07/01/2025
The Disneyland PeopleMover, which opened in 1967, was inspired by Walt Disney's vision for transportation and his experience with the Ford Magic Skyway at the 1964 New York World's Fair. The original concept, however, was for an elevated transit system to serve both his planned city of EPCOT and Disneyland's New Tomorrowland. While the Ford company declined to sponsor the Disneyland version, Goodyear stepped in, leading to the ride's unique design and branding.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Inspiration from the World's Fair:
Walt Disney and his Imagineers developed the WEDway PeopleMover system for the Ford Magic Skyway at the 1964 New York World's Fair. This system used a conveyor belt to move Ford vehicles along a track, which gave Disney the idea for a similar attraction in his parks.
Disney's Vision:
Walt Disney envisioned the PeopleMover as a way to transport guests around Disneyland's Tomorrowland while also providing a relaxing and educational experience. He even considered using a similar system for his planned city, EPCOT.
Goodyear's Sponsorship:
Initially, Disney approached Ford about sponsoring the Disneyland PeopleMover, but they declined, fearing it would compete with automobiles. Goodyear then sponsored the ride, providing tires for the rotating wheels and even incorporating their logo into the attraction's design.
Opening and Evolution:
The opened in Disneyland's New Tomorrowland on July 2, 1967, offering guests an elevated view of the land and even passing through some attractions. It later became the Tomorrowland Transit Authority at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. While the original Disneyland PeopleMover was eventually replaced, the concept lives on in various forms at Disney parks.
For over 20 years, Disneyland's Tomorrowland has had a prevalent, massive reminder of the past high above guests. It's the tracks of the former Disneyland Pe...