Could you imagine a Disney World without Jungle Cruise? How would you feel if the entire Dumbo attraction just flew away tomorrow?
Jungle Cruise
We asked our followers on Instagram what ONE attraction they would get rid of in Disney World, and some of their responses might surprise you!
The Walt Disney World website lists 143 attractions located at its four theme parks, although that includes some things like the Wilderness Explorers and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, which many don’t think of as an “attraction.”
Magic Kingdom
While the Disney Imagineers put in a tremendous amount of work into each ride, show, character, experience, etc., all fans have their own likes and dislikes. So, even though Peter Pan may be your favorite attraction, it may be someone else’s worst nightmare!
©Walt Disney Imagineering
We asked our readers what Disney World ride they’d get rid of and here’s a look at the responses we got!
NONE!
Of course, there were a few readers who said they wouldn’t get rid of a single ride! One even said they sat and thought for a solid 10 minutes and couldn’t come up with anything. So much Disney love.
Cinderella Castle
Others said not to remove any but add more rides. They’re coming folks! Some had very strategic reasons for not removing any attractions though — noting that the “bad” attractions draw crowds away from the good ones or that their least favorite rides draw crowds away from the ones they love. Truly something for everyone.
Crowds
One reader suggested they remove the Emporium in Magic Kingdom because they spend too much money there. 😉 It’s not an attraction, technically, but we couldn’t help but share this one because our wallets absolutely agree.
Some of the More Expected Ones
Some of the answers we got are some that we’d say are a bit more expected. Things that tend to be a bit more popular with the little ones, like The Barnstormer and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Magic Kingdom.
The Barnstormer
Others were ready to get rid of some water rides — like Kali River Rapids in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom — because they just didn’t want to walk around the park while soaking wet, and we can totally understand that (although we’re pretty sure ALL these people waiting in line for Splash Mountain would strongly disagree with you).
Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom
Some of the more historical shows like Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom and The American Adventure in EPCOT were also given the boot! One reader said that the Hall of Presidents was like one of those videos in school they make you do a worksheet to.
©Disney
We’re having flashbacks to 4th grade social studies right now.
The Motion Sickness Inducing Attractions
LOTS of readers suggested a variety of attractions because they experienced motion sickness while riding the attraction. You can probably guess the one that was mentioned the most for this reason. You know, the one with the BARF bags in the seat pockets? Yeah, that’s the one…Mission Space in EPCOT!
Mission Space
One reader noted that if a barf bag is necessary, the attraction has no place in Disney World, and it seems quite a few Disney pals agreed.
Others said that DINOSAURÂ in Animal Kingdom made them sick even though they don’t normally have motion sickness…
DINOSAUR
…Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios received similar comments.
Space Mountain
Some also mentioned that the seating in Space Mountain is too tight, or that just the theming for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster should go. Sounds like some would be happy for Aerosmith to get “walk this way” to the exit.
The Classics
Quite a few fans were ready to get some of the BIG classics in Disney World. We’re talking CLASSICS, guys. Like, day one attractions or attractions with lots of Disney history. Some apologized for their decisions, while others just said “sorry, not sorry.” What attractions were placed on the chopping block? For starters, no less than 3 readers suggested The Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom be sent into regions beyond!
Haunted Mansion
No Madame Leota?! No grim grinning ghosts?! We could not IMAGINE a world without the Haunted Mansion, but it looks like some others could!
Other readers said Jungle Cruise (also in Magic Kingdom) should make its last voyage through the rivers soon, with one even saying “Jungle Cruise has got to go!”
Jungle Cruise
What would this world be without jokes about the backside of water? The thought is horrifying.
Some voted for the Mad Tea Party and other spinning rides in Magic Kingdom and elsewhere to make their way out of Disney World. Yes, even Dumbo the Flying Elephant was listed. Although some tried to be sneaky and suggest that only one of the two Dumbo spinners get removed, that way one Dumbo could remain. We see you, creative thinkers!
Dumbo in Magic Kingdom
One of the spinning rides that got QUITE a bit of votes for its removal was The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Lots of readers mentioned this as one of the ones that should go, saying it’s in the middle of the Adventureland walkway and is just a “knock-off Dumbo,” or that it is an eyesore and “occupies too much space.”
