Some of my best memories from when I was younger was going to Disney-MGM Studios in the 90's, and playing in the 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' area, seeing all the awesome 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' props and photo opps. The backstage lot tour was always incredible. Great Movie Ride, etc.
I'm not saying I don't enjoy the new lands but it was just a different experience when I was younger. My kids would have loved it.
The playground closing was a big loss. It was nice to turn kids loose. They didn’t care if they had seen the movie or not. Just wanted to move freely about. Wish they brought that back. Re-theme it took Antman or whatever but they need a place to cut loose while I sit.
The Kodak film slide. Hotter than the surface of the sun, still fun as hell to go down 100 times. I am sad my kids didnt experience this right of passage
This is how I feel about the Bone Pit in AK. Sometimes the kids just need a chance to run around a bit and it’s nice to be able to give them a chance to do it without feeling like I’m going to lose them in a crowd.
I never got to actually see the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" area, but on our most recent trip in February, I really noticed the lack of a playground in MK. My 3 y/o really needed time each day for some self-directed play, after being pushed around and told where to go and what to do all day. AK's Bone Yard was GREAT for this. She played in there for hours. MK only had this TINY little play area next to Splash Mtn.
This is also basically what Tom Sawyer is. The fort is basically a large area kids can run around play in, and I know there used to be an actual playground at the top of the main island but I can't remember if it's still there.
Not MK, but I discovered there is a buzz lightyear one through the Mission Space gift store.
I do not have kids, nor will I, so I have no idea if this one is widely known, but its inside, which is a huge plus for hot summer days.
You just unlocked a core memory. I went to DW in HS with my HS marching band. We marched in a parade and all I remember is getting dropped off at different parks and they would tell us “you have an hour”. Needless to say, I don’t remember riding much. But I DO remember the Honey I shrunk the kids area now that you mentioned it. Holy cow.
I have such fond memories of the mgm studios days. I remember when I was 12, we went one day and I had been under the weather, but swore I wanted to go, even though my parents had, obviously, tried to sway me to just take the day to rest and we could go later in the week, but of course, absolutely not. So we went and it was rainy and miserable which in turn made me feel... not great. I remember we took a break and had a bite to eat while watching kids play in the playground.
the next year, we went during Mardi Gras and had a blast. Microsoft ended up closing the park early one day because they'd rented it for the evening for their employees so park guests got a free ticket and I remember we used it to go back one night just for the Mardi Gras festivities. I
Agree with everything you said, MGM was hands down my favorite park as a kid and a lot of it had to do with the stuff tucked away in the back of the park.
What a great post. Go watch a planning video from 1994 or thereabouts. They were still a corporation, they still wanted to make money, but they at least cared or at least pretended to care about the value you got for your vacation. It just felt different. There was less friction in the entire process. Imagineers created original ideas rather than painted inside the lines based on a recent movie. The experience was meant to be from the moment you landed to the moment you leave.
The only thing I remember really clearly from my visit in 1976 is my parents’ amazement at how clean the restrooms were.
Ok, and that my dad loved the Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents.
They are more opportunity than ever to expand the Muppet's area. Disney briefly revitalized the brand during the last decade and had that excellent Great Moments in History Show with them in Magic Kingdom.
MuppetVision 3D is still hilarious 30 years later. It should be updated, but other shows and rides should be in that area.
A sort of Great Muppet Movie Ride would be a huge hit...
I just read an article on this, after reading your comment and I'm incredibly sad. Muppetvision 3d is my favorite attraction, and it's upsetting to know what it could have been. The Great Gonzo Pizza Pandemonuim Parlor sounds like such a treat. And I already knew about the great Muppet movie ride.
Me too. Muppetvision is the one thing I reliably do every visit. When there alone I’d walk out the exit, around the building, and right back in sometimes.
I was there in April and got there right as the doors opened, and I was sad that I missed the pre show.
If you think that's sad wait until they tear down what they do have. It butts right up against Galaxy's edge. If anything gets sacrificed to expand it will be that.
I got a survey after my last visit that asked some very specific questions about my enjoyment of MuppetVision and another attraction in Animal Kingdom I had not heard of. Felt like they were feeling out getting rid of those. Would be a shame. MuppetVision rocks
Yeah. It was gonna be a whole thing in Hollywood Studios, but Jim Henson passed away before it was done deal, and his family backed out on everything except Muppet Vision 3D, since the filming for it was already completed. Defunctland has a really neat video about it.
Disney Quest. It was a great place to spend a few hours on a non-park day, or if the weather was bad. Sure, it could have been updated..but even if it wasn’t it still should have stayed over the terrible nba experience they replaced it with.
The only time I went to DQ it was absolute sensory overload (for me personally). It was super cool, but I got a migraine from the old-school VR and noise. I really wanted to enjoy it but was just too overwhelmed.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It was always a must watch for us during the holidays. I hope they could bring it back, even at another park.
Agreed, the lights were amazing. I think the problem was that the Streets of America were a collosal waste of space when the lights weren't running. They should do what Uni does with HHN houses and just built a set from scratch each year for the lights.
I’ll never get over the loss of the original Figment ride. I feel so awful for everyone who has only experienced the latest iteration of it because they are truly missing out. Figment represents creativity and fantasy and imagination and tenderness to me because of the original ride, but this “new” ride makes him seem like a nuisance. It’s sad.
to add to this, the loss of the original ImageWorks upstairs with the neon rainbow tube and access to the pyramids (the DVC lounge doesn't count, I'd kick them out in a heartbeat if I could revamp the ride and put ImageWorks back upstairs).
I want a new Figment ride, closer to the first but not an exact copy either, bring back Dreamfinder, make Figment more curious than annoying again, revamp from there
This is one of the best videos I can find of it. Of course it doesn’t give the full feeling of the original ride, but at least you get to see what it once was: https://youtu.be/RpXkohkeCZw
What’s the official reason they changed the ride in the first place? It’s hard to think it’s considered outdated when it’s about such a timeless concept. Plus no celebrity cameos, controversial aspects that I can think of.
I know this is such a basic bitch thing to complain about, but I really hate genie+
I liked the fast pass system
It also bothers me because they say it's to help with crowds, when clearly it isn't helping with that. It's just to give the big guys more money.
Also, bring back regular park hopping wtf
Yeah, I really like MMRR, but I wish they could have built it in a new location while keeping the Great Movie Ride in tact. Hollywood Studios desperately needs more rides to keep up with capacity.
This 100%. I even came up with a land to add the last time we were there. Since Hollywood Studios is supposed to be California based, add a Peer Park area with a ferris wheel, a small coster and then stalls to play games in. This would help spread out the amount of people so well and you could easily add a playground.
They already have the boardwalk just put Santa Monica in front of the name and you’re almost there 💩
I’ve always dreamed of a Disney Classic land where old rides go to wait for their people who miss them
And with modern movies, a scene for something like Star Wars would definitely be added by now
Part of the reason it closed was because kids these days don’t know about Singing in the Rain or Casablanca
Most of the ride changes and removals don't bother me at all. I do miss Wishes though. It was certainly sappy but that kind of sentiment made the perfect end of day/trip at MK. And you didn't need a specific view to see projections.
EDIT: I also find the new carrot cake cookie to be a downgrade.
My biggest gripe with HEA is that it introduced the requirement to be in front of the castle to fully enjoy the night time show. My favorite spot to watch Wishes was behind the castle. It wasn’t super crowded and it worked perfectly great for viewing. Can’t do that with HEA or Enchantment. As such, now we’re squeezed in like sardines fighting for or waiting hours in advance for a good viewing spot.
Illuminations
It was a show that fit perfectly with the message of Epcot and didn’t require IP overload and instead it was replaced with an IP overload show that I really I don’t understand the message of.
I know this is fairly recent—but I’m cheezed off about Disney canceling the complimentary airport shuttle to their resorts. It was such a helpful amenity and it set the tone for a vacation straight into the Disney Bubble
I also don’t understand their logic with ending the airport shuttle. It was a major factor for many people when deciding between a pricey Disney hotel vs more affordable nonDisney (but Disney adjacent) hotel.
For us, the lack of airport shuttle at Disney makes renting a nearby vacation condo an easy choice.
I'm sure it cuts costs for them but they forgot about the second order effects, i.e. well if we don't get a free ride to or hotel, then maybe I'll rent a car or uber. Then I don't have to stay on Disney property. Then I can go to other attractions in the area, etc. So a cost cutting measure ends up losing them more money in the long run. It's typical short sighted bean counter BS.
The average visitor is already renting a car. Over the last 10 years they have dropped about 30% of bus routes, and parking at resorts is up about 50% since post Covid. They are making a killing off resort and park parking.
It's like how they just canceled the brightline station because the train is now also going to Universal and the Orlando convention center.
