New Tomorrowland @ Disneyland? Is this the year it finally gets announced? No, and that’s OK

[mickEblu]

Yeah, a London area with London-related IPs (of which there are a handful) would be amazing there.

I'm mostly surprised we haven't seen a Cinderella attraction.

I left out Cinderella as I’m not sure you have an exciting attraction there unless they go Ratatouille style and shrink us down to the size of mice and we’re exploring the manor and escaping Lucifer half the time.

 

[coffeefan]

idc they take the subs out as long as they keep the lagoon/water in some capacity

id also not be to quick to assume frozen land, like yeah maybe a frozen ride, but I also think Disney's moving away from single IP lands and more towards multi IP lands (yes there's exceptions) but even so think its much more likely they make a "princess corner" with Frozen, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan or something. but also lets be honest most likely thing to be put here would be Zootopia in some capacity

I'm partial to a Renaissance Springs-type of land to bridge the classic and renaissance eras at DL. The Renaissance era saved Disney, so definitely worthy. Then use the expansion plot for a villain's land and anything else.

 

[coffeefan]

Speaking of Tomorrowland changes: any word on the all-electric fleet of Autopia vehicles?

Didn't they promise that would be coming this year?

Should be here by October 2026. Could be a nice D23 announcement. One of those, "Coming sooner than you think" type of announcements.

This would coincide with Honda using its new logo. Brilliant marketing there!

Honda to Adopt New “H mark” as Symbol of Honda Automobile Business | Honda Global Corporate Website

Honda Global | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it will adopt a new H mark with refreshed design as the new symbol representing Honda automobile business.

global.honda

That's another thing, with Autopia being a long-time sponsored attraction, TDA may be more inclined to keep it.

 

[Phroobar]

The obvious thing is to build a villain's land with a Black Cauldon dark ride.

 

[TheRealSkull]

This would coincide with Honda using its new logo. Brilliant marketing there!

Honda to Adopt New “H mark” as Symbol of Honda Automobile Business | Honda Global Corporate Website

Honda Global | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it will adopt a new H mark with refreshed design as the new symbol representing Honda automobile business.

global.honda

That's another thing, with Autopia being a long-time sponsored attraction, TDA may be more inclined to keep it.

Good point there! If they really wanted to keep it, but use a smaller Autopia footprint, I've often wondered how that could fit into the space currently occupied by the Carousel Theater and Pizza Planet. Likely would have far more sharper turns, and might be flatter.

I don't know if it could ever work, though. Obviously if they go down that route, that takes up a lot of space that could be used for a different attraction or a new restaurant, and frankly, I'd rather have one of those two than Autopia in a New Tomorrowland. But if they are insistent on keeping that attraction, it's future one day will consist of a smaller footprint no matter where it goes. Because the majority of that land is too big to be used for a low capacity attraction. If they adjusted the Rivers of America footprint to fit Galaxy's Edge, they will certainly do the same for Autopia. IF they intend on keeping it in a new vision.

If not, then they'll do what exactly what they did to the Rivers in Florida. It all depends how and if they see want Autopia to stay.

The lack of announcement regarding the electric vehicles makes me wonder, though. Nothing has been said since 2024.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Should be here by October 2026. Could be a nice D23 announcement. One of those, "Coming sooner than you think" type of announcements.

My hope is they use good ol’ (safe) led gel batteries like in mobility scooters instead of lithium ion.

They could even have drop in battery packs like the mobility scooters for easy swapping and charging.

Who am I kidding, they are going to go with lithium ion….. God help us.

 

[mickEblu]

Good point there! If they really wanted to keep it, but use a smaller Autopia footprint, I've often wondered how that could fit into the space currently occupied by the Carousel Theater and Pizza Planet. Likely would have far more sharper turns, and might be flatter.

I don't know if it could ever work, though. Obviously if they go down that route, that takes up a lot of space that could be used for a different attraction or a new restaurant, and frankly, I'd rather have one of those two than Autopia in a New Tomorrowland. But if they are insistent on keeping that attraction, it's future one day will consist of a smaller footprint no matter where it goes. Because the majority of that land is too big to be used for a low capacity attraction. If they adjusted the Rivers of America footprint to fit Galaxy's Edge, they will certainly do the same for Autopia. IF they intend on keeping it in a new vision.

If not, then they'll do what exactly what they did to the Rivers in Florida. It all depends how and if they see want Autopia to stay.

The lack of announcement regarding the electric vehicles makes me wonder, though. Nothing has been said since 2024.

Yeah Autopia is on borrowed time. How much time can be debated. The electric vehicle update is just a placeholder. Even if it lasts a decade. I don’t view Autopia as being tied to whatever the future plans for Tomorrowland are as I believe most, if not all that space will be going to Fantasyland.

When is Hondas contract with Autopia up?

