Difference between revisions of "Tomorrowland Speedway"
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
==Attraction History== | ==Attraction History== | ||
| − | The Tomorrowland Speedway opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971, as the Grand Prix Raceway. The attraction was similar to Disneyland's Autopia, in that it allowed guests to drive motor cars around a track | + | The Tomorrowland Speedway opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971, as the Grand Prix Raceway. The attraction was similar to Disneyland's Autopia, in that it allowed guests to drive motor cars around a track. However instead of being based on futuristic travel (as Autopia was) the Grand Prix Raceway was themed to look like an international race track. Like Autopia, the Grand Prix Raceway is located in Tomorrowland and uses Mark VII ride vehicles. The Grand Prix Raceway was originally sponsored by Goodyear, who supplied tires for all of the attraction vehicles. |
| − | Although the basic idea of the Grand Prix Raceway has not changed since it's opening, the name and theming of the attraction have. The first change to the Grand Prix Raceway came in 1973, when the track was expanded. By 1987 however, the track was shortened to make room for Mickey's Birthdayland. Then, in 1996 the attraction was renamed the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and it was given new futuristic theming to coincide with with the "New Tomorrowland". | + | Although the basic idea of the Grand Prix Raceway has not changed since it's opening, the name and theming of the attraction have. The first change to the Grand Prix Raceway came in 1973, when the track was expanded. By 1987 however, the track was shortened to make room for Mickey's Birthdayland. Then, in 1996 the attraction was renamed the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and it was given new futuristic theming, to coincide with with the "New Tomorrowland". |
In 1999 Disney and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that they would partner to change the theme of the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. Famous items from the Indianapolis Speedway were added to the attraction including: | In 1999 Disney and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that they would partner to change the theme of the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. Famous items from the Indianapolis Speedway were added to the attraction including: | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
Also, panels of the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and the Grand Prix Raceway were added to the loading area. | Also, panels of the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and the Grand Prix Raceway were added to the loading area. | ||
| − | In 2009 Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended their sponsorship of the attraction and the the "Indy" was dropped from the name of the attraction, | + | In 2009 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended their sponsorship of the attraction and the the "Indy" was dropped from the name of the attraction. ALthough now sponsorless, the theming remains the same. |
==Attraction Plot== | ==Attraction Plot== | ||
| − | The Tomorrowland Speedway allows guests to drive their own "race cars" around a 4/10 mile, four lane track. A guide rail keeps each guests in his or her lane, but can lead to a sometimes bumpy | + | The Tomorrowland Speedway allows guests to drive their own "race cars" around a 4/10 mile, four lane track. A guide rail keeps each guests in his or her lane, but can lead to a sometimes bumpy ride. The attraction is especially popular among younger guests who can not yet drive a real car. The Tomorrowland Speedway is themed to resemble the famous Indianapolis Speedway. To add the to illusion, environmental sounds from a race track are actually pumped in through speakers on each car. Each car is also equipped with an acceleration pedal and a steering wheel. The cars reach top speeds of 7.5 mph. Famous announcer Tom Carnegie can be heard announcing the "race" as cars travel around the track, which takes minutes to complete. At the end of the race, a checkered flag waves for every rider that finished the race. |
==See The Attraction!== | ==See The Attraction!== | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
* From 1994-2009 when guests rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority over the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Mr. Johnson would give a traffic report. He would always say: "Hi there Tomorrowland travellers. This is Mr. Johnson in Skyview Hovercraft One, bringing you the latest Tomorrowland traffic report. As usual, everything is perfect on Tommorowland's Super Highways" | * From 1994-2009 when guests rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority over the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Mr. Johnson would give a traffic report. He would always say: "Hi there Tomorrowland travellers. This is Mr. Johnson in Skyview Hovercraft One, bringing you the latest Tomorrowland traffic report. As usual, everything is perfect on Tommorowland's Super Highways" | ||
| − | *Mr. Johnson is actually a reference to Mission to Mars, a former Tomorrowland attraction. | + | * Mr. Johnson is actually a reference to a character from Mission to Mars, a former Tomorrowland attraction. |
* There is a sponsor lounge in the control tower, near the front of the attraction. | * There is a sponsor lounge in the control tower, near the front of the attraction. | ||
| − | *Al Unserbot is the official host of the Tomorrowland Indy 500. | + | * Al Unserbot is the official host of the Tomorrowland Indy 500. |
| − | *Al Unserbot Jr. us the 4 time winner of the Constellation Cup. | + | * Al Unserbot Jr. us the 4 time winner of the Constellation Cup. |
Revision as of 12:52, 14 February 2012
The Tomorrowland Speedway is an attraction located in Tomorrowland.
