Magic Kingdom Part 8 Tomorrowland!

WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH..............WALT DISNEY WORLD!

A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.”

- Walt Disney

Magic Kingdom theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, backstage tours and beloved Disney Characters. Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to these 7 whimsical lands. Today's land is Tomorrow Land.

Astro Orbiter

Another minimally changed attraction is "Astro Orbiter" which replaced 1974's "Star Jets." At least with Orbiter, if you're not bothered by heights, you get an amazing view of the park.

Year Opened: 1974 (known as Star Jets)

Fun Facts: Your Astro Orbiter rocket travels at 11 rotations per minute. Tomorrowland's Astro Orbiter takes you spinning high over the Magic Kingdom in Buck Rogers style rockets. This is not for anyone with a fear of heights. Not only can you move your rocket 'up', you have to take an elevator to get to the loading area. The views are great but make no mistake, this is much, much higher than Dumbo. You'll often see a line for Astro Orbiter. Between taking the elevator and not being able to accommodate a lot of guests per ride, this one requires patience.

Buzz lightyear Space ranger spin

The other "must do" is "Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin." This ride puts you in the middle of a gigantic arcade game and is fun for guests of all ages.

Year Opened: October 7, 1998

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is one of the most fun attractions in Disney World. You're literally in the middle of a giant arcade game, shooting lasers and racking up points as you head to the ultimate showdown with the evil emperor Zurg. You ride in XP-37 Space Cruisers. These are designed to seat two. One mistake I sometimes see is when Mom/Dad squeezes in with two of the kids. While you may all fit, someone isn't going to have a laser cannon to shoot. If the kids are big enough, let them ride on their own and take the car behind them.
The Space Cruisers glide along an "Omnimover" and rotate a full 360°.

There are thirteen scenes to pass through:
Star Command (Lobby)
Loading Dock
Launch Bay
Robot Attack
Planet "Z"
Zurg's Ship
Robot Factory
Zurg's Secret Weapon
Escape Hatch
Speed Room (Hyperspace)
Space Battle
Star Command
Maintenance Bay (Unloading area)

The car's ability to swivel and spin is controlled by the riders. The cars are relatively quick loading and are accessible to guests in wheelchairs.
By the way, that flash of light towards the end isn't a huge score- you just had your picture taken.

NOTE: In case you're worried about the lasers and 'taking an eye out', relax. They've actually been certified by the Food & Drug Administration and are safe. (Think barcode scanners at the grocery story for comparison.) BLAST AWAY!! No one's going to get hurt, except for the occasional bruised ego if you're beaten by your 4 year old.

SCORING TIPS:
-Aim for the center of the "Z's" (targets).
-The targets that are further away and those that are moving are worth more points.
-Hit the top of the volcano for 100,000 points
-After passing the "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots," pivot your car around and see if you can hit the target on the back of the robot's wrist for 100,000 points.
-Look for the spider after the robots and see if you can shoot it.
-In the room where the targets are projected, don't stop shooting.
-Try hitting the batteries in the front to knock them down and rack up points.

TRIVIA:
Disney history buffs will want to note that this site originally housed the "If You Had Wings" attraction which was sponsored by Eastern Airlines and was in operation from 6/5/72 through 6/1/87.

From 6/6/87 till 1/3/89, it became "If You Could Fly" and was sponsored by Delta Airlines. It was shut down until 6/6/89 when it reopened as the newly refurbished "Delta Dreamflight." After Delta ended its sponsorship on 1/1/96 it was renamed "Take Flight". On 1/5/98 it closed and on 10/7/98, became Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

Carousel of Progress

Finally, in a bit of a paradox, one of Disney's oldest attractions is found in Tomorrowland. Disney's "Carousel of Progress" featured in the 1964 New York World's Fair is here.

Year Opened: 1973

Show Time: 20:45 minutes Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

This attraction debuted in New York at the 1964 World's Fair. Walt Disney developed this attraction to be part of GE's "Progressland" exhibit. The "Carousel of Progress" quickly became one of the most popular attractions at the World's Fair. (I remember it well.) The story is told via an Audio-Animatronic family as seen at the turn of the twentieth century, in the 1920's, the 1940's and present day. Not only were animatronics amazing back in '64, the theater seats revolved around the stage. (If you think Disney has some long lines, you should have seen what it was like back in the stone age at the Fair.) After the World's Fair came to a close, this attraction was moved to Disneyland in Anaheim where it remained through 1973. After the main show, guests would step on a moving ramp that brought them to the second floor. A model of "Progress City" was on display which was the inspiration for Epcot. In 1973, "Carousel of Progress" was closed and moved to Orlando where it reopened in January of 1975 as "Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress." Unfortunately, they committed a blasphemy by changing the theme song from "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" to "The Best Time of Your Life." It wasn't until 1994 that the original song was brought back after a lengthy refurbishment. One interesting fact is that the voice talents of Mel Blanc and his son Noel have been featured in this attraction, as well as Jean Shepherd best known for writing and narrating "A Christmas Story."

