Walt Disney's Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

12 December 2022 by Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

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Commonly referred to as just the PeopleMover, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a quintessential Disney classic attraction.

Like many of Walt Disney World’s most-loved attractions, it has its basis in the 1964-1965 World’s Fair and was a project that Walt, himself, worked on. Walt had envisioned a green energy transit system for his utopian society, EPCOT. The PeopleMover never found its way into the Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, instead Imagineers have placed it in the heart of Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.

📍 Magic Kingdom | Tomorrowland

“Embark on a 10-minute tour of Tomorrowland aboard this mass transit system of the future”

The PeopleMover is a quiet, smooth narrated ride through the land of the future. This attraction is elevated and winds through Buzz Lightyear Space Spin, Space Mountain, and Mickey’s Star Traders retail shop, even showing the original model for EPCOT that Walt Disney worked with. Most exciting is the bird’s eye view of the construction of TRON Light Cycle Run!

Mickey’s Star Traders from the PeopleMover

While much of Tomorrowland is like a historical view of the future that may now be considered out-of-date, the PeopleMover is very futuristic. This attraction is actually run by magnets that polarize to propel the cars forward using linear induction motors, and to brake, the magnets flip to attract.

The Queue

The PeopleMover is a very unique attraction in Walt Disney World because you must go up an escalator-like ramp to get to the ride. While it is a full family attraction, it can be very difficult for those with mobile issues. The moving ramp up to the attraction is a very steep angle and may cause a lot of issues with those either transferring from their mobile aids early or especially for those remaining in their mobile aids. Once atop the platform, guests must walk through the turnstile to the ride. Cast Members are able to slow down the continuously moving platform for those who need more time.

The Ride

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a break from the chaos of the park with a relaxing slow tour. Sit back and relax and enjoy the nice breeze.

The PeopleMover is a family friendly ride that has no height requirement. The ride car features a bench seat on both sides with no restrictions, ensuring that everyone in the family will be comfortable.

While there are moments of darkness, this is by no means a scary attraction. You will ride through dark tunnels to catch a glimpse of the model of EPCOT and even the inside of Space Mountain!

The wait times for the PeopleMover fluctuate through the day, but will average about 20 minutes standby wait. It is important to note that there is no Lightning Lane for this attraction.

Editor’s Note: The original opening day name for this attraction is the WEDway PeopleMover (from 1975 to 1994). the ride and its motive of operation (linear induction propulsion) was designed by WED Enterprises, the predecessor to Walt Disney Imagineering. WED Enterprises was named for Walt (Walter Elias Disney). The PeopleMover is actually on it’s third name at the Magic Kingdom, in 1994 it was renamed the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and in 2010 PeopleMover was added back on the end.

While this is a tame ride, it has a cult following (including me).

– Steve

EPCOT Model seen during the PeopleMover ride

Height Requirement

There is no height requirement for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, making it a relaxing and enjoyable ride for guests of all ages.

Rider Swap

Rider Swap is not available for this attraction. With its gentle pace and scenic views of Tomorrowland, it’s a great option for families to ride together.

Accessibility

Guests using wheelchairs or ECVs must transfer to the ride vehicle to experience the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The queue is accessible, and Cast Members are available to assist with boarding if needed.

Effects/Sensory Warning

You’ll transfer from a moving sidewalk to the ride vehicle.

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This article was written by Erin Schreiver and reviewed by Steve Bell, founder of Military Disney Tips.

Erin is a military spouse who enjoys visiting Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and Disney coffee mugs.

Steve is a retired U.S. military member who has been visiting the Disney Parks since 1971 and writing about Disney military discounts and vacations for the military community for over 18 years.

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