From my very first visit to the Magic Kingdom as a child, I was always drawn to Tomorrowland. Walt Disney always had a vision for how the future would possibly look, and the rides and attractions at Tomorrowland reflected that.
Of course, a land focused on tomorrow would always become dated. Over the years, Tomorrowland has evolved to where it is now, right after the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration.
Despite the changes, some things still remained in place, and provide an incredibly nostalgic feeling for any long-time guests of the park. So, when rating the Disney Tomorrowland rides and attractions, I like to look at both thrills and nostalgia.
In addition to the nostalgia, Tomorrowland also offers some of the best attractions at the Magic Kingdom. If you are visiting, check out our ratings to see which rides to prioritize on your vacation.
Disclosure: I’ve received discounted and complimentary tickets over the years but have also paid my own way. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
Save money on your Walt Disney World theme park tickets by booking through Get Away Today. They offer vacation packages as well as individual ticket sales. Disney travel agents don’t charge guests an extra commission and can help you find deals.
Rating the Disney Tomorrowland Rides and Attractions (On Thrills and Nostalgia)
Space Mountain
Thrills: 8
Nostalgia: 9
I love Space Mountain. Although it doesn’t have the thrills of the newer roller coasters at Walt Disney World, it’s still so much fun. Space travel probably doesn’t have the same appeal as it had in the 70s, but it’s still a fun theme and one of the most popular rides.
The darkness of the building housing the coaster means that you never can quite see what’s ahead. There are some big drops and high speeds, but it doesn’t go upside down or backward.
Space Mountain has two separate tracks for additional capacity, and it offers lightning lane access through Genie+. Guests must be at least 44 inches to ride.
In my opinion, Space Mountain is one of the best rides in Tomorrowland Disney World.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Thrills: 3
Nostalgia: 3
Admittedly, this is neither a nostalgic nor a thrilling ride. However, it’s still worth riding.
Board the ride vehicle, and get ready to spin and shoot the targets. It’s based on the Buzz Lightyear toy from the Toy Story movies and can be a lot of fun. Unlike the similar ride, also based on Toy Story, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests use a controller to physically spin the ride to reach different targets – up to 360 degrees.
I especially enjoy playing against my family, which adds a whole new level of experience to the standard theme park ride. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin does not have a height requirement, although very young kids will probably have a difficult time using the infrared controller. There is a Genie+ lightning lane if you’d like to skip the standby line.
Carousel of Progress
Thrills: 1
Nostalgia: 10
The Carousel of Progress first debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. It is a classic Disney attraction and absolutely deserves a 10 for nostalgia as one of the older attractions at Walt Disney World.
After taking your seat in the Carousel of Progress theater, you’ll remain seated as the theater moves around to different scenes featuring audio-animatronics in the past and present. While the Carousel of Progress debuted at the Magic Kingdom with The Best Time of Your Life theme song, it was later changed to the original “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” theme song. Most guests love the original, but the Best Time of Your Life theme song was a big part of my childhood Disney memories.
The Carousel of Progress rarely has a long line, so you’ll usually just need to wait until the next show is seated. There’s no height restriction for this attraction.
Astro Orbiter
Thrills: 4
Nostalgia: 6
There are various iterations of the Astro Orbiter at the different Disney theme parks throughout the world. The Magic Kingdom version requires an elevator ride to get to the entrance of the ride vehicles.
The actual ride is very similar to the mechanisms of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Because it’s on the second story, it’s a little more thrilling. It’s open to any height and does not offer Genie+. There can be a long wait if you visit during the peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day for the shortest wait times.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Thrills: 1
Nostalgia: 2
Both kids and adults love the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor attraction, which is a show, not a ride. It’s an interactive show, and while it’s hilarious, it’s also a great opportunity to get out of the hot sun and rest.
Genie+ is offered for this ride. However, you’ll still need to wait until the theater empties before you can sit down. It is appropriate for all ages and heights.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Thrills: 1
Nostalgia: 9
This 10-minute ride takes you through the various rides and attractions in Tomorrowland. It’s a very mild ride and generally has a short line. The PeopleMover was originally envisioned as a mass-transit system, and it’s really a fun way to see the Tomorrowland area. The name has changed over the years, and in the past, it was called the WEDWay People Mover.
Genie+ isn’t offered for this ride, and there is no height restriction. If there is a line, it usually moves quickly as the ride is continuously moving.
Tomorrowland Speedway
Thrills: 2
Nostalgia: 6
The Tomorrowland Speedway lets you get behind the wheel of your own gas-powered vehicle, as you travel around the speedway in Tomorrowland. It’s a gentle ride that can be lots of fun, especially for kids who aren’t yet old enough to drive on the roads.
While this ride was briefly closed to make room for the new Tron Lightcycle Power Run, it’s now back in action. Kids must be at least 54 inches to drive or can be 32 inches if accompanied by someone who is at least 54 inches.
Genie+ is offered for the Tomorrowland Speedway, and there is also a standby line.
TRON: Lightcycle Run
Thrills: 9
Nostalgia: 1
An eagerly-anticipated new attraction, Tron Lightcycle Run, opened in spring 2023 in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the TRON: Legacy movie, this roller coaster ride is identical to the version at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s one of the fastest coasters at Disney parks.
This indoor/outdoor ride is extremely thrilling but also seems short, which is why I gave it a 9 rather than a 10. I’d recommend trying to sit in the front row if you really want a thrill.
Currently, because this ride is so popular, it uses both a virtual queue and an individual lightning lane. You’ll want to move fast, because reservations go quickly.
Other Things You’ll Find at Tomorrowland
In addition to these Disney Tomorrowland rides, there are other things you’ll find in this futuristic Disney land. These include:
- Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
- The Lunching Pad
- Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. shop
- Ursa’s Major Minor Mart shop
- Star Traders shop
- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies (ice cream and more)
- Cool Ship (churros and more)
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Disneyland Park’s Tomorrowland
There is also a Tomorrowland at Disneyland. While it also showcases the “world of tomorrow”, there are a few little differences between them. Most of the popular attractions are the same, but instead of the Tomorrowland Speedway, Disneyland offers Autopia with race cars.
Tomorrowland in Disneyland also has Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. There is no TRON: Lightcycle Run at Disneyland California.
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