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Some others listed include Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Soarin’Â Around the World (YES, SOARIN’) in EPCOT.
Soarin’ Around the World
One even wanted to get rid of “that plant ride in EPCOT” which we assume is in reference to Living With the Land, but we kind of love “that plant ride” as an unofficial name now.
Readers also suggested Peter Pan’s Flight, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Thunder Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and even the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom were also listed. But the most popular one BY FAR was…“it’s a small world!”
“it’s a small world”
Some people thought their decision to say au revoir to this ride was an “unpopular opinion,” but it wasn’t nearly as unpopular as they think. We stopped counting after about 25 votes to remove this ride! Some said it was creepy, annoying, or just better at Disneyland and to leave it there.
Another one that got a LARGE amount of votes was the Tomorrowland Speedway, or as one person referred to it “stinky speedway.”
Tomorrowland Speedway
Quite a few readers commented on the fact that the gas smell at this ride is horrible, with one even saying they couldn’t remember the name because the fumes have killed their brain cells (you all are just too much!). Another said it’s slow and just a waste of space. Astro Oribter (or as one reader said “astrospace — who even knows what it’s called) also got quite a few votes to pack up its bags and go!
Over at Animal Kingdom, some were ready to get rid of Expedition Everest and even Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Giraffes!
Wow. We couldn’t imagine going to Animal Kingdom and not getting the chance to wave at these adorable giraffes! Quite a few also voted to get rid of It’s Tough to Be a Bug, saying it’s creepier than the Haunted Mansion.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Hopper is pretty terrifying.
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, even Star Tours and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror made the list.
Tower of Terror
Nothing is safe!
The Super Popular/Newer Rides
If you thought some of those super popular rides were safe, well…you’re WRONG! Even the big hitters like Flight of Passage and Navi River Journey in Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
Flight of Passage Pre-Show
…Slinky Dog Dash, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance(!), and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (with a few votes for the return of the Great Movie Ride) in Disney’s Hollywood Studios…
Live Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
…Frozen Ever After in EPCOT (yes, some wanted to get rid of it just to bring back Maelstrom), and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom were suggested by at least one reader each to be removed!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Some said Seven Dwarfs just not worth the crowds or the wait.
The Already Extinct or Upcoming Attractions
Some readers wanted to make EXTRA sure that certain attractions that have already met their end in Disney World were definitely gone! A few mentioned Primeval Whirl in DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It has already been announced that Primeval Whirl is permanently closing, and a few months ago we noticed that the ride vehicles had been removed from the tracks.
Primeval Whirl
Although this ride had its fair share of fans, it is on its way out and it seems some readers were very pleased about that!
Quite a few also wanted to make sure that Stitch’s Great Escape was really gone for good, with one reader saying “is Stitch’s Great Escape still there? Ugh!”
Stitch’s Great Escape
Like Primeval Whirl, this attraction has already been announced as one that is permanently closing and the signs in this area have been removed, showing that truly Stitch has left the building.
Stitch Signs in Tomorrowland Gone
But, if you’re a Stitch fan, there’s still lots of cute merch we’ve spotted featuring this mischievous alien, so don’t worry!
Although the new TRON attraction is not here yet, one reader was already placing in a vote for it’s removal.
Tron Construction
This reader did NOT need a trip to “the Grid” to make up their mind about this coaster.
The Armchair Imagineers
Quite a few readers didn’t just want to get rid of a ride or two. They had some ideas in terms of what should replace it. Quite a few people mentioned that Journey Into Imagination should go (with one reader even saying “just put it out of its misery already” — ouch). But another reader specifically suggested that the attraction be re-themed or replaced with an Inside Out attraction.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Someone else took it one step further and said ALL things Figment should go.Â
Festival Mug
Our poor EPCOT festival mascot!
Some also suggested some refurbs rather than full removals, like a revamp at Muppet Vision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Country Bear Jamboree in Magic Kingdom, although some were happy to get rid of both rides altogether!
The Creepy Crowd
Quite a few attractions made the “creepy” category several times over including Country Bear Jamboree…
Country Bear Jamboree
…and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!
