Disney World Confirms Immediate Closure of PeopleMover Ride at Magic Kingdom

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A look at the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park, taken from below.

Credit: Jennifer Lynn, Flickr

On Monday, March 16, Magic Kingdom Park opened without the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The 50-year-old Walt Disney World Resort attraction remained closed into the early afternoon, with some reports indicating a serious mechanical issue had popped up overnight.

PeopleMover Closed on March 16

Guests riding the PeopleMover at Disney World
Credit: Disney

According to WDWNT, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover remained closed from Magic Kingdom Park opening on Monday through at least the early afternoon. Several Disney cast members were seen sitting near the attraction’s entrance, and the queue remained empty. The outlet shared this photo on Facebook:

According to one Disney Park guest, there may have been an issue with the ride’s central turntable, which continuously rotates and allows guests to simultaneously board and exit the attraction vehicles. Disney cast members allegedly informed guests that the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover may not open until “later in the day, if at all.”

Walt Disney World Resort did not issue a public statement on the attraction closure, which isn’t unusual for temporary shutdowns.

Ride Reopening

View of the PeopleMover track at Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover remained closed through at least 1:00 p.m., but appears to have reopened afterward. Shortly after 2:00 p.m., the Magic Kingdom Park ride boasted a five-minute wait, according to the My Disney Experience app. Soon after reopening, it initially had a 20-minute wait, but it quickly dropped as guests who had been waiting to ride the Tomorrowland attraction cycled through.

A screenshot showing the PeopleMover at a 5-minute wait.
Credit: Screenshot via the My Disney Experience app

It’s unclear whether there was an issue with the ride’s central turntable or whether something else forced the hours-long closure on Monday, March 16. There is currently no refurbishment scheduled for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which opened at Magic Kingdom Park in 1975.

What unexpected issues have impacted your Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort vacation? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments! 

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