Thursday, July 1, 2010

July 01: A Journey Through Time & Space

The WEDway PeopleMover, a transit system in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World debuted on this day in 1975. Themed as an urban transportation system of the future, guests depart from Rockettower Plaza (located beneath Star Jets - today known as Astro Orbiter) and are taken for a 10-minute mile long ride around the second floor of many Tomorrowland attractions (such as Space Mountain).

Unlike the People Mover at Disneyland, which used the propulsion system of rotating tires, WEDway PeopleMover uses linear synchronous motors (similar to many rapid transit systems in airports). The Edison Electric Institute, the association of share-holder owned electric companies, was the attraction's original sponsor back in 1975. The attraction's original narration was supplied by Jack Wagner, the voice of Disney parks (today a new narration features the voice of Mike Brassell).

Now known as Tomorrowland Transit Authority (since 1994), WEDway PeopleMover is also sometimes referred to as Blue Line, TTA and Tomorrwland's Super-Skyway. Its leisurely pace and lack of queue lines makes this continuous loading ride a favorite among park guests.

"The Edison Electric Institute, for America's investor-owned electric companies, welcomes you aboard the WEDway PeopleMover. On this clean, quiet electric powered ride of tomorrow, the PeopleMover will be your front row seat for a grand circle tour of Tomorrowland." -Jack Wagner

Journey HERE for much more July 01 Disney history.

2 comments:

Snow White Archive said...

I really enjoy the TTA and hop aboard at least twice on every visit to the Magic Kingdom. After a long day of running around the WDW, it's so relaxing to put the feet up and go back in time to "Walt Disney's future".

I only wish the track continued on past Space Mountain and had a second loading dock, say near the train station at Toon Town, before returning back to Tomorrowland.

Tony said...

Yes - I often thought of that too. How cool would it be to have a second station so that it really does move guests from one point to another?