Tomorrowland PeopleMover Review
Spoiler: there are people on this ride and you also move around
The real name of this attraction is: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Is this one of the weirdest names in all Disney World? The name lacks a bit of magic, sure, but we are glad to say that there is still some pixies dust if you decide to step inside this ride and take a stroll around the futuristic side of Magic Kingdom.
The name might seem odd, but it captures the concept perfectly. This ride is all about people. Oh, and it’s about moving them too. Simple, isn’t it? You hop on a shared vehicle and glide through Tomorrowland, offering a fresh view of attractions like Tron Lightcycle Run, Space Mountain, and Astro Orbiter.
In theory, the PeopleMover is very similar to Walt Disney World Railroad, but on a smaller scale. The Railroad takes you across most of Magic Kingdom aboard a train in a 20 minute ride, while the PeopleMover is focused on Tomorrowland only and takes about 10 minutes. Most people will know if they will enjoy this ride just by looking at it from afar. You do get to see a few exclusive animatronics when you go inside specific tunnels that you can’t see anywhere else but, most of the time, you are just checking Tomorrowland’s plaza and some of the attractions from a few feet above ground.
The Good
This is an excellent choice for families with toddlers and little ones, especially since many attractions in Tomorrowland have height requirements. Young children can get up close to a variety of rides, or even see them from above, sparking dreams of their future adventures in Magic Kingdom.
The PeopleMover also provides fantastic photo opportunities from unique angles you can't find elsewhere. Plus, it's a wonderfully relaxing ride for those seeking a calm experience with minimal wait times. Wait, low wait times in Tomorrowland? It does exist, and we have to thank the pixie dust for that. With the PeopleMover, you'll rarely wait more than 10 to 15 minutes, which is another fantastic reason why families often opt for this ride.
There are some cool spots here, like when you cross the Tomorrowland Speedway track and when you enter Space Mountain and get to see people in the queue and also hear people screaming as the roller coaster zips somewhere close by in the dark. You also get a sneak peek inside Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where you can observe the target animatronics from above and witness people enthusiastically spamming the fire buttons on their laser pistols… something many of us can relate to all too well.
The Bad
PeopleMover, however, lacks a bit of the charm we see in Walt Disney World Railroad or other rides that take you on a tour across a park. It all starts with the vehicle, which is… rather forgettable. There is nothing special to it, and it doesn’t even feature a futuristic look whatsoever. You do get some nice photo opportunities, but it’s nowhere near what you can get with the Railroad train ride.
I also think that this ride can feel a bit claustrophobic at times. It's not because of the seats being tight, but rather because many of the areas you pass through have low ceilings that make you feel a bit trapped. It's quite a contrast to the open spaces you find on the Walt Disney World Railroad.
Will Kids enjoy it?
Toddlers and young children are likely to have a blast on this ride. They'll get to see many things from a few feet above the ground and even venture inside attractions they hope to ride in the future. It’s also a fantastic choice for parents and families seeking a relaxed and peaceful experience with their little ones.
Teenagers might find this ride too boring for their taste. Why peek inside attractions when they could just experience them firsthand? It may lack the thrill and novelty they crave, making it less appealing compared to other attractions.