Winnie the Pooh
There were also a few votes to remove Pirates of the Caribbean, with one reader noting that the Johnny Depp animatronic is scary.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seems like Johnny and the rest of the pirates will have to walk the plank.
The Fire Sale “Everything-Must-Go” Crowd
Some of our readers were not as particular as others. Instead of getting rid of a single attraction, they were ready to dump whole lands (even whole PARKS sometimes) into the bin! We got quite a few responses from readers who would be more than happy to see all of DinoLand U.S.A. go away, although some said the DINOSAUR attraction itself could stay and the area around it could be re-themed. Some readers would have these dinosaurs truly disappear off the face of the earth.
Comet Crashers
Another reader said they’d get rid of all of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! This reader just felt like the land overall causes “more pain and frustration than it’s worth.” Another also said they’d just get rid of “Anything Star Wars” — jeez, tough crowd.
Galaxy’s Edge
If you’re one of the MANY who have not been able to score a Boarding Group to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or you’ve been unable to grab a drink at Oga’s Cantina, we can definitely see how the whole Galaxy’s Edge land would just be a frustrating experience for you.
Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios
But, there is a lot to see and experience around the land without even riding an attraction (hello Ronto Wraps!) so we’d definitely recommend that you take the time to enjoy the land even away from the attractions if you get the chance!
One reader just said, “Avatar” which could possibly mean the entire land. No more floating mountains? No more banshees? No more cheeseburger pods?!
Pandora — The World of Avatar
One reader told us they’d get rid of “the circus,” meaning Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom, to bring back Mickey and Minnie’s houses.Â
Storybook Circus
Another reader told us they’d get rid of ALL of EPCOT…we repeat, ALL of EPCOT. Another said the same, except they’d save two of their favorite rides! ALL OF EPCOT GONE?! Could you imagine?!
Spaceship Earth
While the EPCOT transformation will certainly revitalize the whole park, it certainly isn’t like starting from a blank slate and much of the classic elements of EPCOT will be retained or actually restored.
New Pylons in EPCOT
Essentially, no attraction was safe! There were calls to remove everything from Tom Sawyer’s Island to Grand Fiesta Tour, and practically everything in between! It truly proves that while one ride may be totally sacred to you, another may find it to be the very worst, or at least a good contender for removal.
As Walt Disney once said “Disneyland (and we’ll expand that to Disney World) will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”Â
There are new things being built at Disney World right now, and we’ll likely see a few attractions leave us in the future as is the way of the (Disney) World. We’re looking forward to the future of Disney Parks around the World.
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Honestly, the only reason no one mentioned swiss Family Tree house is that no one thinks of it as an attraction anymore, but it is. And a bad one. It should be at the top of the list. Anyone alive that even remembers the movie is over 60 (like me) can’t walk the stairs.lol
Thanks as always, AJ!
There are already parks without those down-voted attractions, named Universal, Six Flags, Hershey Park (actually our second choice when we couldn’t afford a Disney excursion from Maryland before we moved to WDW – try it if you’re in the Northeast), Busch Gardens and so forth. The easiest thing to do is to stay off of whatever you abhor. Is Jungle Cruise campy and without excitement? YES, but that’s part of its charm. Excitement on TTA PeopleMover? Not for the roller coaster crowd, but it’s as close to a stand-in for Walt as we’ll find, coupled with Carousel of Progress, Haunted Mansion, Carousel and Speedway.
I don’t care for some of the attractions and am passingly curious what creativity lurks in the hearts and minds of Imagineers for reuse of any repurposed space, but I’m happy to see the classics remain to maintain the Parks’ character.
There is enough new stuff coming (EPCOT makeover, Tron, Guardians, Star Wars hotel, etc.) to keep the Parks fresh and Plussed, so I hope that everyone finds new favorites to add to their collection!
If I never had to ride Small World again, I’d be happy. BUT it is my sister’s favorite ride along with my youngest grandsons. So we ride it. I would never vote to get rid of it, just because I don’t like it. I LOVE the Jungle Book and always want to ride up front so I can “Pun” along with the Boat Captain. I sit alone, it’s not their favorite ride. I would like Marvel and Star Wars to have their own lands and not meld into my childhood favorites, but Marvel and Star Wars are my kids and grand kids favorites so it is something I get along with.
