Autopia

Another classic Disney ride from my childhood, where the memory is better than the actual ride. The cars are slow, and people in front of you may choose to stop at any time. It’s still kind of fun to do, but I wouldn’t wait in a long line to do it. But if the line is short, you might consider this, especially for kids who want to drive!

My 800^th review of course has to be something Disneyland lol. The winner is Autopia well where to begin I remember this way my childhood favorite ride at Disneyland park along with the motorboats which of course has been gone for several years. I remember back in the day all the cars were the same size shape and model just different colors the big fat steering wheel hard to turn when little and the pedal hard to push down but always a fun ride when little cause you are driving while the adult whoever is riding with you is pressing the gas pedal. After many years they changed the style of each car so that there were different shapes and looks still the hard to press down pedal and hard steering but again always a fun ride. Now to the present they revamped the cars thanks to Honda with reshaped cars with the Honda emblem on front along with the actual Honda colors of their cars which is a cool added touch. All is still the same as far as the hard pushing pedal and hard steering but still a fun ride and always brings memories of my childhood back when I’m driving. Overall still one of my fav rides in Tomorrowland and will always go on this when I can. For the newbies this is a must to experience just for the fun of driving in Disneyland.

One of my boys favorites, so we ride it a lot. They recently did a refurbishment and I think the fume situation is SO much better now! You don’t smell nearly the amount of exhaust as you are waiting to load/​unload from the car. That was one of my biggest gripes in the past, so I’m glad it seems like it has been addressed.
The line moves quickly here and the cast members do a good job moving people through the queue. The ride is about 5minutes long and is super fun for kids. My boys love being crazy driving and bouncing all over the place against the track.
I wouldn’t ride this one without my kids, hence the 4 stars instead of 5, but if you have little ones, Autopia is a sure thing!

Ok so we all remember those days as kids wanting to drive a car and this is as close as we could get until we were able to get our permits! With that being said, not a lot of adults without kids ride this but it’s still fun to do none the less. There are two lines here and 8 cars per line and there is still a wait (there is no fast pass available here). The car does drive on its own but you need to press the stop and go pedal (keep that in mind parents). They have signs everywhere on the track to make sure not to crash into the other person in front of you (but you can get away with it if you are careful). It’s a great and classic ride, you get a fake license that can be found all over the ride so maybe they should stop giving those out as it only causes trash. Oh and yes the smoke on these cars are bad but that’s only because the gas tank right behind you.

My second best ride, not exactly a ride, in Disneyland. Autopia has been around for as long as I can remember as a youngin’ and still brings back the kid in me.
The line to the ride runs fairly quickly. The road, although rocky and bumpy, really made me feel like I was driving a real vehicle as a kid.
The only drawback and unforgettable was the toxic smell of gas or at the bottom. I’m sure it’s not run on actual gas, but whatever chemical it’s run on, it’s pretty toxic.
Overall, still a fun ride.

After getting through (Hyper)space Mountain, we stayed in the Tomorrowland area and waited about 30 – 40 minutes here at Autopia to drive a car. I went with my friend because my other friends told me to «entertain her driving» and so I did.
The area smells like car exhaust and it gets really sickening after awhile, but I feel bad for all the workers. Autopia splits you into 2 lines, and in those 2 lines they split you into 2 groups. They put you in a car which seats 2 people and the driver (on the right) then takes the pedal and floors it.
They tell you to be careful, because you CAN hit the person in front of you. Another thing is that the pedal sticks, so it does take some hard pushing to get to. But my friend gave me such a rocky ride because she couldn’t turn. Gosh it’s like I was being driven by a five year old person who was acting so happy when she got into Disneyland for the first time. Gosh was she happy. It was a fun track and takes about 5 minutes to get through (or if you’re a bad driver or just bad, it might takes a little longer).
Enjoy the track!
Fastpass: Yes
Sick Drops: ¹⁰⁄₁₀ it’s called your friend being bad at driving and making you throw up. I didn’t throw up.
0/​10, level ground.
Also dot_​ham, you suck

Who doesn’t enjoy a pointless drive every now and then?
Driving around on a track at a few miles per hour can be quite the enjoyable experience for anyone who chooses to partake in such an awesome activity!
This ride is a staple to the park for all the little grommets out there who want to drive but might be a little to young to hit up that place everyone loves called the DMV!
One of the fun parts about driving down the Autopia track is when you let your car go on auto drive basically just holding down the pedal and letting it bounce off the railings back and forth giving you a type of side to side whiplash as that’s always fun just because! Hahaha!
This attraction has been here since I was a little one and I can’t count how many times I have driven on this track even before when they had two separate tracks that were combined to what you have now. This has always been one of my favorite things to do in the park as the line is generally not that long even more so if you grab one of the Fastpasses that’s sure to make it just an all around good time!
I’m not exactly sure where all the cars came about from but I do remember where Suzy the coupe car came from she was in a Disney short that used to play sometimes along side the Donald, and Mickey cartoons. The Suzy one was about the cars life from being new to getting run down and ending up at the junk yard only to find herself getting restored in the end with a nice new owner this was just one of the many awesome Disney shorts that just don’t really play anymore.
I’ll be looking forward to my next trip to Autopia as it might be my last as from what I’ve herd this area will be demolished to make room for more Star Wars stuff.

