Character Greeting Areas in Tomorrowland

For some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, meeting characters is a magical experience (especially a favorite character from the movies).  For others, it's a stressful experience.  The list of characters below is by no means complete, but represents the characters we have personally seen and met in the Tomorrowland area of the Magic Kingdom.

Not all characters are available at all times - everything listed here is subject to change, but we'll keep it as up to date as possible.  Consult the daily park schedule for information, or ask a cast member to help you find specific characters.

Buzz Lightyear:  Near Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress attraction

Stitch:  Near Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress attraction 

Astro Orbiter

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Flying Rockets

Passengers:   2 per rocket    

Fastpass?       No       

Minimum Height:  None     

Summary:   Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Astro Orbiter allows you to blast off into space in your own rocket for a flight around Tomorrowland.  What makes this ride unique is that you board your rocket on the upper level in Tomorrowland.  After waiting in line, you ride an elevator up to the ride launch platform (on the same level as the Tomorrowland Transit Authority).  Once safely strapped into your rocket, you have the freedom to pilot your rocket higher or lower.  Rockets are slightly tilted to increase the thrill factor.

Comments:   Because this ride starts one story up from ground level, it may prove to be too scary for children with a fear of heights.  Although children can control the height of their vehicle during the ride, at the end of the ride all the rockets “reset” by climbing to the top of the attraction before lowering and stopping.  Your child has no control over this, so we recommend you prepare them ahead of the ride if this will be an issue.  This is a slow loading ride because of the need to use the elevator to reach the upper deck.

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Interactive Dark Ride  

Passengers:   2 per car         

Fastpass?       Yes      

Minimum Height:   None     

Summary:   Attention Junior Space Rangers!  Buzz Lightyear needs your help to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg!  As you move through the attractions queue, Buzz Lightyear himself explains how you need to help zap Zurg’s plans to steal the batteries of toys everywhere.  You then board your XP-37 space cruiser with mounted laser cannons for the journey to fight Zurg and his minions.  The space cruisers have a control that allows you to spin them in a full 360 degree circle, allowing you to target enemies on both sides of the ride.  Score points as your laser fire connects with targets throughout the game.  You eventually jump into hyperspace for the final showdown between the Space Rangers and the forces of Zurg.  As you exit the ride, you can see what level of Space Ranger you’ve become based on the points accumulated during the game.  Pictures are taken during the ride, which can be viewed and/or purchased as you exit. 

Comments:   This is an interactive combination of ride and video game.  Each guest shots lasers at targets and accumulate points, which are tabulated in the ride vehicle as you play.  Children with auditory stimulation issues may find the ride too loud – there are laser sounds firing constantly, as well as music and dialogue from the characters.  The hyper-space tunnel can be frightening with the strobe lights and sounds.  Guests enter and exit the vehicle on moving walkways, which can be difficult for children with transition issues.  If you have concerns, we recommend you “preview” this ride by riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, which provides you a glimpse of one section of the attraction.

Hidden Mickeys:  COMING SOON

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Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Interactive Movie/Show          

Passengers:   400 per show  

Fastpass?       No       

Minimum Height:  None     

Summary:   This is an interactive comedy show, where audience members can text jokes and see if the monsters will tell the joke as part of their comedy routine.  Hosted by the one-eyed Mike Wazowski, the monsters rely on audience laughter to fill their energy quota for the shift.  Audience members may also be asked to participate in the session by answering questions or rating the performers.  No show is the same twice.

Comments:   You may wish to request a seat near the exit in case your child becomes overwhelmed by the crowds or bored with the show.

Hidden Mickeys:  COMING SOON

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Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Space Mountain

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Roller-Coaster

Passengers:   3 per car, with individual T-Bar restraints      

Fastpass?       Yes      

Minimum Height:     44 inches minimum to ride

Summary:    Space Mountain is a high speed indoor roller-coaster with a space voyage theme.  Consistent with the themes of Tomorrowland, the ride queue is a journey through a futuristic space port on your way to board a rocket ship to travel through space.  Your ride vehicle is a narrow rocket shaped car, holding three passengers and connected to another similar car.  There are two tracks for the ride – each offering roughly the same roller-coaster experience.  After boarding the car, you prepare to enter “hyperspace” through a tunnel with rotating and flashing lights.  You climb the lift hill, and the thrill ride begins.  The ride takes place in near total darkness, with only the passing “stars” giving any light.  A futuristic soundtrack plays during the ride.  As you exit, you pass several exhibits describing space colonization, eventually ending in a gift shop.  The ride snaps your picture during one particularly thrilling spot, which you can purchase as you exit.

