ANAHEIM, Calif. — One of the original attractions that has been around since Disneyland’s opening day in 1955 is undergoing a major change.
After nearly 70 years, Autopia, a gas-powered ride that allows kids a chance to get behind the wheel and drive their parents, is going electric, Disneyland confirmed to CBS 8.
The Disneyland resort is developing plans to fully electrify the Tomorrowland attraction, as the theme parks continue to work towards their goal of net zero emissions by 2030.
“Since opening with Disneyland park in 1955, Autopia has remained a guest-favorite most popular with young kids experiencing driving for the first time,” said Jessica Good, Disneyland spokesperson. “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.
The Disneyland Resort is ramping up construction and development in and outside of the Anaheim theme parks.
The plans to phase out gas-powered cars at Autopia fall in line with Disneyland’s roadmap to increase the theme park’s reliance on renewable energy and cleaner fossil fuels, Disneyland officials said.
In March, Disney marked a major milestone in its nearly $2 billion, multi-decades long plan to change and expand the Disneyland Resort.
The Anaheim Planning Commission voted 5-1 after a nearly six-hour meeting in March to move the Disneyland Forward project to the Anaheim City Council for approval.
With the approval of new zoning changes, Disneyland Forward could be a sweeping, historic revamp for the Disneyland Resort if passed by the city council.
The decades-long project could bring immersive new lands and experiences only found at international Disney Parks to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
WATCH RELATED: Disneyland July 17, 1955 Opening Day