One of my favorite rides at Disneyland!
I love this ride because it really ages well, and with all the updates a few years back, it stays relevant.
I would recommend this ride to those of you wanting a shorter line and the ability to sit down for a bit longer during a ride.

The one place in Disneyland where you can relive your kiddie days when you always wanted to go behind the wheel! Autopia is your utopia for reliving such nostalgic memories.
I remember coming as a kid getting on this ride. Its a slow car ride that has a reek of gasoline! Beware of them fumes! This ride can get packed but the line always seems to go by quick. No bumping is allowed… well, not that it’ll let you anyways! Up to two can sit in a car. I usually prefer going alone on it! It is a fun ride for the kids.
You can always get your customized license picture at the end of the ride. Other than that, just sit back, step viciously on the gas pedal and prepare to go on the wildest 5mph ride of your life! Oh… buckle up for safety, lastly!!!

It’s been years since we’ve been on this «ride». We usually try to do things that are new or not normal for us when we’re at the parks on a rare uncrowded day. My Disney Parks app told me that the wait for Autopia was 5 minutes, so we hopped into line.
The Disney Parks app lied to me.
Thirty minutes later, we were nearing the front of the line, and decided that we’d pair up, with me being the driver.
Before I get to that experience, though, let me say that their apparent partnership with the Chevron resulted in an overabundance of Techron car tie-​ins. The talking, moving dioramas they have in the queue were interesting, but caused a bit of over-​excitement with the children who just HAD to see what was going on — even if that meant stepping on or bumping into you as you stood in front of the display.
Anyway — the wait was far longer than promised (I think the Disney Parks app is bad at guessing, because they promised 40 minutes for Radiator Springs Racers, but we were in line for 70 minutes…), but the cast members at the front were efficient at pointing people in the right directions.
We lined up inside our white box to wait for our car, and entered when told. The cars are much louder than I remember them being, and much lower to the ground. And let’s be real — it’s not like I’ve gotten much taller since the last time I «rode» this.
The cast member working the line went through the safety precautions with us before giving us the signal to go. So I stepped on the pedal and…
*sputter, sputter, chug…*
My husband, meanwhile, is in the «passenger seat» dying laughing to himself. He’s thinking to himself, «My wife can’t even drive a fake car, ffs!»
We went stuttering sputtering down the track, me frantically pressing — almost standing on — the pedal to get the car to GO, all the while turning the steering wheel in an effort to prove to myself that I was, in fact, in control.
Sputter stutter down the track we went. It was slow-​going. It was painful. It was pathetic. It was painful. I know I already said that. But at one point, I really did start getting a cramp in my calf, from trying to push my foot through the pedal.
I asked my husband to check behind us to see if there was anybody close, because I was fixin’ to remove my foot and let him work the pedal. He gave the all clear, laughing to himself the entire time, and when I removed my foot (the car lurching to a halt on the tracks), he obligingly pushed down on the pedal, and…
*sputter, sputter, chug…*
Vindicated, I happily spun the steering wheel every which way, knowing that my husband was doing everything he could to get our poor little car to move faster, and that it was not working for him in the least.
It was a cute little adventure — different from what I remembered, with a lot more «environment» added to the scenery. I can see how it’d be a thrill for kids who can’t wait to drive, but for us, it was a lark.
Oh, and the «get your Autopia driver’s license» booths by the exit? I SO wanted one of my own, so we stepped up to the booth, pulled back the curtain, then instantly recoiled at the $ 5 price tag. FIVE DOLLARS!
Yep, I’m pretty cheap, indeed.

This ride is usually ok, but this time we got stuck for over an hour under the blaring, hot sun! My poor kids were drenched in sweat and exhausted. They did give us all a fast pass for any ride in the park… but…I do not think I will go back on this again.

