by Tonga Princess Diva
Over the last few years we have all witnessed the uptick in the Disney Parks in change. Whether it is to expand, evolve, or bow to political correctness, I love that the parks hold true to Walt Disney’s philosophy. ‘Keep Moving Forward’ There is an art to this, one that Imagineers have to balance. Hard decisions that are fraught with controversy. I do not envy this aspect of their jobs at all!
I have learned the hard way it is important to carve out time for classic park rides. Since my first visit to Walt Disney World in 1999 I have missed out on experiencing some classic rides. Ones that Walt himself may have been a part of designing! Here are some extinct rides since my 1999 I wish I had made time for:
- Diamond Horseshoe Revue
- Skyway
- Snow White’s Scary Adventure
- Body Wars
- Horizon’s
There is a much longer list of rides that were extinct before my first visit. It only I had a time machine! I satisfy this nostalgic itch by visiting Retro WDW and listen to their podcast.
Over the last few years, I have made it a priority to experience as many classic rides as possible. I want to experience the ride before a major refurbishment. An examples that comes to mind is; Pirates of the Caribbean, which has added new characters, changed the smell, and changed the Red Head (sigh). I love the fresh take adding Captain Sparrow while keeping the heart of the ride. I could do without the new smell. I miss the smokey, florida water smell. Another great example is the complete replacement of Maelstrom to Frozen Ever After. I enjoyed Maelstrom but was okay with the Frozen Ever After update. The animatronics are stunning, any time I can get with Olaf and Sven is time well spent in my opinion. I also enjoy pointing out legacy Maelstrom pieces that were kept and repurposed.
I have also made a point to experience classic rides that everyone wants to believe will be around forever. I finally made time for Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and it has become a must do! I persuaded my husband to ride Tomorrowland Speedway and have never laughed so hard in my life. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a gem. You can feel Walt in every element of this attraction. Not to mention it is a wonderful way to sit down and recharge while being entertained for twenty minutes.
Here are my top 5 rides to experience before they are gone (as we know them):
5. Carousel of Progress – this ride is an endearing classic in my opinion. The technology of the theatre alone is worth memorializing. I mean it was originally featured at the 1964 Worlds Fair! With that said, I think we will see an extensive refresh of this gem. If done right — advancing the animatronics and tweaking the years of evolution – I could accept it.
4. It’s a small world — a classic ride and I love that the song is stuck in my head the rest of the day. While I do not think it will become extinct I do think it will receive a drastic refurbishment in the next few years.
3. Gran Fiesta Tour Staring The Three Caballeros – very reminiscent to It’s a small world I love this ride. It is entertaining and having seen The Three Caballeros brings a smile to my heart. There is not enough Donald Duck in the parks if you ask me! With the popularity of Coco I think an overlay is inevitable in the near future.
2. Spaceship Earth – with the loss of a sponsor in June 2017 this ride is ripe for a refurbishment. Add in that it does not fit with the core purpose of EPCOT. Experimental.Prototype.of.TOMORROW. Imagine the possibilities of bringing this ride to “tomorrow”! WOW
1. Enchanted Tiki Room – You already know my feelings on this attraction. With that said, this is not holding the attention of our youngest generations. They also do not appreciate the historical value of they attraction and the innovation it offered. I think we will see this attraction rebranded and perhaps take on a flashier theme like that of Tokyo Disney counterpart.
Diva Tip: Slow down, soak in the history, and enjoy all the rides.
A special BIG warm hug, Olaf style, to fellow bloggers JollyFrogger Diva, Dopey Diva, and Disney Magic Diva for sharing their park pictures! Thank you!
What classic park ride will you add to your next visit to Walt Disney World?
Let Patricia from All For Dreams Travel help you plan your next trip to Walt Disney World!
You and me both!
Me too Claire! Have a magical trip