Forgot this perspective: our little ones loved Barnstormer, Splash Mountain and Kali river (8 times in a row one slow, chilly day). I wouldn’t like to see others’ kids deprived of something I’ve outgrown.
I think we all got motion sick on Mission Space Orange, but that’s part of the adventure.
I can’t enjoy Space Mountain now after neck surgery (but praise for no more throat cancer!), but am as elated as I can be for the screaming masses hurtling through the darkness. Long live Space Mountain!
Speedway has to be the worst ride in any amusement park
I understand everyone has different opinions , but it’s so sad to see some of the classics on the list. I personally agree with the Kali River Rapid ride. You get to wet on that ride to make it fun. Who ever said Haunted Mansion though needs to be banned from ever voting again!! 🙂 The one I think needs to go is Swiss Family Tree House. Does anyone ever do that? My son is in a wheelchair so we don’t, but I never see people there. I know it’s a classic though, so I wouldn’t want to offend anyone who loves it.
MK: Astro Orbiter (height scares me on that one).
AK: Chester & Hester’s (tacky; carnival games, really, when Toy Story Mania is SO MUCH better!)
Hollywood Studios: Alien Swirling Saucers (just a copy of Mater’s in California)
EPCOT: Mission Space (bring back Wonders of Life, please!)
no matter what every attraction is going to have someone who would like to get rid of it. the fact is everyone who attends the parks votes on that subject with every line they get into. the long lines show whats popular just as the short ones show what is not. there are rides i don’t need to do ever again but ones i will do everytime i go. some people just don’t get it. can’t wait till we can go again as our border with the u.s. is still closed. hope to see you all at disney soon…….
Hall of Presidents. Why have an attraction that by voting results at least half the people dislike the president serving at that time in history. If you want Americana change it to great accomplishments, like Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong, Amelia Earnhardt, MJK Jr. Though as a Canadian, why not open it up to beyond just American accomplishments.
I went on kali river rapids one time when it broke down. I had water dumping on me for a solid 45 minutes. I hate that ride. Totally wrecked my day being soaking wet and cold and very uncomfortable. I’ll never ever ride it again. You all enjoy yourselves though!
Dino land hopefully gets removed and another ride goes in that area .Disney needs more lands and rides and attractions ! After the virus goes away Disney needs to have more the ticket prices are a lot of money !There will be many more vacationers will be coming to the parks ! Disney needs to step it up for the price !
True, some attractions should be moved out, and others need re-imagining, but let’s at lease keep it family entertainment. Too many dark and spinning rides that do cause nausea, (Mission Space), while others are classics that need to stay, (Tea Cups), but stitch has got to go alone with maybe the Speedway. Maybe electric powered speeders or maybe something magical in that huge space. Mickeys Toon Town was a tragic loss and the Circus atmosphere did not help.
I’m with Jon and Annette on this one. My daughter mentioned turning Tom Sawyer Island into a Moana theme where you raft to her island and I can’t think of any change over that’s better and more primed to do than that!
It seems we have a hidden consensus. Disney has the right balance. A saying I keep in my mind as a motorsports official, if you upset everyone a little about one or two different things, you’re doing your job. It a corollary to, you can’t please everybody.
I would like to keep “DinoLand” but see it reimagined into an actual jungle and one or two other rides to keep Dinosaur company over there. That could fit with the original “dragon” plan Disney had, too. (Maybe move something like Indiana Jones from HS to AK?) But Dinosaur is a great ride, it’s too bad it gets overshadowed by its location and the rest of the great rides in AK.
Totally agree re: the magic carpet ride at MK … it just takes up too much precious walking space. Granted I usually just go to the parks once a year but it tends to have the shorter lines too, so I can’t see it doing the best job of alleviating lines elsewhere. That whole area can get super congested so yeah, I wouldn’t mind seeing them taken down.
Going back to MK as an adult … I wouldn’t mind seeing the circus area re-imagined again. It’s fine for what it is but … is Dumbo THAT beloved by little kids to this day? I’m not saying to get rid of either Dumbo ride, but the entire circus theme just seems out of place with the rest of the MK vibe. If you get rid of Barnstormer, you’ve got to replace it with the equivalent of “baby’s first roller coaster,” though.