This ride at Disneyland brought back memories when I was a kid about 25 years ago. Now in my 30’s, I still enjoyed this ride. I am sure over the years the cars at Autopia changed its style because I don’t remember the cars looking so modern now.
The concept of Autopia has been the same throughout the years which is «driving» a car on a road. Why did I place the quotes around driving? Because while you can steer the wheel to move the car left and right and accelerate with the gas pedal, the car is still on a guide rail as you move along. It prevents you from going off course. Also there is no brake pedal so to slow down just simply take your foot off the gas. They advise you to keep a car length of spacing between the driver in front and you that way you won’t accidently bump the car. When you are near the docking station after you take a spin on their course, carefully slow down in the area because staff are guiding the car and you. Just follow their instructions and you should be fine.
Autopia is for all ages but if the child is too short, they won’t be able to reach the pedal so someone taller will need to ride with her/​him. The child still can steer the car they just need help accelerating. The car doesn’t go fast at all maybe walking speed and the course has lots of turns to enjoy. There are some funny signs along the way so keep an eye out for them.
This is a popular ride and lines can get fairly long. No Fastpass here. Plan accordingly. Located in Tomorrowland. Have fun!

When I was just a lad, i loved Autopia… I mean, what blue-​blooded American kid didn’t dream of racing a dragster along a winding road, only to brutally rear-​end a perfect stranger without fear of reprisal? Still, I vividly remember my dad’s prognostication: «The day you get your driver’s license, Autopia won’t be fun anymore… Until you bring your own kids on it.»
Dad’s assertions were all correct. The glorified riding mower engines cleverly disguised as go cart dragsters lost their appeal once I could swipe dad’s keys to the truck, and take off on the SoCal roads and highways, unfettered by a raised center track that kept me in the one lane Autopia thoroughfare.
I happen to enjoy the smell of burning fossil fuels (must have been those formative years working as a deckhand on diesel-​burning fishing boats) so the delightfully rich-​running 50 to 1 engines harken me back to simpler times.
Indeed, taking my own offspring on this ride rejuvenates the experience: I pretty much stand on the accelerator, and my kid does his/​her best to steer through the twists and turns at a screaming 4 miles per hour. «Improved» bumpers and throttle governors keep collisions somewhat less vertebrae-​wrenching, but it’s still fun to slam into an unsuspecting mom and her child, only to be reprimanded by Disney Autopia staff about the dangers of such maneuvers. A hard crash seems to kill the engine sometimes, too. Oh well, nothing a short walk to the Karl Strauss beer cart in California Adventure can’t cure.
Interestingly, if you were to time it right, you can technically drive blotto on Autopia after sucking down several IPAs at the other park, high tailing it across the property with a fast pass, and experience the Disney whimsical magic of driving shah’fazzed drunk on Autopia and making it home alive… You can’t do that one with a California driver’s license on the I-​5, Dad.

I can remember a time back in the glory days of my youth when this used to be one of the highlights of my Disneyland visits. Autopia was one of, if not my favorite ride. Those days are long behind me and the ride has now been bogged down by too many inconsistent factors.
For some reason which I can no longer understand this ride tends to always have a long line. The ride itself is longer than most which is a major plus but the fact that it’s standards for who can ride by themselves and who can’t is far too generous in my opinion. I cannot count how many times I have been behind a car driven by a small child who doesn’t have the size or leg strength to hold in the pedal long enough to get their car going consistently and without an adult in the car with them, thus making this ride take an eternity. I have been on here at times where it is so mind numbingly slow moving that I have tried turning into the track numerous times hoping the car would jump off and let me go around. The track itself has had some nice changes over the years and has 4 different paths which helps move things along at times (and adds a bit of diversity) but the stoppage at the end of the ride is absolutely insane.
As you are completing the course and pulling back up the load/​unload area all cars come to a complete stop due to the loading process of getting people in/​out of these cars taking far too long. I have seen this caused by anything from people goofing off, to taking selfies to simply not being able to get the car started (they stall out when you idle for too long without giving it any gas). I have experienced first hand the difficulty at times of getting these cars restarted once they stall out. Pump the gas to your hearts content but the car will restart if and only if and when it wants to. This really sucks away the fun from the ride and ruins the overall experience. If the Disney Imagineers can come up with a better system for this process then this could fix what has recently become a tedious and broken process.
Overall, this ride is great for kids and adults who have a bit of patience but despite the fact that mine has improved (ever so slightly), this ride pushes it to its limits and frustrates me more than it brings me enjoyment. Perhaps it’s time for another renovation or for Disney to replace it all together with a more modern take for a new generation or with something else all together.

