The PeopleMover (1967–1995) was a futuristic, fan-favorite attraction in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, offering a leisurely tram ride with elevated views of the land’s bustling sights. This slow-moving marvel, a symbol of 1960s optimism, cruised above the park for nearly three decades before high maintenance costs and waning interest led to its closure. Its tracks still linger, teasing hopes of a comeback, especially after a brief, ill-fated stint as Rocket Rods.
Here are 10 fun facts about the PeopleMover, brimming with retro charm and Disneyland magic!
- Futuristic Debut: The PeopleMover opened on July 2, 1967, as part of Tomorrowland’s major “New Tomorrowland” overhaul, showcasing Walt Disney’s vision of clean, efficient urban transit. It was sponsored by Goodyear, which supplied the tram tires.
- Sky-High Tour: The ride’s elevated tracks wound 5,000 feet through Tomorrowland, offering bird’s-eye views of attractions like Space Mountain, the Submarine Voyage, and the Monorail. Its open-air trams gave guests a breezy, 16-minute journey.
- WEDway Wonder: Officially called the WEDway PeopleMover (after Walt Disney’s WED Enterprises), it used magnetic induction motors, a quiet, pollution-free system that moved trams without onboard engines—a cutting-edge tech showcase for the time.
- A Ride Through Time: The PeopleMover passed through other attractions, like the Adventure Thru Inner Space and Circle-Vision 360, giving riders sneak peeks of Tomorrowland’s wonders. It was like a guided tour of the future, Disneyland-style!
- Pop Culture Cameo: The ride popped up in films and TV, including a 1979 episode of CHiPs and the movie The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. Its sleek, colorful trams—red, blue, yellow, and green—became a retro icon, beloved in vintage park photos.
- High Costs, Low Thrills: By the 1990s, the PeopleMover’s maintenance costs soared due to its complex track and aging infrastructure. With guests craving thrills like Space Mountain, the slow-paced ride lost its luster, closing on August 21, 1995.
- Rocket Rods Misstep: The PeopleMover’s tracks were repurposed for Rocket Rods (1998–2000), a high-speed ride meant to modernize Tomorrowland. But Rocket Rods’ frequent breakdowns and track damage flopped, leaving the tracks empty and fueling nostalgia for the original.
- Tracks of Hope: The PeopleMover’s tracks remain visible above Tomorrowland, a tantalizing reminder of its glory days.
- Hidden Tributes: The PeopleMover lives on in nods like Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, a near-identical ride still running. At Disneyland, a model tram sits in Star Wars Launch Bay, and Rocket Rods’ queue music remixes the original’s catchy tune.
- 4,600 Guests per Hour: The PeopleMover’s trams could carry 4,600 guests per hour, making it a workhorse despite its relaxed pace.
