THE END of Disney Park Kinetic Synergy, The Problem With Tomorrowland

Disney Park Kinetic Synergy has sadly come to an end. Tomorrowland used to have tons of Kinetic Synergy as several Disney Park attractions would share the same space. Autopia, Submarine Voyage, The Monorail, and The People Mover all shared the Kinetic Synergy of existing together in the same shared footprint inside Tomorrow at Disneyland.
However, the Kinetic Synergy has lost its energy and created a painful Disney Park design lesson that Walt Disney Imagineering has not replicated in any new lands created inside the Disney Parks in the last decade. \
Today's Chapters:
00:00 - The Problem With Autopia And Tomorrowland
01:02 - What Is Disney Parks Synergy
02:39 - Big In Land Mass But Small In Return
05:04 - The End of Disney Parks Theme Park Synergy
06:54 - Fixing Tomorrowland Is Not Easy. A Disney Parks Design Lesson Learned
08:57 - A New Era In Disney Parks Theme Park Design
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[@kelaarin]

I completely disagree that the fans "love the IP surrounded by spending options"; that's what the execs WANT the fans to want. It's completely overloaded.

[@ninjagirl226]

That’s my opinion too. People jump to IP driven rides because it’s simple, but if Disney had only done IP driven rides we wouldn’t have gotten the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Expedition Everest, and other attractions. Some of these have become highly marketable and the inspiration for films and shows, it that was never the intent when they were made. What mattered was that park goers loved the ride. And if anything in some areas I’d argue the IP hurts more than it helps like Epcot. Why is Frozen in Norway again?

[@lukevaxhacker7762]

Seems like a simple misunderstanding of IP in Tomorrowland and Epcot. It's the *sponsors* who get to market something with the ride. Seems like he's forgotten when Chevron sponsored the ride, using *their* IP of cartoon cars.

[@OgasBoyfriend]

The care in which this video was written, edited, and crafted elevates the game for Disneyland creators. Well done!

[@badkarma3059]

I miss how Tomorrow Land used to be so alive. Sadly we all know Tomrrow Land has a serious identity crisis. I wish there was a way to revive the energy of the past land without turning it into another "IP Land" that being said, a great points Sir, and well done as always.

[@nzjonty]

This is why I love Adventures in Design - such an insightful look into the what, where, how and why. I have always loved the synergy and layering that Disney Parks have, making it feel like a real place. Hopefully the component-like replacement model doesn’t hang around and they can return to seeing the value in integrated attractions. Love your work Brickey! It’s so appreciated

[@amandak1683]

Thank you for another insightful video, Brickey! You always bring up new concepts that I would have never thought of. As usual, your editing is superb and I love the music that you set in the background.

[@scarygary]

This is a wonderful take of why this kind of design has gone away. You really do have such a great eye for design

[@anab.7450]

Loved seeing the bird's eye view of the various transportation systems! And of course loved seeing my good ol people mover! Thank you for another lovely video! ❤️

[@Kristine14]

I fail to see the hard core attraction of people mover. Please elaborate, if you care to. Thank you

[@Samson_Collins]

You’ve become the king of the Disneyland mini-doc on KZbin. This is the content I’m interested in watching!

[@RedheadedMama]

Love love love this video! It made me sad but it’s so true! Biggest regret is not riding the monorail or autopia when I was there. But it gave me a good reason to go back one day. I just love history and this is just so awesome! Club 1313 💗🏰

[@Pab-B]

I was fully agreeing with you on Autopia, then I had to pause to take care of something. When I came back, the video was @ 6:53 I hesitated to continue bc what I saw is the look of pure joy on that person's face. Perhaps she was remembering the first time she rode this ride. Maybe the first time was with someone who isn't around anymore. I have mixed feelings about it. Although I understand Disneyland would never change if we can't let go of these things, it's difficult just the same. Thank you for everything you do Brickey!

[@ScanFan_Ed]

Wow…. This may be one of your best videos. Extremely educational and accurate. Really makes the thought of any future for Tomorrowland to be questionable. Thank you!

