Tomorrowland has long been a land of great potential but also a land that struggles to keep up with its own theme. The future, after all, is always moving forward, and that makes it hard for any “land of tomorrow” to stay relevant. But beyond just staying up to date, Tomorrowland has struggled to present a unified vision that captivates guests and immerses them in a consistent, engaging experience.
Many of you reading this are likely lifelong fans of Disneyland, and you know that the main issue with Tomorrowland is that it feels like a patchwork of ideas. The core concept of the future is there, but it’s muddled by a mishmash of themes and attractions that don’t always seem to belong together.
So let’s break it down: What works in Tomorrowland? What doesn’t? And what might the future hold for this once-iconic land?
Part 1: Vibes and Feel – Tomorrowland’s Atmosphere
When you approach Tomorrowland, there are elements that undeniably work. The land has kinetic energy—the Astro Orbiter greets you with its spinning motion, and the PeopleMover tracks still hang above, a haunting reminder of the energy Tomorrowland used to radiate.
The Astro Orbiter is a strong visual landmark, pulling you in with its futuristic, yet nostalgic design. It gives you the feeling that something exciting is happening here. The gleaming paneling along the buildings, as well as the towering rocket in front of Pizza Planet, work together to create a “sci-fi” aesthetic. And who could forget the imposing silhouette of Space Mountain rising up in the distance? These elements still evoke that spirit of adventure Tomorrowland was always supposed to embody.
For those of us who grew up visiting Disneyland, the PeopleMover tracks evoke a sense of wonder. As a child, I didn’t even know what they were for, but I was fascinated by them. Little did I know, they were once the veins of Tomorrowland, moving guests around the area, giving life to the land. These are the elements that feel like they belong.
And yet, for all its visual cues of futuristic promise, Tomorrowland feels disjointed. The PeopleMover tracks are now dormant—no longer contributing the energy they once did. The land’s theme doesn’t feel cohesive. There’s a strange mix of concepts, from the fantasy world of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters to the outdated technology of Autopia. The land seems like a collection of random attractions rather than a unified vision of tomorrow.
Even the layout itself feels cluttered. Attractions and stores are crammed together without a clear throughline, so much so that if someone who had never heard of Tomorrowland visited, they’d likely have no idea what the land was supposed to represent. Does Tomorrowland still reflect the future? Or is it just a relic of what the future once looked like? In its current form, it’s hard to tell.
Part 2: The Attractions and Rides
This is where Tomorrowland becomes even more complicated for me. On an individual level, I enjoy almost every ride. And yet, when viewed as part of a cohesive land, these experiences feel out of place or mismatched with the theme.
Astro Orbiter:
Let’s start with one of the highlights—Astro Orbiter. This ride is almost perfect as-is. It adds the kinetic energy Tomorrowland desperately needs. The spinning planets and rockets in motion match exactly what the land should feel like: futuristic, adventurous, and engaging. No changes needed here.
Star Tours:
This is a true classic. Star Tours has stood the test of time, and even as it’s aged, it still feels alive and full of story. From the moment you step into the queue, you’re transported to another galaxy, preparing for your interstellar journey.
However, there’s room for improvement. The building itself feels lackluster, especially compared to the more immersive designs we see in Galaxy’s Edge. The boarding and unloading areas could use a refresh to match modern theming standards. Star Tours deserves better than walls that look like they belong in an office park.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters:
Here’s where my opinion gets a bit more controversial. Don’t get me wrong—this is one of my son’s favorite rides, and I understand why. It’s interactive, fun, and perfect for all ages. But does it belong in Tomorrowland? I’m not so sure.
To me, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters would fit much better on Pixar Pier, alongside other Toy Story-themed attractions. Tomorrowland should be about exploring futuristic technology, space travel, or scientific progress—not a toy-based fantasy. Another possibility could be re-theming the ride around the more serious Lightyear movie from 2022. Imagine a ride with animatronics of Buzz, Zurg, and Sox, leaning into the more grounded sci-fi themes. Now that’s a Tomorrowland ride I’d get excited about.
Space Mountain:
This one doesn’t need much tweaking. Space Mountain is an icon. It still delivers an adrenaline rush and the sci-fi vibe that Tomorrowland should strive for. If anything, the queue and decor could be refreshed to reflect either a sleek, modern space aesthetic or lean into a retro-future look akin to SpaceX’s stainless steel starships. Keep the balance of science fiction and reality—Space Mountain nails that vibe.
Star Wars Launch Bay:
Here’s a missed opportunity if I’ve ever seen one. Star Wars Launch Bay feels abandoned, a mere shadow of its potential. Given that Star Wars now has an entire land on the other side of the park, this area feels redundant. Instead of doubling down on Star Wars, why not bring back something more aligned with Tomorrowland’s roots, like a modern version of the Carousel of Progress? It would fit better with the land’s theme and provide a much-needed refresh.
Autopia:
Ah, Autopia. I have fond memories of driving these cars as a kid, but nostalgia can only go so far. In a land meant to represent the future, these outdated cars feel jarring. They still run on gasoline, and the fumes are unpleasant, especially when you’ve been on the ride with a headache, like I have.
If Autopia is to stay, it needs an overhaul. Convert the cars to electric, repave the track, and update the queue. Better yet, re-theme it to something more futuristic, like a Mars colony where guests drive through domes and caves. Or perhaps it’s time to retire Autopia and introduce a new concept altogether, one that will last for the next century.
Finding Nemo Submarines:
I’ll be blunt: Finding Nemo Submarines doesn’t belong in Tomorrowland. While I appreciate the submarines gliding through the water from a visual standpoint, the experience itself feels out of place. The attraction should either be re-themed to align with a futuristic vision (perhaps an underwater city of the future?) or replaced with something entirely new. The musty-smelling interiors don’t exactly scream “the future.”
Bring Back the PeopleMover:
One of the biggest changes I’d advocate for is the return of the PeopleMover. This ride was Tomorrowland’s lifeblood, allowing guests to relax and take in the sights from a unique vantage point. Its reintroduction could reinvigorate the land, providing that much-needed sense of wonder and kinetic energy. It’s not just about nostalgia—this would truly elevate Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland’s Future
Tomorrowland still holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans, but in its current form, it lacks the cohesive identity that defines the other lands in Disneyland. The experiences are enjoyable on their own, but together they feel like a disjointed collection rather than a unified vision of the future.
The solution? A phased reimagining. Close down Tomorrowland in stages, updating key areas and attractions while keeping parts of it operational. In the end, Tomorrowland could emerge as a true land of tomorrow, ready to capture the imagination of future generations.
Stay tuned—I’ll be exploring what that future could look like in a future post!