The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world in incalculable ways as it wreaks havoc and devestation on populations and industries across the globe. But leave it to Imagineering fans to look toward the “great, big, beautiful tomorrow” shining at the end of it, channeling this “world of hopes and world of fears” into creative projects meant to add a little light to a bleak situation.
While you may not have showbuildings or multi-million dollar ride systems, you can recreate the magic of Disney’s greatest rides and attractions at home… Yep, around the globe, families are coming together (while staying inside!) to recreate their favorite Disney Parks attractions using household supplies, memories, blacklights, and a sprinkling of homemade pixie dust.
Given the choice, most of us would probably opt for a day at a Disney Park over a day on the couch… But these creative homemade “rides” prove that just because you’re stuck at home – be it a snow day, a holiday, or, y’know, a global pandemic sweeping the globe – there will always be ways to bring the magic of the happiest places on Earth right along with you. Plus, don’t forget to tag us in the best homemade Disney rides you’ve seen around social media!
1. Peter Pan’s Flight
If you thought you couldn’t soar across London from the comfort of your own home, boy do Nicole Skidmore and family prove you wrong! Dip down over nighttime London, glide through a Mermaid Lagoon, zoom through a battle between Peter and Hook, and pass by one of the best Tiger Lily impersonators we’ve seen yet! This wonderful recreation of the opening day dark ride found at almost every Disneyland-style park is proof that a little collaboration and creativity can create one of the best rides of all time, right at home!
2. Soarin’ Around the World
When the Lost Legend: Soarin’ Over California changed its flightplan to a tour Around the World, it traded the beaches, mountains, forests, and cities of the Golden State for the snow-capped Matterhorn, the bays of Sydney, humming African savannahs, the iconic Taj Mahal, the crystal waters of Polynesia, the lights of the Eiffel Tower, and Tinker Bell’s flight through the firework-lit skies of Epcot. Recreated at home? Impossible! Except, of course, that Eat Breathe Disney on YouTube found a way! It’s an international tour without leaving the house!
3. Jungle Cruise
The “World Famous” Jungle Cruise has been a favorite since Disneyland’s opening in 1955, and has since been exported in various forms to Orlando, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and… the residential pool of the Disney-loving family behind the Couple Meets World Adventures channel. The must-see tour along the world’s most exotic waterways includes some favorite skipper jokes and some impressive “Audio-Animatronics.” No, really.
4. The Haunted Mansion
“When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake…” There’s a reason the Haunted Mansion is one of the most iconic and beloved Disney attractions ever… And the at-home remake by Angela Bretthorst Gusky on YouTube is one of many recreations of the classic attraction. How do you make a ballroom of ghosts dance? Portraits stretch? A candelabra float? You’ve got to see it to believe it!
5. Alien Encounter
Sure, you can’t ride Alien Encounter today… but you can’t ride any of the other attractions on this list today either, can you? If you’ve only heard rumors of this long-shuttered horror attraction at Magic Kingdom, or barely remember Disney’s “scariest attraction ever,” make the jump to our Lost Legends: ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter feature to uncover the full story of Imagineering’s edgy sci-fi thriller attraction. The experience was a gut-wrenching, multi-sensory show that thrilled (and traumatized) a generation of ’90s kids… let’s hope the Remain Seated with Chris Nebergall channel has the same lasting impact.
We’ve got three more must-see homemade magic rides on the last page… and some must-see ways Cast Members are keeping their Disney skills fine-tuned during closure!
6. Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Midway Mania had simultaneous summer debuts at both Disney World (now part of Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land) at Disney California Adventure (along Pixar Pier). Cleverly, the attraction gives guests the chance to play classic boardwalk games of skill like Break-the-Plate and Ring-the-Bottle, but with unlimited ammo and all the fun of Toy Story‘s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me!” The Flynt family‘s living room recreation perfectly captures the popping, zipping, spinning fun with just a few office chairs and some easy at-home supplies! (And stay tuned to the video for a bonus Kilimanjaro Safaris and Soarin’ recreation!)
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is pretty universally renowned as Walt Disney’s magnum opus. The epic adventure begins in the firefly-lit bayous of New Orleans drifting before passing through ancient grottos, seaside battles, a pirate takeover of a Caribbean port town… and a few waterfalls along the way. Brin Thornock’s family found a way to bring it all to life, from hairy dangling legs to thrilling drops. While Disneyland’s version probably retains its title as the world’s best classic dark ride, this homemade recreation certainly gives Walt’s a run for its money!
8. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
When Imagineers replaced the Lost Legend: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure, fans weren’t sure what to expect. Most of us don’t have a high-speed elevator in your home capable of sending you freefalling through the collection of Tanaleer Tivan on a wild prison break with the Guardians of the Galaxy… But you can recreate the preshow of the superhero attraction in your own home. All you need is a racoon! And if you don’t have one… well… Just watch Cassandra‘s solution.
BONUS: Cast Member highlights
Okay, we’re pretty much obsessed with Rachel Faith keeping Cast Member spiels fresh during quarantine. Know what ride this is for?
And of course…
Filmed and posted long before quarantine, we still can’t help but love the operations team behind Hollywood Studios’ Fantasmic presenting a full-length living room recreation of the nighttime spectacular.
Make-Your-Own
In uncertain times, a little Disney magic at home can really help us see the light on the horizon. Of course, we encourage you to create your own living room ride recreations and tag us in the results – just be sure you only use supplies and materials you’ve already got lying around to allow delivery services, warehouse workers, and manufacturers to focus on high-need supplies! In the meantime, keep tagging us in your favorite social media finds.
