On a visit to theme parks such as Disneyland or Universal Studios, a sense of nostalgia is often present. People yearn to re-live the rides they adored in their childhood – like Pirates of the Caribbean, E.T. Adventure, or the Haunted Mansion. However, they also crave novelty. If everything seems too familiar, if you’ve already experienced it all, there’s little incentive to shell out hundreds of dollars for more tickets.
Managing these parks involves a careful blend of preserving their traditional charm and making way for contemporary improvements, while selectively letting go of certain aspects. Although it’s clear that some attractions require replacement – such as the Superstar Limo, which no one campaigned to save – others, demolished over the years, were well-loved and still have dedicated fan bases who mourn their closure long after they’ve gone.
Check out these heartfelt homages to 35 beloved Disney and Universal rides that have either been demolished or significantly transformed. You’ll also find videos capturing their original essence. Unfortunately, you can no longer experience them firsthand, but this collection offers a final glimpse into their distinctive characters.
Adventure Thru Inner Space
In the late 1960s, Disney Imagineering introduced a unique type of attraction, known as the “Omnimover,” which consisted of continuous moving vehicles that circled the same track without stopping. This system is still prevalent in theme parks worldwide, including famous attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth. However, the first ride to utilize this technology was called Adventure Thru Inner Space, a futuristic, science-based attraction from 1967 that simulated shrinking guests down to molecule size in “Atommobiles” and guided them through the Monstanto Mighty Microscope. The ride continued until the 1980s when the building was converted for Star Tours usage.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies
Today, Universal’s theme parks primarily focus on creating immersive experiences that make guests feel they’ve entered their favorite films and TV series, instead of their original purpose as educational destinations about film and TV production. An illustration of the old format could be Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Movie Making. After a 3D compilation of Hitchcock films was disrupted by characters from “The Birds”, visitors were guided to a soundstage where a “director” and his team demonstrated how Hitchcock filmed scenes such as the shower scene from “Psycho”. The attraction concluded with an interactive zone, allowing guests to engage in demonstrations of practical film magic from movies like “Strangers on a Train”, “Rear Window”, and “Saboteur”. Essentially, it was a blend of thrill ride and museum, making it heaven for aspiring film enthusiasts.
Backdraft
One of Universal’s early behind-the-scenes-style attractions, modeled after the 1991 Ron Howard film ‘Backdraft’, showcased the valiant firefighter crew. This attraction, operational at Universal Studios Hollywood from 1992 to 2010 and at Universal Studios Japan from 2001 to 2020, featured clips of Howard and the ‘Backdraft’ cast, along with a live fire effects demonstration on one of their soundstages. Unfortunately, ‘Backdraft’ never received a sequel (until a direct-to-video version in 2019), and as CGI technology advanced, practical fire displays like those in ‘Backdraft’ lost their charm for tourists. Today, the buildings that once housed this attraction are home to an intricate 3D dark ride themed around ‘Transformers’.
Back to the Future: The Ride
Refashioned Expression: Experiencing Back to the Future: The Ride was like stepping into a realistic replica of the iconic DeLorean time machine from the series, taking visitors on an exhilarating flight through the ages. The narrative, presented in pre-ride videos featuring Christopher Lloyd and Thomas F. Wilson, revolved around Biff stealing a time machine and Doc Brown deploying tourists in his new, eight-seater, remote-controlled DeLorean to capture him. Douglas Trumbull, legendary effects artist from 2001: A Space Odyssey, was responsible for the ride’s special effects. The ride truly embodied Universal’s old motto promising a vacation where you could “experience the movies.” Unfortunately, its end was foreseen; as the Back to the Future franchise’s future is set in 2015, which is now a decade past, it was only a matter of time. The two American versions of the attraction ceased operation by the late 2000s, while Universal Studios Japan’s version persisted until 2016 – a year after Marty and Doc returned to the future.
Beetlejuice’s Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue
The history of Universal’s parks is filled with numerous, intricate stage shows, many of which are now as defunct as Dr. Frankenstein’s legendary creation. For a long time, the Universal studios in Hollywood and Florida played host to a lively musical performance starring Beetlejuice alongside the company’s iconic movie monsters such as Frankenstein, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Wolfman. Given that the likes of bio-exorcists, the undead, and other horror figures are associated with hit disco anthems like “I Will Survive,” it’s not surprising. However, this particular show is no longer active in most parks. If you want to catch a glimpse of the Universal Monsters performing their Graveyard Revue, you’ll have to make a trip to Universal Studios Japan. But keep in mind that even there, Dracula may only perform a spooky rendition of “Livin’ La Vida Loca.