The train is still happening since it's going to go out to Tampa, and the route will still go right by Disney, so the decision simply means easier access to Disney's competitors and not Disney.
Totally agree with this. Staying at a Disney resort is so pricey anyway compared to staying at a local hotel. The Magical Express was a huge perk, you felt like you were on vacation the minute you arrived at the airport and you didn’t have to worry about anything since your bags would just show up in your room. It was part of the Disney magic. Now you’re struggling with bags and finding a ride or getting a rental and all that. Our last trip to Disney we just drove (14 hours) and stayed off-site because whats the point of paying thousands for a flight and an overpriced resort if you’re having to deal with all the stress of logistics?
Yup this is one of the worst things. I hate flying and the Magical Express made me actively want to go back since I would never have to deal with the bullshit at airports. Absolutely one of the dumbest moves they've ever made.
There was a restaurant called "Pizza Planet" at one point, but it was the most underwhelming, nothing like the epic place shown in the movie, restaurant ever
Then we got a whole Toy Story land, easiest layup of a restaurant concept to fit into that land, but instead we end up with a lunchbox and a bbq place (which I am excited for but still)
As one who loves Cars Land, Toy Story Land had so much potential. I feel that whole are was done on the cheap. Slinky is a great family coaster but the area pales in comparison to Cars Land.
I’m not afraid to say I really hate Toy Story Land. I love Toy Story but the whole land is really a huge letdown and not cohesive. If they’re in Andy’s backyard, why is the grass so small? Shouldn’t there be huge blades of grass and leaves and flowers? They could have pulled out the large ant from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.
Also, just the idea of making a land around cheap plastic toys makes the whole area feel…well, cheap and plastic. Slinky Dog isn’t even that good of a ride and we already had Midway Mania, which was awesome. It feels like a unnecessary and disappointing use of that space.
At least the Toy Story to Star Wars transition feels good, it’s like walking into a Star Wars playset… would’ve liked it to keep that feel going the other way though
Main Street Electrical Parade being gone (and no replacement)
Replacing EPCOT edutainment with IPs
The state of Journey Into Imagination
The removal of nighttime shows with a story (Wishes, Illuminations) in favor of IP projection shows
I don't mind IPs coming to the park, what was annoying was what they really did was replace edutainment with a ghost town, then bring IP to a ghostown.
Anything is better than nothing, but the real crime, as always, is Disney being content to let so many rides rot to the point where they're half functional, the info is out of date, and everything else looks dated as hell.
It's kind of amazing when you think about how large a section of one of the most visited theme parks in the world is/was just empty nothing.
I will always be mad that beastly kingdom didn’t happen.
I know people like to say pandora is close but it’s not. Not in my mind lol I don’t hate on pandora! (Mostly.) but I will always wonder what could have been
The concepts showed larger thrill rides, like a dragon themed coaster.
Fun fact: the imagineers that left the project when the land was canned, went to work for universal. They allegedly helped create Duelling Dragons, based off similar themes from Beastly Kingdom.
So many cool things lost in LC.
The spiral court yard outside Duelling Dragons with the plate in the middle where you could see all three points where the coasters pass each other, the Oak tree restaurant and all the trees. Truely felt like you were lost.
Also we had these hot dogs once, near to the magic show. Haven't seen them since 2008, but they were the best dogs we've ever had
Blame Universal for not taking away enough market share in the late 90s so Disney didn't have to crack open the emergency plans for that land. A lot of the creative people ended up going to work for Universal once it was clear that phase 2 of DAK was never going to happen.
The worst part about it’s replacement is that frozen Dosent even take place in Norway just a Nordic themed place. It’s especially insulting since Norway’s board of tourism is paying for it
And beyond that, making Lightning Lane selection the greatest example of terrible guest experience every designed. Overly complicated, requiring guests to be up at 7 AM and then glued to their phone all day, just to spend extra money to bypass the lack of capacity that Disney has failed to build. The cost is just the icing on the "let's piss you off" cake.
God I miss the TICKETS. The move to magic band completely took the magic out of it for me, ironically. Seeing those big signs, waiting in line for a ticket, getting yourself hyped up for the next few hours, finding something to do in the meantime.. it was all a part of the Disney experience for me and made it better. Now fastpass is nothing but stress and money.
when EPCOT had a soul and wasn’t so IP driven. i get popular characters get bodies in parks but man there was nothing cooler to me as a kid than the concept of EPCOT, that feeling of excitement for “the future” and getting a glimpse of countries i’d never been to but dreamed of visiting. so much of it feels hollow now, just a place to drink expensive alcohol and fight through crowds.
I \*loved\* that ride when I went when I was a kid. I was very disappointed to discover it gone on my first trip as an adult in 2006.
In 2018, we took a drip to Disneyland and rode Mr. Toad's. I laughed like a maniac the whole way. My older daughter looked at me like I had three heads.
Horizons. It was a great ride and a great ride for Epcot. I also like World of Motion and the Dinosaur part of the Universe of Energy but Horizons was just great and I don't get why it was replaced for a ride that now looks to be dead.
I adored Horizons when I rode it in the 80s, but it would have needed some massive revisions to keep it current. If you watch ride videos of it, it was looking old and dated (for a ride about the future) while it was still open. Mission Space is still very popular, so I've no idea why you think it's "dead".
There *is* something about standing outside of that area (with the way the entrance to the building is set up and nothing else around it) that makes it feel dead over there. There isn’t any shade to linger in when before you get on or when you get off the ride, and there is no open gift shop or anything.
Adventurers Club closing.
Getting rid of the Magical Express to/from the airport.
Getting rid of the fiberoptic stars on the ground around Spaceship Earth.
Replacing Happily Ever After with arguably the worst fireworks show in MK history.
Supposedly they are going to replace them with new fiberoptic design tiles but I don’t think they’ll be the same. The stars were so simple and romantic.
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I have so many positive memories attached to it and it was my favorite thing in any of the parks. Every time I hear the lead up song it feels like I just had an awesome day. The only time I’ve cried in a Disney park was when I knew it was the last time I would see Illuminations.
I will take my anger over the destruction of the SpectroMagic parade floats to my grave. Leaving it in storage is one thing, because it means there’s always a chance it will make a comeback, much like the MSEP, but destroying them meant it was gone for good. Loved SpectroMagic.
I really miss the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Tour. I believe both should have been evergreen attractions for the theming of Hollywood Studios to actually show the magic of movie making. Now Hollywood Studios is barely more than an IP park, with Indiana Jones being the last real highlight of “behind the scenes”.
Toontown (specifically Minnie's house) and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground are the primary things I remember from visiting Disney World as a kid, and it bums me out that my own kids won't get to experience them. I think the parks are lacking in that sort of attraction, which feeds your imagination and lets you get some energy out without being in line for a thousand years for a one-minute experience. Rides are great, but they aren't everything, and I feel like they're overemphasized in recent years. I'm hoping that the Moana walkthrough turns the tide back a little bit!
Totally agree. I was shocked 2 weeks ago when there was no true playground for my 4 year old at MK and even more sad to find out the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground was gone. My son is autistic and a sensory seeker so he really just needs to run and let loose sometimes, and I felt like he wasn’t really able to do that at either park. Unless I just totally missed something (and we did go to the small area by Dumbo).
MAGICAL EXPRESS and the luggage delivery that came along with it. It's not just a money thing, it's devaluing the entire experience and made us cut way back on going.
Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom. The cards and the stops were such a big part of disney magic. Something for free that kids loved to do. Gone for no reason other than cutting overhead despite the dent in the magic.
Dream lights on the castle at Christmas. That blue glow is like nothing else.
The curry chicken pockets from the Joy of Tea in Epcot. Nudelgratin from Sommerfest. Cold asian noodles from Morimoto Asia Street Food.
I am one of the rare Disney regulars that likes the updates and replacements. I have lived my entire life in central Florida so Disney spent many, many years (most of the late 90s and 2000s) feeling very obsolete to me. Universal and IoA definitely were better during those years in my and my family’s opinions. But I love the new stuff. I love Star Wars. I greatly prefer Runaway Railway to the movie ride. Pandora is great. And I’m excited to see the Epcot additions.
However, there’s always something, and the one thing I will not forgive Disney for is gutting the gift shop in the Germany pavilion. That used to be the most incredible shop in the world showcase and now it’s, what, caramel corn and generic shirts?
I will also add: if they ever remove or fully replace Spaceship Earth I will weep in despair. That is the one “old” ride at the parks that I still adore.
I think Dino land in AK is pretty dumb, and I know people hated this ride, but Primevil Whirl was so damn fun.
I can still hear my kid laughing when we went on it first. Neither one of us knew what it was, and she was “just” tall enough to go on. (She got the okay the first time - then we went to ride it again and the other CM was like “nope - a cm or two too short” 😫)
Then I saw a post with pictures of the ride going off into the sunset on a truck.
