Walt Disney World has evolved significantly over the last four decades. Since the Magic Kingdom made its debut in 1971, the resort has added three additional theme parks, opened three water parks (and closed one of them), built the Downtown Disney entertainment district and grown to host almost 25,000 hotel rooms.
Over a period of more than 40 years, fashions are, of course, going to change. Technology moves on. And so some of the multi-million dollar attractions that Disney has added to its Florida resort have been torn out to be replaced by newer offerings. Or, in some cases, they've simply been abandoned, left in place as a lingering reminder of times gone by.
We can't experience those attractions any more. But they live on in the memories of millions of Walt Disney World visitors. So let's celebrate the lost attractions of Walt Disney World by taking a voyage of nostalgia!
Nostalgia Stop 1: The Magic Kingdom
We'll start over at the Magic Kingdom, with a look at a whole host of rides and shows that are no longer with us. From the Plaza Swan Boats to Mission to Mars, from the Skyway to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, enjoy the ride!
Explore 22 lost attractions from Disney's Magic Kingdom!
Nostalgia Stop 2: Epcot
EPCOT Center was the second theme park to open at Walt Disney World, back in 1982. Inevitably, given that the park attempts to offer a vision of the future, many of its attractions went out of date fast. Take a look at these retro-futuristic masterpieces!
Explore 15 lost attractions from Epcot!
Nostalgia Stop 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Opened in 1989 to counter rival Universal Studios Florida, Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios) was short on attractions. It underwent a rapid period of expansion, with a wide variety of new rides and shows being installed. Given the fast pace that the entertainment industry moves at, inevitably some of these were soon obsolete. Take a look at some of the attractions at the park that have been "cut" over the years.
Explore 14 lost attractions from Disney's Hollywood Studios!
Nostalgia Stop 4: Disney's Animal Kingdom
As the most recent addition to Walt Disney World's theme park line-up, there are fewer "lost" attractions over at Disney's Animal Kingdom. However, the park's roster of rides and shows has changed quite a bit since its debut in 1998. Take a look...
Explore 6 lost attractions from Disney's Animal Kingdom!
Nostalgia Stop 5: The Lost Areas of Walt Disney World
It's not just individual rides and shows that are dumped when Disney sees them as no longer profitable or of value to its guests. Sometimes, whole areas of Walt Disney World are shuttered, abandoned or transformed. Let's take a look at three major areas of the resort that are no longer in use as originally intended.
Explore the 3 lost areas of Walt Disney World!
Share your memories!
We hope you enjoyed this nostalgic trip around Walt Disney World! Why not share your memories of your favorite long-lost attractions at the resort in the comments section below?
Comments
I wish they would restore Journey into the Imagination back to its original state. The beginning of it was so awesome. It is just not the same.
I love these articles! Could you compile one of the attractions that were planned but never came to fruition?? Seems that many in this category are mentioned in this article! Great work
I love these articles! Could you compile one of the attractions that were planned but never came to fruition?? Seems that many in this category are mentioned in this article! Great work
What about mickeys toon town??
What about the World Showcase Dolls they used to have at EPCOT center when they first opened up?? They were my favorite!!! I used to watch them sneak up behind the guest and when the guess turned around it would scare them because they were so big! Do you have any pictures of them?
Thanks.