 

[DrStarlander]

Yeah Autopia is on borrowed time. How much time can be debated. The electric vehicle update is just a placeholder. Even if it lasts a decade. I don’t view Autopia as being tied to whatever the future plans for Tomorrowland are as I believe most, if not all that space will be going to Fantasyland.

I imagine this new Cars ride at Magic Kingdom is costing quite a bit develop in terms of ride system (if I'm correct it's not exactly the same as RSR/Test Track). I wouldn't be surprised to see that replace Autopia with an alien planet rover sort of theme. They do like to exploit ride systems, even if with different themes/IPs.

And because it's more compact than Autopia, that would still leave a big chunk of land for FL expansion.

 

[mickEblu]

I imagine this new Cars ride at Magic Kingdom is costing quite a bit develop in terms of ride system (if I'm correct it's not exactly the same as RSR/Test Track). I wouldn't be surprised to see that replace Autopia with an alien planet rover sort of theme. They do like to exploit ride systems, even if with different themes/IPs.

And because it's more compact than Autopia, that would still leave a big chunk of land for FL expansion.

I can’t see that happening when they have Frozen and other multi billion dollar generating IP they need to shove in the park. What IP would you attach to this attraction? The land is too valuable and there is too much money to be made with something like Frozen or the BatB ride and Be Our Guest restaurant.

 

[DrStarlander]

I can’t see that happening when they have Frozen and other multi billion dollar generating IP they need to shove in the park. What IP would you attach to this attraction? The land is too valuable and there is too much money to be made with something like Frozen or the BatB ride and Be Our Guest restaurant.

First, before I say anything more, I want to clarify that this isn't Imagineering, I don't care if they do any of this, and I would do entirely other things with if it were up to me. This is all speculation about what what wouldn't surprise me from TWDC:

The Launch Bay bldg. and the Autopia loading area combined are the same size as the new Cars attraction (not all of Piston Peak, but the attraction). New LL opportunity ($$$) using new ride system. IP-wise probably Buzz Lightyear/Aliens.

That leaves 4.75 acres north of the lagoon for same Frozen land (with coaster) they have in Hong Kong. Or some other land.

This assumes the lagoon is saved for aesthetics even if Subs go away, in which case maybe they'd do an underwater restaurant there or sub walkthrough or something, though that may be giving them too much credit.

 

[Disney Irish]

I imagine this new Cars ride at Magic Kingdom is costing quite a bit develop in terms of ride system (if I'm correct it's not exactly the same as RSR/Test Track). I wouldn't be surprised to see that replace Autopia with an alien planet rover sort of theme. They do like to exploit ride systems, even if with different themes/IPs.

And because it's more compact than Autopia, that would still leave a big chunk of land for FL expansion.

I still have doubts that Cars in MK will use the slot car ride system like RSR/Test Track, just doesn't lend itself to a mountainous range "race" in my mind.

Also I have real doubts they would use that Cars attraction from MK to replace Autopia in DL, not with RSR and the rest of Cars Land 3k feet away.

More likely they use it for other IPs like Frozen and such like @mickEblu and others mentioned.

 

[mickEblu]

First, before I say anything more, I want to clarify that this isn't Imagineering, I don't care if they do any of this, and I would do entirely other things with if it were up to me. This is all speculation about what what wouldn't surprise me from TWDC:

The Launch Bay bldg. and the Autopia loading area combined are the same size as the new Cars attraction (not all of Piston Peak, but the attraction). New LL opportunity ($$$) using new ride system. IP-wise probably Buzz Lightyear/Aliens.

That leaves 4.75 acres north of the lagoon for same Frozen land (with coaster) they have in Hong Kong. Or some other land.

This assumes the lagoon is saved for aesthetics even if Subs go away, in which case maybe they'd do an underwater restaurant there or sub walkthrough or something, though that may be giving them too much credit.

You don’t have clarify that with me. lol. He really traumatized you jk. Wow that’s a decent amount of space between Autopia loading and the Innoventions building and I guess part or all of that could be used for TL. I just don’t see what slam dunk IP they have for TL that would work in that space. Seems to me they’d want utilize most if not all that space for Fantasyland IP that are low risk and make tons of money. In the process making TL as small as possible which would require less updating every few decades when the land gets dated. Of course if they go with the retro future version of TL of the 60’s I don’t think that’s a problem they would have.

 

[coffeefan]

First, before I say anything more, I want to clarify that this isn't Imagineering, I don't care if they do any of this, and I would do entirely other things with if it were up to me. This is all speculation about what what wouldn't surprise me from TWDC:

The Launch Bay bldg. and the Autopia loading area combined are the same size as the new Cars attraction (not all of Piston Peak, but the attraction). New LL opportunity ($$$) using new ride system. IP-wise probably Buzz Lightyear/Aliens.

That leaves 4.75 acres north of the lagoon for same Frozen land (with coaster) they have in Hong Kong. Or some other land.

This assumes the lagoon is saved for aesthetics even if Subs go away, in which case maybe they'd do an underwater restaurant there or sub walkthrough or something, though that may be giving them too much credit.

