The Disney parks really know how to immerse their guests in a whole new world of whimsy and wonder whenever they pass the turnstiles. Every day at Disneyland or Disney World is a new experience with fun to be had and stories to be told to guests of all ages.
On the subject of stories, certain attractions present new ways for them to be presented, and some have even gone on to the silver screen. Though films like the Pirates of the Caribbean series are fan favorites, we've gathered our own list of other attractions that deserve a big or small screen treatment.
Dinosaur
Yes, we know that the film Dinosaur already exists, but aside from its prehistoric cast, the film and ride have almost nothing in common. So for the sake of argument, let's focus more on the overall narrative of the ride. We're looking specifically at the Time Rover concept and the experimental technology used to visit these gigantic creatures.
The potential for a film or TV series involving Dr. Marsh and Dr. Seeker could be very interesting, possibly a more family-friendly alternative to Rick and Morty with a little Magic Schoolbus thrown in. After all, what kid doesn't like dinosaurs?
Carousel Of Progress
Sticking to the time-travel theme here, let's look at one of the oldest rides in Disney history and visit our favorite animatronic family in Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Granted, there's already an established plot and a dated one at that, but if we focus on the main element of the family, we definitely see a show or even a movie in the future.
A show involving the characters could be something like Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder, featuring the same characters in different time periods. Or it could possibly feature not the family, but the house that travels through the different ages. Either way, we're hoping for a great-big-beautiful tomorrow.
Enchanted Tiki Room
Where the birds sing words and the flowers croon, it's the Tiki-Tiki-Tiki-Tiki-Tiki Room! And why wouldn't we want a show featuring José, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz? It would no doubt have to be animated, but when has that ever gotten in the way of Disney's brand of Magic?
Can't you just see an animated feature or Disney+ cartoon series featuring the kooky and colorful birds of the Tiki Room off on some tropical adventures? They could explore Hawaii's beautiful locales, brave volcanic peaks, or even square off with temperamental tiki gods. Either way, we're on board.
Tomorrowland
Before you jump down our throats, we already know a Tomorrowland movie already exists, keep your ears on. But let's get real for a minute. Did 2015's Tomorrowland really have anything to do with the actual Tomorrowland? Aside from a few visuals and nods to the segment of the Disney Parks, no it did not.
We want an actual Tomorrowland series, one that gives us some retro-sci-fi cheese with that beloved Disney World fun we all know and love. We don't need another pre-apocalyptic vision of the future, we've heard that story before. We want a world with automatic-people-movers, robots, and possibly a cameo from Stitch. What's not to love about that?
Splash Mountain
We're not going to lie, this one would have to be trodden upon with the greatest of caution and care. Given the rather unsavory origins of B'rer Rabbit and his chums, some creative liberties would definitely need to be taken. That being said, we'd still love to share a Zip-a-dee-doo-dah day with the crew from Splash Mountain.
Though best handled in short-subject cartoons, we could see an animated series that would give Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner a little competition, with or without dialogue. Fans of the ride would definitely agree that the fun and furry characters need a life outside of a log flume ride.
Big Thunder Mountain (Disneyland Paris Version)
Known in Disneyland Paris as Big Thunder Mesa, a Big Thunder Mountain film would make for a rather interesting film to say the very least. With an ancient Native American curse, natural disasters, and the powerful Thunderbird, how has this not been the basis of a Disney-made thriller?
Though the U.S. version of Big Thunder definitely has its own brand of thrills and chills, the Paris version offers a bit more in terms of story and atmosphere. Are the mine trains really possessed by evil spirits? Is there gold buried under the sacred ground? We'd love to see an adaptation reveal the truth. Plus, it might also make for a Haunted Mansion tie in.
Fantasmic
Though not technically a ride, this is one of the most beloved Disney attractions in any of the parks. In a way, it's practically Disney's ultimate crossover event. Featuring Mickey and his friends squaring off against some of the studio's most infamous villains, we're talking a more magical Infinity War, here.
Though the version at Walt Disney World features more special effects, characters, and pyrotechnics, it's the original Disneyland show that gets our pick for an adaptation. Even if it were just made into a short TV special, we'd still have our eyes glued to Mickey's Imagination.
Expedition Everest
We've gotta give Disney Imagineering some credit here, telling a story via rollercoaster is by no means an easy job. Especially if it's as chilling as Expedition Everest. A lost expedition, a forbidden temple, and an encounter with the Yeti? Sounds like a great flick to us!
A film or a series about the lost expedition to the Forbidden Mountain would definitely be one of the most thrilling and possibly scary things to come from the studio. Not to mention that the Yeti would be one of Disneys most terrifying creations if properly adapted. We know Disney can do dark, why not let them go full monster-movie?
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Okay, why hasn't Figment gotten his own show yet? With his colorful antics, bubbly personality, and madcap humor, it's no wonder he's such a fan favorite for those die-hard Epcot maniacs. With his successful comic-book appearance and his delightful and psychedelic use of imagination, why wouldn't he be a good cartoon character?
A TV series or film starring everyone's favorite purple dragon would be an absolute feast for the eyes. Whether it would be something educational for younger audiences or something comedic for the adults and families who love him, we can't imagine this not being a good idea.
Haunted Mansion/Phantom Manor
Thanks to the flop that was the Eddie Murphy film, a redo of the Haunted Mansion has been up in the air for some time now. Though there's supposedly a version being directed by Guillermo del Toro still in the works, we need a solid horror-film adaptation of Disney's Haunted Mansion, or possibly Paris's Phantom Manor.
A combination of the two attractions would make for not only a chilling tale but perhaps the ultimate fan-service to the plethora of foolish mortals that adore the ride. Whether it's focused on the Ravenswood Phantom or the Black Widow Bride, we want to see the film this awesome attraction deserves.