Walt Disney World Resort is home to attractions for every kind of guest — whether you're chasing thrills, seeking a relaxing float, or craving a nostalgic classic. But as Walt Disney himself said at the opening of Disneyland Resort in 1955, the parks will never truly be finished, and will
"continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."Sometimes, that growth means saying goodbye to beloved favorites.
In recent years, guests have already bid farewell to DINOSAUR, Splash Mountain, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Primeval Whirl. So which attractions across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom might be next? Here are three Walt Disney World rides that could be at risk of closure in the not-too-distant future.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros — EPCOT
Tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros has been welcoming guests since 2007, when it replaced the El Rio del Tiempo boat ride that had occupied the pavilion from 1982 to 2007. It was also the first attraction in World Showcase to feature Disney characters based on an existing IP.
On the ride, guests board a boat and join Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca as they search for the missing Donald Duck in time for a big concert. The finale reunites all three members of the Three Caballeros, with the closing animatronics originally coming from Tokyo Disneyland's now-closed Mickey Mouse Revue show.
It's a relaxing, gentle experience — comparable to it's a small world at Magic Kingdom or Na'vi River Journey at Animal Kingdom — but it's also one of the most at-risk attractions at Disney World. Long-running rumors suggest it could be replaced by a Coco (2017)-themed attraction taking guests through a Día de los Muertos celebration. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the combination of factors — a limited cult following, Coco 2 on the horizon, and Disney already developing its first Coco ride for Disney California Adventure Park — makes this a plausible scenario as the IP takeover of Disney parks continues.
Mission: SPACE — EPCOT
Over in EPCOT's World Discovery section, Mission: SPACE has been simulating a trip to Mars since 2003. The ride is well known for its intensity, and has long been criticized for causing motion sickness in some guests. Disney eventually introduced two versions of the experience: the Green Mission (a gentler ride) and the Orange Mission (the full, more intense experience).
After more than two decades, Mission: SPACE continues to generate closure speculation — partly due to its reputation for physical side effects and typically short wait times. Whether that speculation is wishful thinking from its biggest detractors or a genuine sign of things to come, it's easy to imagine this attraction's run eventually coming to an end.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor — Magic Kingdom
Since 2007, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor has been making guests laugh in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. The interactive comedy show features Mike Wazowski and fellow monsters in an improv-style format that's especially popular with younger visitors. However, it has never quite felt at home among the rest of Tomorrowland's offerings, and closure rumors have swirled around it for years.
What adds fuel to the fire is the confirmed Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, which will include a new roller coaster sending guests zipping through the door system of Monsters, Inc. If the concept art is any indication, there's a possibility the Laugh Floor show could eventually migrate to that new land — leaving Magic Kingdom behind in the process. Unless, of course, Disney plans to run two Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floors simultaneously, which would certainly be a bold move.
Which of these potential closures concerns you the most? Let us know in the comments!