September 1955 – January 1966
LOCATION
Tomorrowland – When guests entered Tomorrowland from Main Street USA, they would find Hobbyland on the right of the large rocket ship, in the area that is now an open patio in front of Space Mountain.
BACKGROUND
Hobbyland was a walkthrough area in Tomorrowland with various booths and activities for guests of all ages. After opening in September 1955, this land-within-a-land provided visitors with scientific model kits to build and purchase, with content ranging from dinosaurs to airplanes to everything in between. Children and adults alike could explore the various booths, and this open area offered a break from the fast-paced or more intense ride experiences in the rest of the land.
EXPERIENCE
Guests visiting Hobbyland were free to explore the booths and pool at their own pace. Hobbyland had a small pool, which hosted periodic model ship races. In between shows, guests could explore different booths, which had family activities or merchandise available for purchase. Tired guests often took a break in a large seating area, which had a central view of the heart of Tomorrowland.
CLOSURE
Though it had been operating since 1955, Hobbyland never gained traction as a popular destination in Tomorrowland. Guests often breezed by this area in favor of the larger rides, and its central location actually made it a bit of a nuisance for guests trying to navigate the chaos of this area. By 1966, Hobbyland was out of place in the fast-paced, technologically advanced Tomorrowland, and the attraction finally closed once and for all.
TRIVIA
Hobbyland had its own watchtower, where cast members could monitor the attraction and fly the model airplanes that circled the pool.
