Since the opening of Disneyland Park in 1955, Autopia has been a guest-favorite attraction, especially for children who are experiencing driving for the first time. The LA Times reports that Disneyland Resort is preparing to replace the gas cars of Autopia.
Spokesperson Jessica Good said in an email to the Times, “As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years.”
It wasn’t clear if Good’s statement meant the ride would get electric vehicles, hybrids, or even some other propulsion system.
Disney Legend Bob Gurr, who designed Autopia about 70 years ago, spoke with Times’ climate columnist Sammy Roth and stated that he is proud of what he and Walt built, but he also said, “Get rid of those God-awful gasoline fumes.”
Gurr also shared with Roth his vision for a Tomorrowland that would be a hub for stories about renewable energy, public transit, and other sustainable technologies that will help create a better tomorrow.
“This has to be done with positive urging, rather than attacking and criticizing,” Gurr said.
Gurr believes that Tomorrowland could use more kinetic energy and brighter colors where guests “hear these whirring sounds like little tiny jets and turbines all over the place” and “don’t smell the fumes, don’t hear that racket of the little motor going putt-putt-putt.”
In 2016 when Honda became the ride’s sponsor, Autopia underwent a significant refurbishment. It’s entirely possible that Disney could be planning an electric update when the Honda sponsorship ends or renews, likely in 2026.
Disney still has other versions of Autopia cars around the world, including at Disneyland Paris and in the Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland Speedway). Versions of the car ride previously existed at both Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. The Hong Kong version used electric cars and operated from 2006 to 2016.
Do you think electric or hybrid ride vehicles will replace the current gas cars at Disney Parks?