 

[mickEblu]

I think anything new in TL will be confined to the Launch Bay building, TL theatre, Buzz show building and perhaps a shortened People Mover track. I’m 50/50 on Star Tours. I view the Lagoon (assuming it stays) as the new Fantasyland border.

 

[Gusey]

Yeah Autopia is on borrowed time. How much time can be debated. The electric vehicle update is just a placeholder. Even if it lasts a decade. I don’t view Autopia as being tied to whatever the future plans for Tomorrowland are as I believe most, if not all that space will be going to Fantasyland.

When is Hondas contract with Autopia up?

I think it was a 10-year deal that started in March 2016 (with Autopia last being updated in 2016 too with the scenes) if they renew we might get another Autopia update in addition to the electric cars? https://hondanews.com/en-US/release...-classic-disneyland-resort-attraction-autopia

 

[mickEblu]

I think it was a 10-year deal that started in March 2016 (with Autopia last being updated in 2016 too with the scenes) if they renew we might get another Autopia update in addition to the electric cars? https://hondanews.com/en-US/release...-classic-disneyland-resort-attraction-autopia

The timing is interesting as you think now would be the time to get out of the Autopia “business” and start planning for the future of that area. If it wasn’t for everything going on in DCA/ DL Forward I imagine that’s what they’d be doing. I think Autopia’s life probably got lengthened because of the timing with everything else’s going around the resort. But they can always make the next contract a shorter one.

 

[TheRealSkull]

You don’t have clarify that with me. lol. He really traumatized you jk. Wow that’s a decent amount of space between Autopia loading and the Innoventions building and I guess part or all of that could be used for TL. I just don’t see what slam dunk IP they have for TL that would work in that space. Seems to me they’d want utilize most if not all that space for Fantasyland IP that are low risk and make tons of money. In the process making TL as small as possible which would require less updating every few decades when the land gets dated. Of course if they go with retro future version of TL of the 60’s I don’t think that’s a problem they would have.

I’ve always thought the most sensible approach would be to remove the Carousel Building and relocate the PeopleMover/Rocket platforms there. That would get them out of the middle of a high-traffic walkway and instead tuck them back into a more intentional, purpose-built area.

This is obviously speculative, but I’ve long suspected that a big reason Tomorrowland hasn’t been meaningfully updated is that Disney knows the fanbase wouldn’t accept a major overhaul without the PeopleMover returning. And that raises a difficult question. Does bringing the PeopleMover back effectively require demolishing and rebuilding most of Tomorrowland, given how deeply the old track weaves through the existing buildings?

I understand why running vehicles on the original outdoor track again isn’t practical but I’ve never quite understood why the old interior tunnel space couldn’t be reused with an entirely new track system. From everything I’ve heard and pieced together it seems like a true PeopleMover revival would require tearing out a large portion of the current land and starting fresh. Just to clarify I'm no insider tho lol

And if Disney were to lean fully into a retro-futuristic, early-1960s aesthetic to avoid the “dated future” problem altogether, why not make that explicit? Officially calling it “Walt Disney’s Tomorrowland” would frame the land as a timeless vision of optimism.

 

[DrStarlander]

I think anything new in TL will be confined to the Launch Bay building, TL theatre, Buzz show building and perhaps a shortened People Mover track. I’m 50/50 on Star Tours.

You know what I miss in TL is the clear, bold entry to Space Mountain...

Now it's like you've got to go to this back alley, up around a desolate sundeck, into an old video game arcade...I'm surprised we don't skirt through the Pizza Planet prep kitchen, jeez. Not very dignified for the land's premiere attraction! You mention the theater...I wouldn't mind if they put the SM entry out front again and use that theater as a queue/preshow space (if they don't plan to use it as an attraction again). It's about time to clean things up around there.

As far as Star Tours, I will only accept a return of Adventure Thru Inner Space.

 

[coffeefan]

On that note, if they did clone the Piston Peak ride over Sugar Rush would be a good option between FL and TL.

 

[mickEblu]

You know what I miss in TL is the clear, bold entry to Space Mountain...
View attachment 902466
Now it's like you've got to go to this back alley, up around a desolate sundeck, into an old video game arcade...I'm surprised we don't skirt through the Pizza Planet prep kitchen, jeez. Not very dignified for the land's premiere attraction! You mention the theater...I wouldn't mind if they put the SM entry out front again and use that theater as a queue/preshow space (if they don't plan to use it as an attraction again). It's about time to clean things up around there.

As far as Star Tours, I will only accept a return of Adventure Thru Inner Space.

Lol @ going through the Pizza Planet kitchen. So true. I’d like to see those escalators come back too.

Now I’m thinking of a shortened People Mover. Unless they utilize some of the Autopia loading area or use Buzz’s show building for some interior show scenes that would be way too short of ride wouldn’t it? Too short for this type of attraction at least.