15 Once-Beloved Disney Rides That Closed Forever

A frequently used quote from Walt Disney expresses his vision for Disneyland (which today applies to the company’s other amusement parks as well).

He stated that Disneyland,” he said, “won’t ever end up fully built. Instead, it will keep expanding so long as there’s any creativity left on this planet.

Imagination knows no bounds, but growth has its limits. Since Disney owns a finite amount of land in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida, altering Disneyland and Walt Disney World frequently involves shutting down long-standing attractions to pave the way for fresh experiences. In the realm of the Happiest Place on Earth, nothing stays forever – except perhaps Dole Whip, which is truly delicious!

We have fifteen videos showcasing rides that were taken out of service and removed from Disney’s parks as part of their expansion. If you haven’t had a chance to experience these rides, the videos offer a glimpse into what they were like. And if you did ride them before, prepare for a nostalgic journey – just make sure you meet the minimum height requirement. As everyone here is at least 40 inches tall, I assume we all do.

Adventure Thru Inner Space

Disney Imagineers pioneered a continuous circulation system for ride vehicles, which they named the “Omnimover.” This system allows vehicles to travel endlessly along the same track without stopping. It is used in parks worldwide on popular attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth. However, it was first implemented in the Adventure Thru Inner Space attraction back in 1967. This high-tech, science-focused ride placed guests in “Atommobiles” and simulated a journey through a giant microscope, making them appear as small as molecules. The ride continued until the 1980s when the building was converted for use by Star Tours.

Body Wars

After the achievement of Star Tours, Disney tried to utilize similar simulator technology across various locations. Essentially, Epcot’s Body Wars combined the concept of Adventures Thru Inner Space with a Star Tours simulator. Visitors would embark on an experimental vessel that shrunk within a human body for a short journey. However, without the Star Wars intellectual property and a ride experience known for being rather rough, Body Wars didn’t quite reach the same enduring popularity as Star Tours. It shut down in 2007, and the Wonders of Life pavilion where it was housed remains vacant in a tranquil part of Epcot. Could there be a Body Wars 2.0 in the future?

Captain EO

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson’s influence as a pop culture icon was so immense (and his image so wholesome) that Disney willingly placed him at the forefront of a significant new attraction, even collaborating with influential filmmakers George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. Lucasfilm, co-produced an elaborate 17-minute 3D movie for this project, with Coppola directing. The plot was lighthearted (Jackson as a space captain on a vessel filled with quirky Lucasfilm characters), but the ILM special effects were impressive and the music and dancing matched some of Michael Jackson’s best music videos. The film was discontinued in 1998, but it was revived as a tribute to Jackson following his death in 2009.

The Great Movie Ride

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve always cherished the heart of Disney-MGM Studios park in Orlando – the Great Movie Ride. This extensive journey through Hollywood’s history was filled with animatronics and live actors reenacting iconic scenes from timeless films like “Casablanca,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Footlight Parade,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” However, the selection of classics might not have resonated much with younger audiences. The most recent movie featured on this ride was “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which had already been eight years old when it first opened its doors. Over the years, there were no significant updates beyond adding Robert Osborne, a late film personality and historian from Turner Classic Movies, as the attraction’s host. By the end, the Great Movie Ride felt like a remnant from an era just as aged as the movies it honored. The ride delivered its final history lesson in 2017, eventually making way for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!

Instead of Captain EO, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was the subsequent attraction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, serving as a 4D sequel to the popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise from the late ’80s and early ’90s. The original cast, including Rick Moranis, reprised their roles in this 3D movie experience that included theater effects. In the story, an accidental activation of Moranis’ character’s shrinking technology causes tourists to be transformed into tiny people, leading them to encounter oversized creatures like mice, dogs, and snakes. The special effects were so convincing that they left some children (including me) a bit scared, particularly when it felt like mice were crawling on our legs! Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was such a hit that it lasted for over a decade after the original Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movies ended. Interestingly, it was eventually replaced by Captain EO when it returned in 2010.

