9 Reasons Disneyland Should Bring Back the PeopleMover

by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine

Disneyland is a place full of magic and wonder, but one ride that used to make the experience even more magical was the PeopleMover. For those who don’t remember, the PeopleMover was a Tomorrowland attraction that ran at Disneyland from 1967 to 1995. It was a beloved ride for many park-goers and provided a unique traveling perspective of the park.

So, why should Disneyland bring back the PeopleMover? Here are 9 reasons.

The Disneyland PeopleMover ran from July 1967 to August 1995. (photo by Gene Spesard, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Image enhanced) — The Disneyland PeopleMover ran from July 1967 to August 1995. (Photo by Gene Spesard, CC BY 2.0 – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image enhanced)

9 Reasons Disneyland’s PeopleMover Should Return

1. For Crowd Control
Disneyland has a crowding problem. It needs more high-capacity attractions to lessen lines at other rides and throughout the park. A key reason for the Walt Disney Company to bring back the PeopleMover at Disneyland is to help with crowd control. With its continuous loading system, the PeopleMover can help to reduce lines while giving guests a better experience.

2. Nostalgia
A primary reason for Disneyland to bring back the PeopleMover is nostalgia. Not only was PeopleMover a guest favorite, but it was also one of the final rides Walt Disney worked on before he died. Disneyland has a rich history, and the PeopleMover is an important part of that history. By bringing it back, Disneyland would honor its past and pay homage to the park’s roots. It is a way to connect with longtime visitors and shows that Disneyland values the memories and experiences of its guests.

3. It’s a Unique and Relaxing Ride Experience
The PeopleMover provides a unique ride experience different from any other ride in the park. Guests can relax and enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in views of the park from a different perspective. As a wonderful and relaxing nearly 15-minute ride, it is a great way to recharge for the adventure ahead. This is vital in today’s rush-rush and crowded theme park environment.

4. For Guests to Enjoy Enhanced Views of Disneyland
The PeopleMover offered some of the best views of the park. Guests could see attractions and areas in Disneyland that they may not have seen otherwise. It also provided guests with ideas of what they wanted to do next. Plus, it’s one of the few rides to take guests through other rides, giving them an inside look at adventures like Space Mountain and Star Tours. Bringing back the PeopleMover would allow a new generation of park-goers to experience this unique vantage point, relax, and plan the rest of their day while soaking in the wonderful views of the park.

5. For the Aesthetics
The classic design of Disneyland’s PeopleMover perfectly complements the park’s overall aesthetic. Its sleek and timeless look adds to the park’s charm and character. The ride’s unique design is not only enjoyable to experience but also pleasant to look at from any vantage point in Tomorrowland. The cars’ constant motion along the track adds to the park’s aesthetics and enhances the overall atmosphere.

6. Because it’s Family-Friendly Ride
The PeopleMover was a family-friendly ride that guests of all ages could enjoy. It was a great option for parents with young children who could not yet ride more thrilling attractions. It’s easy for a kid’s imagination to run wild while enjoying the higher-up views of the park as the parents take a well-needed enjoyable break.

7. To Bring Back Walt’s Vision
Walt Disney was excited about the PeopleMover’s potential to be a part of future communities. Despite his passing seven months before the ride’s opening, Walt, Bob Gurr, and Roger Broggie were instrumental in bringing the attraction to life for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland as a reflection of his futuristic vision. During its development, Walt affectionately referred to it as the “PeopleMover,” and the name stuck, as confirmed by Bob Gurr.

8. To Boost Park Attendance
Guests went crazy when they heard the Main Street Electrical Parade was coming back after being “retired forever.” Imagine the publicity and excitement of guests if the PeopleMover made a triumphant return with some new “surprises” while honoring the past.

9. To Increase Overall Guest Satisfaction
In recent years, Disney parks have faced challenges in maintaining high guest satisfaction levels. Despite being known as the “happiest place on Earth,” issues like overcrowding, long wait times, and inconveniences caused by hotel renovations, such as the Paradise Pier Hotel, have contributed to a decline in guest satisfaction. Many people believe that Disney is prioritizing profits over customer experience, a departure from its previous focus on customer satisfaction. Bringing back the beloved PeopleMover would not only generate goodwill among guests but also help alleviate overcrowding, making it a beneficial solution for everyone involved.

Disneyland PeopleMover, Submarine Voyage, and Skyway in October 1967. (Photo property of ©Theme Park Magazine)

The PeopleMover Deserves a Triumphant Return

The PeopleMover was a classic attraction at Disneyland that provided a unique ride experience and holds a special place in the hearts of longtime visitors. By bringing it back, Disneyland can tap into the sense of nostalgia and provide new memories for both longtime visitors and new guests.

