Tomorrowland Speedway
Magic Kingdom · Tomorrowland
Overview
There's no actual steering on Tomorrowland Speedway — a steel rail embedded in the track does the real work, and the wheel only adjusts your car's position within a narrow lane, not its path. What is real: gasoline combustion engines, one of the last gas-powered ride systems left at any major Disney park, meaning genuine engine noise and exhaust rather than the electric hum everywhere else. It opened in 1971 as Grand Prix Raceway with Formula 1-inspired car bodies, since replaced.
ParksLog Verdict
Skip it entirely without a child under about eight who wants to drive — for anyone else, this delivers nothing that similar rides elsewhere don't do better. With that kid in the car, though, the illusion of real control is enough; they don't know about the rail, and the reaction on the first solo throttle is worth more than the ride quality suggests it should be.
About this experience
Put the pedal to the metal in your very own hotrod and cruise along a scenic miniature motorway.
Best For
- Families with children who want to drive
- Young children meeting the height requirement
- Nostalgic adults
Tips
- Children below the solo driver height threshold require an adult in the vehicle — the child drives, not the adult
- The attraction runs many vehicles simultaneously, so wait times rarely exceed 15 minutes outside peak hours
- Ride in the morning to avoid exhaust-related discomfort that can build during the hottest part of the day
Details
History
Under its original name, Grand Prix Raceway, this track has been running since Magic Kingdom's 1971 opening — vehicles and branding have changed more than once since, but the rail-guided format hasn't.
Fun Facts
- Tomorrowland Speedway was originally known as Grand Prix Raceway and featured actual Formula 1 car theming at opening in 1971
- The cars are guided by a steel rail embedded in the track, meaning full steering control is impossible — guests steer within a limited range
- The attraction's gas-powered engines make it one of only a handful of gasoline-engine rides remaining at any major Disney park