It's no secret that Disney Parks pull a lot of inspiration from the movies the company has created over the decades. As well known as that is, it's astounding to learn just how many movie-inspired rides have been shut-down and nearly forgotten. Not because their movies weren't successful, because they didn't evolve with the parks.
This wasn't the case for a handful of overlooked features either, game-changing and Oscar-winning films got their own attractions that eventually got canned. Whether for better or for worse, the variety of fallen attractions is as colorful and unique as an animator's palate.
The Wind in the Willows - Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (Disney World Version)
Although the original still stands at Disneyland, this version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was a fan-favorite for Disney lovers on the East Coast. It was so popular that when it was replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, there was a massive outcry from the fans.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is definitely a favorite amongst the package films, but it's surprising that the ride would get this big of a reaction.
Sword in the Stone and More - Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
A recently cut experience from Walt Disney World, but one collectors of Disneyana and other magical memorabilia will certainly miss, is Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. This interactive card game helped guests see a different side of the Magic Kingdom, and provided some fanservice as well.
Armed with a deck of spell cards, players assisted Merlin the Magician in fighting off Hades and his gang of animated adversaries. It was basically a who's who of the Disney villain cast, from Maleficent to Scar. A bit gimmicky, but one that had a following.
Davy Crockett and the River Pirates -Mike Fink Keel Boats
At one time, Davy Crockett was one of Disney's most cherished and beloved TV characters. So of course it makes sense that he would have his own attraction. The Mike Fink Keel Boats was a typical river float ride, but one that featured Fink's famous Gullywhumper floating down the canals.
Unfortunately, due to safety issues and the Gullywhumper capsizing, the ride had to be closed. The boat was repurposed as a permanent prop on Tom Sawyer Island that has yet to set sail again.
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland - Mad T Party
Honestly, it was a mistake to close down this psychedelic attraction. A Tim-Burton-inspired nightclub where the cast of Alice in Wonderland is a rock band? How did this not have the biggest fan following out of any Disney Parks entertainment?
The teenage demographic has always been a little hit-and-miss with Disney, but this would have definitely stuck with a few if it had stayed open longer. Simply put, it was a trip down the rabbit hole that everyone could participate in.
Honey, I Shrunk The Kids - Honey, I Shrunk The Audience
A huge chunk of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 90s, Honey I Shrunk the Audience will always be a piece of Hollywood Studios's history. Inspired by the Rick Moranis film, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, This audience participation show definitely gave its viewers a new perspective.
It was essentially a 4D movie that put viewers in similar situations inspired by the film. Despite its geeky charm and eccentric appeal, it just couldn't grow with its audience and was closed in 2010.
Lilo and Stitch - Stitch’s Great Escape
Stretch is unarguably one of Disney's most beloved characters, even rivaling the likes of Mickey and Minnie. However, the blue ball of trouble's popularity wasn't enough to keep his attraction afloat. Stitch's Great Escape replaced Extra-TERRORestrial attraction, but only to some success.
The experience basically had an animatronic Stitch interacting with and making mischief with the audience. As years went on, it began to get rather mixed reviews and was ultimately too complex to be kept running, and it soon had to say aloha.
Snow White - Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Snow White's Scary Adventures by name alone doesn't sound like it would be much of a success. But before the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was introduced, fans had this experience if they wanted to step into Disney's first fairy tale.
It was essentially a dark ride where guests had to embark on Snow White's Journey through the haunted forest while being pursued by the Evil Queen. Both parks had different versions, and they had quite a spooky reputation, though it was a bit dark by Disney's standards.
The Lion King - Legend of the Lion King
For one of Disney's most successful properties of all time, it's surprisingly lacking in the theme park attraction department. However, before Mickey's Philharmagic was introduced, The Legend of the Lion King brought iconic scenes and sequences from the films to life through the use of puppets and performers right before the audience's eyes.
While there might be little bits of The Lion King sprinkled out throughout Disney's Animal Kingdom, there really is only one primary attraction for the film, Festival of the Lion King.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - Captain Nemo's Submarine Voyage
It might have been a product of its time, but getting to go aboard a real submarine was quite the treat for anyone, regardless if they've seen the film or not. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was one of Disney's most ambitious projects and quite possibly Walt Disney's biggest tribute to the science fiction genre.
Guests would board their own Nautilus and explore an undersea wonderland, complete with mermaids, Reeves, and even an encounter with the giant squid. How are Nemo and friends more exciting than that?
Various - The Great Movie Ride
The Great Movie Ride was the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios, and fans of the movie industry will continuously mourn its loss. This ultimate movie tribute took guests across the ages of Hollywood and through famous moments in movie history.
From Footlight Parade to Fantasia, The attraction was truly a tribute to what Disney Imagineering could accomplish thanks to its dozens of animatronic figures made to look like famous movie characters. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a gem, but the old favorite will still be missed.