Body Wars
After the success of Star Tours, Disney aimed to utilize similar simulator technology across various locations. Essentially, Epcot’s Body Wars merged the concept of Adventures Thru Inner Space with a Star Tours-like experience. Guests would embark on an experimental vessel that shrunk within a human body for a short journey. Despite not having the Star Wars IP (and being known for its rough ride), Body Wars didn’t quite achieve the same popularity as Star Tours. It closed in 2007, and the Wonders of Life pavilion where it was located remains vacant in a peaceful corner of Epcot. Is there any chance for a Body Wars 2.0?
Captain EO
In the 1980s, Michael Jackson’s influence as a pop culture icon was so immense (and his image so wholesome) that Disney, along with George Lucas of Lucasfilm and Francis Ford Coppola, made him the focal point of a significant new attraction. The collaboration resulted in a 17-minute 3D film, which Lucas co-produced and Coppola directed. Although the plot was rather absurd (Jackson as a space captain commanding a ship filled with quirky Lucasfilm aliens), the visual effects were impressive, and the music and dance sequences were up to par with Jackson’s finest music videos. Captain EO was closed in 1998 but was reintroduced posthumously in 2009 as a tribute to Michael Jackson following his death.
Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular
At Universal Studios in the past, thrilling stunt shows formed a significant part of the experience. While Hollywood’s Waterworld stunt show continues to entertain crowds, Florida lacks a comparable attraction. When the park initially opened, they presented the “Dynamite Nights Stunt Spectacular,” which combined boat chases and explosions inspired by Miami Vice. If I had the power, every theme park would be obligated to feature an exceptional stunt show like this one; it should be considered essential.
Earthquake: The Big One
Title Event: The Big One exemplified Universal Studios’ classic “ride the movies” philosophy. This major event was essentially a modernized replica of the old Earthquake attraction from Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour, but prior to boarding trams, guests were given a sneak peek into practical effects demonstrations inspired by the 1974 film Earthquake.
By the time the ride was introduced in 2007, the Earthquake-themed elements had become outdated and were subsequently removed, renaming it Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride … Starring You! The pre-show now featured a hologram of Christopher Walken, portraying a studio executive named Frank Kincaid, who enlisted guests as extras for his new film. After experiencing the earthquake climax, visitors watched a trailer for the movie they supposedly contributed to, titled “Mutha Nature” and featuring a guest appearance from Dwayne Johnson. Disaster! ceased operation in 2015, and the building was repurposed to accommodate another transplanted stop from Hollywood – Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
Fievel’s Playland
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always cherished the nostalgic moments that theme parks offer, especially Fievel’s Playland at Universal Studios. For years, this charming playground served as a delightful hideaway for little ones while their parents enjoyed some well-deserved breaks from queues of meet-and-greets and tantalizing churro stands.
Themed around the less commonly recognized animated franchise, An American Tail, Fievel’s Playland brought to life a world where everyday objects towered above us like giants, offering children an enchanting glimpse of what it might feel like to be a tiny rodent in a big family. Despite the fact that this heartwarming series has largely been forgotten by the 21st century, Fievel’s Playland in Florida managed to persist for an astounding duration, finally closing its doors only in early 2023. Now, a playground inspired by the beloved Shrek franchise has taken its place.
The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera
Alongside Universal Studios Florida’s primary avenue, a succession of large simulator rides have been situated since its inception. Initially, the space was occupied by The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera, which revolved around rescuing Elroy Jenson (kidnapped by Dick Dastardly) from various Hanna-Barbera characters. Essentially, it was a more kid-friendly and less advanced version of Back to the Future: The Ride. In 2003, this ride underwent transformation into… yet another attraction on this list that no longer exists.
Ghostbusters Spooktacular
The Ghostbusters franchise, owned by Sony which isn’t heavily involved in theme parks, has had fewer attractions compared to its level of popularity. However, back in the early 1990s, Universal obtained the rights for a Ghostbusters attraction. This attraction employed the Pepper’s ghost trick, similar to Disney’s Haunted Mansion, to create a 20-minute stage show based on the final battle between the Ghostbusters and Gozer. Over a span of six years at Universal Studios Florida, Ghostbusters Spooktacular had two different versions: one that followed the storyline of the first Ghostbusters movie, and another featuring Louis Tully (the nerdy accountant character played by Rick Moranis) and Walter Peck (the EPA antagonist portrayed by William Atherton). With no new Ghostbusters films or series in production during the mid-’90s, Universal shut down the show and replaced it with an attraction based on their blockbuster movie, Twister (later changed to a Tonight Show simulator ride).
