After temporarily closing in 1999 the 2000 version of the attraction open with a large video screen displaying animations a grandstand viewing area new cars that came in three different styles Dusty, Susie and Sparky to coincide with the TV ads of Chevron the new sponsor and a longer and more exciting and more humorous driving experience.The new layout incorporated the extinct Fantasyland Autopia track stretching the ride time to over 6 minutes and even included a bouncy off-road section.
No matter the era guests of all ages enjoy the Autopia experience and it remains one of the Park's most consistently popular attractions and the only one in Tomorrowland left from opening day. This popularity may seem ironic since most guests have to fight their way through freeway traffic just to get to Disneyland it seems unrealistic to ask them to wait in line for a chance to get behind the wheel of another car.However, many adults prominent celebrities and even Walt Disney himself have happily taken the cars for a spin. Kids naturally have always jumped at the chance to take the wheel especially if they're over 52 inches tall and could drive alone. Here is what Disney says of the ride: Feel the wind in your hair while cruising down the road all the while watching the madcap road trip of Honda's Humanoid Robot and Bird unfold.After twisting around the curves, you will pick up the pace under a small bridge and pass iconic attractions like the Matterhorn Bobsleds in the not-too-far distance. In the end, you will discover that the most important thing is not arriving first, it is the journey with those near and dear that matters most!