Theme park attractions come and go all the time, and even though we’d like all our favorite rides and shows to stick around forever, the sad fact is that we have to say goodbye to at least a few every year.
While we already know that a lot of attractions that were previously in the pipeline for Walt Disney World are now in jeopardy, it looks like several formerly operational attractions have now been officially shut down permanently as of this week… and more closures may be on the way.
1. Stitch’s Great Escape
Location: Magic Kingdom
Status: Extinct as January 6, 2018
Though it has not been open since 2018 Disney has finally confirmed that Stitch’s Great Escape at the Magic Kingdom will never reopen. Unfortunately, there are no intended plans for replacing this attraction in the near future, and this prime space in Tomorrowland will remain vacant for the time being.
2. Rivers of Light
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Status: Extinct as of March 14, 2020
Though all nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World are shut down right now, there is an expectation that shows like Happily Ever After will return at some point. However, Disney has confirmed that Rivers of Light will not be among those shows coming back. Though rumors about low guest enjoyment levels have fueled talk about this show ending for several years now, it looks like Disney has finally pulled the plug on this show, permanently.
3. Primeval Whirl
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Status: Extinct as of February 2020
After an unexpected (and unexplained) four month refurbishment in 2019 we expected that we had seen the last of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. However, this attraction unexpectedly reopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a few times this past President’s Day Weekend. However, it looks like that was the final run for Primeval Whirl, as Disney has confirmed that this attraction will never reopen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
4. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Status: Endangered
During the parks closure, rumors swirled that Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would not be reopening with the park when it begins welcoming guests again, and now that the park is once again open, this attraction has indeed remained closed, along with other stage show style attractions. However, while other stage show attractions may come back, it looks like this one may not.
5. Star Wars Launch Bay
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Status: Endangered
Another attraction that did not reopen with Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week was the Star Wars: Launch Bay. And while its possible that this attraction could return at some point when character meet and greets become possible once again, a survey was recently sent out to select Walt Disney World guests that seemed to insinuate that this attraction may be on the chopping block in the near future.
Unfortunately, it looks like a lot of attractions are on the chopping block at Walt Disney World, and we may not even be done for cuts confirmed in 2020. Would you save any of these attractions if you could? What’s another attraction you think Disney might cut in the future?
