Posts Tagged ‘Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover’
“He follows his dream, with mind and heart”
Classic \ˈkla-sik\ serving as a standard of excellence; of recognized value; traditional, enduring
There are the thrill rides. There are attractions that showcase the latest and greatest technologies. There are those that exploit modern themes and the newest stories and characters.
And then, there are the classics. They may not utilize the most up-to-date equipment, advanced programming, or state-of-the-art special effects. It doesn’t matter. They are the classics; the quintessence of the Disney experience. Using old-time tricks and familiar illusions, the Haunted Mansion continues to amaze and delight us. It’s a Small World still compels us to board little boats and float past hundreds of dolls while listening to a repetitive tune. Children will always clamor for Dumbo the Flying Elephant, adults will forever get teary in the Hall of Presidents, and they all line up to sit in twirling teacups and laugh together.
Yet none is more clearly touched by Walt’s hand than the Carousel of Progress. It’s a simple concept – guests are seated in a theater that revolves around a central stage as they follow nearly 100 years of innovation. Through a series of cozy kitchen scenes and folksy chats, the audience can see the evolution of both technology and, more subtly, American culture, from the late 1900’s until the end of the 20th century.
The clothing changes, as do the “latest” appliances, and even the vocabulary, but the core message remains the same: mankind’s infinite capacity for inventiveness and resourcefulness, and the timeless values of family and country; philosophies that were dear to Walt’s heart. In fact, he was deeply involved in the project right from the start when it was developed for the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965. Progressland’s Carousel Theater, sponsored by General Electric, was actually an offshoot of a concept known as Edison Square, which Walt had conceived, but never built, for Disneyland in the 1950’s.
It was a huge hit at the Fair, and although the original structure was demolished, the audioanimatronic figures and the systems were packed up and moved to Disneyland when the Fair closed. While Walt did not live long enough to see it open, it ran for six years at its new home in Tomorrowland. On the upper level of the theater, guests could view a beautifully-detailed model of Progress City, a preview of the real city he had planned to build in Florida – EPCOT. Today, visitors can see a section of that model displayed along the route of the TTA PeopleMover in Walt Disney World.
After its Disneyland closure in 1973, once again, the theater was left behind, although this time repurposed for America Sings and later, Innoventions, and the figures and systems made the trek to their new home in the Magic Kingdom. Renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in 1994, the attraction underwent renovations which included an updated final scene.
Still featuring the original control systems and audioanimatronic figures, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a somewhat fragile treasure, and only open seasonally during busier periods. Nonetheless, it holds the record for the most performances of any show in the history of American theater.
Although the fourth, “modern day” scene is sorely in need of some serious reimagining, the attraction remains a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Indeed, sitting in that theater, it’s easy to imagine that a great, big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Magic Kingdom
21 minutes
Open seasonally
Wheelchair and ECV accessible
Park admission required
R.I.P.
It’s not unusual to hear complaints from loyal Disney fans who continue to pine for long-lost attractions and entertainments. While we expect to see new and ever more spectacular offerings, we don’t want to lose any of our sentimental favorites. There was so much fuss about the Wonders of Life, for instance. Now, I have to say that no one was more distressed than I to hear news of this closing so I understand the dismay. However, it was open seasonally for a very long period after the announced closure. I went every time I visited Walt Disney World, and I would stay there for several hours because I always felt it might be the last time I would set foot in the building. I’d watch the show, play the games, sit and have lunch…I was pretty much alone. Only a handful of people came through, and this was often at Christmas time when the parks were jammed.
Disney doesn’t shut down a ride to antagonize millions of people who throng to the attraction. Most often, it closes because it because it isn’t pulling its weight – no one is visiting. Horizons closed because it wasn’t getting the traffic, the same with, yes kids, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Other attractions closed for different reasons. With the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island became redundant. The company chose to build new water parks rather than address the issues of fresh water and an aging infrastructure at River Country. We know that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was both slow-loading and not handicapped-accessible, as well as being incredibly expensive to maintain. The Skyway to Tomorrowland was shut down for many of the same reasons. The Plaza Swan Boats suffered from ongoing engine problems; the Tapestry of Dreams Parade was adversely affected by winds across the World Showcase Lagoon. If You Had Wings lost its sponsorship.
Because Disney is in the business of making people happy, it’s easy to forget that, first and foremost, they are in the business of making money. It’s not reasonable to expect any company to continue to foster an element that is no longer financially feasible due to its being out of date thematically, mechanically, or historically; too expensive to update or maintain; or simply not pulling sufficient numbers through the doors.
Yes, I miss the time when today’s bright red double-decker “Character Bus” was a fun and relaxing form of public transportation around the World Showcase; and I loved the World of Motion. It’s sad to know that the wonderful Streetmosphere cast at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reduced. But, I’m not sorry that ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter has passed into memory, and I wish Stitch’s Great Escape! would follow. Don’t hear much clamoring for a return of Tarzan Rocks!, either.
On the bright side, after 45 years, the Carousel of Progress is still turning. The PeopleMover is still moving people, and It’s a Small World is still big. If you have a special affection for a ride or show, don’t pass it by. Make a point to experience your favorites each time you visit – show your support with your feet!
On the Move
Disney traditionalists, and there are many of us, are often dismayed by the changes that take place at the Disney parks. Beloved attractions and shows come and go; names change; old is replaced with new. While we all understand that change is good and helps to keep our favorite destinations fresh and interesting, some of the decisions seem inexplicable. New is not always better – the destruction of the iconic trees at Disney’s Contemporary Resort being a case in point.
At a time when there is major new construction going on at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, things are happening fast. We can only guess what future story line has required Cinderella’s Golden Carousel to become the Prince Charming Regal Carousel or what other “improvements” are planned.
How delightful, then, to learn today that the WEDway PeopleMover, renamed Tomorrowland Transit Authority in 1994, will once again be a PeopleMover. Now, if the new Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover would only magically lose the sterile and boring narrative in place since the recent refurbishment, and embrace the charming recording we all love, we would happily keep all forward-facing tentacles clear of oncoming metroliner vehicles!