[@wildeprince737]

I love when you do these types of videos probably the most! You have a beautiful way of mixing content with feeling and understanding. Riding the Skyway from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland was one of my favorite things to do because of the explosion of synergy. Imagine seeing all the whimsical movement of Fantasyland give way to the "world on the move" energy of Tomorrowland. Riding thru the Matterhorn was a bonus of seeing the bobsleds race around right underneath your sky bucket.

[@nf1nk]

Very well done. You did a great job outlining the critical difference between flexible modular design and the older Kinetic Synergy. I loved the synergy but I can see how it is holding back the future.

[@rlarry562]

Love watching these old school videos of the parks. Keep up the great work with the editing. Your production on each video is off the charts. I still stand by that you should be the next David Attenborough for Disney next documentary

[@michaelmorrow6152]

Thanks Brickey for your continued deep cut videos that really explain design aspects. Brilliant vision and outlook

[@JamesBrown-hs9yz]

Great video. Loved this perspective. Have felt similarly about Autopia for some time but could never articulate it like you did here. Beautifully presented.

[@newlexness]

That all makes sense, but kids do love Autopia. I remember getting to drive that car long before I could drive for real. I would be happy if they just brought back the old attractions (Peoplemover, Carousel Of Progress, Captain EO, and put the Rockets back up in the air), but you are right in that those will not be big money makers.

[@Eliel7230]

Very interesting take on this particular design element. I really enjoyed this as it brought to mind my first experience of Autopia in the mid 1960's.

[@LIndalecio87]

Wow Brickey! I felt like I was watching something truly original here. Loved the infusion of vintage and current footage, along with the design overlay POV. Your technical skills also shine here! Just appreciate your content and all that I learn with each video. Well done friend. #sip

[@theshow16]

So beautifully done, Brickey. I already think you're great and you keep pushing the limits. Just when I think you have done your best work, you continue to raise the bar. I feel lucky and blessed that you constantly share such greatness with us. Reminds me of how you kept everyone positive who were going through ("the snap"), I mean, pandemic with your videos of hope, truth and feeling. Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@katecamellia]

Always so cinematic! I waved at you at round 65 in NOS. Great video!

[@seeegs]

Your short form documentary style videos are so, so good. Loved seeing all of the old footage. Wish I could have experienced that version of Tomorrowland.

[@carrierobinson6474]

Such a great breakdown on the Tomorrowland Breakdown. It seems so large in infrastructure issues that it may not ever be feasible to fix it without closing that entire section of the park and starting from scratch as you have mentioned before, to rebuild a new land, from the ground up, once they have something new and needed. Maybe once they finish Toon town, they can gate off Tomorrowland and start over. Wonderful and beautiful video explanation everyone can grasp. Thank you Brickey!

[@MrCocoloco]

This is one hell of an edit. This absolutely deserves every view and sooo much more. Your analysis of Tomorrowland and the lack of energy hits the nail right on the head. It's sad that content like this doesn't get viewed so much as watching others go on a cruise or eat the a new churro cupcake. Not to rag on other channels, but I don't see anyone else putting this much effort in, as often as you. I'll echo this sentiment in the discord, but I feel like Disney isn't so much the problem as it is the creators who visit the parks everyday. The content out there is weighed so much more toward merch, food, and lifestyle vlogs that Disney feels like it's more responding to that, oppose to vis versa. You celebrate the parks better than anyone.

[@judithmedina4822]

Brickey, thank you for this video! This is a great explanation of the issues with Tomorrowland. I hope that someone finds a solution and brings back the “Disney Synergy” back to Tomorrowland!

[@winterds1]

Another awesome video, Brickey!!!! I love watching the footage from the opening years of the parks!

[@tomdelia1209]

Bricky your amazing. I love the way you tell these stories and how you do these videos. Great work. Love to watch all the way here in New Jersey.

[@rebeccaleek3852]

This is fascinating! Thank you, Brickey! Love your work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@azdesertrat7414]

I know its alot of work, but if they replaced Autopia with the Tron coaster. That would bring many more people in as a main attraction, and take away from space mountain. They could make it an indoor/ outdoor ride going through those beautiful trees. Also bring back that mission to the moon but do mission to mars and utilize that building.

