Tomorrowland was Disney's nod to the future almost 50 years ago. Now, with its retro styling and mostly classic rides, it is a reminder of how much people enjoy looking ahead. It is now also home to one of the most anticipated construction areas as the Tron Lightcycle coaster rises from the ground.
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In the Park Detail series, we will be taking a much more in-depth look at each of the 4 theme parks of Walt Disney World. This series is meant to inform our readers on what is available and where you can find it at each park. We will break it up into sections, so that you can easily find information quickly.
A Blast from the Past
Tomorrowland is home to the last of the "Mountains" with Space Mountain being the current focal point of this land, but this area provides a very balanced glimpse of the past with a huge addition to help usher in the future. Like most areas in Disney, there are rides for all ages and heights as well as a funny "show" and dining options to help get you out of the Florida sun.
The Rides - Tomorrowland of today is dominated by the looming construction of the Tron Lightcycle Power Run coaster, but if you look around, there is a ton to do in this area.
We will start with Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. It is an omnimover, laser shooting arcade pitting you against the forces of the evil Emperor Zurg. Take aim at multiple targets as you wind and spin your way through his army of aliens and robots. Can you get to the fabled high score?
Moving around the corner, you find a circular building with a very low wait time, unless it is brutally hot. The Carousel of Progress was one of Walt Disney's contributions to the World's Fair and now is a great place to take a load off and look at days of Americana past while looking forward to a "Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow".
In the middle of this area there is a multi level structure that is home to a couple of rides. The Astro Orbiter is a spinning Dumbo-style ride that adds a height element as it is on the top of this structure and can reach heights of 60 feet off the ground. For a really cool experience, ride this at night to see the entire park lit up from a fantastic vantage point. For those who like to keep their feet closer to the ground, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover is a classic train ride that will not only cool you off under its shaded track, but also take you through some of the iconic buildings of the area.
Currently anchoring this land, Space Mountain is a dark steel track coaster that provides a pretty rough ride in unique cars for riders 44" and taller. It is a great look at how Disney started to integrate different elements into their queue lines and culminates in a classic Disney coaster. The walk out also offers a interesting look at some of the imagined space ports that this ride could go to. In 2022, the addition of the Tron Lightcycle coaster will take over the thrill ride title for this park, but Space Mountain will still be a favorite of Disney enthusiasts.
The last ride in this area is the Tomorrowland Speedway. This classic "Tin Lizzy" ride has a very Tomorrowland spin with the addition of race cars. 4 tracks wind riders 38" and taller and drivers 54" and taller through the side of this land and give you a great view of the ongoing Tron construction.
The Attractions - With the amount of rides in this area, there is not a whole lot of room for any attractions. Look for Buzz Lightyear and friends from Zootopia at the character meet and greet by the Carousel of Progress and dance parties on the stage beside Space Mountain post CoVid.
This is also a good are to find some unique merchandise offerings. TomorrowLand Power and Light Co. at the exit of Space Mountain offers some customizable electronic solutions (phone cases) and Star Traders offers cool Tomorrowland focused apparel.
Out of this World Food Offerings - Tomorrowland has 4 dining locations. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe is usually the busiest with its quick service burgers and sandwiches for the whole family and a chance to sit and enjoy the tunes from Sonny Ray. The Lunching Pad is located under the Astro Orbiter and offers snacks and a few meal type options, as well as, breakfast options. Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies offers ice cream and other sweet treats and is located next to Star Traders. Finally, Tomorrowland Terrace frames the right side of the entrance to this land from the hub and offers many different items depending on when you are there. Right now it is where you can find most of the items from Columbia Harbor House, when fireworks resume, it is home to one of the many dessert party viewing locations, and during normal operations, it is home to burgers and a shaded area to eat.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run will be taking the spotlight in this land in the upcoming year, but don't skip it because you are waiting. There is a wide variety of rides to enjoy and some good dining options if you are not able to snag some of the more popular reservations around the park. Tomorrowland was a glimpse of what Walt Disney and his team thought to be the future, now it is a great place to dream.
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