I’m not a jealous person by nature, but as someone who visits Walt Disney World far more regularly than, say, Disneyland, I can’t help but be a bit envious when they have an attraction over there that I’d love to see featured in my own favorite park. I’m sure you’ve felt the same way at times: slightly jealous over an exciting new attraction you might never have the chance to experience. This feeling is only made worse when those awesome new rides and shows live in more exotic locales than even Southern California – places like Tokyo, Hong Kong, or France.
But what if our friends over at Walt Disney World could sneak into any of the other Disney Parks around the world under the cover of darkness and (magically, of course) snatch up a ride or show and bring it back to beautiful, sunny Central Florida? Which ones should they take?
Sure, it might be easier and cheaper and less controversial to simply build new versions of those rides down in Orlando, but where’s the fun in that? And to fans of those other parks and these rides, don’t fret. We’re only doing this because, yes, we are actually very jealous of you.
Here are four non-Walt Disney World attractions that would fit perfectly in the four Disney theme parks in Orlando:
4. Indiana Jones Adventure, Disneyland
With rumors growing of the closing of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, it would only make sense for Walt Disney World to bring the character back in a new way. Indiana Jones Adventure, originally debuting at Disneyland in 1995, would be the perfect new addition.
Using the same ride technology as Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur, Indiana Jones Adventure sends riders through an array of Indian ruins, uncovering mystical relics and, naturally, danger.
The ride is extraordinarily immersive, perfectly simulating the depths of the jungle and the feeling of adventure Indiana Jones is famous for. Its climax, which features a recreation of the iconic rolling boulder from Raiders of the Lost Arc, is as thrilling a moment as you’ll find at any Disney park.
Because the ride is so immaculately themed to the films on which it is based, it would fit perfectly into Disney’s Hollywood Studios both aesthetically and logistically. Plus, it would give those fans who are upset about Indy’s imminent departure from Orlando a bit of peace of mind.
3. Aquatopia, Tokyo DisneySea
Some of Disney’s most technologically advanced ride systems have never been deployed on U.S. soil. One of these it its trackless ride vehicle system, which features vehicles that move without any apparent guidance. Once such use of this technology is Aquatopia at the gorgeous Tokyo DisneySea.
Unlike it’s namesake, Disneyland’s Autopia, guests board personal hovercrafts and embark on a tour of a small lagoon. Due to the lack of a track, the ride experience can easily change every visit, and guests can even choose their own way of enjoying the ride. Aquatopia, specifically, offers two different paths guests can take depending on whether or not they want to get wet.
In all, the ride is an example of Disney’s push toward more personalized ride experiences, and offers a technology we haven’t yet seen at Walt Disney World. That it’s largely a showcase of individual expression and exciting technology, combined with a worldly, adventurous spirit, it’d certainly fit in well at Epcot – especially considering that park could use a new water ride, even one that’s merely a simple diversion.
2. Journey to the Center of the Earth, Tokyo DisneySea
Across the park from Aquatopia is Journey to the Center of the Earth, an elaborate ride themed after Jules Verne’s famous work. Originally opening in 2001, the ride uses the same technology as Test Track at Epcot and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney’s California Adventure – a kind of slot-car style high-speed thrill ride.
The difference from those two attractions, however, is its theme. While Test Track is highly futuristic and Radiator Springs Racers is tied into the Cars universe, Journey to the Center of the Earth tells a more mythological story, combining elements of realism with the fantasy and science-fiction Verne was known for. The result is a beautiful and thrilling ride that seems more like an update of the classic Disney style than a groundbreaking new work.
With the opening of Pandora: the Land of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that park’s focus will grow to include works of fantasy, as it was originally intended. It would be a shame if this stopped just with Avatar, and Journey to the Center of the Earth would fit in wonderfully in a broadened Animal Kingdom. Its finale, featuring a giant lava monster that lives in our planet’s core, would be as thrilling a moment as any you’d find at Disney’s largest park.
1. Mystic Manor, Hong Kong Disneyland
There’s a playfulness and originality present in Mystic Manor that seems to have gone missing from Disney’s newest American repertoire. Even though the newest rides at Walt Disney World are, indeed, wonderful, most don’t have a sense of wonder and wide-eyed optimism. Mystic Manor, opened at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2013, absolutely does.
Serving as that park’s version of the Haunted Mansion, Mystic Manor invites guests into the home of Lord Mystic, a world traveller and member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. Mystic’s home is full of odd collectibles and artifacts – which all come to life and lead guests on their own adventure when Mystic’s pet Albert opens a magical music box.
The ride uses Disney’s trackless ride system the same way a choreographer uses a dancer: Each ride cycle features four separate vehicles making the journey together, dancing, spinning, and playing all at once. The result is something special – a sort of spiritual successor to Epcot’s long-departed Journey into Imagination, a ride equal in whimsy and creative ingenuity.
Mystic Manor is wonderful, and would be a perfect fit at Walt Disney World’s crown jewel: the Magic Kingdom.
Although, to be fair, I’d feel pretty bad about stealing this one. It’s just that good.
What about you? Have any favorite Disney rides you wish you could bring to Orlando?