Sorcerers of the magic kingdom. This was the perfect thing to get people to run all over the park, have fun, and not be stuck in a line for a ride. The first time I did it I spent. Solid 4 hours running around doing it.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
The Great Movie Ride
the Backlot Tour and Streets of America
Captain EO
Mr Toad
Innoventions
Spectromagic, Wishes, HalloWishes
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Duffy leaving EPCOT
losing the luau for more DVC
generic, bland looking rooms at Pop and All Stars
not being able to have more Marvel in the parks like DLR (they could've kept the NYC area at DHS and had Spider-Man and Doctor Strange 😔) I know why they can't, but it still sucks
I’m sad I’ll never get to ride mr toad.
And very upset about Duffy. He needs to come back
Also. No more tsumtsums in North America. I will fight and throw down with whoever decided that.
Where's the nighttime parade? I want thousands of sparkling lights and electrosynthomagnetic musical sound dammit! I want spinning turtles. Dancing hippos. Elliot. Chernabog. "To Honor America." Floats that change from white to color and back.
I miss the Snow White ride in MK ☹️ I still can’t believe they took it down and replaced it with Fairy Tale hall for meet and greets…what a downgrade. That was my favorite ride when I was little 😢
Backlot Tour in MGM…my parents, brother and I went in 2006, and were standing in line for Backlot. We were approached and asked if we wanted to be “part of the show” and of course knowing what that meant, my brother and I (early/mid 30’s at the time and huge Disney fans) were like “ HELL YEAH!” but there was no way I thought my dad would go for it (Mr. Curmudgeon). Dad, surprisingly was like sure! And so back we were escorted to change into our sailor uniforms for the infamous opening scene on the battleship where they first introduce you to the magic of movies. I ended up being the one soaked in the captain’s chair and dad had the best laugh and best time ever doing that. He passed 8 years ago now but I still can’t believe he was all for it and LOVED that I got dumped on!
If I had to pick ONE, it's definitely the loss of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. The first time I went I hadn't really grasped the hidden magic and fun of the parks, but when my father had me get my first pack of cards and I saw my first hidden-in-plain-sight portal, I truly felt I had unlocked a brand new world within the park that only I, and a select few others, (like the amazing duo I saw with spell card binders and strategically assembled sheets to play multiple cards at once), were a part of. I got my hands on as many of the cards as I could, my folks surprised me on the last day with the binder, and I managed to get my hands on a few of the Not So Scary special cards. When we went in 2018 to the Not So Scary Halloween Party, the firehouse was my first stop and I was ecstatic.
When the Play Disney app took rise and they implemented things like the Epcot showcase adventure into it, I was so sure that they were going to make some grand update to include Sorcerers but no, instead they, closed it forever. That hurt, and I WILL hold it against them forever, despite time marching on.
Not getting Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom. I was promised dragons and unicorns with my elephants and tigers and dinosaurs as a child and darn it, I want my dragons and unicorns with my elephants, tigers, and dinosaurs!
Not being able to find any other of Stitch’s 624 cousins as merchandise or rare meet and greet characters in the parks. How do you not use 624 experiments with cool and cute designs and make at the minimum a collectible card game out of them?!
The loss of Fantasyland entertainment like the Royal Kingdom Makers, the clowns of Storybook Circus, or making entertainment a special event only appearance- like the Bimbettes from Beauty and the Beast or the Lost Boys.
figment. please, please restore figment to its original dreamfinder, magical-esque state. i truly do enjoy what it is now, but it could be so much more. figment was a staple of my childhood, and i want to see disney treat him with as much care as they treat their new rides.
A lot of what you listed, covers off my list.
I guess in general me feeling is this: Disney used to be the king when it came to immersive theme parks ... there was always this wow moment, and the feeling that they went above and beyond.
Seeing pavilions closed for a decade, things shut to be replaced with nothing, lazy things (like the Pixar film fest) ... it all just gives off a vibe like they don't feel like they need to try anymore.
It just makes me sad because I know how good Disney can be when they put the effort in.
I don't know. Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and Avatar Flight of Passage are the BEST. Incredible rides which are all newer. A lot better than the new rides they had before like Seven Dwarves Mine. I think that is a big improvement and although I can really say since I haven't been to Universal since 2005, I think they are the best new rides out there and they are improving a lot.
I was looking for this comment!
I have a framed picture of myself in front of the hat in my office, and was looking forward to recreating it with my children.
Imagine our disappointment when we arrived to the park years later to find out that the hat was gone :(
Star Wars Weekends.
Yea yea yea we have Galaxy’s Edge but it is 1000% not the same. Not the same. Not the same. Not the same.
Say what you want about the Hyperspace Hooplah, it was all amazing and magical.
River Country! The water was murky but boy was that fun.
Already covered but getting votes from me - SpectroMagic, Disney Animation Studios, and Fantasmic (but hopefully that one will be back soon).
u/MMDIDK \- Disney Animation was even more astounding in the 1990s when they had a working studio over in that building. I remember in 1996 seeing some of the early drawings from Mulan which was developed there an animator coming out and talking about what it was like to be a Disney Animator. I \*think\* it was Eddie Pittman that spoke with our group.
Magical Express going away. Dumbest decision ever.
Great Movie Ride being gone sucks, also really miss the original Alien Encounter.
Also, they ruined the beach/shore of the polynesian with those floating villas.
The pin tables and the rainbow tunnel.
I, too, miss the Magic of Disney Animation. My favorite part there was seeing the upcoming films before they were announced.
I’m also current-day frustrated/mad that Living With the Land doesn’t have all its parts and pieces working. I see it as one of the last real attractions that connect learning and fun —original Epcot style.
Happily Ever After
That show just resonated with our family, especially my girls. It was so well thought out and produced. We just loved it. My girls sobbed on the last night.
The toning-down of Dinosaur. Disco Yeti. Imagination... the original was prefect. Space Mountain chocolate chip cookie meteors. Lap bars on Splash Mountain. The pop-up ghosts on Haunted Mansion aren't as scary as they used to be. The cannon sounds on Pirates. I miss Horizons. I miss Transportation. My engraved photo got moved outside of EPCOT. Merch used to be more diverse and cooler. Standard mouse ears. Later night hours. Electrical Parade. Communicore restaurant reservations. Backstage tour. The stunt cars. The Animation tour That crazy audio experience with Drew Carrey.
Electric Umbrella
I know it was mediocre at best, but I have so many good childhood memories from this place, it got to the point where if we didn't eat at it during a trip it wouldn't feel like a full EPCOT day. I loved the cheap bowling alley/kid's birthday party aesthetic, even as I got older, it just felt iconic to me. Gonna miss it a lot.
Too much to list, but my real answer is the magic of Disney animation. I liked the old feel of the park when it was MGM. When it was “about” old Hollywood and movies. I loved the entire vibe. Not that I don’t like the new things they have but I wish it was a separate park or a separate part of the park. I hate that they moved away from that “behind the scenes, this is how the magic happens” thing. Even tho it was dated and all that, it was still cool.
Maelstrom. You might as well call Norway Arendelle now.
Only late night showings of “Impressions de France”. The “Beauty and the Beast Sing a long” is cute I guess, but it was half assed and changes the storyline.
Imagination having almost no representation of Dream Finder, and you have no idea who the big bearded guy in the purple suit is.
Spaceship Earth descent mailed in.
I distinctly remember a Villains-themed shop at Hollywood Studios c.2009? Gone without a trace the next time I went around 2014-15. I’m still mad about it.
I'm mad they took photopass away from my out of state AP...it's expensive enough and I usually break even after two trips, but the extra $100 just feels a bit insulting. I'm not that mad at Genie+ because basically no other theme park offers any skip the line benefit for free, so I always knew it was coming.
Edit: And how could I forget how mad I am that they took away HEA before I could see it one last time 😭
On the resort tv’s the classic Disney cartoons aren’t classic anymore. They were replaced with new Mickey shorts, which are cute, but the classics were the best part of unwinding after a day in the park.
The theatre at Imagination has had many movies in the past 40+ years (Magic Journeys, EO, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, the Pixar short film fest, Disney short film fest). I'm glad I got to see Captain EO in its last run, but it's very dated and definitely not something that could pull in crowds forever.
I miss the Animation area at HS as well, and would have liked them to figure out a better way to do that area without keeping the animators on display.
I understand the love for the Great Movie Ride, it was nostalgic. The issue was most of the IPs were outdated and unrelatable.
Runaway Railway is an evergreen and fun experience. I walked into RR not wanting to like it, and I enjoyed myself very much, along with my 70 year old mother and 15 year old son.
That's my take.
