The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) recently received an update at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It closed for refurbishment at the same time as Space Mountain back in April 2009. While the Space Mountain improvement is still in-progress, the TTA reopened within the last few weeks with added colorful, nighttime lighting (seen above). Shortly thereafter, the ride’s narration was completely changed to mixed fan reviews.

Here’s a video shot on the night of Oct. 14, 2009 of the entire Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride. It features specially-recorded binaural audio so watching while wearing headphones is recommended.

Many fans have praised the use of the phrase “people mover” in the new narration, a throwback to the attraction’s former name, the WEDWay PeopleMover. Others have expressed disappointment in the new narration’s removal of popular lines including, “Paging Mr.Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow. Your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring” and “Mr. Johnson in Skyview Hovercraft 1.”

Personally, I think the new narration fits the ride well, allowing more time to relax in near-silence while traveling the track. I’ve always thought of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority as the perfect ride to get off of your feet after pounding the pavement around the park all day. The old narration, while entertaining, was loud and often in-your-face. The new one is considerably quieter, played at a volume where you can easily choose to listen if you want or just ignore it and enjoy the wind in your face as you whisk around Tomorrowland.