
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.
Bring back superstar limo pic.twitter.com/z3jTZKOIrW
— William (@boredzerro) January 13, 2022
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?
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.
Superstar Limo is a legend attraction. A long detailed ride it unfortunately ran into a late story change that confused guests. I rode behind a family & at unload a preteen turned & asked, “what the ‘blank’ was that?”. #Disneyland pic.twitter.com/GMYjx3EUrX
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) May 23, 2022
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.
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.
When Superstar Limo closed and was replaced by Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!, all of the celebrity animatronics were redressed as CDA Agents- here’s Drew Carey! pic.twitter.com/YK7HVvDf0Z
— Remnants of Forgotten Disney (@DisneyRemnants) November 23, 2022
Ahh memories…