The Great Movie Ride
Initially, the main attraction at Disney-MGM Studios park in Orlando was the Great Movie Ride, a lengthy journey through Hollywood’s past showcasing animatronics and live actors reenacting scenes from iconic movies such as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Footlight Parade, and Singin’ in the Rain. Given the titles listed, it’s clear that the ride and its themes might not have resonated with younger audiences; the latest movie featured on the Great Movie Ride was Raiders of the Lost Ark, which had been released eight years prior to the attraction’s debut. Over time, no significant changes were made beyond incorporating Robert Osborne, a late TV personality and film historian, as the host, so by the end of its run, it felt like an artifact from a bygone era, much like the films it honored. The Great Movie Ride delivered its final history lesson on film in 2017 and was eventually replaced by Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Hercules and Xena: Wizards of the Screen
Universal Studios Florida opened around the same time as the peak of syndicated television programming, and nothing was more popular during that period than the two-part TV show duo of “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Xena: Warrior Princess.” When the previous attraction at Universal based on TV production ended in 1996, they transformed it to revolve around these two hit shows. However, even “Hercules” was cancelled in 1999. Finally, “Wizards of the Screen” was performed for the last time in early 2000; this section of the park is now home to Transformers: The Ride.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!
In Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the show that took over from Captain EO was Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! – a 4D follow-up to the popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids series by Disney during the late ’80s and early ’90s. The original cast, led by Rick Moranis, reprised their roles in a thrilling 3D movie experience that included theater effects; an accidental activation of Moranis’ character’s shrinking technology sent visitors on a journey with oversized mice, dogs, and snakes. Some kids (including me) found the effects quite startling, even traumatic at times. (No one enjoys the sensation of mice crawling up their legs, not even Rick Moranis!) Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! proved to be incredibly popular, lasting for about a decade longer than the original Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movies. Interestingly, it was eventually replaced by… Captain EO, when it was reintroduced in 2010.
Horizons
As a die-hard movie buff and Disney enthusiast, let me tell you about Horizons – undoubtedly the most cherished cult artifact in the Disney park realm. This gem was a fundamental piece of Epcot’s “Future World,” which showcased pavilions dedicated to Earth’s past, present, and future, including The Land, The Seas, Universe of Energy, and more. Horizons, opened in 1983 within a striking geometric structure, took us on an Omnimover adventure into a futuristic world filled with robots, space stations, and video conferencing (can you imagine making video calls back then?).
Unfortunately, the ride was permanently closed in 1999. However, its utopian vision and laid-back atmosphere have kept it alive in the hearts of Disney fanatics, who view it as a symbol of the optimistic spirit that seems to be lacking in today’s Epcot.
Jaws: The Ride
It appears that Diagon Alley within Universal Studios Hollywood, based on the Harry Potter series, is generally well-liked by many. While I appreciate a chilled butterbeer, I must admit to harboring a small grudge towards the area due to its replacement of the old Amity section of the park. This change eliminated the iconic Jaws ride, which was a thrilling, effects-heavy version of Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Guests would embark on a tour boat, only to encounter various signs of destruction and chaos, culminating in an encounter with Bruce the Shark. Although some may find it less impressive now, for ’90s kids like me, it was the epitome of excitement – once Universal rectified the initial issues that led to frequent ride breakdowns during its first two years. Similar to the Universal Monsters revue, this attraction still exists in Japan, but visiting there can be a challenge.
Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast
In 2003, the attraction called Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera was transformed into Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast, featuring Jimmy Neutron and other characters from Nickelodeon. This version ran until 2012, when it underwent another update to include characters from the Despicable Me series, which is owned by Universal. Although the movie has evolved significantly over time, the fundamental experience has remained largely consistent: visitors sit in a theater fitted with moving seats that synchronize with the action on the screen.