Comments:   This is an intense, dark, rough, high speed roller-coaster.  It is not appropriate for most young children or for low-functioning children.  The noise, flashing and pulsing lights during “takeoff”, and total darkness during the ride are troubling to children with sensory issues.  Children have their own seat with their own restraint system – parents cannot sit beside children on this ride to offer comfort or to help restrain them if needed.  The ride music may be too loud for low-functioning children or for those with auditory sensitivity.  The exit is a moving sidewalk (common in Tomorrowland) which may be difficult for children with transition issues.

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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Images:

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(Note: portions of the ride were cut from the video.  It was cut from the first drop to the last turn before the exit.  It was too dark to effectively see anything, but gives you a idea on boarding and exiting the ride.)

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Stitch's Great Escape

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Audio-Animatronic Show       

Passengers:   240 passengers          

Fastpass?       Yes      

Minimum Height:   40 inches minimum to ride       

Summary:   The story line takes place just before Stitch comes to Earth in “Lilo and Stitch”.  You have been recruited as a Galactic Federation Security Agent to help guard Stitch (also known as Experiment 626).  Your trainer – Agent Pleakley – is only prepared for lower level prisoners, and the detention facility is soon overwhelmed with the mischievous Stitch.  You receive your instructions while standing in a pre-show, then are taken into the Detention Facility where you are strapped into seats (with shoulder restraints that lower from above and lock you in place).  When Stitch escapes (as you know he will!) the lights go out and you can feel, hear, and smell Stitch as he plays with the audience. 

Comments:   The pre-show is fun for children familiar with the story, but the ride itself is too intense for low-functioning children or children with sensory issues.  The Magic Kingdom website describes this attraction as “a chaotic, multi-sensory experience”.  The restraint system is unique to this attraction, but is similar to the shoulder harnesses used on roller coasters with inversions (like “Rock-N-Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios).  Being locked in place may be difficult for children with autism.  Additionally, when the lights go out younger children may be frightened by the auditory and other sensory input of the show.  If your child loves Stitch, we recommend you enjoy the “pre-show” (training with Agent Pleakley), but ask a Cast Member for the “chicken exit” to bypass the more chaotic portion of the attraction.

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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Images:

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Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Location:   Tomorrowland                

RideType:  Gas powered Indy style car               

Passengers:   2 per car           

Fastpass?      No            

Minimum Height:  52 inches minimum to ride alone  

Summary:   Kids get the opportunity to drive a real car around an Indy style motorway in Tomorrowland.  Cars are guided by a rail to ensure there are no accidents, but otherwise the child is in complete control of the vehicle - speed, steering, and stopping.  Smaller children may need some assistance from a parent or older sibling.

Comments:   The gas engines put out fumes, similar to a lawn mower.  If your child is sensitive to smells, this may be unpleasant.  Wait times can get long in the afternoon, so try this ride early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Electric Train   

Passengers:   4-6 per car                 

Fastpass?       No       

Minimum Height:   None    

Summary:   Originally called the “People Mover”, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride takes you on a “commuter” tour of the buildings and rides of Tomorrowland.  You start the ride by reaching the upper level on a moving walkway (similar to an escalator, but with no steps).  From a slowly rotating platform, you board your car on the train.  Your tour takes you through the Carousel of Progress, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and the Star Traders shop.  This is a great way to preview several rides, including the Buzz Lightyear attraction, Space Mountain, and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway.

Comments:   The moving walkway that takes you to the upper level for boarding is at a steep angle.  Children with issues transitioning may find it intimidating.  You must board the ride from a moving platform, which may be difficult for children with transition issues.  Some of the sections are dark (especially in Space Mountain), but only briefly.  Wait times are generally short for this ride, making it a good place to visit when the park is crowded. 

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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Images:

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Location:        Tomorrowland

RideType:      Audio-Animatronic Show       

Passengers:   1400 per show

Fastpass?       No       

Minimum Height:  None     

Summary:   Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a show that follows the evolution of technology and modern conveniences in a typical American family.  The family starts by getting an “icebox” and “electric lights”.  As technology evolves, the family experiences telephones, radios, video discs, and other “modern conveniences”.  As the theatre rotates, new groups can join the ride, making wait times short.

Comments:   This show runs about 20 minutes long, and it may be difficult for a low-functioning child to follow the storyline.  Because the theatre rotates, it may also be difficult to exit during the show, so please be sure to consult a cast member if you need to leave early.

Hidden Mickeys:   COMING SOON

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