OpEd: Disney’s Procrastination is Why Guests Still Don’t Have a PeopleMover

Among the plethora of disappointments fans appear to be taking away from the 2022 D23 Expo, one of them involves the rumored revitalization of Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort and the long-anticipated return of the WedWay PeopleMover.

Replaced by the ill-fated Rocket Rods, Disney Parks’ original PeopleMover has sat closed for decades while its abandoned track still hangs in place and gives the corner of Disneyland Park a rather-neglected feel. There was hope that fans would get confirmation of the PeopleMover’s return, along with the area’s revitalization. But instead, they heard about “Blue Sky” development projects for the Theme Parks at Walt Disney World, the integration of San Fransokyo from Big Hero 6 into Disney California Adventure, and the start of a worldwide celebration in honor of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary.

But that third announcement could explain why Disneyland Guests won’t be getting the major revamp for their Tomorrowland any time soon.

Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro, explained that Disneyland would be “the heart” of the worldwide celebration beginning as early as January 2023. They waited too long, and it is now too late to begin a Tomorrowland transformation in time.

Meanwhile pic.twitter.com/KoSQNgCIvX

— Sam Carter (@Cartarsauce) March 26, 2021

Sure, Disney was able to blame Covid partially for Guests having to deal with major construction during Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, but it is understood that no other major celebration–especially Disney’s Centennial–can start with an entire themed land closed for construction, let alone the themed land that hosts Disneyland icons like Space Mountain, the Disneyland Monorail Station, and the Submarine Voyage. And considering that it has taken the Walt Disney Imagineers more than five years just to complete a carbon copy of an already-built attraction, it stands to reason that there is little hope they would be able to jump into the Park for a complete facelift in the span of just three full months.

So Disney Fanatics will have a Disney 100 Celebration with the same outdated Tomorrowland. But we are less than three years away from Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary. So perhaps we can retain some hope that we will still see WedWay’s return in the near future.

There is good news for Disneyland Park, though. A brand new fireworks spectacular will light up the skies above Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the daytime parade Magic Happens will make a magical return.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.