Disney Confirms Modernization of Classic PeopleMover Ride at Magic Kingdom

It’s official—Disney is updating one of its most iconic rides in Magic Kingdom. And while it’s not a complete overhaul, it’s definitely the start of something new.

This week, Cast Members confirmed that the metal turnstile at the entrance to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has been permanently removed. In its place? A sleek silver box that guests walk past as they make their way to the attraction’s moving ramp. Disney will soon be installing a sensor-based counting system to track riders—part of a larger push to modernize some of the park’s legacy systems.

If you’ve ever visited Magic Kingdom in the past few decades, you probably remember that turnstile. It was one of those little design quirks that gave the PeopleMover its retro feel. Its removal might seem minor, but in the world of Disney Parks—especially when it involves a classic ride like this—it’s actually a big deal.

The PeopleMover has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1975. Even after a long refurbishment in 2020-2021, most of the updates were behind the scenes. But with this new guest-counting system on the way, Disney is showing that it’s willing to bring new tech to classic attractions, especially in areas where it can improve efficiency and accessibility.

The timing is also worth noting. Tomorrowland is seeing an era of transformation. TRON Lightcycle / Run opened just last year, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is slated to close in August for a major reimagining. All of this points to a broader strategy of refreshing the land’s attractions while preserving their legacy.

The PeopleMover may not be getting a dramatic storyline update (yet), but this entrance change shows Disney is paying attention to the details—and fans should be too. As Magic Kingdom continues to evolve, it’s clear that even the slowest ride in the park isn’t staying stuck in the past.