Disneyland Training: The Rides of Tomorrowland

One of the area that is most crowded with people but also has some of the funnest attractions is Tomorrowland. My family usually spends a good portion of our trips there. There are 9 attractions in Tomorrowland that rang from rides for the little ones like Buzz Lightyear and Finding Nemo, to mainly older children and adult type rides like Space Mountain and Star Tours. There is also an exploration type center where you can explore called Innoventions.

The first place to head to as you head into Tommorowland is the fast pass station for Star Tours. This is a must as there is usually an hour plus wait for the attractions without a FASTPASS. Space Mountain also has fast passes and if you plan on riding that I suggest getting those early as well. Both of these rides will have fast passes every day until they are completely out for the day. Some days this happens before noon and other days it can take longer, So I would suggest getting them early if you are planning on riding them while you are there.

Lets go through each attractions in Tomorrowland so I can tell you about them and what you should know:

Astro Orbitor

-This is the rocket ride (as my kids call it.)
you sit in a rocket with up to 2 kids in front of you. Or you can sit 2 adults in each rocket.
there is a lever at the front of the rocket that you pull and push to move you up and down.
Kids under the age of 7 have to have an adult riding with them.

Autopia

– Sit in cars and drive around the track.
– Minimum height for rider is 32” (81cm) and to drive the car alone you must be 54” (137cm)
the car steers itself, but there is a steering wheel that you can turn to “drive” the car. The steering wheel does turn the car, but the track underneath will turn it if you don’t do it first.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

All ages can enjoy this attraction, even babies
The line is usually between 5-15 minutes to get in. Some days though during peak times, the line can get much longer as it is a favorite of many. During parades is usually the best time to get in line on busy days.
The line is moving continuously so you don’t have a lot of down time to hang out in line
This ride is wheelchair accessible but not EVC accessible.
You sit in the cars 2 to a seat and you each have a Blaster gun that you are using to fight evil emperor Zurg.
As the cars go around the track you will see targets all over inside. you use the blaster to shoot the targets and get points.
you get more points for the triangles and diamonds then you do for the squares and circles. you also get more points for the targets when they are lit up then when they aren’t.
During the ride there is a picture takes on you that you can email to your self at the end. This picture includes the points you scored as well. This is a great free souvenir!!!

Disneyland Monorail

There is a monorail stop between autopia and Finding nemo.

Disneyland Railroad

There is a railroad station between Autopia and Innoventions. The train goes towards main street and around the park in a circle.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

This ride used to be a submarine with divers and ocean pictures. It is one of the original  attraction in the park, but it has been updated to now be the story of Finding nemo.
If you are scared of enclosed spaces this is not an attraction you want to go on.
The line can range from 5 min-30 min depending on the day.
You will climb down stairs into a submarine. you sit in front of windows so you can see out to the story as the submarine goes around the lake.
This ride tends to feel pretty long, but the kids love it!
This is the only ride in Tomorrowland that isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it offers an alternate experience for those who need closed captioning and who are in wheelchairs.

Captain EO

– This was played in Disney parks from 1986 to the late 90’s. It was brought back into the park in 2010 after his death as a tribute to him.
This is a video done by Michael Jackson in 1986. It is about a space voyage to takes to bring a gift to “a supreme leader” There are many things that try to stop him in his voyage but in the end he pushes through because of his belief that we are here to change the world. This is a song and dance type of futuristic show, but there is some fighting as well (nothing horrible and no one gets hurt).
This is a 3D video that you sit and watch. The center seats are the best to sit in to get the best view, but anywhere is the theatre is ok to be able to see.

Space Mountain

This is an indoor Roller coaster that is in a small space.
it winds in and out of itself as you zoom through a dark room full of stars.
you must be 40” (102cm)
It is wheel chair accessible, but the person must transfer into the roller coaster car.
This is a fast ride and if you get motion sick it may not be a good choice for you.

Star Tours

This attraction was redone and updated. It reopened in June of 2011.
This is a 3D ride where you sit in a ship and travel to lands of Star Wars (all 6 videos are represented)
There are different travels that you can go on, so it can be different if you ride it more then once.
you must be 40” (102cm)

Innoventions

This is a center where they show all things that are up and coming advances in technology. They have lots of different things you can explore and do in this center.

Asimo the Honda Robot is inside this center. She is pretty neat to see. She can climb stairs, run, and kick a ball. All without any help or human control. I think probably the smartest robot I have ever seen!
There is a lot of home technology and other cool inventions that you can try and see how they work.
There is also many video games and modern game technology that you can try.
This is a pretty fun place to go if you need to take a break from the norm of Disneyland.

This Disneyland training article was written by my friend Melissa. Melissa is a Wife and Mother of 3 (ages 5, 3, and 1). Her family lives 10 minutes from Disneyland and visit the magical park at least 1 a week! She also blogs over at Living A Frugal Life about how to have a frugal life while still having a rich family life. She loves DIY projects, cooking from scratch, saving money and spending time with her little family!

Disneyland is the Happiest Place On Earth. Be sure to learn how to make the most of your trip by reading the Disneyland Training series. You can also browse all the articles I have posted in an easy to use outline. And if you are ready to book your trip, be sure to read about the perks of using an authorized Disney vacation planner (plus it’s FREE!).