Disney sort of, type of, stated this week that it might exchange the gasoline-powered engines in its Autopia vehicles at Disneyland with electrical motors. “In the next few years,” which may imply something. The Los Angeles Instances reported it first, however Disney’s response seemed like PR not desirous to get forward of one thing and hoping the response of “I’ll get right on top of that, Rose” would suffice. The consequence was everybody, their mom, and Autoblog reporting that Autopia was going electrical.
Factor is, Autopia is just one model of the enduring race observe trip that has supplied numerous children with their first alternative behind the wheel. There’s additionally the Tomorrowland Speedway on the Magic Kingdom in Florida’s Walt Disney World. Whereas the California model was up to date in 2000 with new automotive designs, after which in 2016 with brand-new engines from trip sponsor Honda, those at Walt Disney World would appear to be the identical ones that set off in 1971 when the Magic Kingdom opened. I’ve discovered nothing in varied encyclopedic Disney entries for the trip indicating the Briggs & Stratton engines are something however unique. Expertise would again that up.
I used to be additionally actually on that trip, a number of instances, final month throughout a household trip (that is my son and spouse above). And I inform ya, they certain sound and odor like stanky outdated engines made in 1971. For a trip dubbed the “Tomorrowland Speedway,” these vehicles are extra “Yesterland.” As unhealthy because it was standing subsequent to the vehicles whereas lining up and ready to board, I could not assist however sympathize with the trip operators who should breathe that in all day. Parking storage attendants have it higher — not less than they’re principally coping with engines made this century. I have not been to Disneyland for the reason that Honda engine change, however in response to this Autoweek overview of them, they’re EPA- and CARB-certified fashionable engines. I’ve to think about the distinction can be vital.
Mainly, whereas it might be nice if Autopia went electrical, that is not the model of the trip that basically wants the replace. I’ve seen it postulated that if Autopia actually does make the change that Tomorrowland Speedway would observe go well with, but when it did not in 2000 or 2016, why would it not now? Throughout my aforementioned journey to Disney World, I discovered it disappointing that Disney could possibly be eco-minded in sure respects at its theme parks, however then very a lot not so in lots of others. For a corporation that goes above and past in so some ways associated to its theme park expertise, that is one space the place it must be higher. It is not only a matter of Nineteen Seventies-era engines being off-theme for “Tomorrowland,” it is a matter of well being for visitors and “cast members.”
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