Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

The original Tomorrowland was more like Epcot in terms of how mankind and technology might develop but it quickly became very dated. It has now changed to be much more a mixture of nostalgia and science fiction featuring aliens and robots as well as humans.

Tomorrowland is home to the other ‘mountain ride’, namely Space Mountain and has a height restrictions of 44″ (113 cm) or taller

One of the best attractions in my opinion the “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter” closed in 2004 having scared too many people and has been replaced by “Stitch’s Great Escape!”.

Space Mountain (FASTPASS available)

Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster (in fact there are two tracks) set in the darkness of outer space and the ride lasts about 3 minutes. Because it was one of the first generation of the indoor roller coasters, it is a bit dated by today’s standards but is a good progression from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland if you are trying to move up the excitement ladder.

Space Mountain doesn’t go that fast (only 28 mph) but it feels faster because of the darkness and it has bigger drops and turns than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. For the ultimate Disney roller coaster you need to try the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (FASTPASS available)

You get to pilot a Star Cruiser on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin as you battle to save the toy universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. You can control the spin of your cruiser and you have a laser cannon that you can fire and score points; it is just like a giant video game.

It is a similar ride to Men in Black Alien Attack at Universal Studios but it is geared to a younger audience. Great fun to try and beat the score of your friends.

Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter is similar to the Dumbo ride in Fantasyland and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. You can control your height as you ride in a rocket which rotates around the central tower.

Like the other similar rides, loading and unloading is very slow so the lines get very long.

The Timekeeper

The Timekeeper originally debuted in Disneyland Paris and was brought over to Tomorrowland as part of the updating of Tomorrowland; if you look carefully you will see most of the actors are actually speaking French and have been dubbed into English.

The show is hosted by an Audio-Animatronic mad scientist/robot (voice of Robin Williams) and features a flying droid called 9-EYE. You have to stand for the whole of the 20 minute show which incorporates 360 degree CircleVision and IMAX footage on 9 screens as seen through the eyes of the time machine 9-EYE. Along the way you meet Jules Verne and H. G. Wells and see famous historical figures like Mozart and Leonardo da Vinci.

It is only open seasonally (busy periods) so check when entering the park.

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway really only appeals to young children (12 and under) as they get the chance to drive a ‘real’ car. It takes about 4 minutes to drive slowly around the whole track and side barriers prevent you from colliding with other cars though you will probably get rear-ended when someone behind you fails to brake.

To ride on your own you must be 52″ tall (132 cm), otherwise you need an accompanying adult. You will probably have to wait a long time to get into your car and an equally long to get out again.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

The WEDway People Mover is now the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. You get a short overhead tour of Tomorrowland including a peak inside of Space Mountain.

The small five car trains have no engines and are powered by electromagnets (linear induction motors). Can be a fun way to see Tomorrowland if you have the time.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

The Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is another of the original 1964 New York World Fair attractions (also Its a Small World in Fantasyland) and it shows!!

This 22 minute revolving theatre takes a nostalgic view of how the lives of American families have changed through the twentieth century. The last time we went on it, progress appeared to have stopped in the 1970’s; not sure if time has moved on yet. A good place to go if you want to rest your feet for 20 minutes and reflect on the life of your parents/grand parents.

It is only open seasonally (busy periods) so check when entering the park.

Stitch’s Great Escape! (FASTPASS available)

Stitch’s Great Escape! opened in 2004 as a replacement for the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter which was deemed too scary when a alien was accidentally teleported into the darkened room whilst all the guests were restrained in their seats and unable to escape. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many people scream at one time before.

Stitch’s Great Escape! is meant to be a more light hearted version of the Alien Encounter but some small children may still find it too intense; just stand in the gift shop when they exit for a good idea of the scare factor.

You must be 38″ (95 cm) or taller to see this attraction (because of the shoulder restraints). It features Audio Animatronics and special effects including lights, sounds and smells.

Eating in Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland offers several counter service restaurants.

At Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe you can enjoy a Blast-off cheese burger, Cosmic roast chicken, pizza, sandwiches, Starlight soup and salads. It is a very busy restaurant but you should always be able to find a table.

The Plaza Pavilion serves individual pan pizzas, fried chicken strips, speciality sandwiches and fresh salads. Like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe it is also busy but again there are enough nooks and crannies to find a empty table.

If you want a frozen yoghurt, smoothies or a drink, try Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies.

The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza serves snacks including hot dogs, smoked turkey legs and drinks.

You can also get snacks and drinks at the Cool Ship near Space Mountain.

Access to other Lands

Tomorrowland leads into Fantasyland on one side and Mickey’s Toontown Fair on the other side by the Mad Tea Party.

You can also get back to Main Street USA by the central hub at Cinderella’s Castle.