Christy Caby
Disney attractions are the source of many treasured and beloved memories for us. We develop strong connections to these attractions and get antsy at the thought of them even changing, let along going away. A prime example is the decision to close Maelstrom in Epcot. There were lots of people that voiced their disappointment over that decision. There’s another part of us deep down, that realizes that change is good, and means new and better experiences for Disney. We can’t keep every attraction in the same condition forever or there won’t be room for other experiences, that we will also likely love and cherish, too!
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Then there are just some attractions that may be good for a hot day to get inside, or an opportunity to do something when lines are long everywhere else, but they are no longer attractions that the masses get excited about. (Thus explaining why they are always options when everything else is busy!) In looking at attractions across the 4 major theme parks and considering which ones Disney should probably take a look at mothballing, I came up with these 4 recommendations. Keep in mind that I am not saying that I don’t enjoy these attractions, just that I’d love to see something even better and more exciting in their place!
1. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros:
I am a HUGE Donald Duck fan, but even I feel like this could be so much more than it is. The space where this attraction is located within the Mexico pavilion at Epcot is a really neat spot. The attraction is a boat dark ride within the Mayan temple. It isn’t very exciting and shows clips of the loveable trio from Three Caballeros throughout different locations and experiences in Mexico. It would be great if this would minimally get an update, if not completely redone to be more exciting.
2. Swiss Family Robinson Tree House:
This got a bit of a refurbishment in recent years, so it is unlikely that this one is going anywhere, but I don’t really understand why Disney keeps this attraction. This one is in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. It’s hard to pick this attraction when you have Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise right there. This also isn’t a ride or a show, it’s more like a walk through attraction. My kids don’t know anything about Swiss Family Robinson, as I fear is the case for many children, so this one seems to be good when you need something to do to pass time or let the kids walk a bit. This is prime real estate that could be used for something amazing!
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3. Muppet Vision 3D:
There are many Muppets fans who would be throwing daggers at me for suggesting this one, but constant 5 minute waits and rarely completely full theaters, even during busy events like Star Wars Weekends where crowds are higher, support my inclusion of this attraction to the list. You will find this one at the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, kind of between Star Tours and Streets of America. Minimally this attraction need to be updated and made to be a little more exciting. I don’t think we should boot the Muppets out, but it sure would be nice to get a better attraction for them, especially with their newest movie and TV show. I wish Disney would give them a better presence and an attraction that people of all ages can get excited about!
4. It’s Tough To Be A Bug:
I do enjoy this show, every now and then, but it definitely isn’t a must-see attraction. This show is located inside the Tree of Life, the icon for Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life is so awe-worthy, and the opportunity to get a closer look while in the queue for the attraction is one of the most exciting parts. The show is cute, but it seems like so much more could be done with this extremely prime location at the front of the park in this impressive icon. This attraction usually doesn’t have a very long wait at all, so it’s a great place to get out of the sun for a little bit, but it would be a great addition to the collection of retired attractions to make room for something better!
Honorable Mention – Stitch’s Great Escape:
I think I am still upset that they mothballed Alien Encounter and replaced it with this attraction. This attraction never lived up to the awesome-ness of Alien Encounter, in my opinion. This is another one in prime real estate, with its home in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. This one is more of an example where an amazing attraction was mothballed when guests would have preferred it to be left alone! This attraction seems to be high on the list for wishing it would be replaced, from bloggers and Disney groups. I understand Stitch’s placement within Tomorrowland, but Alien Encounter was just rebranded with Stitch instead of creating a new attraction. This one would be better as a completely new attraction, so it can get a better chance!