Top 10 Disney Rides & Attractions We Miss

Top 10 Disney Rides & Attractions We Miss

As the saying goes: all good things must come to an end. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Disney Rides & Attractions We Miss.

For this list, we’ll be revisiting Disney rides and attractions that have gone the way of the dodo bird. But keep in mind that some rides, such as the iconic Skyway, are making a comeback, and will thus not be considered.

#10: Journey into Imagination (Original Version)

Opening in 1983, this ride was almost as old as the park it operated in. Epcot was the second of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, opening its doors on October 1st, 1982. The park is divided into two sections: Future World and World Showcase; the former being where Journey into Imagination originally resided. The ride involved a trip into the imagination of the Dreamfinder and his pet dragon, the aptly named Figment; and was meant to be an exploration into the world of the human mind. Unfortunately the ride shut its doors in 1998, but it reopened a year later as Journey into YOUR Imagination and later Journey into Imagination with Figment.

#9: Snow White’s Scary Adventures

When Disney World opened in 1971, Snow White’s Scary Adventures was there to frighten– sorry, welcome guests. The ride took visitors on a tour of Snow White’s world, from the dungeons of the Evil Queen’s castle to the Dwarfs’ diamond mine, complete with shimmering jewels of all sorts. For over 40 years it was one of the Magic Kingdoms flagship rides, until it was replaced in 2012 by Princess Fairytale Hall, an area where guests could meet and greet some of Disney’s most famous princesses. However, if you’re a Snow White super fan, you can still find the ride up and running at Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Tokyo.

#8: Captain EO

Shown at various Disney theme parks between 1986 and 1996, Captain EO was a science fiction film starring Michael Jackson. The plot consisted of Jackson and his alien crew travelling across the universe to deliver a gift to “The Supreme Leader”. Directed by none other than Francis Ford Coppola, the film was temporarily brought back in 2010 after Jackson’s death. The 4D film, so named for its in-theatre visual and practical effects, was one of Epcot’s main attractions for many years before being replaced by Honey, I Shrunk The Audience.

#7: Maelstrom

Located in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion, Maelstrom was a log flume ride first opened in 1988. Guests rode in boats modeled after traditional Norse longships and were whisked away on a journey complete with Vikings, polar bears and talking animatronic companions. The ride was designed to give visitors a history of mythological Norway and was popular enough to remain in use for over 25 years. One of the more exciting rides located in Epcot’s World Showcase section, it was with a heavy heart that we bid it adieu in 2014. Not to worry, the ride was replaced with the equally impressive Frozen Ever After just two years later.

#6: Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit the Magic Kingdom then you’ll know that Disney knows how to put on a fireworks show. For 32 years, that show was called Fantasy in the Sky, and in 2003 it was replaced by Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams. The latter consisted of 683 fireworks and was hosted by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy; with a special appearance made by Tinker Bell as she flew from the iconic Cinderella Castles’ highest spire. “Wishes” was replaced in May of 2017 by Happily Ever After, another fireworks show that incorporated projection mapping and lasers into its production.

#5: The Great Movie Ride

Housed inside a replica of the renowned Grauman's Chinese Theatre, The Great Movie Ride was a cinematic experience unlike any other. Opened in 1989, this dark ride was situated in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction recreated 12 of Hollywood’s most iconic films, using sets, live and animatronic actors and special effects to bring them to life. From “Casablanca” to “Indiana Jones” the ride was an epic journey into the heart and soul of American cinema. Unfortunately, The Great Movie Ride no longer exists, having shut down in August of 2017 to make way for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. As movie fans, we shudder at the thought.

#4: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage

This ride, much like its cross-country Disneyland counterpart Submarine Voyage, no longer exists. It was first introduced as one of the key components of Disneyworld’s Magical Kingdom; located in the Fantasyland section of the park. From 1971 to 1994, it gave us all memories that would last a lifetime. The ride was an underwater adventure narrated by Captain Nemo, the protagonist of Jules Verne’s groundbreaking novel for which the ride was named. Attendees hopped aboard a submarine and descended into the depths of the ocean, where they encountered sharks, divers and even the ruins of Atlantis! While the ride was a hit with guests, it was simply too expensive to maintain.

#3: DisneyQuest

Built in the hopes of bringing Disney magic to those unable to make the trip to one of their theme parks, DisneyQuest ultimately failed to catch on with the public. Two versions of the interactive theme park were built: one in Chicago and one in Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort. Opened in 1999, DisneyQuest featured a number of different virtual reality rides and arcade games. While the Chicago location only lasted two years, DisneyQuest Florida remained until 2017, before being replaced by the NBA Experience attraction.

#2: Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

After more than 70 years, this ride is still in operation at the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its eastern counterpart. Mr. Toads Wild Ride was one of Disneyworld’s first attractions, and was there back when the park opened in 1971. A guest favorite, the ride took inspiration from the children’s novel “The Wind in the Willows” and the animated Disney film, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”. To the chagrin of many, Mr. Toad took his last wild ride on September 7th, 1998. The ride was replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh the following year.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

Walt Disney World Speedway

Horizons

#1: Main Street Electrical Parade

A nighttime parade unlike any other, the Main Street Electrical Parade was one of Disney’s most illustrious attractions. Debuting in 1972 at Disneyland and five years later at Disneyworld, the parade featured a dazzling array of lights strung across floats, buildings and even live performers. The show also featured a soundtrack made up of classic Disney tunes. Versions of the parade have popped up at various points at Disneyland Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The parades most recent run ended in August of 2017 and Disney has made no mention as to whether or not it plans to bring it back any time soon… but you never know!

Do you agree with our list? Which Disney ride or attraction do you miss? For more entertaining Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.