[@JesseAdventure]

Hopefully Someday Autopia The musical will open

[@jamesmorante8427]

100%, thanks again for the tremendous and sophisticated Disney content! I miss the Matterhorn and Skyway synergy the most!

[@MoonFairy929]

Man. You really captured how amazing Tomorrowland was in its hay day.

[@mandymoments73]

More excellent content with great insight, education and editing. Always a joy to watch. Thanks!

[@thebluetarp]

What sucks about the Lagoon is that there is absolutely nowhere to sit and simply look at it. This entire land needs to be demolished unfortunately. You cannot demolish autopia without demolishing the submarine attraction. It's coming, and we might as well all get okay with it

[@jdon1737]

Video is well edited. Very informative but kinetic synergy is underrated. Walt said it was not about making a buck but fulfilling a need. This is where modern Disney has missed it. Walt was out to make the world into a better place. Modern Disney is out to make a buck. He knew things people that just focus on money missed. He was willing to spend the extra money to keep the park clean even when told it was not financially smart. What might seem a financial obstacle that doesn’t appear to produce direct revenue actually does indirectly. People do buy tickets to see the monorail ride over the submarines. It’s part of the whole experience. Without it you’re going to be on par with places like universal. And that’s exactly what Disney has done.

[@chesk1]

Totally agree with what you have said, and you have articulated it perfectly. I think modern Disney is too much focused on the statistics/data/financials, and this negatively impacting the parks. It seems Disney is chasing to become more like universal, and although i enjoy universal, I enjoy what Disney has historically been also.

[@edstrong597]

Another Great Adventures in Design video ! It’s too bad they can’t keep up the old synergy of Tomorrow Land. That old video looked like a fun Tomorrow Land.

[@brettwesterfield4866]

Always great content and perspective!

[@dapper-Dan]

Great video Brickey! Really enjoying the content lately.

[@Ilicia_08]

I want an update for Tomorrowland so bad! It’s been needing it for YEARS 😩 I think it would be nice to go on the people mover. It hasn’t worked since before I was born so I’ve never ridden it.

[@nf325]

I like the concept of the return of the People Mover but those skinny elevated tracks in the vintage video get my fear of heights going .

[@chesk1]

I enjoyed watching your video and the care in production and narration (well done), though I have an issue with theme park space being quantifiable by revenue per square foot (even though I’m sure Disney does). Even though I’m relatively young, and I’m the target demographic for avengers/ Star Wars, one of my favorite areas is rivers of America, and Tom Sawyer Island… which I can hop onto and escape from the hustle of the park, and just enjoy the quiet whilst the river boat floats by. This area also I’m sure would have low revenue per square foot, and has high kinetic energy with the rides/attractions within this space. Everything needs balance; and I think you need some areas with kinetic energy to maintain the parks integrity, as well as some areas not focusing on revenue, to allow guests to relax for a bit from running around today. I think Galaxy’s edge is a good example of low kinetic energy and push for high return per square foot, as I feel it’s a land which is souless, and after riding the rides, with nothing to do besides spending money on food or merch.

[@400rvf]

I’m not sure what to say. I could say nice job Brickey on another great video. But for me it’s more than that. I remember going to the park when all that synergy was happening. All of the attractions moving together like a beautiful dance. This video brought back all of the great memories I have with my family and friends from that era. Content like this reminds me that I need to up my monthly club1313 membership so you can continue to create great Disney content. Thanks.

[@troystaiger6154]

Knowing my opinion wouldn’t happen, bring back Tomorrowland of the past, retro old school synergy, people would love it

[@mar-lynn4701]

I enjoyed the different perspective on Disneyland synergy.. if fact I didn't really understand why I enjoyed hanging around that area until I watched your video. You made some frightening good points - frightening because I love everything that Walt had his hands on.. found myself saying but they can't touch Autopia Brickey! Love how you take us through these thoughts and what ifs. Another great video! ❤

[@kathryncargill3015]

Your artistic sense is outstanding. Many thanks!!