But even more importantly, bringing back the PeopleMover could help with crowd control, increase guest satisfaction, and pay homage to Walt Disney’s vision. It is an investment worth serious pursuit. It’s also important to maintain the track length and ride time, otherwise, it risks becoming another Epcot “Journey Into Imagination” overhaul disaster.

While the Walt Disney Company has not yet announced any plans to bring back the PeopleMover, we can only hope that this beloved attraction will once again be a part of the magic of Disneyland soon.

Disneyland PeopleMover loading area (left) with the Matterhorn in the background. (Photo property of ©Theme Park Magazine)

PeopleMover FAQ

What was the PeopleMover?

Running from 1967 to 1995, the PeopleMover was a leisurely attraction that provided guests with a tour of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, giving them a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park.

When did the PeopleMover first open at Disneyland?

The PeopleMover first opened on July 2, 1967, shortly after the death of Walt Disney.

When did the PeopleMover close?

The PeopleMover closed at Disneyland on August 21, 1995, more than 27 years ago!

Why was the PeopleMover closed at Disneyland?

The PeopleMover was one of the classic attractions that were shut down during Michael Eisner’s tenure as Disney’s CEO. As Eisner sought to reduce costs, attractions that required significant repairs, such as the PeopleMover, were unfortunately on the chopping block. As a result, the PeopleMover was removed from the park in 1995.

Has Disney ever considered bringing back the PeopleMover?

Disney has quietly talked about bringing back the PeopleMover in the past, but there has been no official announcement regarding its return. However, there are still many fans who would love to see it make a comeback. There is a rumor that PeopleMover might make a return as part of a massive overhaul of Tomorrowland.

Would bringing back the PeopleMover be expensive?

While bringing back the PeopleMover would come with some hefty initial costs, the benefits outlined in this article, including improved crowd control and the attraction’s enduring popularity among fans, far outweigh the expenses. Walt Disney Imagineering can also redesign PeopleMover to run on a more reliable and cost-effective track system compared to the original.

Would bringing back the PeopleMover cause overcrowding?

While any new attraction could cause initial overcrowding, bringing back the PeopleMover could actually help with crowd control in the long run. Its continuous loading system could move guests through the park more efficiently, reducing lines and wait times.

What replaced the PeopleMover when it closed?

After the PeopleMover closed in 1995, the track was repurposed for a faster ride called Rocket Rods a few years later. Unfortunately, due to numerous technical issues, Rocket Rods had a short run of only two years.

Why was the PeopleMover so popular?

While many of Disneyland’s rides offer thrilling experiences, the PeopleMover was a leisurely and enjoyable attraction that provided guests with a much-needed break from the excitement of the park. Its unique ride experience and opportunity to take in the magic of Disneyland at a slower pace made it a favorite among visitors.

Was Disneyland’s PeopleMover the only one in existence?

In Florida, you can ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Many people may be surprised to hear that there is actually a “third” PeopleMover. It exists at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Texas and is used to transport guests to various destinations. The airport purchased the PeopleMover designs from Disney in order to construct their version for guests.

Editor’s Note: While bringing back the PeopleMover to Disneyland is a popular idea among fans, it’s not a simple decision to make. Various factors, such as maintenance costs, outdated technology, and current structural support must be taken into account. It’s likely that the Walt Disney Company has already explored the idea at the highest levels and consulted with Imagineers to determine the feasibility of the ride’s return. While some fans expected an announcement at the D23 Expo in 2022, none was made. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean that there are no plans for the PeopleMover’s return, but rather that the logistics are still being worked out.

Do you want the PeopleMover to return to Disneyland? Why? Tell us in the comments.

Explore More (Videos)

Video of Disneyland’s PeopleMover taken in 1990

How the PeopleMover Worked

PeopleMover at Disneyland in 1984

Tracking the PeopleMover Track (rumors and speculation)

Explore More (Resources)

Web Page: Walt Disney’s PeopleMover (Walt Disney Family Museum)
Web Page: PeopleMover (Yesterland)
News Story: Sale of PeopleMover Cars Breaks

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Greg

1 year ago

I would love to see the people mover come back to Disneyland. It should have never been taken away. There were so many times when my family would look forward to getting away from the crowds and just be looking for a relaxing ride in the park from all our walking and waiting in lines that we incountered that the people mover was a refreshing restful ride and experience. Please bring it back.

Albert R. Calleros

For some strange reason, the instrumental theme from the Disneyland PeopleMover has always reminded me of the Fifth Dimension’s hit record ‘Up, Up and Away (in my Beautiful Balloon).’ As a matter of fact, the PeopleMover has always been my favorite ride at Disneyland.