Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Peoplemover Snapshots

When the decision was made to remove the Peoplemover from Tomorrowland, I don't think the "powers that be" had any idea how much folks would miss it. And it seems that each year the yearning to have it back grows and grows. Don't hold your breath...

Anyway, I sure love this unusual view looking across the load platform (which rotated at the same speed as the moving Peoplemover trains - SO cool!). One of the escalators that took people up (or down) can be seen; don't you want to hop into that empty red vehicle? Even the Goodyear logo is great - simple, and somehow cheerfully optimistic.


This second photo might be an odd composition, but it gives you a good idea of how complex the intertwining network of Autopia, Monorail, and Peoplemover tracks was. A genuine tour de force of Imagineering!


9 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

Have to agree with your desire to "hop into that empty red vehicle". Perhaps it was the lack of excitement that made the Peoplemover so intriguing - or maybe the unusual views one could spy while on board. But either way, it was a unique attraction that is sorely missed.

And as for the second shot, it's the Disneyland version of the downtown LA Four Level Freeway Interchange. Brilliant.

Thanks, Major.

K. Martinez said...

More than the actual ride itself, I enjoyed the visual design and kinetic energy the PeopleMover added to Tomorrowland.

The first image is my favorite. I love the exit ramp view and the fact you can see outward views above and below the platform elevation.

The second multi-level image is cool too. If only the Monorail showed up at the time the picture was snapped.

As much as I loved the PeopleMover, I think Disney should move forward with the removal of the old track and go for something entirely new in its place. Tomorrowland needs fresh and new ideas to give it back that sense of wonder. Poor rehashes of past attractions don't cut it. Especially in Tomorrowland.

Nice pics today! Thanks.

MRaymond said...

I have to agree. Either completely rebuild the existing track and put an updated (smoother) peoplemover in it's place or remove the track entirely. I like a hybrid of the two ideas myself. A refurbished and updated track with a new route away from the loading platform. The main concourse into Tomorrowland would be open again and the PM track could form an entry arch as it goes from BLAB to ST. I know it won't happen but it's a dream. I miss the PM, maybe because my first ride was a week after it opened in 67.

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanook, the appeal of the Peoplemover (for me, anyway) was the fact that it moved slowly and afforded wonderful views of Tomorrowland for about 15 minutes. I don't think anybody thought that it was an "exciting" ride!

K. Martinez, yes, the movement was a big part of the appeal as well - the colorful vehicles never stopped, it was great. If they really aren't going to do anything with the track, then I wish they would remove it. That would cost a ton of money and they'd have to practically close Tomorrowland for many months, so I don't expect it to happen unless they decide to do yet another major overhaul of that entire area.

MRaymond, I would love it if they would rebuild the track, but I just can't see them dedicating that much money to something that isn't "thrilling". Everything is so expensive now, and I am guessing that nobody has come up with an idea that is a doable replacement.

Omnispace said...

Love the pics! The first shot is of the entrance Speedramps, taken from the intermediate landing. To the left are the wonderful Goodyear-shaped "pods" with animated displays. If the ramps were working one could get a nice foot massage from the rollers beneath the rubber belt. Often they were turned off in case the queue backed up onto them.

I personally can't envision a Tomorrowland without the wonderfully organic sculptural trackways running down the middle. Without it, I can imagine it would look barren and hot. To me, tearing it down is about as good a decision as painting everything brown and we all know how that turned out. My hopes are that the virtues of the original attraction are brought back in some way for new generations to enjoy.

Melissa said...

When I was seventeen,
It was a very Goodyear.
It was a very Goodyear for looking up
As the Monorail passed.
It was silent and fast;
We were swift and serene,
When I was seventeen.

When I was twenty-five,
It was a very Goodyear.
It was a very Goodyear for looking down
On the Autopia track,
And talking smack
'Bout the kids pretending to drive
When I was twenty-five.

When I was thirty-one
It was a very Goodyear.
It was a very Goodyear for looking out
At the clean and stylish lines
Of the Goodyear logo sign
That would soon be gone,
When I was thirty-one.


The Peoplemover is still one of my favorite rides at WDW, and is still quite popular, but the buildings it goes through have changed so much that it could use a revamp during those sections. There are a couple of places where it's just dark tunnels now.

Snow White Archive said...

I really love the TTA at WDW. I hop on it at least 2-3 times when I visit the park. Never tire of it's atmosphere and the relaxing ride.

A new updated version at DL would be a terrific upgrade to Tomorrowland. I honestly don't know why they don't just move forward with it. It would be a shot in the arm for that land.

Major Pepperidge said...

Omnispace, I know how you feel; the Peoplemover track has been there as long as I can remember, and Tomorrowland would probably feel empty without it. But it is now a useless relic; I share your hopes that some similar attraction could be created for future generations.

Melissa, nice lyrics! Man, it seems like any empty tunnels along the TTA route would be relatively easy/inexpensive to "plus". Dioramas with some moving parts would be good enough!

Snow White Archive, I totally agree that it would be great to have an updated Peoplemover, but they powers that be don't seem inclined to work on such an idea. I guess all of the ADA and OSHA regulations have made it too difficult.

Anonymous said...

Splendid pictures, no.1 really took me back.

Thanks, Major!

JG