Dear Disney: Please Don’t Change These Attractions
Walt Disney often spoke about the benefit of continued progress and change in the parks. In his own words, he stated Disneyland would never be completed. The same can be applied to Disney World.
Over the years, rides have been updated to utilize sophisticated technology. Other attractions have been changed to edit story elements or have been reskinned entirely.
Most changes have been for the better. Others are accepted for the sake of innovation.
Today, I’d like to discuss some classic Disney World attractions that are already at their best. It is my hope as a fan, they remain untouched. (To clarify, I’m talking about more drastic retheming, not modest improvements.)
Feel free to disagree, but here are some attractions I hope never change.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I thought this ride was immune until the Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) retheming at Disney’s California Adventure. This breaks my heart because I couldn’t love the original theme more.
The somber ragtime music, the neglected (but still glamorous) hotel lobby, and the Rod Serling-narrated pre-show all make the Tower of Terror so memorable. Additionally, it’s probably the only theme park ride to feature the groundbreaking TV series, The Twilight Zone (1959).
The golden age of Hollywood icon fits beautifully at the end of Sunset Boulevard. It’s a pleasant reminder for fans who knew the park as MGM Studios.
I hold my breath every time a Tower of Terror rumor surfaces. I can only hope that a devoted fanbase (and merchandising opportunities) will keep this ride untouched in the “dark side of Hollywood”.
The Haunted Mansion
The history of the Haunted Mansion is messy. Originally imagined as a walk-through museum attraction, it went through a lot of growing pains to become the attraction it is today.
This ride is lighting in a bottle. Balancing the spooky and creepy elements so perfectly, it is beloved by families while still pushing boundaries.
It’s not the most technologically advanced attraction, but it has timeliness effects. The use of Pepper’s Ghost effect is ingenious. And the small updates have blended in nicely.
Whatever you do Disney, please don’t permanently retheme this to The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).
The Pirates of the Caribbean
This ride is not only beloved, but it is the only ride to inspire an incredibly successful Disney movie franchise. The Pirates of the Caribbean is a delightful specimen of a transportive dark ride.
Recently, newer parks (e.g., Shanghai) have wowed us with new groundbreaking special effects for their Pirates ride. (I’d be lying if I said I haven’t watched several YouTube videos of it.)
While the newer versions impress me, I couldn’t imagine forsaking the original design.
The fake fire, the traditional animatronics, and the ceiling painted to look like a night sky are irreplaceable. And the catchy theme song interspersed with spooky warnings and dialogue still gives me chills when I ride.
By all means, celebrate the Shanghai version. It’s brilliant. But leave the original version untouched.
Peter Pan’s Flight
My first memory of this ride is from 1998. Ride technology is nowhere near where it is now, but Peter Pan’s Flight enchanted me beyond belief.
The colorful miniature scenes, the bustling bird’s eye view of London, and the “flying” sensation from the hanging cars made me get back in line again and again. Not only did I fall in love with the ride, but I fell in love with the animated movie.
Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the improvements. The interactive queue and details within the Darling nursery thrill me. Every time I see Tinkerbell light up in a corner, I resist squealing with glee.
But as for the ride itself, let’s keep it as is. The magic is intact.
The Carousel of Progress
I know this ride isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but no one can deny its impact. A marvel at the 1964 World’s Fair, The Carousel of Progress is a testament to Walt’s love of innovation.
With four separate scenes explaining new and exciting technological advancements of the time, it’s a good opportunity to appreciate how far we’ve come. (Plus, the air conditioning inside doesn’t hurt.)
Most of the scenes should never be altered, as that would be altering history itself. The last “futuristic” scene could be adjusted, but many things (like voice-activated technology) have come to fruition.
To substantially change this ride would be an insult to Disney World and Walt himself.
Space Mountain
When the lights are on, Space Mountain is just another wild mouse track. In the dark though, it’s a whole new story.
The sound effects, the lightning, and the retro space-inspired soundtrack make a coaster that has good re-ride value. Years later, I still scream with every dip, jerky turn, and speed up of the cars.
Objectively, there are more thrilling coasters out there. Certainly, there are higher, faster, and more fear-inducing examples.
Space Mountain though, has a charm that can’t be topped. Perfection achieved in the simplest effects.
When I ride it, I like being reminded that the greatest attractions aren’t necessarily the newest ones.
I know my wish is unlikely. I will see some of these attractions change in my time, but I remain hopeful. Hopeful that these classics have earned the status of untouchable historical artifacts.
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Agree except for Space Mountain. With today’s tech, this ride could be redone to be far more stellar, smoother and a major thrill. Particularly the sound and jerkiness is sooo dated, it really does need an update.