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Remember Disney’s Former Limo Service?

Vintage Amphicar Tours on water
Credit: Disney

In 2001, Disney introduced the world to something unique. Something special. Something made for a “Superstar.”

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“What could that be?” you may be wondering. Well, one of the most controversial, short-lived, unpopular, and hated rides that the Walt Disney Company ever created – Superstar Limo.

Built as an opening day attraction for Disney’s California Adventure theme Park, it was a dark ride that attempted to immerse Guests in a limousine ride where you escaped the paparazzi through Hollywood. In retrospect, perhaps it was an attempt to make a tamer version of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for California?

Disney California Adventure

Credit: Disney

Either way, Superstar Limo has maintained a notorious reputation as one of the worst rides Imagineering ever created. The ride began with Guests being told they were the newest celebrity and they were to meet with their new agent at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Next, Park Guests would board slow-moving vehicles designed to look like stretch limousines and tour through Hollywood.

The ride featured caricature-style animatronic figures representing celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Cher, and Jackie Chan, among others, often described as unimpressive, with limited movement and unconvincing facial expressions.

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The attraction also failed to captivate Guests and struggled to generate the excitement and enthusiasm typically associated with Disney dark rides. Its lack of appeal, combined with the negative feedback and criticism it received, led to a decline in visitor interest and ultimately sealed its fate.

disney-california-disneyland-wheel

Credit: Disney Tips

In addition, the inclusion of the paparazzi chase scene in Superstar Limo was seen by some as insensitive and in poor taste, considering the real-life tragedy surrounding Princess Diana’s fatal car crash.

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The ride permanently closed in 2002, less than one year of operation. It has since been replaced with Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! based on the Monsters, Inc. (2001) film.

Ahh memories…

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)