Horizons

Ah, Horizons – arguably the most cherished icon in the Disney park universe. It was a vital part of early Epcot’s “Future World,” filled with pavilions that explored the past and potential advancements of our world: The Land, The Seas, Universe of Energy, and more. Horizons, opening its doors in 1983 within a strikingly geometric structure, transported guests to an imagined future featuring robots, space stations, and video conferencing (a concept that seems unbelievable now!).

Unfortunately, Horizons was permanently closed in 1999. However, its utopian vision and peaceful ambiance have kept it alive as a beloved memory among Disney enthusiasts, who admire it as the embodiment of the positive outlook that appears to be lacking in Epcot today.

Innoventions

Discussing dreams of perfect societies and laidback feelings: For quite some time, visitors at Disneyland in California or Epcot in Florida had the chance to casually explore Innoventions, structures housing an array of technological advancements. These were actual products from real tech firms, as well as games, interactive displays, and animatronics. The exhibits rotated regularly, with attractions such as The Sum of All Thrills, a cutting-edge and engaging experience where tourists could design their own roller coaster and then “ride” it using a simulator attached to a robotic arm. Both Innoventions ceased operations in the 2010s; Epcot’s was replaced by restaurants and a Moana-inspired water attraction, while California’s transformed into a Star Wars character encounter zone and a lounge for Disney Vacation Club members.

Maelstrom

Currently, Epcot is brimming with adrenaline-pumping rides such as the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster, the swift Test Track, and the intense Mission: Space simulator. Contrastingly, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Epcot was primarily a venue for leisurely exploration of international pavilions or slow-paced rides delving into energy, automobile, or historical themes. At that time, Maestrom represented the peak of excitement within Epcot, offering a dark flume ride with animatronic trolls themed to its Norway pavilion, complete with a well-known backwards drop. Disney shut down Maestrom in 2014 and transformed its ride system, including that iconic drop, into the Frozen Ever After attraction.

The Magic of Disney Animation

Walking around Disney’s Hollywood Studios today might give you no hint of its past life as Disney-MGM Studios, but this former version offered a unique glimpse into the world of film and TV production, particularly at the Magic of Disney Animation building. Here, guests were treated to a show hosted by Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams that explained the process of animating cartoons. Afterward, visitors could step inside an actual animation studio that Disney ran in Florida during those years (where classics like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch were created, among others). This wasn’t just a replica of an animation studio; it was the real thing. In the ’90s, it felt like a magician inviting you to see their most impressive trick up close.

The PeopleMover

1967 saw the introduction of the PeopleMover ride at Disneyland, a leisurely tour through Tomorrowland’s attractions via connected elevated tracks. Over the years, Disney tried to modernize and enhance this slow-paced experience with various tricks; in the ’70s they incorporated a “SuperSpeed Tunnel” (not particularly fast) and after the release of Tron, they added Tron projections. In the ’90s, they attempted to transform it into a high-speed ride called Rocket Rods, but the original tracks were not designed for such speed, leading to continual maintenance issues. The Rocket Rods ceased operation by summer 2000, and since then, the PeopleMover tracks have remained inactive at Disneyland. (However, a similar PeopleMover continues to operate at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.)

The Skyway

In the past, Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland all had an aerial Skyway system connecting Fantasyland and Tomorrowland sections of their parks. The original Disneyland Skyway, operational from 1956 to 1994, actually ran through the Matterhorn mountain. However, due to issues like metal fatigue and stress cracks, it was eventually closed by Disney. The Magic Kingdom’s Skyway followed suit in 1999. Although these slow-moving, open-air gondolas may not compare with today’s theme park technology, they offered a charming experience, including breathtaking views, and provided a welcome respite from walking, particularly on hot days like those in Florida.

Splash Mountain

Regardless of your opinion about the movie “The Song of the South” and its portrayal of late 19th-century life, the decision Disney made to base a ride on it (in 1989!) was quite enjoyable. A log flume featuring animatronic cartoon characters and one of Disney’s most famous tunes (“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”), it seamlessly combined Disney’s storytelling prowess with family-friendly excitement. Since “The Song of the South” wasn’t released on home video, the inevitability was that Splash Mountain would also disappear. However, the attraction has been transformed into something new; it is now the focus of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you yearn to experience Splash Mountain again, your best bet is a trip to Japan, as it continues to operate at Tokyo Disneyland.