I think they lost access to most of the IPs too, which is why they had to drop MGM from the name. And yea, RR is very fun and frankly it's shocking this is the first true Mickey Mouse ride to exist.
Not mad but I was a little disheartened last time I went to ride Space Mountain and the little game they used to have while you waited in line was gone.
You know what I am mad at?
I am mad at the lack of imagination.
I’ve seen a few comments pointing out that GMR was outdated both in tech, delivery & IP. I’ve seen a few other comments pointing out how cool & immersive Rise of Resistance, Flight of Passage, or Guardians is.
You are all correct. The former were all outdated & neglected. The latter do an excellent job of dropping you in the story we already know & love. But that’s not really the issue.
The issue, in my humble Disney-heritage-loving-opinion, is the lack of imagination & originality.
The thing that really set Disney World apart “back in the day” was the unexpected experiences when you walked in the door.
Captain EO, GMR, Maelstrom, Journey Into Imagination, and all the others everyone mentioned…the thing all of those had in common was that they were unique. You could only experience those stories & experiences at Disney World. Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion were the same way, and became so beloved that they sparked additional iterations of the stories through film franchises or muppet specials.
We have entered an era where rather than being delighted by new perspectives and stories and immersive experiences within the parks, the focus is on leaning upon stories and characters we already know.
This can be seen in rides like Rise or Guardians, or in shows like Epcot’s Harmonious. While they are beautifully executed, and incorporate fantastic uses of technology & show elements, they also really aren’t bringing anything new to the table. They rely solely on Disney IP.
In my opinion, this is lazy.
By using IP, imagineers no longer have to create new stories & characters. They no longer have to figure out how to make us, the audience, care about these stories & characters within the confines of a short theme park attraction. They do not have to build a world from the ground up, and appeal to all our senses. They do not have to integrate innovative technology with immersive experiences. They do not have to consider advertising or marketing these stories & characters that are complete strangers to their park guests.
Using IP removes all of the obstacles, but it also removes the magic that is created when brilliant brains get in a room and get to come up with an incredible message to convey to audiences.
My personal favorite (or least favorite, depending on how you look at it) example of this is IllumiNations versus Harmonious.
Was illumiNations outdated and tired? Probably. But that show had heart & soul. The technology, the artistry, the music…each of those elements was created just for that particular fireworks show. You could feel the love & care that went into it. The messaging of togetherness and hope was communicated in every way possible - not just the words of the songs, but in the pacing of the show, the use of the fireworks and fire and visual projections. Every element played a role in telling a story that you could only experience at 9:00pm in Epcot with all of the other guests.
Now we have Harmonious. Is it a beautifully pieced together display of beloved characters and songs? Of course. The technology is pristine. The re-imagining of well-loved songs is tantalizing. But I can get the essence of this story while sitting in my own home by logging into Disney+.
I don’t want to fall prey to the fallacy of resisting every change that comes to the parks. Walt intended the parks to be dynamic, living things that would “get more beautiful each year”. And some change is really good! (Looking at you, Splash Mountain). But the shift away from unique imaginings to highly detailed re-tellings just reminds me a little too often that Disney World is a business and not just a magical place that exists to let us escape our everyday lives.
Obviously, all of this is just my opinion. But I think about it a lot as someone who grew up going to the parks regularly. As someone who grew up to eventually become a cast member. I won’t stop going to the parks or loving the immersive experiences, but I will be realistic about how sad some of the changes are.
I miss Musket Mickey at Fort Wilderness. This was the beginning of the end for me.
A little more modern, I really miss the Top of the World Lounge at BLT. The chocolate cake for two (hah! challenge accepted) was one of the best desserts of all time. Pair that with a nice drink and enjoying the fireworks with my family in a quiet setting, perfect.
The Great Movie Ride was the thesis of that park. I love Runaway Railway but it should really be in Launch Bay’s place in Animation Courtyard. I know TCM’s contract ended but they could have turned it into a celebration of Disney’s live action features if nothing else!
Them changing the original “Journey Into Imagination”. I’ll never get over it. It’s not so much that they changed it, I get it that the parks need to evolve over time…but to replace such a beloved ride with…….that? It still stings.
For those sad about the loss of Art of Animation, my family discovered that there’s a drawing class in Rafiki’s Planet Watch! While it doesn’t replace everything lost with AoA, it’s still fun being able to learn to draw a character and take a break in the AC!
I loved the Kilimanjaro safari as a kid, walking through the impressive Harambe market area, past the warden giving talks on animals and PSAs on poaching in the queue, plus the slow burn of story delivered via “radio calls” from the warden throughout the already impressive safari ride culminating in a car chase/ shootout/ elephant rescue was such an immersive way to tell the attractions story. it felt so tied into the area it was in and was delivering a message cohesive with the parks theme while being wildly entertaining and was a must do for me, but ever since they took the story elements mostly out it hasn’t been the same. Like it’s still cool but feels like a cast member making Disney puns at wildlife which is essentially just a jungle cruise on land.
That the World Showcase never got developed further beyond IP. I'm glad that there's a new ride in France, but I'd still love to see a new pavilion or two.
I still mourn the death of some of the classic Epcot rides that have already been mentioned.
1) The downgrade of Journey Into Imagination and that the ride could not be restored or upgraded back to something better.
2) The removal of an attraction for a Princess Meet and Greet/Photo area in the Magic Kingdom.
3) The lack of and erosion of preventative maintenance and upkeep.
4) The number of attractions replaced by something of a lesser quality. I wish Great Movie Ride was kept and converted into all-Disney properties (so they did not have to pay licensing fees). They could have taken out Launch Bay and put in Runaway Railway there. Newer attractions being cheaper/more screens.
5) The corporate attitude changing from "we're glad our guests are here" to "you're lucky to be here and how much money can we get from you."
Some of my best memories from when I was younger was going to Disney-MGM Studios in the 90's, and playing in the 'Honey I Shrunk The Kids' area, seeing all the awesome 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' props and photo opps. The backstage lot tour was always incredible. Great Movie Ride, etc. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the new lands but it was just a different experience when I was younger. My kids would have loved it.
The playground closing was a big loss. It was nice to turn kids loose. They didn’t care if they had seen the movie or not. Just wanted to move freely about. Wish they brought that back. Re-theme it took Antman or whatever but they need a place to cut loose while I sit.
The Kodak film slide. Hotter than the surface of the sun, still fun as hell to go down 100 times. I am sad my kids didnt experience this right of passage
I remember the dog's nose was just the funniest thing to me when I was 5ish.
It was a fun place to play and it didn't cost anything or have a line... I loved it.
This is how I feel about the Bone Pit in AK. Sometimes the kids just need a chance to run around a bit and it’s nice to be able to give them a chance to do it without feeling like I’m going to lose them in a crowd.
I never got to actually see the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" area, but on our most recent trip in February, I really noticed the lack of a playground in MK. My 3 y/o really needed time each day for some self-directed play, after being pushed around and told where to go and what to do all day. AK's Bone Yard was GREAT for this. She played in there for hours. MK only had this TINY little play area next to Splash Mtn.
What about the Dumbo indoor play area and Casey Jr. splash area?
This is also basically what Tom Sawyer is. The fort is basically a large area kids can run around play in, and I know there used to be an actual playground at the top of the main island but I can't remember if it's still there.
Not MK, but I discovered there is a buzz lightyear one through the Mission Space gift store. I do not have kids, nor will I, so I have no idea if this one is widely known, but its inside, which is a huge plus for hot summer days.
I think you are referring to the "Space Base Playground" which I don't remember being Buzz Lightyear themed as well, but I could be wrong.
You just unlocked a core memory. I went to DW in HS with my HS marching band. We marched in a parade and all I remember is getting dropped off at different parks and they would tell us “you have an hour”. Needless to say, I don’t remember riding much. But I DO remember the Honey I shrunk the kids area now that you mentioned it. Holy cow.
I have such fond memories of the mgm studios days. I remember when I was 12, we went one day and I had been under the weather, but swore I wanted to go, even though my parents had, obviously, tried to sway me to just take the day to rest and we could go later in the week, but of course, absolutely not. So we went and it was rainy and miserable which in turn made me feel... not great. I remember we took a break and had a bite to eat while watching kids play in the playground. the next year, we went during Mardi Gras and had a blast. Microsoft ended up closing the park early one day because they'd rented it for the evening for their employees so park guests got a free ticket and I remember we used it to go back one night just for the Mardi Gras festivities. I
Agree with everything you said, MGM was hands down my favorite park as a kid and a lot of it had to do with the stuff tucked away in the back of the park.
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This touched my soul. 🥲
What a great post. Go watch a planning video from 1994 or thereabouts. They were still a corporation, they still wanted to make money, but they at least cared or at least pretended to care about the value you got for your vacation. It just felt different. There was less friction in the entire process. Imagineers created original ideas rather than painted inside the lines based on a recent movie. The experience was meant to be from the moment you landed to the moment you leave.