What some see as "Walt's legacy," others see as a dated attraction. This is one of the very few rides that 'operates seasonally' which means that its only open during the busier times of year. Still, if you hint at it being closed and/or changed to something more current, you'll hear protests from around the globe. I have to say that I was very surprised during a recent visit to WDW. I was walking through Epcot and I passed a Dad pushing his little girl's stroller. As I went by I overheard her mention how much she loved "that ride" and then she began singing "It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow." It was nice to realize that this attraction still has that Disney magic. If you're in Tomorrowland and "Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress" is open, you can be assured of two things: the park is probably busy and there's very little wait for this attraction. It can be a very pleasant way to pass 20+ minutes. You're comfortably seated in a theater, you're away from the crowds, you're out of the heat and best of all, you're watching a show that Walt himself designed.

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Right behind the Buzz attraction is the "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor." Same as Buzz, this is great for all ages. It can accommodate a lot of guests which minimizes wait time and you can't beat taking a break by sitting and laughing. The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor takes you on a quest to collect laughs to generate electricity for Monstropolis. Your 'Monster of Ceremonies' is none other than Mike Wazowski. He's convinced that he can fill the laugh meter. Roz isn't quite so sure of this plan. The theater seats 400. You can text jokes that they might use during the show. The technology is amazing. Mike will 'talk' with some visitors and make some good natured jokes at their expense.

Kids really love this show. You know they're convinced that's really Mike Wazowski talking to them. (In a way, they're right.) There are lots of corny jokes and since it seats so many guests, the wait usually isn't bad. Sitting and laughing for awhile is always a welcome break to the day.

Space mountain

Lots of neon, glass and gleaming metal is used to create this themed land. Over by Space Mountain, there are metal palm trees that actually react to sunlight.
Two of Disney's most popular attractions are found in Tomorrowland. Thanks to its incredible theming, "Space Mountain" is not to be missed. Since 1975, this ride through space always has a long wait and remains a park favorite.

Year Opened: 1974

Fun Facts: The Space Mountian attraction at Walt Disney World is over 180 feet high, and over 300 feet in diameter, making it one of the largest 'mountains' in Florida.

Space Mountain remains amazingly popular after 30+ years. Compared to today's rollercoasters, it's fairly simple. There are no upside down loops and at 28.7 mph, it's not as fast as it's more modern counterparts, but its the theming that sets it apart. There you are in your rocket ship. There's that familiar rollercoaster 'clack, clack, clack' as you head up, up, up to the peak. Next think you know, you're blasting through space. It's black as night, 'stars' are everywhere and you're in orbit as you careen along the twisting and turning track. Before you know it , your hair's a mess, you're trying to haul yourself out of the rocket and planning on going on Space Mountain again and again.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (while not a substitution) does give you a glimpse of Space Mountain and it was quite exciting to see it with the lights on. Those of you who remember carnivals will know what I'm talking about when I say it's the "Wild Mouse." Nothing at all high tech, but when those lights go out, watch out!Space Mountain usually has a long wait. The queue is also a hike. Don't think that once you get inside you'll be on the ride in 5 minutes. Your best bet is using FastPass or heading to this attraction first thing in the morning when the park opens.

TIP: This ride is not recommended for those with back or neck problems Walt Disney World warns that this ride may be too intense for very young children. A height restriction of 44" is in effect and children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents may choose the "switching off" option here, ask the Cast Member at the entrance for assistance. Guests using ECVs must be able to transfer to a wheelchair and then to the ride vehicle.

Stitch’s Great Escape

"Stitch's Great Escape" is part of Tomorrowland. It's a retrofit of the very scary "Alien Encounter." While not as frightening, it still has elements that make it a bad choice for little kids. (The height requirement is for nothing other than the potential to be too scary.)Disney has taken a beloved character and found a place to add him into the MagicKingdom. The physical space in which Stitch now resides hasn’t changed that much since Flight to Mars. It’s still theater in the round. And yes…..the story line is similar to the Alien Encounter Attraction, but there are some great changes. First, the attraction looks great. There is great new signage out front and the smoked glass “portholes” in the facade have been covered. In the first of the two pre-show stops, the video presentation has changed to an animated version featuring the characters from Lilo & Stitch. Pleakley can be heard making the pre-show announcements, the Council Woman is present and Captain Gantuu tells us to be brave.The “plot” of Stitch’s Great Escape is that we, the riders, are new recruits in an inter-galactic security system. We will be transporting “space criminals” to a secure location. In the 2nd of the two pre-shows, we are given a demonstration of the transporting device.

