As Disney fans, we are often fascinated with learning what happens to Disney attractions after they close. Whether they are simply left to the elements like River Country, or repurposed as something else entirely in the case of the Maelstrom’s change to Frozen Ever After, it’s always interesting to see where these pieces of Disney history end up (or where they came from!) Read on to learn about 4 iconic props that have been moved around various parks both in and outside of the Disney name.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Image: Disney
In 2007 El Rio del Tiempo, the boat ride attraction in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion was closed to make way for Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. With similar basic concepts, boat rides showcasing Mexico’s history and culture to guests, the most significant change coming to the attraction would be the inclusion of characters.
In the early years of World Showcase, characters were much more difficult to come by, and some Disney guests would prefer it this way. Though the average guest probably doesn’t think too much of it, some diehard fans scoff at the thought of adding more characters to World Showcase, arguing that the inclusion of characters takes away from the authentic feel of these countries. Nevertheless, Donald Duck has been meeting outside of the pyramid by the Mexico pavilion for quite some time, and over the years numerous other characters have made their way into World Showcase.
Image: Disney
In 2015, Audio Animatronics of The Three Caballeros themselves were added to the ride’s finale sequence, thus adding some extra “character” to the attraction.However, this is more than just a simple improvement as these specific animatronics have a deep history and connection to Walt Disney World.
Back when the resort was still known as “the Florida project” these animatronics were displayed as part of a 1969 showcase intended to introduce government officials to the project. These animatronics were then shipped off to the Magic Kingdom and were used as part of The Mickey Mouse Revue show, an opening day attraction which featured 96 Audio-Animatronic Disney characters, who performed favorite songs under the baton of Mickey Mouse.
Image: Disney
Though the Mickey Mouse Revue closed at Magic Kingdom on September 14, 1980, Jose, Panchito and Donald were moved (along with their 93 bandmates) to Tokyo Disneyland, where the show was performed daily for 26 years before closing to make way for PhilharMagic. But now after nearly three decades away from their Florida home, these three amigos have finally returned home to Walt Disney World.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Image: Disney
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is unique in not only that this entire attraction was brought to the Magic Kingdom from another Disney park, but it was transported from a park that was never part of Disney at all. The Walt Disney Company purchased this carrousel from Olympic Park in Irvington, New Jersey in 1967, and prior to this the carrousel was located at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, MI. Originally known as The Liberty Carousel, this attraction was constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which having been in the business of creating amusement attractions in 1904 is one of the oldest known companies in the United States.
Image: Disney
Extensive work was done to the carousel to ensure that it would fit the theme of Cinderella. Storyboards with images from the film were added to the trim of the carousel, and the horses were all refurbished, even receiving fresh coats of paint featuring 23 karat gold leaf, silver, and bronze. .
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
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If you’ve taken a trip on Disney Cruise Line and visited Castaway Cay, Disney’s very own private island, you may have stumbled across a piece of Magic Kingdom history. The island, which is included as a stop on most Port Canaveral-based itineraries, features a themed snorkeling area. In addition to tropical fish and man-made reefs, guests snorkeling may have also come across one of the Nautilus vehicles from the Magic Kingdom’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.
Though the sunken Nautilus has likely been removed, since there have been few if any known sightings of it in recent years, nods to this classic attraction may be found around Walt Disney World. An image of the famed sub may be seen carved into a wall at the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, atop the weather vane at the Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, and a visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is filled with references to the Nautilus, including one of the most unique souvenir glasses in Walt Disney World.
Space Mountain
Image: Disney
If there is one theme that remains consistent with most Disney theme parks it’s space travel. It is no surprise then that pieces of space-themed attractions may be borrowed from other parks. The most notable examples of this are the astronauts guests see during their trips around the galaxy on Space Mountain. While these two seem to fit right at home in this Tomorrowland attraction, their original home was actually within a much larger attraction over in Epcot.
Spaceship Earth has gone through a number of renovations since its opening in 1982, with one of the most major refurbishments being the work that was done to make way for the 1994 version of the attraction narrated by Jeremy Irons. During this refurbishment, the astronauts that originally manned the space station located near the top of the sphere were removed and eventually brought over to Space Mountain. Wondering where exactly the space station was located on Spaceship Earth? It can be a bit difficult to see today, but if you turn around near the top of the backwards descent, you may notice some framework that resembles a space station. (Just remember to remain seated and avoid using flash photography, please!)
