Disney Guide: Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom
Picture it. You walk through the tunnel entrance that transports you into a whimsical world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.
You circle the flagpole hub, passing by Main Street Emporium’s windows, admiring the characters of your childhood.
Snow White dancing with the dwarfs. Aladdin and Jasmine soaring and tumbling through an endless diamond sky on magic carpet. Cinderella having her fateful waltz with her prince.
You anticipate reliving these memories and continue past the windows and around the corner.
There she is.
Cinderella Castle in rose gold pink and fairy godmother pastel blues. Golden swirling ribbons along the very tops of the towers.
The shining, shimmering work of art at the center of the beautiful theme park.
As you stand in the castle hub, amongst the crowds of families, couples and friends going off on their own adventures. You stand there wondering where your own should begin?
And then you fall for the Imagineers’ design and take a right towards the land of tomorrow.
What awaits you there? Let’s find out!
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History of Tomorrowland at Disney World
Walt Disney was known for his passion and views of what the future had in store for us. It was important that Walt Disney World would include its own Tomorrowland, similar to Disneyland’s.
The second Tomorrowland debuted at Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971, but it wasn’t fully done yet. People said it looked pretty empty until it was finally done in 1973.
At the start, the only things you could check out were the Grand Prix Raceway and the Skyway to Fantasyland.
The beloved and classic Space Mountain and Carousel of Progress would not open until 1975, as the final plans for Disney World’s Tomorrowland were made in 1973.
To give you a better idea of how Tomorrowland and Magic Kingdom was as a whole, Tomorrowland Terrace was the biggest quick service location in the entire park.
Back then, Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World kinda looked like Disneyland’s. It had these cool geometric shapes and a clean white paint job that gave it a sleek vibe.
Changes to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom
Change would not come to Tomorrowland until 1994. Many attractions came and left during that era of old Tomorrowland, which was about seventeen.
The Carousel of Progress, Space Mountain and Peoplemover stayed since they arrived in 1975 and still are there today.
In 1994, the land was completely redone to resemble a galactic spaceport similar to Discoveryland in Disneyland Paris.
If you check out Tomorrowland today, you’ll notice it has the cool metallic vibe with darker blues and purples.
Oh, and you can’t miss the famous Purple Wall, it’s right there on the bridge between the Castle Hub and Tomorrowland after you cross.
It is one of the most popular spots to take photos, occasionally having a PhotoPass photographer there.
To complete this change, Tron Lightcycle/Run was built near Space Mountain and a brand new entrance sign for the land was created and placed in September 2019.
As of now, there are eight attractions total, nine if you include Sonny Eclipse in Cosmic Ray’s restaurant.
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Tomorrowland Rides and Attractions
There are several attractions located in the land that all visitors can enjoy!
Did you know that the only original attraction left standing in the land today is one of the most disliked in the entire park? That is Tomorrowland Speedway AKA Grand Prix Raceway.
1. Tomorrowland Speedway
Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland Speedway debuted in 1971 as the Grand Prix Raceway. The attraction is supposed to be an international car race, originally sponsored by Goodyear.
As the New Tomorrowland rolled in, Disney switched up the theme and name a couple more times before landing on what we see today.
You can steer and hit the gas with the help of a center rail on the race track.
Adults must accompany children who are too small/short if they cannot reach the pedal and brakes are applied when the driver releases the gas.
2. Space Mountain
Following behind Speedway was Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress and Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, the latter two transported over from Disneyland.
Space Mountain at Walt Disney World is the original version. It has since been replicated at other parks as a classic mountain ride.
You enter Starport Seven Five, home to Tomorrowland’s transport station to other galaxies.
Here you’ll hop on the trains that will zip you through the super space tunnel and zooming through space in a flash!
Spinning, winding, and dipping in the dark with just the stars to light your path creates an exciting adventure worth experiencing over and over!
3. Walt Disney Carousel of Progress
Carousel of Progress is extra special because it is the longest running stage show in American history as well as the oldest attraction in the resort.
It is a rare creation that was influenced by Walt Disney and made specifically for the 1964 World’s Fair.
This attraction is very historical and cherished. You will be comfortably seated as they enjoy a 21 min journey through the 20th century as they explore the advancement of technology with the typical American family.
The catchy theme song written by the incomparable Sherman brothers will be stuck in your head all day long!
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4. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover takes you on a 10 minute circle tour of Tomorrowland and all it has to offer!
You will be treated to incredible views of not only Tomorrowland, but also Cinderella Castle.
You’ll enjoy spectacular sights of Tron Lightcycle/Run and venture into Space Mountain, all the while taking in the views of Walt’s EPCOT Diorama and many other attractions!
This is another relaxing ride, in addition to Carousel of Progress, which is beloved by frequent visitors.
5. Astro Orbitor
Originally named “Star Jets”, Astro Orbitor as its now named, is a rocket spinner attraction that includes a center monument and planets so it appears that riders are bobbing and weaving in between them.
Just like Dumbo in Fantasyland, you get to control the rocket’s up and down movements using a mental control joystick.
This attraction can hold two guests and guests must use an elevator to get to the attraction where you will soar 60 feet above ground.
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6. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is amongst the most popular attractions in this land, doubling as an omnimover and carnival game ride.
You will board the vehicle which has two laser guns and two joysticks. Your goal is to help Buzz battle Zurg and hit targets to score points.
The targets are worth a different number of points, which will add up on your dashboard.
At the end, your total will determine what ranking you are, ranging from Star Cadet to Galactic Hero! Be sure to stop and take a look at your ride photo at the end too!