[@glennvines8173]

Very well thought out and presented. We can only hope that the Tomorrowland issues will be fixed and return some long lost synergy.

[@Wednesday.addams...]

They should put villain's land, people already love the characters. Have events on Halloween.

[@lisacubbon8508]

The music was a dirge but I understand why. Great story telling. Thanks Brickey

[@Lil_Homie.]

Ricky, you stated that Disney has all IP’s covered, so why wouldn’t they just consider restoring Tomorrow land to its former pristine glory and renaming it to, (Tomorrow land of Yesteryear) keeping Walt’s original vision of what may become possible in the future.

[@MrCocoloco]

Incredible video, Brickey!!

[@JoshuaSAlt31]

You are the best Disneyland KZbin Filmmaker. In my opinion you are right most of the time. Avengers Land should be expanded and Tomorrowland needs more attractions.

[@MrDOHC1JZ]

I like the idea of the Frozen, Peter Pan area that’s going into Tokyo DL. That would be amazing.

[@lovelo8780]

Thanks Brickey for another video. What do you think about having 'Epcot' rides in Tomorrowland like Test Track, Living with The Land, and others?

[@stigsjolund]

Fantastic. THANK YOU

[@michaelmorrow6152]

I’m one of those people that cringe at the thought of an original Disneyland ride or attraction close down BUT that being said I can count the number of times I have been on Autopia in the past 10 years. Lot of prime real estate for just one ride.

[@lorireffett9997]

Thank you, very informative.

[@sarafulton1595]

Thank you for your content!

[@honeyfromthebee]

I’ve never heard it called Sorrowland before, but it fits. 😂 It’s sad because it was my favorite back in the day when I was a kid Thanks for another great video!!

[@trekkeruss]

When I was little, Autopia was my very favorite attraction. Never mind that it was then a mere C ticket, or should I say coupon. I loved the then-new PotC and Haunted Mansion too, but being a child and getting to drive a car was special! I know I made my parents let me ride it over and over on more than one trip to Disneyland. I suppose if Disney wanted to, they could imagineer a Tron coaster track under and over the existing monorail track, and make it completely unique compared to the Shanghai and WDW versions. But personally, I think the company ought to keep the Autopia as one of the legacy attractions. Maybe they could shorten the track and use the space freed for a Tron coaster also, or whatever.

[@daphneleah4210]

Great art direction and information in this video!

[@DavidinSLO]

One of the many problems with “Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge” is that it’s the only land in Disneyland with zero kinetic energy. That is, there’s no visible moving rides anywhere within the land.

[@jamesl1130]

It was the testing ground for Walts version of EPCOT, minus the underground portion for the cars to be out of sight inside of his dream.

[@ninjagirl226]

And the lack of synergy in lands like Avengers campus or Star Wars is what brings them down. These are supposed to be immersive but that lack of synergy limits that immersion.

[@MrCocoloco]

Completely agreed. I always thought the ornaments on-top of the web slingers gift shop (whatever it's called) would spin. They look like they should, and that little bit of energy would make the land feel so much more lively. Simple touches like that feel so much more inviting.

[@chrismurray6606]

Another fantastic piece. Love all the great aerial footage. You didn’t bring in every park fans dream concept art the Adventureland/Indy piece with the intersected train, Jungle Cruise and Indy. Maintenance and operations are complicated and as you noted space is precious. This will be one to return to periodically as a reminder of what impacts choices. #club1313

[@DerekHoiem]

Great analysis.

[@Skylab707]

Brilliant analysis.

[@jenjerman.lifeafterfive.2451]

The People mover was the best, Tomorrow land worked so well with all the rides that used to be there, they need to restore it and call it yesteryear, a retro land, now that would be cool 😎

[@richarddavis9605]

Don't forget the Skyliner

[@WestinNReptar]

Couldn't they have rethemed Autopia to "Cars" without spending much money and achieving a more "current" profile?

