology powering the new cars will be, just the fact that they are coming and that it will involve electricity.
“Since opening with Disneyland park in 1955, Autopia has remained a guest-favorite most popular with young kids experiencing driving for the first time,” spokesperson Jessica Good said in an email to the Los Angeles Times. “As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years.”
The Los Angeles Times also reached out to Bob Gurr, who designed the original Autopia cars to get his opinion on getting rid of gas powered vehicles for the attraction. “Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes,” Gurr said.
Gurr also shared his own vision for the future of not just Autopia, but all of Tomorrowland. Gurr hopes that Tomorrowland would be a hub for stories about renewable energy, public transit and other sustainable technologies that combine to create a better and more positive future. He also shared about how it has to happen saying, “This has to be done with positive urging, rather than attacking and criticizing.”
The future of Tomorrowland currently is unknown. However, this update shares that the future for at least part of this land will be cleaner. This is something that is often talked about by guests who are in line for Autopia or on the train as they wait at the Tomorrowland Station. In a world that continues to sharpen its focus on protecting the world in which we live, the gas-powered and loud cars often become a discussion point.
What do you think of Disneyland Resort updating the cars for Autopia? What technology would you like to see used? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
