Disneyland in California is converting its Autopia car ride from gas engines to electric as part of its goal to achieve net zero emissions.
Autopia has used gas-powered cars since it debuted at Disneyland in 1955. The attraction is found in the Tomorrowland area next to Space Mountain and Star Tours.
“Since opening with Disneyland park in 1955, Autopia has remained a guest-favorite most popular with young kids experiencing driving for the first time,” Disneyland spokesperson Jessica Good told the Los Angeles Times.
“As the industry moves toward alternative fuel sources, we have developed a roadmap to electrify this attraction and are evaluating technology that will enable us to convert from gas engines in the next few years.”
Disneyland’s spokesperson did not say whether the Autopia cars would be converted to fully electric or hybrid vehicles.
The Autopia plans are part of Disney’s environmental goals for 2030, which includes achieving net zero emissions, Disneyland said in a new blog post.
The resort is also working to electrify its fleet of more than 400 vehicles. In the past year, Disneyland has converted nearly 10 percent of the fleet to zero-emissions vehicles.
Disneyland’s parking lot trams already run on compressed natural gas, and the resort’s monorail is a zero-emission transport system. Additionally, most of Disneyland’s attractions are powered by renewable energy.
Sustainability at Disney parks
Elsewhere, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour is in the process of converting its fleet of 21 diesel-hydraulic engines to electric trams to reduce both carbon emissions and noise pollution.
Walt Disney Imagineering’s Emily Dow and Caitlin Krasovic will speak at greenloop 2024, blooloop’s online conference focusing on sustainability in visitor attractions.
Now in its fourth year, greenloop aims to inform and inspire with top speakers and networking. The event takes place online on 30 April 2024.
Images courtesy of Disney