Submarine Voyage

Currently, the term “E-ticket” is casually used to refer to all major Disney rides. This label originated from the old ticket books that park visitors received, which assigned tickets letter grades based on popularity and excitement level (A to E), with E reserved for the most popular and thrilling attractions. In 1959, at Disneyland, “E” stood for Submarine Voyage, a ride simulating a deep-ocean journey aboard an advanced submarine. Although the boats did not fully submerge, a bubble effect gave the impression of diving deep underwater while the seats faced out through portholes below the waterline. When Submarine Voyage was transferred to Walt Disney World in 1971, it adopted a “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” theme, with the submarines designed to resemble the Nautilus from the 1954 Disney film of the same name. Unfortunately, both rides were closed in the 1990s, but the Disneyland version was eventually revamped with a “Finding Nemo” overlay. Later, the Magic Kingdom’s lagoon was demolished to construct a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster.

Universe of Energy

Initially supported by Exxon, this Epcot attraction, over time, started to feel outdated within the park – ironically, it focused on dinosaurs. Originally, it provided an educational journey through energy history using a dynamic movie and audio-animatronic dinosaurs. In a typical Disney fashion, the movie theater featured six stationary ride vehicles that navigated the rest of the building where the dinosaurs resided. The attraction was revamped in 1996 to “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” with comedian Ellen DeGeneres as the host. This version persisted until 2017, when construction on the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster began. By then, the ride had grown quite outdated, but the animatronic dinosaurs were exceptional for their time.

World of Motion

Initially, the Test Track at Epcot was known as “World of Motion,” a leisurely ride on an Omnimover system that took guests through the evolution of travel, from ancient eras to modern automobiles. The most exciting part was undeniably the initial stretch; upon entering, the vehicles would exit the building to make a grand right turn into the actual attraction. As the video below demonstrates, the vehicles moved at an amusingly slow pace, which might have been less than ideal for a ride themed around motion. However, there’s a certain charm to these early Epcot attractions, and World of Motion stood out with its quirky sense of humor, thanks in part to the contributions of renowned Disney animator Ward Kimball.

10 Disney Movies That Deserve Their Own Rides

1. Up

It’s quite surprising that the theme parks haven’t incorporated Pixar’s hit film “Up” into a ride, given its popularity. The main characters, Carl, Russell, and Dug, travel in an unusual mode of transport – an old house floating on thousands of colorful balloons. This concept offers numerous possibilities for a unique ride experience. For instance, imagine a simulator similar to Soarin’ Around The World, but instead it takes you on a journey to the breathtaking Paradise Falls, through the dense jungle, and up to Charles F. Muntz’s zeppelin, the Spirit of Adventure. However, to ensure a fun-filled experience, it would be best to exclude the emotional opening scenes of the movie that might make us shed tears rather than laughter.

2. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Back in the day, I was eagerly anticipating that Atlantis: The Lost Empire would start a whole new Disney franchise. However, its underwhelming performance at the box office put an end to any sequels. Despite not being universally adored at first, this film has since transformed into a cult favorite. Plus, its concept is truly fascinating – it’s like a modern take on Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

You might remember the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride at Walt Disney World which was operational until 1994. Nowadays, it forms part of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train area. If only they had chosen to reimagine that submarine ride as Atlantis: The Lost Empire, it would have been a perfect fit! It’s a shame that the film didn’t receive more attention when it first came out.

3. Wreck-It Ralph

The movie “Wreck-It Ralph” offers a thrilling concept for a theme park ride due to its captivating mini-worlds. Notably, the video game “Sugar Rush,” featuring Vanellope Von Schweetz, presents an exciting candy-themed racing adventure ready to unfold. Similar to Radiator Springs Racers (a ride based on the “Cars” franchise at Disney’s California Adventure), a “Wreck-It Ralph” attraction could incorporate two different vehicles competing against each other throughout the experience. With numerous chances for creative world-building through special effects, the ride could encompass both indoor and outdoor sequences. Although there have been whispers of possible “Wreck-It Ralph” rides, no definite plans have been made public yet.

