Disney is constantly changing its theme parks to keep up with the times.
That means that unfortunately, sometimes old classics get the axe when it’s time to roll out a new attraction or expand with a new land. We’ve seen quite a few additions at the Disney parks in the past few years…but we’ve also seen some big losses. Which attractions got cut in the past five years? Here’s a list of the major hits from the US parks!
Splash Mountain
Probably the most memorable attraction closure recently is Splash Mountain. This ride was closed at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland to make way for the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure log flume ride.
If you loved the old ride system, you’re in luck! Tiana’s ride will be very similar in style, but will have a new storyline, new music, and new animatronics. It’s currently under construction in both parks.
Innoventions
One of the biggest updates of the past few years is the massive transformation of EPCOT. It has included several new rides, restaurants, and activities added to the park, but it meant we had to lose a big chunk of what was formerly Future World.
The biggest loss was arguably Innoventions — both the East and West sides. These indoor spaces were home to interactive attractions, some character meets, and lots of unique offerings that really went strong on the “edutainment” side of EPCOT.
Primeval Whirl
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ve heard a lot of talk about the future changes coming to Dinoland, USA. But long before those possibilities were announced, Disney quietly closed Primeval Whirl…and just never reopened it.
The mouse trap-style roller coaster had already moved to a seasonal schedule when the pandemic hit, and then when the parks reopened, the ride just never came back. It was demolished a few months later. We’ll be interested to see what arrives in its place!
A Bug’s Land
Heading out to the west coast again, we’ve got to talk about A Bug’s Land! This entire land was closed in 2018 to make way for Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
With the closure of the land, we lost Flik’s Flyers, Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, Francis’ Ladybug Boogie, Princess Dot Puddle Park, and Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies. But in its place, we got some pretty cool additions and lots of great interactions with Marvel characters…so we can’t be too mad!
Stitch’s Great Escape
And finally, we have to mention the infamous Stitch’s Great Escape. This attraction replaced ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom, but it wasn’t really any more popular than its predecessor. It also operated seasonally for a while before closing for real in 2018.
The sign for the attraction stayed up for several years after its closure, but the space is sometimes used now for meet and greets during holiday parties at Magic Kingdom. Hopefully, they’ll do something new with this area in the future!
There you go — all the major Disney attractions that closed in the past 5 years! We’ll keep you in the loop with any more changes to the parks, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.
Every Closed Disney Ride and Attraction — Click Here!
Which attraction closure are you the most sad about? Tell us in the comments!
Splash Mountain. First rode it in 2003; took me until 2016 to actually like it.
They should have NEVER taken Alien Encounter away an awesome exhibit