It’s in this show that it occurred to me that Disney fans are a tough group to please. We’ve all heard that they haven’t changed the attraction enough, but we’ve also heard that they shouldn’t have changed the attraction at all. Well, it looks like Disney tried to please both groups this time. S.I.R, the robot from Alien Encounter has changed. He is now an inter-galactic policeman, in charge of receiving prisoners. He has been given a uniform and some additional facial features. He’s also been given some funny lines. Also, back for an encore is Skippy, the plucky little space creature who has the misfortune of being the test pilot again.

During this demonstration, we learn that as new recruits, we will be handling level one criminals as we are not ready for level two. Prior to moving to the transportation room, we find that a LEVEL THREE criminal is being sent and that we must hurry into the room, as it will take all of us to keep him in line. The seating is same as that used in Alien Encounter. There is a device which lowers onto your shoulders It is important to follow the directions as to how to proceed as this device is lowered. It will effect your enjoyment of the show.Some things you should know…it does get very dark in the theater, several times during the show. There are some funny-scary things that happen, but when you are 5 and not happy in the dark…they are just plain scary. And…here’s the best….if you sit in the lowest, two front rows…there is a pretty good chance that Stitch will spit on you. How cool is that?I don’t want to give away too much of the show. There are some great new lighting effects. The Stitch audioanimatronic figure made me laugh out loud. The effects used throughout the show are cool. They have been used in other Disney World attractions, but are put to very good use here too. And as usual….you exit the attraction into the shop featuring all the new Stitch merchandise.For those that want to know this kinda stuff....the attraction lasts for 18 minutes and 34 seconds, from door to door. If you are looking for this generation’s HauntedMansion or Pirate of the Caribbean, this isn’t it.If you are looking for another great Magic Kingdom experience, give Stitch a chance.

Tomorrow Land speedway

The "Grand Prix Raceway" from '71 is the "Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
The roar of mini gas-powered sports cars and the smell of exhaust fumes indicate that you're at the Tomorrowland Speedway. Guests drive their cars around a 2000-foot track (on a rail) at death defying speeds of up to 7 miles per hour. This attraction is most appealing to young children, but children must be 54" or taller to drive alone. If you get behind a slow driver, the 4 minute ride can be even longer and a simulated bumper car ride may ensue. In spite of the 4 lanes of track, this ride is slow to load and the line-up to get off is even slower.

Tomorrow Land Transit Authority

Over time, some attractions were renamed to give them a futuristic feel. Unfortunately, some of these needed more than a name change as they're still no different than they were when first introduced. The "WEDway People Mover" which began operating in 1975 is now the "Tomorrowland Transit Authority"

Year Opened: 1975

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority is one of those attractions that you wish they'd update, yet when the park is crowded, you're so happy it's there.
You get in your car and head off on a leisurely tour of Tomorrowland. Technically, you're on a 'linear induction' powered track. There are no engines, the cars are magnetically pulled. It's pollution free, so no problems with global warming.

Along the way you'll pass windows overlooking Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. The one mile tour takes 10 minutes. If you're in need of a little siesta, go ahead and close your eyes. You're not going to miss anything and you may get that little boost of energy that we all need from time to time. It's continuously loading and low on the 'must do' lists, so you very rarely will find a line. Guests must be ambulatory to experience this attraction.

Tomorrowland was originally designed to portray Disney's view of the future. The only trouble with futuristic views is that they need frequent updating.
In the 90's, Disney chose a different tactic and renovated Tomorrowland to depict the future as described by sci-fi writers from the 1920's and 1930's. With this imaginative decor, Tomorrowland is the "Future That Never Was."

Tomorrowland has several snack and counter serve venues. One of the best in the Magic Kingdom is Cosmic Ray's with tons of indoor seating, entertainment and a menu that offer more choices than most of the other counter serve destinations.

Tomorrowland Restaurants and Shopping

Restaurants

Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies - Ice cream, smoothies, sundaes

Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station - This buffet restaurant only has outdoor seating, but it's covered and shaded and there are plenty of tables. The lower level gives you great views of the Castle area and is a popular spot for viewing the fireworks. The offerings on the buffet are Asian inspired featuring noodle bowls, salads and stir fry.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

There are 3 areas you can order from.(Starlight Soup-Salad-Sandwich, Cosmic Chicken, and Blast - off Burger)

Food/Dining Type:Quick Service
Meals:Lunch, Dinner,
Location:Magic Kingdom / Tomorrowland
Reservations:Not Accepted
Hours:10:30am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan: YES (Quick Service Credit)

The Lunching Pad (Snacks, turkey legs, beverages

Tomorrowland Shopping

Mickey's Star Traders
Merchant of Venus
Racing Specialties Cart
Tomorrowland Video Arcade Ursa's Major Minor Mart