Innoventions
Over the years, visitors at Disneyland in California or Epcot in Florida had an enjoyable experience exploring Innoventions – buildings brimming with diverse gadgets and inventions from actual tech companies, along with games, interactive displays, and animatronics. A rotating assortment of booths featured attractions like the Sum of All Thrills, a cutting-edge and interactive ride where tourists could design their own roller coaster and experience it using a simulator mounted on a robotic arm. Unfortunately, both Innoventions were shut down in the 2010s; Epcot’s space has been transformed into restaurants, as well as a Moana-themed water attraction, while California’s area now serves as a Star Wars meet-and-greet zone and a lounge for Disney Vacation Club members.
Kongfrontation
King Kong has been a staple in Universal’s theme parks since the 1980s, when they added a massive animatronic King Kong to their Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. This was later expanded into a full-fledged attraction at Universal Studios Florida known as Kongfrontation. In this themed ride, visitors were evacuated from Manhattan on the Roosevelt Island Tramway because of Kong’s rampage. As you might expect, the evacuation didn’t go as planned, and Kong snatched the tram just before it managed to escape. It was an unexpectedly thrilling experience with delightful details – such as the lifelike animatronic Kong emitting a banana-scented breath. Kong took a break in 2002 to make room for a roller coaster based on The Mummy series, but the giant ape has since moved to nearby Islands of Adventure, where Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened in 2016.
Lucy: A Tribute
Initially, Lucy: A Tribute, an attraction at Universal Studios Florida, functioned as a compact museum dedicated to Lucille Ball and her iconic show, I Love Lucy. Despite its somewhat old-fashioned feel, it was opened in 1992, a few years following Ball’s demise, when nostalgia for her beloved sitcom was still quite prevalent. The display encompassed items from Ball’s career, engaging quizzes, and an intricately detailed replica of the original I Love Lucy set. For nearly 25 years, Lucy: A Tribute remained in a small park building before Universal eventually transformed the space into a Hello Kitty store (later replaced by Wicked: The Experience).
Maelstrom
Currently, Epcot is teeming with exhilarating rides such as the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster, the swift Test Track, and the intense Mission: Space simulator. However, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, it was a different story. Epcot was more about exploring international pavilions or taking leisurely rides focusing on energy, automotive history, or, well, history. The most thrilling experience one could find was Maestrom, which stood out as the only exciting ride in that era. It was a dark flume ride with animated trolls themed to its Norway pavilion and a famous backward drop. Disney closed Maestrom in 2014, repurposing its ride system, including that drop, into Frozen Ever After attraction.
The Magic of Disney Animation
Today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios might seem like just another theme park, but if you were there back in its days as Disney-MGM Studios, you would have had an exclusive peek into the world of film and TV production. Specifically, the Magic of Disney Animation building offered a unique glimpse behind the scenes of how cartoons were animated, with a guided tour hosted by Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams. Unlike today’s computer-driven animation studios, visitors could actually see where classic films like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch were drawn right here in Florida. It was more than just a simulation; it was the real studio at work. In the ’90s, it felt like being privy to a magician revealing their secret tricks.
Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater
Today’s youth might find it hard to comprehend, but for over a dozen years during the 1980s and ’90s, one of the most popular shows on broadcast TV was a quaint mystery series called “Murder, She Wrote,” starring Angela Lansbury. Set in a small town in Maine, this show was so successful that it even had its own opening day attraction at Universal Studios Florida: Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. This attraction was one of the park’s behind-the-scenes shows, giving guests a peek into the TV production process, with a focus on editing, sound effects (foley work), and dubbing (ADR). Guests could even participate in these aspects and watch the scenes they helped create. After “Murder, She Wrote” ended its run in 1996, it was replaced by the shows “Hercules” and “Xena.
Nickelodeon Studios
In the early ’90s, “Universal Studios Florida” wasn’t just a catchy name; it was an operational film and television studio, most famously known as the home of “Nickelodeon Studios.” This is where popular cable channel shows such as game shows and sketch comedy series were filmed. In a clever move, each show produced at Nickelodeon Studios served as an advertisement for Universal Studios Florida, ending with a graphic revealing where they were made. Kids who visited Orlando could tour the facility, get slimed in the “Game Lab,” and watch live shows if one was being recorded during their visit. However, over time, the novelty of the place faded, and Nickelodeon gradually moved more and more of its live-action production to Los Angeles. The studio eventually closed permanently in 2005. For several years, “Blue Man Group” performances took place in the building. Since the Covid pandemic, Universal has been using the venue to host a holiday show featuring the Grinch.
