Disney has done some seriously ridiculous things in its day — but some stand out as being just a little bit more chaotic than others.
How chaotic, you ask? Let’s just say one such event involves a lot — and we mean a lot — of toilet paper (IYKYK). Just when we think we’ve seen it all, Disney does something that proves it truly never stops innovating, even if it means the innovation is a little… absurd. We’re sharing ridiculous things Disney should never do again and one it absolutely should.
While there may be some things Disney should never do again, there is one it should 100% bring back and we will pray to Mickey Mouse himself if that’s what it takes. But, anyway…
Things Disney Should NEVER Do Again
Toilet Paper Cinderella Castle
Despite what you may be thinking, no — it wasn’t a group of rowdy teenagers out to play a prank. No, the incident we’re speaking of was entirely Disney’s design. When Stitch’s Great Escape debuted in Magic Kingdom in 2004, Disney took to marketing the attraction in true Stitch style — by making it look like he had vandalized Cinderella Castle with toilet paper!
Not only was there toilet paper, but it also looked like Stitch had tagged the castle with some graffiti. Luckily, this chaos only lasted for one day and then Disney quickly turned everything back to normal overnight. The park was even decked out with Stitch Wanted posters. The castle has had many different looks in its day, but this one is one we don’t think Disney should repeat any time soon.
Substitute an Animatronic for a Plant
Okay, while this one did make our list, we must admit that we kind of loved everything about this situation — even if it was unfortunate. Let us introduce you to Plant Donald. Plant Donald wasn’t around for a long time, but he was around for a good time. Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros may not be the most popular attraction in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion (because the margaritas are, duh) but for a brief time it was all we could talk about.
Donald’s been replaced by a plant… pic.twitter.com/WWTqPzcemc
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) January 9, 2021
Apparently, the actual Donald animatronic needed some repairs, so Disney removed it to make that happen. But, instead of totally blocking this scene off or just the area where Donald is normally found — Disney replaced him with a plant. Yes, a plant. Oh, and the plant was wearing a sombrero. No, we’re not kidding and yes, we kind of miss him.
Let the Line for a Popcorn Bucket Wrap All the Way Around EPCOT
The Figment Popcorn Bucket caused quite a stir when it debuted at the 2022 Festival of the Arts, quickly garnering hours-long lines and eventually selling out but then reappearing via Mobile Order. When we say hours-long lines, we mean it. Disney clearly didn’t expect the sheer mayhem that unfolded when good ol’ Figgy made his appearance. The Figment fans were out in FULL force with HOURS long waits for the bucket. At one point, a Cast Member had estimated the wait was six hours long.
Folks who wanted their own were forced to stand in line, and since Disney hadn’t prepared for such demand, the line was kind of all over the place. Eventually, the demand faded, and since then Disney has introduced a Virtual Queue system for Figment’s reunion tour.
Put a Terrifying Ride in Magic Kingdom
When you think of Magic Kingdom, you probably think of an utterly spine-chilling Alien-abduction scenario, right? Just us? Hm. In any case, back in 1995, ExtraTERRORestrail Alien Encounter opened its doors and began its reign of terror. The original plan would have guests encounter xenomorphs, from the 1979 movie Alien. But Disney decided that was too scary, so they developed an original storyline that was “less scary.”
Spoiler alert: It was not less scary. Disney enlisted the help of George Lucas who developed a story in which guests become the helpless prey to an alien monster. The attraction was in an immersive theater and involved guests being strapped down into a seat while the theater around them started crawling with aliens — in pitch darkness.
Harnessed into the seat, folks watched as the teleportation device malfunctioned, causing a bloodthirsty alien to be teleported into the room. From there, the special effects made it so that you could hear, smell, and even feel the alien roaming the room around you. No thanks.
Things Disney Should ABSOLUTELY Do Again
Gather round, dear DFB readers, and let us regale you with a fairy tale. You see, there was a time when Disney let people bring their dogs into Magic Kingdom. Yes, you read that correctly. Okay, okay, it wasn’t like just anyone could waltz through the gates with Rover and have a magical day — there was a catch. Folks could enter a contest and win a trip to Disney World with their dog. No, we’re not okay either.
The 2014 Disney Side Dog’s Day at Magic Kingdom contest brought 101 dogs to the park before it opened for the day. Disney even rolled out a green carpet down Main Street! Oh, and the dogs were in costumes. It was dubbed as the “First Ever” Disney Side Dog’s Day — but it should have been named the “Only Ever” Day instead because it never happened again. Out of all the ridiculous things Disney has done — this is the one they should absolutely bring back and we will be impatiently waiting until they do. On an unrelated note, does anyone have Bob Iger’s phone number?
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Do you remember any of these ridiculous things? Tell us in the comments.
Pris says
I disagree with your assessment of Alien Encounter. It was a great ride and cast members TOLD parents it was too intense for children but stupid parents didn’t believe them then they complained!!! Stitch was stupid and a waste of time. No wonder it closed.
Cheryl H says
Sorry! I love animals but disagree on bringing back the doggie day at Disney. I travel weekly and I’m tired of seeing dogs peeing on airport floors and riding in shopping carts at my supermarkets. There’s a place for our pets but we are going overboard and I hope Disney doesn’t bring back that day.