Are You Familiar With These 15 Extinct Disney Attractions?
If you’re a Disney Parks fan, chances are you’ve experienced the permanent closure of a ride or two. But, are you familiar with these 15 extinct Disney attractions?
I was born and raised near Disneyland Park and there are some experiences I still can’t believe are gone. Let’s dig into Disney’s history and learn about some attractions from yesteryear!
Photo: Handout // Getty Images
15 Extinct Disney Attractions
WFMZ recently released a list of rides that no longer exist. As you read through this article, keep track of how many you were already aware of!
Submarine Voyage (1959-1998)
This attraction, now known as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, gets so much criticism! To each their own, but to me, it was magical.
Photo: Ellen Levy Finch // Wikimedia Commons
Submarine Voyage brings back nostalgic memories! The original version took riders through a “sea” filled with ancient ruins, mermaids, and a huge squid!
Rainbow Caverns Mine Train (1956-1977)
Photo: Tom Arthur // Wikimedia Commons
Located in Frontierland at the Disneyland Resort, the slow-moving train took Guests through an old mining town. The ever-popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ended up replacing it.
America Sings (1974-1988)
Photo: Tom Arthur // Wikimedia Commons
After Carousel of Progress moved to Disney World, American Sings replaced it, followed by Star Wars Launch Bay. The musical review was phased out after 14 years and its animatronics were repurposed for Splash Mountain!
World of Motion (1982-1996)
Photo: Michel BARET // Getty Images
One of EPCOT’s originals, attraction vehicles, called Omnimovers, took visitors through scenes of transportation history. Test Track replaced the experience after 14 years, treating fans to a more interactive experience.
Journey Into Imagination (1983-1998)
Photo: Nixinova // Wikimedia Commons
An iconic purple creature named Figment encourages the use of imagination in this beloved show. Although the experience is still in operation, it’s transformed over the years to its current status as Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Horizons (1983-1999)
Photo: Sam Howzit // Wikimedia Commons
Opening one year after EPCOT debuted, the 15-minute ride took Guests through a building depicting life in the 21st century. Disney Imagineers predicted future technology so well, some of its ideas actually became a reality!
Videopolis (1985-1989)
Photo: Albaum // Wikimedia Commons
This trendy dance club was located in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. The outdoor arena featured a DJ, live bands, and 70 monitors featuring popular music videos!
Maelstrom (1988-2014)
Photo: Kjersti Holmang // Wikimedia Commons
This log ride, originally called SeaVenture was located in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT. Guests were taken through swamps and seas in a dragon-headed ship!
It contained a 28-foot plunge as well. Frozen Ever replaced the attraction after 26 years.
Dreamflight (1989-1998)
Photo: Joe Raedle // Getty Images
This aviation-themed ride was originally called If You Had Wings. Located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, Omnimovers took riders on a journey through the history of flight.
After another transformation into Take Flight, it closed to accommodate Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Body Wars (1989-2007)
Photo: Edward Russell // Wikimedia Commons
This used to be the feature attraction in EPCOT’s Wonders of Life pavilion. It mimicked the experience of being shrunk down and placed into a human body’s bloodstream.
Adventurers Club (1989-2008)
Photo: Kgbarrett // Wikimedia Commons
An elaborately themed bar, The Adventurers Club featured interactive shows with an imaginary world of 1930s explorers. When the Resort replaced Pleasure Island with Disney Springs, the festivities came to a close.
The Studio Backlot Tour (1989-2014)
Photo: Jedi94 // Wikimedia Commons
When Disney World’s MGM Studios opened in 1989, this tour was one of its original features. Providing a behind-the-scenes look at a film studio, it eventually shut down after 25 years.
The Great Movie Ride (1989-2017)
Photo: Josh Hallett
Housed within a TCL Chinese Theatre replica, this original MGM Studios attraction took Guests through a timeline of cinematic history. It closed after 28 years, eventually becoming Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (1995-2003)
Photo: Steven Miller // Wikimedia Commons
This scary attraction received a lot of negative feedback from Guests throughout its run. Rumbling seats and a pitch-black room added an element of fear.
The Timekeeper (1994-2006)
Photo: LEONARDO DASILVA // Wikimedia Commons
A Circle-Vision 360° film, The Timekeeper was located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor eventually replaced the attraction.
We hope you enjoyed this look back at 15 extinct Disney attractions! How many were you familiar with?