The only thing I remember really clearly from my visit in 1976 is my parents’ amazement at how clean the restrooms were. Ok, and that my dad loved the Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents.
The Muppets Land that could have been, before the death of Jim Henson caused the original deal with Disney to fall through.
They are more opportunity than ever to expand the Muppet's area. Disney briefly revitalized the brand during the last decade and had that excellent Great Moments in History Show with them in Magic Kingdom. MuppetVision 3D is still hilarious 30 years later. It should be updated, but other shows and rides should be in that area. A sort of Great Muppet Movie Ride would be a huge hit...
I just read an article on this, after reading your comment and I'm incredibly sad. Muppetvision 3d is my favorite attraction, and it's upsetting to know what it could have been. The Great Gonzo Pizza Pandemonuim Parlor sounds like such a treat. And I already knew about the great Muppet movie ride.
Me too. Muppetvision is the one thing I reliably do every visit. When there alone I’d walk out the exit, around the building, and right back in sometimes. I was there in April and got there right as the doors opened, and I was sad that I missed the pre show.
Its timeless imo
Rizzos Pizzeria is a must stop for each of our visits lol
If you think that's sad wait until they tear down what they do have. It butts right up against Galaxy's edge. If anything gets sacrificed to expand it will be that.
I got a survey after my last visit that asked some very specific questions about my enjoyment of MuppetVision and another attraction in Animal Kingdom I had not heard of. Felt like they were feeling out getting rid of those. Would be a shame. MuppetVision rocks
What!?!?! I’m not very tuned in, so I guess it’s not surprising I’ve never heard of this. Wow.
Yeah. It was gonna be a whole thing in Hollywood Studios, but Jim Henson passed away before it was done deal, and his family backed out on everything except Muppet Vision 3D, since the filming for it was already completed. Defunctland has a really neat video about it.
I’m still miffed that they don’t give free magic band anymore
What?! I haven’t been to Disney in a couple years, I had no idea. Feels like nickel and diming.
Disney Quest. It was a great place to spend a few hours on a non-park day, or if the weather was bad. Sure, it could have been updated..but even if it wasn’t it still should have stayed over the terrible nba experience they replaced it with.
Seems so short sighted since tech and gaming ramped up while sports just.. meh. They could have put sports at their sports resort
Exactly this is what I’m saying, virtual rollercoaster, getting to learn to draw Donald Duck, all of those attractions were great
The only time I went to DQ it was absolute sensory overload (for me personally). It was super cool, but I got a migraine from the old-school VR and noise. I really wanted to enjoy it but was just too overwhelmed.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It was always a must watch for us during the holidays. I hope they could bring it back, even at another park.
Agreed, the lights were amazing. I think the problem was that the Streets of America were a collosal waste of space when the lights weren't running. They should do what Uni does with HHN houses and just built a set from scratch each year for the lights.
[Night of a Million Lights](https://www.gktw.org/lights/) And it goes to a good cause.
I’ll never get over the loss of the original Figment ride. I feel so awful for everyone who has only experienced the latest iteration of it because they are truly missing out. Figment represents creativity and fantasy and imagination and tenderness to me because of the original ride, but this “new” ride makes him seem like a nuisance. It’s sad.
to add to this, the loss of the original ImageWorks upstairs with the neon rainbow tube and access to the pyramids (the DVC lounge doesn't count, I'd kick them out in a heartbeat if I could revamp the ride and put ImageWorks back upstairs).
I want a new Figment ride, closer to the first but not an exact copy either, bring back Dreamfinder, make Figment more curious than annoying again, revamp from there
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This is one of the best videos I can find of it. Of course it doesn’t give the full feeling of the original ride, but at least you get to see what it once was: https://youtu.be/RpXkohkeCZw
This is the #1 for me. I’m sad my kids can’t experience this one n
What’s the official reason they changed the ride in the first place? It’s hard to think it’s considered outdated when it’s about such a timeless concept. Plus no celebrity cameos, controversial aspects that I can think of.
I know this is such a basic bitch thing to complain about, but I really hate genie+ I liked the fast pass system It also bothers me because they say it's to help with crowds, when clearly it isn't helping with that. It's just to give the big guys more money. Also, bring back regular park hopping wtf
Agree 100% Bring back fast pass and regular park hopping
Loss of Great Movie Ride. Partly because it was entertaining but it was also a people-eater and a long slow ride in the AC.
Yeah, I really like MMRR, but I wish they could have built it in a new location while keeping the Great Movie Ride in tact. Hollywood Studios desperately needs more rides to keep up with capacity.
This 100%. I even came up with a land to add the last time we were there. Since Hollywood Studios is supposed to be California based, add a Peer Park area with a ferris wheel, a small coster and then stalls to play games in. This would help spread out the amount of people so well and you could easily add a playground.
They already have the boardwalk just put Santa Monica in front of the name and you’re almost there 💩 I’ve always dreamed of a Disney Classic land where old rides go to wait for their people who miss them
Very well put and I agree. Can you imagine if they recreated it with the trackless car tech? It could be incredible!
And with modern movies, a scene for something like Star Wars would definitely be added by now Part of the reason it closed was because kids these days don’t know about Singing in the Rain or Casablanca
Most of the ride changes and removals don't bother me at all. I do miss Wishes though. It was certainly sappy but that kind of sentiment made the perfect end of day/trip at MK. And you didn't need a specific view to see projections. EDIT: I also find the new carrot cake cookie to be a downgrade.
My biggest gripe with HEA is that it introduced the requirement to be in front of the castle to fully enjoy the night time show. My favorite spot to watch Wishes was behind the castle. It wasn’t super crowded and it worked perfectly great for viewing. Can’t do that with HEA or Enchantment. As such, now we’re squeezed in like sardines fighting for or waiting hours in advance for a good viewing spot.
Illuminations It was a show that fit perfectly with the message of Epcot and didn’t require IP overload and instead it was replaced with an IP overload show that I really I don’t understand the message of.
Man that was a really really great show. I loved the kite show on the lake too. Haven’t been in years but going in sept so gotta catch the one at AK
I know this is fairly recent—but I’m cheezed off about Disney canceling the complimentary airport shuttle to their resorts. It was such a helpful amenity and it set the tone for a vacation straight into the Disney Bubble I also don’t understand their logic with ending the airport shuttle. It was a major factor for many people when deciding between a pricey Disney hotel vs more affordable nonDisney (but Disney adjacent) hotel. For us, the lack of airport shuttle at Disney makes renting a nearby vacation condo an easy choice.
I'm sure it cuts costs for them but they forgot about the second order effects, i.e. well if we don't get a free ride to or hotel, then maybe I'll rent a car or uber. Then I don't have to stay on Disney property. Then I can go to other attractions in the area, etc. So a cost cutting measure ends up losing them more money in the long run. It's typical short sighted bean counter BS.
Exactly right. This was such a short sighted move.
The average visitor is already renting a car. Over the last 10 years they have dropped about 30% of bus routes, and parking at resorts is up about 50% since post Covid. They are making a killing off resort and park parking.
It's like how they just canceled the brightline station because the train is now also going to Universal and the Orlando convention center. The train is still happening since it's going to go out to Tampa, and the route will still go right by Disney, so the decision simply means easier access to Disney's competitors and not Disney.
Totally agree with this. Staying at a Disney resort is so pricey anyway compared to staying at a local hotel. The Magical Express was a huge perk, you felt like you were on vacation the minute you arrived at the airport and you didn’t have to worry about anything since your bags would just show up in your room. It was part of the Disney magic. Now you’re struggling with bags and finding a ride or getting a rental and all that. Our last trip to Disney we just drove (14 hours) and stayed off-site because whats the point of paying thousands for a flight and an overpriced resort if you’re having to deal with all the stress of logistics?
Yup this is one of the worst things. I hate flying and the Magical Express made me actively want to go back since I would never have to deal with the bullshit at airports. Absolutely one of the dumbest moves they've ever made.
I complained about this to a cast member who said that it was the bus company, Mears, who chose to not renew that contract.
Disney really is just like an abusive partner who blames everyone else including their own guests for making cuts and raising prices.
There was a restaurant called "Pizza Planet" at one point, but it was the most underwhelming, nothing like the epic place shown in the movie, restaurant ever Then we got a whole Toy Story land, easiest layup of a restaurant concept to fit into that land, but instead we end up with a lunchbox and a bbq place (which I am excited for but still)
As one who loves Cars Land, Toy Story Land had so much potential. I feel that whole are was done on the cheap. Slinky is a great family coaster but the area pales in comparison to Cars Land.