[@ginamiller6441]

Watching again 😊

[@Ka2Fiti]

What a conundrum. I wish they could lean into the connective tissue and make it work. Something that integrates the transportation aspect. If it’s about travel they could extend the theme from Small World with a few destination areas like a mini Epcot world showcase. But space mountain has to stay!

[@ShittyNapkins]

From a 1950s perspective, Tomorrowland WAS immersive -- its just that its attractions overlap. But that was the point of 'tomorrow'. To get density and take advantage of unused space. Jungle Cruise would be more awesome if it intertwined with Indiana Jones. What about Frontierland / New Orleans square / Rivers of America. Each element is somewhat isolated from the other, historically speaking, but they all flow together. And, the various pieces were not all there in 1955. I see this as an addition of synergy, without the entanglement of ride geography. In some ways, the situation of Tomorrowland is a microcosm of globalism. Everything is so connected and reliant on a single part of infrastructure it is very hard to swap out individual parts.

[@MrCocoloco]

When Indiana Jones was first idealized, they had imagined both The DLRR & (I believe) Jungle Cruise. It was too ambitious and as always would cost too much money. At least the artwork still lives on!

[@agustdan6599]

Autopia needs to go, it's time us up. Tomorrow Land us in dire need of an upgrade.

[@MrHaaspaul]

Autopia does not look like it takes up more land area of Disneyland than the Jungle Cruise……but no one is suggesting ripping that attraction out just because it does not make money. Both attractions are located on very beautiful landscaped lands…..don’t get rid of either one of them.

[@QuatroAtYale]

I get it, mostly. But they did manage to take out the sky tram, which was also in synergy with Tomorrowland. So it's possible. Oh, and didn't you mention that they'd left room for that Bantha ride in Galaxy's Edge (that was a good vid)? Oh, you said that. Batuu doesn't have enough kinetics, but Tomorrowland has too many to allow change. Sounds like a problem to set a bunch of Imagineers working on. Like I said, good vid.

[@campbellbeattie8983]

They could make a mini Avatar Land

[@someweirdo9700]

Damn. This was depressing. I mean, its very well done and I love it (like all your content). But... Damn.... RIP TL '67 and your design ideals.

[@keithwillis3761]

🥲 Shedding a tear.

[@raphaelmarquez9650]

You could've just said "car bad," so people will be on board with why Autopia became such a problematic attraction over the decades.

[@markvandivort7587]

Sadly the idiots in charge have ruined the park to the point I do not bother to go back they have lost years and years of my support and money ..

[@robertdavidsanders]

Spot-f'ing-on!!!!

[@federalist4561]

You know what they say about attractions with big footprints?

[@anckrnews]

I’m not saying that this analysis is entirely incorrect. It’s very believable that Disney would choose to compromise the quality of the guest experience to reduce the complexity and cost of building and evolving the parks. What bothers me about the attitude in this video (and other Brickey videos), is that Disney should do this and guests do (or perhaps should) prefer it. These videos frequently feel like they are trying to rationalize the cheapening of the parks as something that guests actually want. They shouldn’t. All of the themed lands build in the last decade cited in this video are mediocre compared the design approach that preceded them. I expect Disney to do better than other parks. Brickey seems to think people want Disney to do less. Ridiculous.

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

peoplemover is coming back

[@bernecomp]

Call me a heretic, but wouldn't it be fun and unique if Disney Parks were the only place where kinetic synergy between all these different universes that Disney now owns were whimsically developed and promoted. Let the universes bleed onto each other and interact in crazy and unexpected ways. Most of these bloated intellectual properties that Disney has paid many millions for are past their prime. Instead of modular, insular coexistence, let them symbiotically reinvent and revitalize each other in a kinetically synergistic masterful melding that only Disney could pull off.

[@jennamahaffy9553]

Autopia iiiisss my headliner, and the reason im buying my next 3 day family of 4 tickets actually... we took my kids for their first time and didnt get to ride the cars.... just saying. If they kill these old classics I will go less it will not feel like walts park anymore just cheap. 😭

[@edstrong597]

👍