7. Monsters, INC. Laugh Floor
Lastly, the latest addition to Tomorrowland, which debuted in 2007, is Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
This place is like a fun comedy hangout where you can meet characters from Monsters Inc and Monsters University.
It’s like a sequel where the monsters switch things up by making people laugh instead of scream. You can even share your jokes for the monsters to tell during the show!
Mike is the “Monster of Ceremonies” with Roz pushing him to meet his goal so it’s up to you to help him fill his canister with laughs to power Monstropolis!
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8. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe with Sonny Eclipse
Finally, it wouldn’t be a post about attractions without the iconic entertainment in
Tomorrowland without sharing the talented and phenomenal, Sonny Eclipse and the Amazing Astro Organ.
Located in Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a groovy alien who plays some out of this world tunes while you enjoy your galactic meal.
Speaking of Galactic meals, let’s get into the grub the Tomorrowland has to offer!
9. Tron Lightcycle/Run
This roller coaster is identical to the Tron Lightcycle/Run coaster that’s currently open at Shanghai Disneyland.
The attraction sits next to Space Mountain and can be seen from the Peoplemover and the Tomorrowland Speedway.
To match the TRON theme, the motorbikes are designed to look similar to the vehicles from the film. However, the ride doesn’t really have a storyline.
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Tomorrowland Food at Disney World
Let’s begin our tasting tour of Tomorrowland with Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe!
Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe
Besides the fine entertainment inside the cafe, it is a quick service location that serves up bacon cheeseburgers, chicken strips and more!
It’s home to the Triple-B Burger and plant based options too. Mobile order is available for this restaurant and it opens at 10:30 a.m. daily.
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
If you are looking for something on the sweeter side, look no further than Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, a quick service location serving up ice cream floats, brownie sundaes, smoothies, shakes and more!
Your sweet tooth will be satisfied here, guaranteed! Mobile Order is not available at this location.
Cool Ship
Next up, let’s blast off on Cool Ship! Here you can grab a stellar cinnamon-glazed nuts, popcorn, and some thirst-quenching beverages.
Located near Peoplemover, you can grab a bite and sightsee with a snack!
The Lunching Pad
Moving right along, we head towards The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza. They are really getting into the spirit with their “Mike Wazowski Cake” and “Queso Fundido Hot Dog! “
You can even snag the coveted Mike Wazowski Cake here! Slushies, cocoa, pretzels and more await you here at this plaza located below Peoplemover.
Mobile Order is available at this location which opens at 10 a.m.
Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe
Finally, we have landed at Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe. Rarely open, you can only experience this location currently if you are attending a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party.
When available for quick service dining, it offers a plethora of chicken and fish combos and entrees!
For details about pricing and availability for the dessert party, click here. But for now, let’s shop til we drop in Tomorrowland and see what kinds of goodies are available.
Tomorrowland Merchandise and Shopping
Shopping in a land where you can visit any galaxy is an absolute MUST, don’t you agree?
We should start at the exit of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland Launch Depot, which sells Tron apparel, MagicBands, Star Wars merchandise and accessories.
There is a fuel rod location here as well, so you can swap out when necessary.
Another popular destination is Star Traders, which opens when the park opens.
Here you can peruse bagged snacks and treats, houseware like mugs, Mickey Ears, apparel like Loungefly brands, toys and plush and even cute souvenirs to take back to planet earth with you!
Lastly, we have Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Photos. Located at the exit of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, you can take a look at your ride photo and purchase it, if you do not have memory maker.
This shop features lots of Toy Story themed apparel, accessories, plush and toys that you can take home to commemorate the day you made the ranks in Buzz’s troop.
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9 Incredible Disney Tomorrowland Tips and Secrets
We have officially made it through our Tomorrowland Tour! In the meantime, here are some tips and facts that will make your visit to this galaxy even more stellar!
- There is a hidden mickey in the salon scene during the Peoplemover ride. Take a closer look at the female customer’s belt!
- Along the Peoplemover, you will see “Progress City” the actual model for Walt’s original EPCOT vision.
- You can snag a license by the entrance to Tomorrowland Speedway for just $5!
- Occasionally, you can find a PhotoPass photographer on the bridge between the castle hub and Tomorrowland sign. This way you can get a great castle photo and a photo with the land’s entrance sign.
- This is the area in the Magic Kingdom where you can meet Buzz Lightyear. Currently, he is not available for sightings but individualized sightings are slowly returning, so hopefully he will come back soon!
- Fuel Rod Stations are located in Tomorrowland’s Light and Power Company and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. You can get a portable charger and swap at any location throughout the parks for no additional fee.
- Try hopping on Peoplemover or Astro Orbitor for great views of the Fireworks.
- Vegetarian/Vegan options can be found at Cosmic Ray’s.
- Disney Parks are designed to encourage people to start on their right, meaning most guests start in Tomorrowland. Always go for Space Mountain first or get a Lightning Lane for it as that’s the attraction most people go to, the second being Buzz Lightyear since it’s an excellent ride for families and solo travelers alike.
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My Final Thoughts on Tomorrowland at Disney World
We have now landed once again on Earth and back into the land of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.
Leaving the tomorrow that never was really allows guests to imagine what truly is in store for us as we advance.
That’s where EPCOT comes in, blending imagination and technological advancement to spark those dreams into a reality.
From visiting the first family of progress, to rising in the ranks as a galactic hero, to exploring galaxies via space travel and dining in a groovy, galactic cafe to stellar tunes, there is plenty to keep you entertained in Tomorrowland.
What is your favorite thing about Tomorrowland, one of the most iconic Disney Lands after Fantasyland? Share with us in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
(Original Article Date: February 9, 2022/Updated by Editor on April 23, 2024)