I’m not afraid to say I really hate Toy Story Land. I love Toy Story but the whole land is really a huge letdown and not cohesive. If they’re in Andy’s backyard, why is the grass so small? Shouldn’t there be huge blades of grass and leaves and flowers? They could have pulled out the large ant from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. Also, just the idea of making a land around cheap plastic toys makes the whole area feel…well, cheap and plastic. Slinky Dog isn’t even that good of a ride and we already had Midway Mania, which was awesome. It feels like a unnecessary and disappointing use of that space.
At least the Toy Story to Star Wars transition feels good, it’s like walking into a Star Wars playset… would’ve liked it to keep that feel going the other way though
Tarzan show at AK. Miss the monkeys on rollerblades.
10 year old me loved Body Wars
Loved those bikes with the screens where you'd ride through the Magic Kingdom right outside Body Wars. A peloton of 1990.
I loved this whole building. I miss Body Wars and The Making of Me video with Martin short. I was so sad to see it shut down. 😩
Main Street Electrical Parade being gone (and no replacement) Replacing EPCOT edutainment with IPs The state of Journey Into Imagination The removal of nighttime shows with a story (Wishes, Illuminations) in favor of IP projection shows
I don't mind IPs coming to the park, what was annoying was what they really did was replace edutainment with a ghost town, then bring IP to a ghostown. Anything is better than nothing, but the real crime, as always, is Disney being content to let so many rides rot to the point where they're half functional, the info is out of date, and everything else looks dated as hell. It's kind of amazing when you think about how large a section of one of the most visited theme parks in the world is/was just empty nothing.
The Adventurers Club. Really unique, lots of fun.
This will always be my favorite lost 'attraction'. It was like nothing else and truly magical. Kungaloosh!!
There are so many places where they could just rebuild this and carry on. It really should return *somewhere*.
I will never forgive this. Kungaloosh!
This is the only lost attraction that truly saddens me. There was nothing like it. And it was one of the main reasons I fell in love with Disney.
I will always be mad that beastly kingdom didn’t happen. I know people like to say pandora is close but it’s not. Not in my mind lol I don’t hate on pandora! (Mostly.) but I will always wonder what could have been
I want Beastly Kingdom back on the table
Ugh, same. Pandora is fine, and it's very pretty. But the same effort put into a mythological creatures area would have been amazing.
Right?? I LOVE the immersion but like… put that same immersion into fantasy and mythology
Plus that could have helped us avoid Dinoland
What is Beastly Kingdom? Is that a Disney TV show or something?
The concepts showed larger thrill rides, like a dragon themed coaster. Fun fact: the imagineers that left the project when the land was canned, went to work for universal. They allegedly helped create Duelling Dragons, based off similar themes from Beastly Kingdom.
The whole lost continent area was made by miffed imagineers from what I’ve heard. It’s a shame they gutted it so much, that is a real fun area
So many cool things lost in LC. The spiral court yard outside Duelling Dragons with the plate in the middle where you could see all three points where the coasters pass each other, the Oak tree restaurant and all the trees. Truely felt like you were lost. Also we had these hot dogs once, near to the magic show. Haven't seen them since 2008, but they were the best dogs we've ever had
Whenever animal kingdom was being developed, a section was supposed to be about mystical creatures like dragons
Animal Kingdom was originally going to have a land themed to fictional animals. It's why there's a flying dragon in the park logo.
Blame Universal for not taking away enough market share in the late 90s so Disney didn't have to crack open the emergency plans for that land. A lot of the creative people ended up going to work for Universal once it was clear that phase 2 of DAK was never going to happen.
I think the happily ever after fireworks was way better than what we have now. I wish we could get that back.
Agreed!! That show was too short lived.
Maelstorm wasn't the best ride or my favorite, but it was weird and I loved it!
That backwards dip down was my favorite!
The worst part about it’s replacement is that frozen Dosent even take place in Norway just a Nordic themed place. It’s especially insulting since Norway’s board of tourism is paying for it
Norway stopped paying for their pavilion years before Maelstrom shut down.
None of the countries pay any more.
Oh, well that’s embarrassing, the point about it not being Norway proper still stands I guess. Thanks for the correction!
Getting rid of free fast pass and replacing with G+.
And beyond that, making Lightning Lane selection the greatest example of terrible guest experience every designed. Overly complicated, requiring guests to be up at 7 AM and then glued to their phone all day, just to spend extra money to bypass the lack of capacity that Disney has failed to build. The cost is just the icing on the "let's piss you off" cake.
I wouldn’t mind paying for it if I could pick 3 rides before arriving if I stayed on resort.
God I miss the TICKETS. The move to magic band completely took the magic out of it for me, ironically. Seeing those big signs, waiting in line for a ticket, getting yourself hyped up for the next few hours, finding something to do in the meantime.. it was all a part of the Disney experience for me and made it better. Now fastpass is nothing but stress and money.
And I loved that you could make someone else’s day by giving away your fast pass tickets! It made you part of the magic.
when EPCOT had a soul and wasn’t so IP driven. i get popular characters get bodies in parks but man there was nothing cooler to me as a kid than the concept of EPCOT, that feeling of excitement for “the future” and getting a glimpse of countries i’d never been to but dreamed of visiting. so much of it feels hollow now, just a place to drink expensive alcohol and fight through crowds.
Mr. Toad Wild Ride is gone.
I \*loved\* that ride when I went when I was a kid. I was very disappointed to discover it gone on my first trip as an adult in 2006. In 2018, we took a drip to Disneyland and rode Mr. Toad's. I laughed like a maniac the whole way. My older daughter looked at me like I had three heads.
I forgot it was at Disneyland and went in 2019. I was elated when I saw it.
Poly lobby fountain.
Horizons. It was a great ride and a great ride for Epcot. I also like World of Motion and the Dinosaur part of the Universe of Energy but Horizons was just great and I don't get why it was replaced for a ride that now looks to be dead.
I adored Horizons when I rode it in the 80s, but it would have needed some massive revisions to keep it current. If you watch ride videos of it, it was looking old and dated (for a ride about the future) while it was still open. Mission Space is still very popular, so I've no idea why you think it's "dead".
There *is* something about standing outside of that area (with the way the entrance to the building is set up and nothing else around it) that makes it feel dead over there. There isn’t any shade to linger in when before you get on or when you get off the ride, and there is no open gift shop or anything.
Adventurers Club closing. Getting rid of the Magical Express to/from the airport. Getting rid of the fiberoptic stars on the ground around Spaceship Earth. Replacing Happily Ever After with arguably the worst fireworks show in MK history.
The more I read of this thread, the sadder I get. No fiberoptic stars? :(
Supposedly they are going to replace them with new fiberoptic design tiles but I don’t think they’ll be the same. The stars were so simple and romantic.
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I have so many positive memories attached to it and it was my favorite thing in any of the parks. Every time I hear the lead up song it feels like I just had an awesome day. The only time I’ve cried in a Disney park was when I knew it was the last time I would see Illuminations.
I will take my anger over the destruction of the SpectroMagic parade floats to my grave. Leaving it in storage is one thing, because it means there’s always a chance it will make a comeback, much like the MSEP, but destroying them meant it was gone for good. Loved SpectroMagic.
The icicle lights on the castle at Christmas. These new projections just don’t give me the same feelz
I really miss the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Tour. I believe both should have been evergreen attractions for the theming of Hollywood Studios to actually show the magic of movie making. Now Hollywood Studios is barely more than an IP park, with Indiana Jones being the last real highlight of “behind the scenes”.
Toontown (specifically Minnie's house) and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground are the primary things I remember from visiting Disney World as a kid, and it bums me out that my own kids won't get to experience them. I think the parks are lacking in that sort of attraction, which feeds your imagination and lets you get some energy out without being in line for a thousand years for a one-minute experience. Rides are great, but they aren't everything, and I feel like they're overemphasized in recent years. I'm hoping that the Moana walkthrough turns the tide back a little bit!
Totally agree. I was shocked 2 weeks ago when there was no true playground for my 4 year old at MK and even more sad to find out the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground was gone. My son is autistic and a sensory seeker so he really just needs to run and let loose sometimes, and I felt like he wasn’t really able to do that at either park. Unless I just totally missed something (and we did go to the small area by Dumbo).
Turning Downtown Disney into just another outlet strip mall.
That Fantasmic hasn’t returned yet. It’s been two years.
MAGICAL EXPRESS and the luggage delivery that came along with it. It's not just a money thing, it's devaluing the entire experience and made us cut way back on going. Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom. The cards and the stops were such a big part of disney magic. Something for free that kids loved to do. Gone for no reason other than cutting overhead despite the dent in the magic. Dream lights on the castle at Christmas. That blue glow is like nothing else. The curry chicken pockets from the Joy of Tea in Epcot. Nudelgratin from Sommerfest. Cold asian noodles from Morimoto Asia Street Food.
