Walt Disney World is constantly updating its attraction line-up – building new rides, and removing or updating old ones. We’ve taken a detailed look at the resort’s “lost” rides in this series of articles. Inevitably, some of the current rides, attractions and other elements at Walt Disney World’s four theme parks are in line for the chop over the next few years. Some might survive in an updated form, while others will be removed altogether. Though we don’t have many official announcements to go on (yet), we can make some fairly strong guesses as to which attractions might be set for the axe. Let’s take a look at five endangered Walt Disney World attractions.
5. Soarin’ (Over California)
We love Soarin’, the flight simulator attraction at Epcot that is a clone of the original (Soarin’ Over California) at Disney California Adventure. The ride system is unique to Disney, and provides an amazing sensation of flight. Unfortunately, the frequent, jarring cuts in the ride movie undercut the feeling of immersion – and the California-focused ride video makes a lot less sense as part of Epcot’s The Land pavilion. That’s why we’re excited about the planned replacement of the original, California-themed footage with a new movie that takes in scenes across the globe. If Disney can ensure that the edits are smoother, this could take the ride to a whole new level – just as Universal’s HD makeover for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man breathed new life into that classic attraction. The latest rumors suggest that the updated Soarin’ Over the Horizon could open as soon as 2016.
4. Captain EO
We understand Disney’s decision to bring back Michael Jackson’s 3-D extravaganza Captain EO in the wake of the singer’s death. Not only was it a fitting tribute to the late star, but it also solved the problem of what to do with one of Epcot’s aging attractions – Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. However, it only postponed the inevitable task for Disney of replacing Epcot’s 3-D movie with something more modern. At present, it is not all clear what might happen to Captain EO. There have been rumors of Disneyland’s version being replaced by a 3-D Star Wars movie – although that would be need to be clearly differentiated from Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (which itself is in 3-D). But Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be a more fitting home for any Star Wars-themed shows. There have also been rumors that the entire Imagination Pavilion, which hosts Captain EO and the much-maligned Journey into Imagination with Figment, could be closed altogether. Even given the gaping gap in quality between the pavilion’s attractions and the rest of Epcot’s line-up, we find that hard to believe – but we do think that a major shake-up is in order, and will happen sooner rather than later.
3. Maelstrom
Earlier this year, Screamscape reported that “WDI has been given the initial nod to do a little Blue Sky dreaming to determine just how they could transform the Maelstrom ride in the Norway Pavilion into a new Frozen themed attraction concept.” Long-time Disney commentator Jim Hill later chimed in on the Touring Plans podcast, saying: “They’re already looking at 2014/2015 and where does that fit into our holiday plans. Those of you who love the Maelstrom might want to go visit it…Disney’s not going to make the mistake they made with The Little Mermaid again. They’re not going to wait 20 years to get a ride…there will be something in the next 18 months.” Maelstrom is one of few rides in the World Showcase area of Epcot. The forward/backward flume ride sets guests in Norse viking ships on a cruise through a troll-inhabited swamp, past Nordic polar bears, and into the oil refinement industry of present-day Norway before culminating in a short film on the region’s contributions to technology. Frozen is a great fit with the Norway Pavilion, given that Norway was the inspiration for the movie itself. And take a look at these two images – the first of the Norway Pavilion, the second of the kingdom of Arendelle from Frozen:
Reusing the Maelstrom ride system and Norway building would save a huge amount of money in the development of the attraction, but Disney’s recent track record suggests that an opening date within 18 months is wildly optimistic.
2. The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow is a walkthrough exzperience based on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, rather than the original theme park ride. It offers guests a view of key moments from the movies from the perspective of Captain Jack Sparrow. Often derided by fans as little more than a pre-show, the previous occupant of this single-room, “stand and watch” attraction was Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian. It featured behind-the-scenes footage and a recreation of Aslan’s Stone Table Chamber. This had itself replaced another Narnia-themed attraction, Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The two Narnia attractions had an average lifespan of just three years. Given that The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow opened in late 2012, it’s probably reasonable to expect that Disney will look to replace it with yet another quick-and-easy movie tie-in in 2016.
1. The American Idol Experience
This one is definitely on the way out. The American Idol Experience will close in January 2015, with no replacement having been announced as yet. Until then, would-be performers can visit auditions throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where the best of the best are invited to perform in the massive recreation of the show’s famous stage in front of park guests, culminating in a finale showdown at the last show of the day. With American Idol now a little long-in-the-tooth, it’s no real surprise to see Disney closing down the attraction inspired by the show. We’ll have to wait and see whether the theater will be occupied by another show – or whether the more optimistic rumors that it will be demolished to create space for the long-rumored Star Wars Land will come to pass.
