Which Attractions Should Be Made Into Disney Parks Movies Next?

The success of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion movies has sparked excitement about which Disney Parks attractions could inspire the next blockbuster film. With upcoming projects like Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain, and Journey Into Imagination’s Figment, the trend of Disney attraction-based films is on the rise.

But what other iconic rides could join the lineup? Here’s a look at several Walt Disney World attractions that could make fantastic Disney movies, whether for theatrical release or Disney+.

1. The Enchanted Tiki Room -Disneyland/Magic Kingdom

With its quirky characters, catchy songs, and tropical vibes, the Enchanted Tiki Room could transform into a vibrant animated film. Much like the success of Jungle Cruise, this movie could follow the tiki birds as they embark on an adventure to protect their magical home from a threat. The colorful birds—José, Fritz, Michael, and Pierre—would be reimagined in stunning animation, possibly using traditional hand-drawn techniques to evoke nostalgia.

Disney could infuse the film with a South Pacific cultural backdrop, hiring creatives from those regions to ensure authenticity and sensitivity, much like they did with Moana.

2. Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A survival-horror monster movie in the Himalayas? Yes, please!

Expedition Everest could be a thrilling mix of adventure and horror, with climbers and explorers facing the legend of the fearsome Yeti. Unlike the Yeti’s current “disco” state in the attraction, the film could showcase this creature’s terrifying, realistic version, creating suspense as the characters face harsh conditions and the lurking beast. Picture Jurassic Park meets The Revenant, with dramatic mountain vistas, action-packed chases, and a chilling myth come to life.

Disney’s venture into more thrilling content with projects like Cruella proves they could pull off a slightly scarier, action-packed adventure for this one.

3. Grizzly River Run – Disney’s California Adventure

It’s time for an eco-conscious white-water rafting movie! Grizzly River Run, focusing on nature and conservation, could become an action-packed film about saving a stretch of forest from destruction. Imagine a group of adventurous kids, some protective wildlife (maybe even a friendly grizzly bear), and a villainous logging company. Add in a fast-paced river ride, and you have the makings of a feel-good, environmentally-themed movie that still delivers on thrills.

Kevin Bacon could even reprise his role as an antagonist in the wilderness, just like in The River Wild!

4. The Carousel of Progress – Magic Kingdom

A quirky science fiction film inspired by The Carousel of Progress could bring the beloved attraction’s central family to the big screen. The concept could focus on a family that barely ages while witnessing the advancements of the 20th century. This could go two ways:

• Dramatic Oscar-bait: A profound look at technological and social changes over a century, highlighting how the family evolves—or doesn’t—over time. A heartwarming yet deep exploration of progress, innovation, and the passage of time.
• Sci-fi adventure: A more family-friendly, popcorn movie route where the family is accidentally scattered through different time periods due to a time travel mishap. The mother, a scientist, must journey through eras of the past and future to rescue her family from historical distortions, making for a fun, exciting romp through time.

5. Red Car Trolley – Disney’s California Adventure

This one’s a bit more abstract, but could you draw inspiration from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Set in the golden age of Hollywood, a Red Car Trolley film could revolve around aspiring actors, directors, and writers trying to make it big in the city of stars. The trolley itself would serve as a vehicle—both literally and figuratively—for their journeys through the highs and lows of the movie industry, filled with glamorous sets, shady backroom deals, and a bit of old Hollywood magic.

Disney could even sneak in a plot about how automobile companies conspired to dismantle public transport in LA—a tale already touched on in Roger Rabbit but with an added Disney twist.

6. The Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios

While Tower of Terror is already on track for a movie reboot, there’s ample room to make this a thrilling horror experience. Picture this: an anthology series where each episode tells a different eerie tale of what happened to the unlucky souls trapped in the hotel that night. With stars like Scarlett Johansson reportedly attached, it could be a series of haunted adventures that dive deeper into the spooky backstories of the forgotten hotel guests.

Building on the mystery of the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, this could be Disney’s chance to create a successful franchise blending The Twilight Zone-style suspense with supernatural elements.

7. Journey Into Imagination with Figment – EPCOT

Who doesn’t love Figment? The purple dragon has a cult following, and a Journey Into Imagination movie could explore the whimsical and creative spirit behind EPCOT’s beloved character. Imagine a family-friendly, Inside Out-style animated film where Figment helps kids explore their imaginations and overcome their fears.

This could be a feel-good movie that encourages creativity and dreaming big while featuring an incredible visual journey through fantastical landscapes only Figment could dream up.

8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Multiple Parks

The wildest ride in the wilderness deserves its own high-stakes action film! Big Thunder Mountain could be adapted into a Western adventure, with treasure hunters, runaway trains, and mysterious gold mines. Throw in a villainous prospector, daring escapes, and a bit of Disney magic, and it’s easy to see the franchise’s potential.

It could even have a mystical element, with the mountain rumored to be cursed, adding a layer of mystery to the adventure.

9. Space Mountain – Multiple Parks

Space Mountain is already rumored to have a movie in the works, but the possibilities for this intergalactic adventure are endless. A space exploration film featuring astronauts on a mission to the farthest reaches of the galaxy would capture the essence of the attraction. With visuals reminiscent of Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy, this film could be filled with futuristic technology, alien planets, and epic space battles.

It could follow a ragtag group of astronauts navigating unknown dangers and saving the universe from a cosmic threat.

Conclusion

With Disney’s knack for turning theme park rides into movie franchises, there’s no shortage of attractions that could make the leap to the big screen or Disney+. From heart-pounding adventures like Expedition Everest to whimsical fantasies like Journey Into Imagination, these attractions have endless potential for cinematic magic.

Which Disney ride would you like to see turned into a movie? The next big blockbuster might just be hiding in your favorite park attraction!