The folks complaining about the fumes probably complain about how cold ice cream is or how hot soup is.
This is an older ride with older mini cars that make a ton of noise and remind me very much of my Dad’s riding lawn mower that I used to kill to «drive». Also reminds me of my brother’s gas powered go-​kart, just slower! Or our 4 wheeler! VROOM! Relive those fun childhood moments (that’s if you grew up in the days before video gaming and couch surfing became the norm)! The Only things I would change about this ride would be SHADE — lots more of it down by the track… And I would make those babies go faster!
Small Kid ¹⁰⁄₁₀
My Return factor: 60%

Slow and steady. I don’t really enjoy driving on Autopia especially after driving for about an hour from San Diego but the kids love it! If the wait is over an hour don’t waste your time go to other attractions and come back.

Fast pass makes it all worth it!
Did you know kids look up to adults? They loooove the idea of being in control and it’s so super fun for them to reverse the roles and be in the drivers seat!
The length of this ride for how quick the fast pass gets you in is great! It’s a lot of fun for kids big enough to press the pedals and see over the wheel but nothing too special for kids to ride along in or actual driving age persons that want to speed.
Highly recommended to stop by and get a fast pass as the window was only about an hour from when we got them. My niece and I got fast passes around 3:30 to return between 4:50 and 5:50 then walked over to fantasy land to watch the 4pm 25min show and we’re back in time for our window.
The best part about fast passes is the way you’re treated like a chosen one just for planning ahead. You wiz by others in line (and feel a tad guilty doin it) and the wait is cut down to about 15 mins instead of the traditional line offering 45+.
Plan ahead and your 7 – 14 yr old will love this simulation of grown-​up-​ness! Just be sure to lean your head back against the head rest so they don’t hurt your neck when they crash into the center guide block!

Cough, cough, GAG, cough! The smoke! The exhaust!
But we’re barely going any faster than a Segway.
It’s not a bumper car ride but these kids don’t give a shit, not one bit!
Neither do their grandparents. :)
C’mon Disney, haven’t heard of Electric Cars yet?
It’s 2015 and this is supposed to be Tomorrow Land!
How about «flying» cars!
I’d gladly wait 1.5 hours in line for that.

Autopia is located in Tomorrowland. As a child this was my favorite ride. You basically sit in a car and drive. The car can fit one parent and a child but I always preferred riding solo. If I’m riding with someone, I like to be the driver.
:Experience:
It’s like a car, you move the steering wheel and press on the gas pedal. The car is on a metal track that guides the vehicle so you can’t drive in any direction. It’s fun moving the steering wheel side to side, hearing the car «putter», and driving under the bridge. I like to pretend I’m racing even if the car moves slow. It’s a short ride but I still enjoy it.
:“Meh” Moment:
The cars are powered by gas so you can smell the fumes; it’s strong.

While taking an easy 45 minute to two hour drive to Disneyland, there is one attraction that you don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket at. Although it may not be your first choice, but as a kid, you wanted to be behind the wheel. All ages are welcomed at Autopia in Tomorrowland.
There are mixed reviews about Autopia. Update the attraction? Leave it alone? I am mixed. As an adult, I love driving my vehicle. At the same time, I look forward to getting in an Autopia car. At one point, Chevron was a sponsor for this attraction, but not sure where that went. With Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, Autopia is redundant. The future of Autopia has some rumors going on, but this review is about how I enjoy and see some areas of improvement.
I loved this ride as a kid. As a kid, we all wanted to be behind the wheel. We didn’t know about car insurance, replacing the tire, or worry about $$$$. We just wanted to drive. Now, I drive a huge vehicle and probably put 6 of this go-​karts on my truck. The go-​karts fit two people, but its more one adult and one small child. Most of us adults go in separate vehicles. These vehicles are gasoline powered. Its a good thing that we don’t have to pay for gas or pull on the side to re-​fuel. However, the cars are controlled to max its speed limit and engines turn off when the car idles.
I love driving around and suddenly stopping to hear the brakes screech. The one part I love is driving under the bridges. Especially the Monorail bridge. I am a tall guy and I love thinking that I might hit my head. The one thing that does need work is the vehicle. That can mean many things. The fumes is the big item. When a vehicle runs on gasoline, you don’t want to smell it. The second would be the size. My foot pressing pedal is always in an awkward position. Last, its the steering wheel. Most of us, just press and let it go on cruise control. Most of the time, I hit my knee making turn that my vehicle can make easy. I think these go-​karts need to go power steering :)
This is one attraction that is outdated, but does have a place in a lot of our hearts. If this ride was updated, it would have been cool if the characters from Cars was integrated. Since Cars is in DCA, the future of Autopia seems less brighter everyday. So, I enjoy every minute riding before I have to say, «Goodbye!»
You think I write too much? Well, you can call me a Unilocal-​O-​Holic!