Today at Disneyland, there is one Autopia. However, back in the day, it almost seemed like there were Autopias EVERYWHERE! There was the Tomorrowland Autopia, The Fantasyland Autopia/Junior Autopia (1956—1999), and finally...the politically incorrect Midget Autopia (April 23, 1957 to 1966)! I would definitely want to see first-hand each and every one of these alternative Autopias.
Here you can see both Fantasyland and Midget Autopia tracks, as well as The Viewliner:
A few shots from the Fantasyland/Junior Autopias:
Note that the Omnibus once traveled into Tomorrowland/Fantasyland:
And the Midget Autopia:
My favorite part of this attraction is seeing the gleeful abandon on the faces of these little tots. It is so refreshing. Kids need more of that today.
See more vintage & current Autopia photos on my Autopia web page.
I can barely remember the Midget Autopia, but I can remember how much I enjoyed the ride and going though those double garage doors at the end. At the time, I thought it was cool to have the front lights on the car. I can't recall if the rear actually lit up though. Have to check out my Dad's old 8mm film as I know he took pictures of me. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMidget and Junior Autopia is couple of years before my time, but I always love seeing images of them. I think Disneyland lacks these types of attractions today. I saw more smiles from small children on the Motor Boat Cruise than on a lot more sophisticated attractions at the park.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 7 and 8 I loved the Midget Autopia. To me it was like a dark ride outside in the sun.
ReplyDeleteI still love the Autopias, and vintage photos of them too.
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