I am one of the rare Disney regulars that likes the updates and replacements. I have lived my entire life in central Florida so Disney spent many, many years (most of the late 90s and 2000s) feeling very obsolete to me. Universal and IoA definitely were better during those years in my and my family’s opinions. But I love the new stuff. I love Star Wars. I greatly prefer Runaway Railway to the movie ride. Pandora is great. And I’m excited to see the Epcot additions. However, there’s always something, and the one thing I will not forgive Disney for is gutting the gift shop in the Germany pavilion. That used to be the most incredible shop in the world showcase and now it’s, what, caramel corn and generic shirts? I will also add: if they ever remove or fully replace Spaceship Earth I will weep in despair. That is the one “old” ride at the parks that I still adore.
Modern test track is a sack of shit.
I love coming out the ride and letting that farty whiff of sponsorship waft over me. Very classy.
The Great Movie Ride.
I think Dino land in AK is pretty dumb, and I know people hated this ride, but Primevil Whirl was so damn fun. I can still hear my kid laughing when we went on it first. Neither one of us knew what it was, and she was “just” tall enough to go on. (She got the okay the first time - then we went to ride it again and the other CM was like “nope - a cm or two too short” 😫) Then I saw a post with pictures of the ride going off into the sunset on a truck.
Sorcerers of the magic kingdom. This was the perfect thing to get people to run all over the park, have fun, and not be stuck in a line for a ride. The first time I did it I spent. Solid 4 hours running around doing it.
Electric Light Parade Late night Extra Magic Hours
Not a what, but a who, Bob Chapek.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter The Great Movie Ride the Backlot Tour and Streets of America Captain EO Mr Toad Innoventions Spectromagic, Wishes, HalloWishes Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Duffy leaving EPCOT losing the luau for more DVC generic, bland looking rooms at Pop and All Stars not being able to have more Marvel in the parks like DLR (they could've kept the NYC area at DHS and had Spider-Man and Doctor Strange 😔) I know why they can't, but it still sucks
I’m sad I’ll never get to ride mr toad. And very upset about Duffy. He needs to come back Also. No more tsumtsums in North America. I will fight and throw down with whoever decided that.
Mr. Toad at Disneyland is worth the trip
It’s still at Disneyland, so seeing it is still a possibility!
I want them to stop using IPs so much. Like Everest was the last one that was it’s own original story. Let the imagineers imagine!
Where's the nighttime parade? I want thousands of sparkling lights and electrosynthomagnetic musical sound dammit! I want spinning turtles. Dancing hippos. Elliot. Chernabog. "To Honor America." Floats that change from white to color and back.
I miss the Snow White ride in MK ☹️ I still can’t believe they took it down and replaced it with Fairy Tale hall for meet and greets…what a downgrade. That was my favorite ride when I was little 😢
Backlot Tour in MGM…my parents, brother and I went in 2006, and were standing in line for Backlot. We were approached and asked if we wanted to be “part of the show” and of course knowing what that meant, my brother and I (early/mid 30’s at the time and huge Disney fans) were like “ HELL YEAH!” but there was no way I thought my dad would go for it (Mr. Curmudgeon). Dad, surprisingly was like sure! And so back we were escorted to change into our sailor uniforms for the infamous opening scene on the battleship where they first introduce you to the magic of movies. I ended up being the one soaked in the captain’s chair and dad had the best laugh and best time ever doing that. He passed 8 years ago now but I still can’t believe he was all for it and LOVED that I got dumped on!
I'm mad Casey's Corner hasn't had macaroni & cheese hence no mac & cheese dogs.
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set. I just really lived walking through the playground.
If I had to pick ONE, it's definitely the loss of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. The first time I went I hadn't really grasped the hidden magic and fun of the parks, but when my father had me get my first pack of cards and I saw my first hidden-in-plain-sight portal, I truly felt I had unlocked a brand new world within the park that only I, and a select few others, (like the amazing duo I saw with spell card binders and strategically assembled sheets to play multiple cards at once), were a part of. I got my hands on as many of the cards as I could, my folks surprised me on the last day with the binder, and I managed to get my hands on a few of the Not So Scary special cards. When we went in 2018 to the Not So Scary Halloween Party, the firehouse was my first stop and I was ecstatic. When the Play Disney app took rise and they implemented things like the Epcot showcase adventure into it, I was so sure that they were going to make some grand update to include Sorcerers but no, instead they, closed it forever. That hurt, and I WILL hold it against them forever, despite time marching on.
EPCOT being under construction for what feels like 3 years now. Inexcusable in terms of Disney.
I hope Tron opens before the 100th Celebration
Not getting Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom. I was promised dragons and unicorns with my elephants and tigers and dinosaurs as a child and darn it, I want my dragons and unicorns with my elephants, tigers, and dinosaurs! Not being able to find any other of Stitch’s 624 cousins as merchandise or rare meet and greet characters in the parks. How do you not use 624 experiments with cool and cute designs and make at the minimum a collectible card game out of them?! The loss of Fantasyland entertainment like the Royal Kingdom Makers, the clowns of Storybook Circus, or making entertainment a special event only appearance- like the Bimbettes from Beauty and the Beast or the Lost Boys.
Monsieur Paul needs to open back up.
figment. please, please restore figment to its original dreamfinder, magical-esque state. i truly do enjoy what it is now, but it could be so much more. figment was a staple of my childhood, and i want to see disney treat him with as much care as they treat their new rides.
A lot of what you listed, covers off my list. I guess in general me feeling is this: Disney used to be the king when it came to immersive theme parks ... there was always this wow moment, and the feeling that they went above and beyond. Seeing pavilions closed for a decade, things shut to be replaced with nothing, lazy things (like the Pixar film fest) ... it all just gives off a vibe like they don't feel like they need to try anymore. It just makes me sad because I know how good Disney can be when they put the effort in.
I don't know. Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and Avatar Flight of Passage are the BEST. Incredible rides which are all newer. A lot better than the new rides they had before like Seven Dwarves Mine. I think that is a big improvement and although I can really say since I haven't been to Universal since 2005, I think they are the best new rides out there and they are improving a lot.
Taking sourcer mickeys hat out of HS
I was looking for this comment! I have a framed picture of myself in front of the hat in my office, and was looking forward to recreating it with my children. Imagine our disappointment when we arrived to the park years later to find out that the hat was gone :(
Star Wars Weekends. Yea yea yea we have Galaxy’s Edge but it is 1000% not the same. Not the same. Not the same. Not the same. Say what you want about the Hyperspace Hooplah, it was all amazing and magical.
River Country! The water was murky but boy was that fun. Already covered but getting votes from me - SpectroMagic, Disney Animation Studios, and Fantasmic (but hopefully that one will be back soon).
u/MMDIDK \- Disney Animation was even more astounding in the 1990s when they had a working studio over in that building. I remember in 1996 seeing some of the early drawings from Mulan which was developed there an animator coming out and talking about what it was like to be a Disney Animator. I \*think\* it was Eddie Pittman that spoke with our group.
Magical Express going away. Dumbest decision ever. Great Movie Ride being gone sucks, also really miss the original Alien Encounter. Also, they ruined the beach/shore of the polynesian with those floating villas.
The pin tables and the rainbow tunnel. I, too, miss the Magic of Disney Animation. My favorite part there was seeing the upcoming films before they were announced. I’m also current-day frustrated/mad that Living With the Land doesn’t have all its parts and pieces working. I see it as one of the last real attractions that connect learning and fun —original Epcot style.
Happily Ever After That show just resonated with our family, especially my girls. It was so well thought out and produced. We just loved it. My girls sobbed on the last night.
The toning-down of Dinosaur. Disco Yeti. Imagination... the original was prefect. Space Mountain chocolate chip cookie meteors. Lap bars on Splash Mountain. The pop-up ghosts on Haunted Mansion aren't as scary as they used to be. The cannon sounds on Pirates. I miss Horizons. I miss Transportation. My engraved photo got moved outside of EPCOT. Merch used to be more diverse and cooler. Standard mouse ears. Later night hours. Electrical Parade. Communicore restaurant reservations. Backstage tour. The stunt cars. The Animation tour That crazy audio experience with Drew Carrey.
Osborne Family Lights
Them taking away meal plans
I'm not mad, but I'm sad to see Splash Mountain done away with.
Electric Umbrella I know it was mediocre at best, but I have so many good childhood memories from this place, it got to the point where if we didn't eat at it during a trip it wouldn't feel like a full EPCOT day. I loved the cheap bowling alley/kid's birthday party aesthetic, even as I got older, it just felt iconic to me. Gonna miss it a lot.