Adults still need the A/C rooms and those mini breaks throughout the day, so the Tiki Room, Country Bears, etc. … slower and maybe “boring,” but all still play an important role when attempting to conquer the parks! (And I think the Hall of Presidents should stay, that’s a Walt classic and the museum out front does not get enough credit for the items on display.) (Also, whoever doesn’t like the Country Bears can leave MY Jamboree.)
Jungle Cruise is one of my favorite rides but it needs to be updated and reimagined desperately (aka, not be so insensitive and pro-colonialism). Mowgli and the Jungle Book fits right into the theming there! If they can make Tiana fit in at Splash Mountain/Frontierland, surely Mowgli can fit in at Adventureland.
The Frozen ride was cute but I agree – bring back Maelstrom! I’m not a huge fan of bringing Disney movies into Epcot. That said … I’ve got to say I am looking forward to Ratatouille opening.
I’m kind of wondering if once Tron opens they’ll use that as an opportunity to upgrade/re-imagine Space Mountain. Hopefully not get rid of it or do anything too drastic, but it’s another one that could use an upgrade. The speedway over there … I think that’s impressive to kids in a very narrow age range, but it’s not really for the super littles and it seems so easy to age out of quickly when the other parks have much better options. I have zero suggestions for all of that space, but it is prime real estate! Would love to see Tomorrowland get a major makeover (keeping People Mover of course!)
And as far as It’s a Small World … it’s long, it’s not super catchy for the kids … but learning that song is a childhood rite of passage, it’s one of those A/C rides, and as an adult I love trying to find new details on all of the animatronics. I love the rides where every member of the family can get on, from baby to granny. I personally think it’s a big ol’ keep (and usually a quick line to rest those weary legs after waiting super long for mine train or Peter Pan).
I would say TIMBER ! to The Swiss Family Treehouse for sure but never a line there. The jungle cruise is kind of lame with the same jokes for years but still gets a lot of guests – who figured? When its hot my wife and I hop into Country Bear Jamboree Or Carousel of Progress for a cool down and nap time for my wife. We have been there for around 17 – 18 times and 2020 has been the first year we got canceled since 2011. As many times as we have been on each ride I still enjoy it just as much as the first time. Due to health issues we will not be going back for a while but there is still something there for everyone no matter how lame or outdated it seems.
I love the nostalgia of the older attractions like Swiss Family, Tom Sawyer and as I have aged I actually think I enjoy them more than when I was a child because of the nostalgia and lack of crowds. One ride I long to see return is 20,000 leagues. I only rode it once or twice. It was always broken when I was in the park. I’d like to see them bring back the learning aspect of EPCOT. Next thing you know they will be inserting Disney characters into the animal attractions at AK. But the one attraction I don’t care for at all is all of the games and stuff in Dinoland. The dinosaur ride is a favorite so they shouldn’t get rid of that!
Not get rid necessarily, but personally I feel like the upcoming GotG ride is misplaced at Epcot. It would fit in much better at Hollywood Studios. My guess is that they didn’t want to go that way since Hollywood Studios already had most of the biggest expansions in recent years, which draws too many crowds to one park.
Another change I’d make is take Test Track back to its previous version with the test track dummies. The new one is too much blatant advertising imo.
Why can’t people just stop trying to change Disney world ! It is a great place where there are things and rides for everyone. If you don’t like an attraction or ride then just don’t go to it. I’m so tired of a small group of people want things changed and the powers that be listen. PLEASE STOP ! 😞
I am not a fan of getting rid of most attractions, even if I don’t like them or can’t ride them, but I agree that Tomorrowland Speedway should at least be changed into something that doesn’t give off the fumes that it does. It also takes up a HUGE amount of premium space in MK. I know the Stitch attraction was not popular with many, but Stitch is VERY popular, and it is very disappointing that Disney does not have an interest in putting a quality Stitch attraction in WDW. I am sure there are many beloved attractions that have disappeared over the years, and A LOT of them would have fit inside the Speedway – maybe even all of them.