| Tomorrowland Speedway | |
| |
| The Entrance to the Tomorrowland Speedway | |
| Land | Tomorrowland |
|---|---|
| Opening date | October 1st, 1971 |
| Vehicle type | Mark VII |
| Number of vehicles | 146 |
| Ride duration | 3:50 minutes |
| Height requirements | 52" (132 cm) |
| Track Length | .4 miles |
| Previous Name | Grand Prix Raceway (1971-1996)
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway (1996-2009) |
| Based on | Indianapolis Motor Speedway |
|
| |
Contents
Attraction History
The Tomorrowland Speedway opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971, as the Grand Prix Raceway. The attraction was similar to Disneyland's Autopia, in that it allowed guests to drive motor cars around a track. However instead of being based on futuristic travel (as Autopia was) the Grand Prix Raceway was themed to look like an international race track. Like Autopia, the Grand Prix Raceway is located in Tomorrowland and uses Mark VII ride vehicles. The Grand Prix Raceway was originally sponsored by Goodyear, who supplied tires for all of the attraction vehicles.
Although the basic idea of the Grand Prix Raceway has not changed since it's opening, the name and theming of the attraction have. The first change to the Grand Prix Raceway came in 1973, when the track was expanded. By 1987 however, the track was shortened to make room for Mickey's Birthdayland. Then, in 1996 the attraction was renamed the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway and it was given new futuristic theming, to coincide with with the "New Tomorrowland".
In 1999 Disney and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that they would partner to change the theme of the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. Famous items from the Indianapolis Speedway were added to the attraction including:
- The Yard of Bricks
- The Scoring Pylon
- Gasoline Alley
- The "Wheels and Wings" logo
Also, panels of the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and the Grand Prix Raceway were added to the loading area.
In 2009 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended their sponsorship of the attraction and the the "Indy" was dropped from the name of the attraction. ALthough now sponsorless, the theming remains the same.
Attraction Plot
The Tomorrowland Speedway allows guests to drive their own "race cars" around a 4/10 mile, four lane track. A guide rail keeps each guests in his or her lane, but can lead to a sometimes bumpy ride. The attraction is especially popular among younger guests who can not yet drive a real car. The Tomorrowland Speedway is themed to resemble the famous Indianapolis Speedway. To add the to illusion, environmental sounds from a race track are actually pumped in through speakers on each car. Each car is also equipped with an acceleration pedal and a steering wheel. The cars reach top speeds of 7.5 mph. Famous announcer Tom Carnegie can be heard announcing the "race" as cars travel around the track, which takes minutes to complete. At the end of the race, a checkered flag waves for every rider that finished the race.
See The Attraction!
To see the Tomorrowland Speedway click play below.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- From 1994-2009 when guests rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority over the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, Mr. Johnson would give a traffic report. He would always say: "Hi there Tomorrowland travellers. This is Mr. Johnson in Skyview Hovercraft One, bringing you the latest Tomorrowland traffic report. As usual, everything is perfect on Tommorowland's Super Highways"
- Mr. Johnson is actually a reference to a character from Mission to Mars, a former Tomorrowland attraction.
- There is a sponsor lounge in the control tower, near the front of the attraction.
- Al Unserbot is the official host of the Tomorrowland Indy 500.
- Al Unserbot Jr. us the 4 time winner of the Constellation Cup.
References
http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_speed.htm
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/tomorrowland-speedway/