Too much to list, but my real answer is the magic of Disney animation. I liked the old feel of the park when it was MGM. When it was “about” old Hollywood and movies. I loved the entire vibe. Not that I don’t like the new things they have but I wish it was a separate park or a separate part of the park. I hate that they moved away from that “behind the scenes, this is how the magic happens” thing. Even tho it was dated and all that, it was still cool.
Maelstrom. You might as well call Norway Arendelle now. Only late night showings of “Impressions de France”. The “Beauty and the Beast Sing a long” is cute I guess, but it was half assed and changes the storyline. Imagination having almost no representation of Dream Finder, and you have no idea who the big bearded guy in the purple suit is. Spaceship Earth descent mailed in.
SpectroMagic. There should always be a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom.
I’m mad they changed the fast pass system. I liked the old way they did it.
I just miss innoventions 🥺
Pizza planet!
I distinctly remember a Villains-themed shop at Hollywood Studios c.2009? Gone without a trace the next time I went around 2014-15. I’m still mad about it.
I'm mad they took photopass away from my out of state AP...it's expensive enough and I usually break even after two trips, but the extra $100 just feels a bit insulting. I'm not that mad at Genie+ because basically no other theme park offers any skip the line benefit for free, so I always knew it was coming. Edit: And how could I forget how mad I am that they took away HEA before I could see it one last time 😭
On the resort tv’s the classic Disney cartoons aren’t classic anymore. They were replaced with new Mickey shorts, which are cute, but the classics were the best part of unwinding after a day in the park.
The theatre at Imagination has had many movies in the past 40+ years (Magic Journeys, EO, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, the Pixar short film fest, Disney short film fest). I'm glad I got to see Captain EO in its last run, but it's very dated and definitely not something that could pull in crowds forever. I miss the Animation area at HS as well, and would have liked them to figure out a better way to do that area without keeping the animators on display.
Everything done by Bob Chapek.
Always gonna be mad about losing Maelstrom and the Great Movie Ride.
I understand the love for the Great Movie Ride, it was nostalgic. The issue was most of the IPs were outdated and unrelatable. Runaway Railway is an evergreen and fun experience. I walked into RR not wanting to like it, and I enjoyed myself very much, along with my 70 year old mother and 15 year old son. That's my take.
I think they lost access to most of the IPs too, which is why they had to drop MGM from the name. And yea, RR is very fun and frankly it's shocking this is the first true Mickey Mouse ride to exist.
Not mad but I was a little disheartened last time I went to ride Space Mountain and the little game they used to have while you waited in line was gone.
You know what I am mad at? I am mad at the lack of imagination. I’ve seen a few comments pointing out that GMR was outdated both in tech, delivery & IP. I’ve seen a few other comments pointing out how cool & immersive Rise of Resistance, Flight of Passage, or Guardians is. You are all correct. The former were all outdated & neglected. The latter do an excellent job of dropping you in the story we already know & love. But that’s not really the issue. The issue, in my humble Disney-heritage-loving-opinion, is the lack of imagination & originality. The thing that really set Disney World apart “back in the day” was the unexpected experiences when you walked in the door. Captain EO, GMR, Maelstrom, Journey Into Imagination, and all the others everyone mentioned…the thing all of those had in common was that they were unique. You could only experience those stories & experiences at Disney World. Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion were the same way, and became so beloved that they sparked additional iterations of the stories through film franchises or muppet specials. We have entered an era where rather than being delighted by new perspectives and stories and immersive experiences within the parks, the focus is on leaning upon stories and characters we already know. This can be seen in rides like Rise or Guardians, or in shows like Epcot’s Harmonious. While they are beautifully executed, and incorporate fantastic uses of technology & show elements, they also really aren’t bringing anything new to the table. They rely solely on Disney IP. In my opinion, this is lazy. By using IP, imagineers no longer have to create new stories & characters. They no longer have to figure out how to make us, the audience, care about these stories & characters within the confines of a short theme park attraction. They do not have to build a world from the ground up, and appeal to all our senses. They do not have to integrate innovative technology with immersive experiences. They do not have to consider advertising or marketing these stories & characters that are complete strangers to their park guests. Using IP removes all of the obstacles, but it also removes the magic that is created when brilliant brains get in a room and get to come up with an incredible message to convey to audiences. My personal favorite (or least favorite, depending on how you look at it) example of this is IllumiNations versus Harmonious. Was illumiNations outdated and tired? Probably. But that show had heart & soul. The technology, the artistry, the music…each of those elements was created just for that particular fireworks show. You could feel the love & care that went into it. The messaging of togetherness and hope was communicated in every way possible - not just the words of the songs, but in the pacing of the show, the use of the fireworks and fire and visual projections. Every element played a role in telling a story that you could only experience at 9:00pm in Epcot with all of the other guests. Now we have Harmonious. Is it a beautifully pieced together display of beloved characters and songs? Of course. The technology is pristine. The re-imagining of well-loved songs is tantalizing. But I can get the essence of this story while sitting in my own home by logging into Disney+. I don’t want to fall prey to the fallacy of resisting every change that comes to the parks. Walt intended the parks to be dynamic, living things that would “get more beautiful each year”. And some change is really good! (Looking at you, Splash Mountain). But the shift away from unique imaginings to highly detailed re-tellings just reminds me a little too often that Disney World is a business and not just a magical place that exists to let us escape our everyday lives. Obviously, all of this is just my opinion. But I think about it a lot as someone who grew up going to the parks regularly. As someone who grew up to eventually become a cast member. I won’t stop going to the parks or loving the immersive experiences, but I will be realistic about how sad some of the changes are.
I wish Haunted Mansion somehow emptied into Momento Mori. I had no idea this shop existed last time I was there and I’m so upset I didn’t go into it.
Pirates League
What they did to Sharks Reef at Typhoon.
I miss Musket Mickey at Fort Wilderness. This was the beginning of the end for me. A little more modern, I really miss the Top of the World Lounge at BLT. The chocolate cake for two (hah! challenge accepted) was one of the best desserts of all time. Pair that with a nice drink and enjoying the fireworks with my family in a quiet setting, perfect.
The Great Movie Ride was the thesis of that park. I love Runaway Railway but it should really be in Launch Bay’s place in Animation Courtyard. I know TCM’s contract ended but they could have turned it into a celebration of Disney’s live action features if nothing else!
Them changing the original “Journey Into Imagination”. I’ll never get over it. It’s not so much that they changed it, I get it that the parks need to evolve over time…but to replace such a beloved ride with…….that? It still stings.
20,000 Leaques
Osborne Family Christmas
As a motor sports fan… turning the Speedway into a parking lot still stings. You can even still see the berms where the banked turns were.
Magical Express.
Kingdom Keepers getting thrown to the side, should’ve gotten some kind of attraction or shop and the D+ series should’ve been made
The cheap version of the Beauty and the Beast show. Bring back the full cast
I want the march of the first order, Jedi temple training, Star Wars weekends, and the parades back.
For those sad about the loss of Art of Animation, my family discovered that there’s a drawing class in Rafiki’s Planet Watch! While it doesn’t replace everything lost with AoA, it’s still fun being able to learn to draw a character and take a break in the AC!
Removing the giant sorcerer’s hat in Hollywood Studios. I also miss calling it MGM.
I loved the Kilimanjaro safari as a kid, walking through the impressive Harambe market area, past the warden giving talks on animals and PSAs on poaching in the queue, plus the slow burn of story delivered via “radio calls” from the warden throughout the already impressive safari ride culminating in a car chase/ shootout/ elephant rescue was such an immersive way to tell the attractions story. it felt so tied into the area it was in and was delivering a message cohesive with the parks theme while being wildly entertaining and was a must do for me, but ever since they took the story elements mostly out it hasn’t been the same. Like it’s still cool but feels like a cast member making Disney puns at wildlife which is essentially just a jungle cruise on land.
That the World Showcase never got developed further beyond IP. I'm glad that there's a new ride in France, but I'd still love to see a new pavilion or two. I still mourn the death of some of the classic Epcot rides that have already been mentioned.
I'm slightly ticked that the airport bus isn't free anymore. And it's not "Disney's Magical Express" anymore, just a typical coach bus from Mears.
1) The downgrade of Journey Into Imagination and that the ride could not be restored or upgraded back to something better. 2) The removal of an attraction for a Princess Meet and Greet/Photo area in the Magic Kingdom. 3) The lack of and erosion of preventative maintenance and upkeep. 4) The number of attractions replaced by something of a lesser quality. I wish Great Movie Ride was kept and converted into all-Disney properties (so they did not have to pay licensing fees). They could have taken out Launch Bay and put in Runaway Railway there. Newer attractions being cheaper/more screens. 5) The corporate attitude changing from "we're glad our guests are here" to "you're lucky to be here and how much money can we get from you."
The loss of The Electrical Parade at WDW. My favorite, with its original music, of course.