Autopia at Disneyland Park must stop running its current gas-powered ride vehicles by Feb. 1, 2027, under a California emissions compliance deadline tied to the attraction's engines.
Climate-Colored Goggles first reported the deadline after reviewing public records connected to the California Air Resources Board case. People later reported that Disney said it is already working on a fully electric ride vehicle prototype.
The California Air Resources Board reached a $56,250 settlement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. in August 2024 for small off-road engine equipment violations at the Anaheim amusement park. Disney voluntarily disclosed that equipment brought into California was not materially the same as the equipment certified under Disney's executive order.
Autopia Emissions Deadline
The deadline does not give Disneyland much room to keep the attraction exactly as it is. The park has to retire the current gas-powered vehicles, convert the ride, or stop operating that version of Autopia by Feb. 1, 2027.
Disney confirmed in 2024 that Autopia would move away from gas engines. The latest reporting narrows the timing pressure around that project, though Disneyland has not announced a closure date or reopening plan for the conversion.
Original Disneyland Ride
Autopia opened with Disneyland in 1955 and remains one of Tomorrowland's original attractions. Guests still steer their own cars along a guided track, a small thrill for children who are nowhere near old enough for a real driver's license.
The ride has changed sponsors, vehicles, and scenery over the decades. Its next change is more direct: the smell and sound of gas-powered cars are running into a fixed California deadline.
Read the CARB settlement page.
Sources: Climate-Colored Goggles, People, California Air Resources Board, CARB settlement agreement, and Disneyland Resort.
Image credit: Disneyland Resort.