The Disneyland PeopleMover
In 1967, when Disneyland first introduced the PeopleMover, it was a gentle ride offering a peek into other attractions in Tomorrowland via an intricate network of overhead tracks. Over time, Disney sought to revamp and enhance this leisurely journey with various tricks; for instance, they incorporated a “SuperSpeed Tunnel” during the ’70s (which wasn’t particularly swift), and after the release of Tron, they added Tron visuals. In the ’90s, they tried to transform it into an actual high-speed ride called Rocket Rods; however, the PeopleMover tracks were not built for fast vehicles, leading to continuous maintenance problems. Consequently, Rocket Rods ceased operation by summer 2000, and since then, the PeopleMover tracks at Disneyland have remained idle. Interestingly, a similar PeopleMover continues to operate at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.
Screen Test Theatre
Reflect on this: When Universal initially transformed their studio into an amusement park, smartphones were yet to exist, and consumer-grade video cameras were still several years down the line. Producing your own TV series was virtually unattainable at that time, making attractions such as Screen Test Theatre particularly appealing. Tourists could simulate popular movies and shows there. For instance, in the 1970s, guests could star in a reenactment of Airport ’77, while later, there was an option to film on a remarkably detailed recreation of the old Enterprise bridge for Star Trek. However, with today’s technology advancements, where you can film your own TV series using just your phone and share it on YouTube, such attractions hold significantly less charm.
Shrek 4-D
Originally, the Alfred Hitchcock attraction in Florida was shut down to make way for Shrek 4-D, an animated film experience featuring moving seats, water sprays, and wind gusts. This attraction debuted during the peak of Shrek popularity, but as the franchise began to fade in the mid-2010s, Universal gradually phased out these Shrek 3D movies. Interestingly, the Japanese version managed to survive; it continues to run part-time in a theater that also houses a Sesame Street 3D attraction.
However, here’s an exciting development: Shrek is coming back! A new movie is scheduled for release in 2026, and in anticipation, Universal has already introduced new Shrek attractions. For instance, in 2024, they opened a meet-and-greet area for Shrek characters in Florida, themed around a little swamp. So, could we expect the return of Shrek 4-D, or perhaps even Shrek 4-D-2?
The Skyway
In the past, Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland had an aerial transportation system called the Skyway connecting Fantasyland and Tomorrowland sections of their respective parks. The original Skyway at Disneyland, which was operational from 1956 to 1994, even traversed through the heart of the Matterhorn mountain. Regrettably, this area was prone to “metal fatigue and stress cracks,” causing Disney to shut it down. The Magic Kingdom’s Skyway followed suit in 1999. Despite the outdated technology of the slow-moving, open-air gondolas, there was a certain charm about enjoying panoramic views and having a brief respite from all the walking, particularly during hot weather conditions.
Special Effects Stage
Universal Studios Hollywood has been presenting makeup and special effects shows since the 1970s, including one called the Special Effects Stage that was located at the Castle Theater by the 2010s. In this show, visitors learned about various modern visual effects like motion capture. The Special Effects Show eventually closed in 2023, and both it and the Animal Actors’ home were demolished to create space for the new Fast & Furious roller coaster, Hollywood Drift.
Splash Mountain
Regardless of one’s opinion on the portrayal of 19th-century life in “The Song of the South”, it’s hard to deny that the Splash Mountain ride, introduced by Disney in 1989, was an enjoyable experience. Combining animatronic characters, a log flume, and one of Disney’s most iconic tunes (“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”), it seamlessly blended storytelling with family-friendly excitement. Unfortunately, as “The Song of the South” was never released on home video, the ride eventually faced closure. Nowadays, the setting has been transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you yearn for another ride on Splash Mountain, your best bet is a trip to Tokyo Disneyland, as it continues to operate there.
Submarine Voyage
Currently, the term “E-ticket” is casually used to refer to all of Disney’s most popular rides. This name originates from the old ticket books that Disneyland guests used, where tickets were assigned ratings based on demand and excitement level, A through E, with E being reserved for the best experiences. In 1959, E stood for the Submarine Voyage, which mimicked a deep-sea journey aboard an advanced submarine. Although it appeared to fully submerge, in reality, the boats only simulated this effect using a bubble technique and all seats faced out through portholes below the water line. When this attraction was transferred to Walt Disney World in 1971, it was themed after “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” with the submarines designed to resemble the Nautilus from the 1954 Disney film of the same name. Both attractions ceased operations in the 1990s, but the Disneyland version was later refurbished with a “Finding Nemo” overlay. The Magic Kingdom’s lagoon was eventually demolished to make way for a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster.