4. WALL-E

A WALL-E themed ride would blend seamlessly into Tomorrowland, offering an exciting, Star Tours-style simulator experience with WALL-E as the pilot instead of C-3PO. Guests would begin their journey on Earth within WALL-E’s homemade shelter, then ascend to the Axiom spaceship. Given that WALL-E was widely acclaimed by both critics and audiences, it’s surprising that the film didn’t leave a larger footprint in the parks. With an entire land dedicated to space travel and the future, WALL-E seems like it would have been a perfect match for this area.

5. Mulan

The movie Mulan, though not reaching enough popularity to immediately trigger a live-action remake or a theme park attraction, still holds potential for a captivating ride experience. Although Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination features Figment as their mascot dragon, we believe Mushu deserves his moment in the spotlight. Given that Epcot has a Chinese-themed pavilion, a Mulan ride could seamlessly fit within this setting. Considering the action-packed nature of Mulan, a roller coaster would be an appropriate choice for the ride. Passengers would embark on the Great Stone Dragon, darting past Hun soldiers, impressive Chinese architecture, and even encounter Mulan herself. The experience would culminate in the thrilling finale where Mulan vanquishes Shan Yu.

6. The Jungle Book

In our current Disney parks setup, t

7. Brave

Disney parks have excelled in their immersive, game-like rides such as Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and Toy Story Midway Mania. However, there is one element they currently lack: archery! Imagine an interactive dark ride based on Brave, where you are provided with a bow to hit moving targets by shooting imaginary arrows. The more challenging the target, the higher the points you score. Potential settings could be Merida’s castle Dunbroch, the witch’s woodworking shop, and the Scottish highlands. Be careful not to hit any will-o’-the-wisps as it is said to bring bad luck!

8. The Emperor’s New Groove

The Emperor’s New Groove stands out among Disney films for its unique storyline. The film’s quirky plot is strengthened by its stellar voice cast, featuring David Spade as arrogant Emperor Kuzco, John Goodman as compassionate Pacha, Eartha Kitt as cunning Yzma, and Patrick Warburton as clumsy Kronk. An attraction based on The Emperor’s New Groove could follow various paths, but it might work well as a flume ride. When Yzma instructs Kronk to pull the lever, this moment provides an ideal setting for a sudden, fast drop, mirroring their own harrowing experience on the way to Yzma’s hidden lab. Later, Pacha and Kuzco-transformed into llamas, find themselves hurtling down a river attached to a tree trunk. The second drop could occur as they clear the enormous waterfall. Rocks at the bottom? Let’s face them head-on.

9. Hercules

One of Disney’s lesser-known yet brilliantly crafted animated films, “Hercules,” offers a wittier, more emotional journey than you might recall. It boasts some of Disney’s finest tunes, including the inspiring “Zero to Hero” and Megara’s powerful ballad, “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love). Imagine taking a ride on Hercules’ faithful steed Pegasus, starting high above in the majestic Mount Olympus before descending into the Underworld. There, you’d encounter Hades with his signature sass. After Hercules rescues Meg from becoming part of Hades’ underworld stew, visitors would be whisked back to Mount Olympus, where the Muses would bid farewell with a triumphant performance of “A Star Is Born.” A shop at the end of the ride could offer all sorts of Hercules merchandise similar to what’s shown in the movie, including those coveted Air-Hercs shoes.

10. National Treasure

2007 saw the popular films National Treasure and its sequel, Book of Secrets, capturing public attention. With the latter ending on a suspenseful note, discussions about a third film were already underway. At this time, Nicolas Cage, the franchise’s lead actor, expressed his dream of having a National Treasure ride at Disneyland. In many ways, it seemed that National Treasure was set to follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, but various factors prevented it from fully taking off. Unlike Indiana Jones, which has enduring appeal, National Treasure—though cherished by many—does not possess the same timeless quality. As a result, the Indiana Jones Adventure’s Temple of the Forbidden Eye was never transformed into the subterranean City of Gold from Book of Secrets. Nonetheless, an adrenaline-pumping ride that transported passengers to the legendary City of Gold would have been exhilarating, and a mechanical Nicolas Cage battling a mechanical Ed Harris would have left an indelible mark.

2025-02-06 00:26