T2-3D: Battle Across Time
The 3D movie and live show of Universal’s “Terminator 2” featured Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Edward Furlong, who were all part of the “T2” cast. This production was also directed by James Cameron, known as the genius behind the original Terminator series. The filming cost a whopping $24 million, making it one of the priciest movies per minute ever made.
The storyline revolves around the T-800 returning to fulfill his promise, despite its somewhat illogical nature, and taking young John Connor into the future for protection against a reawakened T-1000. However, the plot contradicted later Terminator movies, making its “battle across time” seem a bit outdated by the 21st century.
The show ran in Universal Hollywood, Florida, and Japan until the 2010s. The Japanese version of T2-3D, which had an impressive show building, lasted until 2020 before closing permanently during the Covid pandemic. It seems that Judgment Day has nothing on the challenges we face in real life today.
Universe of Energy
Initially backed by Exxon, this Epcot attraction, which eventually became outdated, had a dinosaur theme – quite fitting, you’d think! The educational ride took visitors on a journey through energy history via an animated film and audio-animatronic dinosaurs. A unique Disney feature was the stationary ride vehicles that moved through the show building after the film. In 1996, it was revamped as “Ellen’s Energy Adventure,” with Ellen DeGeneres taking over hosting duties from the original narrator. This version stayed until 2017, when preparations for the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster began. By then, it was definitely showing its age, but the animatronic dinosaurs were a marvel for their time.
World of Motion
Initially, instead of the present-day Test Track at Epcot, there was a ride called World of Motion which offered a leisurely journey through history tracing travel evolution from ancient eras to contemporary automobiles via an Omnimover system. The most intriguing aspect might have been the initial phase; once you boarded, the vehicles exited the building for a gradual uphill right turn into the main attraction. As shown in the video below, the vehicles moved at a comical pace, perhaps not fitting for a ride themed around motion. However, these early Epcot attractions possess a nostalgic charm, with World of Motion being particularly memorable for its whimsical humor, partly contributed by renowned Disney animator Ward Kimball.
10 Disney Movies That Deserve Their Own Rides
1. Up
Surprisingly, despite the success of Pixar’s “Up” film, it seems that the theme parks haven’t yet integrated it into a ride. Given the unique mode of transport in the movie – an old house lifted by countless colorful balloons – there are numerous imaginative possibilities for a ride experience. For instance, a Soarin’ Around The World-style simulator could take passengers on a journey to the breathtaking Paradise Falls, through dense jungles, and up to Charles F. Muntz’ zeppelin, the Spirit of Adventure. However, it’s important to note that this ride would be enjoyable only if they exclude the initial 10 minutes of the movie, as we aim for fun rather than an emotionally intense start that might lead to excessive tears.
2. Atlantis: The Lost Empire
In the past, it was planned that the film “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” would initiate a Disney franchise. However, following underwhelming ticket sales, any subsequent films were abandoned. Though not initially well-received, this film has since gained cult status. Additionally, its storyline is fascinating and draws inspiration from Jules Verne’s novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Originally, Disney World featured a ride based on “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” but it was closed in 1994 and is now part of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train area. If only the submarine ride had been updated to feature “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” instead, it would have been a perfect fit for the storyline. Unfortunately, the film didn’t receive enough attention upon its release.
3. Wreck-It Ralph
As a passionate cinephile, I find “Wreck-It Ralph” to be an exhilarating cinematic experience due to the thrilling mini-worlds it offers. Among these, the video game world of “Sugar Rush” stands out as a delightful candy-colored racing adventure that’s just waiting to come alive. Similar to the Radiator Springs Racers ride at Disney’s California Adventure (based on the movie “Cars”), a Wreck-It Ralph attraction could offer two distinct vehicles for a competitive race throughout the experience. With ample opportunities to create immersive worlds using special effects, this ride could seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor sequences. While there have been whispers of potential Wreck-It Ralph rides, solid plans remain elusive for now.
4. WALL-E
A WALL-E themed ride would seamlessly blend into Tomorrowland’s atmosphere, offering an exciting Star Tours-like simulator experience but with WALL-E taking control instead of C-3PO. The journey begins on Earth within WALL-E’s homemade shelter before ascending to the Axiom spacecraft. Given the film’s acclaimed success among both critics and audiences, it’s somewhat surprising that WALL-E didn’t have a more prominent role in any of the parks. However, since Tomorrowland is all about space exploration and future technology, WALL-E would undoubtedly have been an ideal addition to this land.
5. Mulan
6. The Jungle Book
Although Disney parks currently offer the Jungle Cruise, they’re yet to introduce an attraction inspired by “The Jungle Book”. Characters like Mowgli, Baloo, and others would seamlessly blend in with the jungle setting of Adventureland. Imagine drifting along the river in your boat, enjoying the soothing melody of “Bare Necessities” sung by Baloo from the riverside. Integrating characters from “The Jungle Book” into the Jungle Cruise would be a simple enhancement, yet it could significantly elevate an already enjoyable ride. Not to mention, the skippers would have plenty more opportunities for puns about bears!
7. Brave
At Disney parks, they’ve achieved great success with their interactive rides modeled after arcade games such as Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters and Toy Story’s Midway Mania. However, there’s one element they seem to be lacking: archery! Imagine an interactive dark ride based on Brave, where you’d be equipped with a bow and tasked with hitting moving targets by shooting imaginary arrows. The more intricate the target, the higher the points you earn. Potential locations could include Merida’s castle Dunbroch, the witch’s workshop, and the Scottish highlands. But be cautious not to hit any will-o’-the-wisps; we hear that brings bad luck!
8. The Emperor’s New Groove
One unconventional Disney movie, “The Emperor’s New Groove,” stands out due to its unique storyline, enhanced by exceptional voice acting. Notable performances include David Spade as the self-centered Emperor Kuzco, John Goodman as compassionate Pacha, Eartha Kitt as cunning Yzma, and Patrick Warburton as clumsy Kronk. An “Emperor’s New Groove” ride could explore various possibilities, but a strong argument can be made for it being a flume ride. When Yzma instructs Kronk to pull the lever, this moment offers an excellent chance for a sudden, high-speed drop, much like their real experience on the way to Yzma’s secret lab. Later, Pacha and the llama-transformed Kuzco navigate a rapid descent down a river while clinging to a tree trunk. The second drop could occur as they clear the immense waterfall. Rough rocks at the bottom? Let’s handle it!
9. Hercules
As a self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast, I’d like to sing the praises of one often overlooked gem – “Hercules”. This animated masterpiece is not only smarter and funnier than you might recall, but it also tugs at your heartstrings in ways that are genuinely touching. And let’s not forget about the catchy tunes! From the uplifting “Zero to Hero” with its gospel vibe, to Megara’s soulful ballad “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)”, the music in this film is simply unforgettable.
Imagine a thrilling rollercoaster ride based on this timeless tale! Aboard Pegasus, our trusty steed and sidekick to Hercules, we’d soar through the magnificent Mount Olympus before plunging into the depths of the Underworld. There, we’d be greeted by none other than Hades, with his signature wit and charm. After Hercules rescues Meg from becoming part of Hades’ infamous dead soul stew, we’d then be whisked back up to Mount Olympus, where the Muses would bid us farewell with a lively rendition of “A Star Is Born”.
The ride would culminate in a charming gift shop filled with all manner of Hercules merchandise, just like what you see in the movie. Among other items, I’d love to get my hands on a pair of those trendy Air-Hercs!
10. National Treasure
2007 saw the spotlight shining brightly on the blockbuster films “National Treasure” and its sequel, “Book of Secrets.” With the latter’s cliffhanger ending, discussions about a third installment were already buzzing. At that time, our beloved franchise star, Nicolas Cage, expressed his dream of having a dedicated “National Treasure” ride at Disneyland. In many ways, “National Treasure” seemed to be on the path to becoming Disney’s next “Indiana Jones,” but various factors held it back from reaching full flight. The enduring appeal of “Indiana Jones” surpasses that of “National Treasure,” although the latter has a dedicated fanbase. This is why the Indiana Jones Adventure’s Temple of the Forbidden Eye never underwent transformation into the subterranean City of Gold from “Book of Secrets.” Nonetheless, an exhilarating dark ride transporting passengers to the legendary City of Gold would have been incredible, and a fight between animatronic Nic Cage and animatronic Ed Harris would have undeniably become a classic moment in theme park history.
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2025-04-22 19:30