5. Communicore (Epcot)
EPCOT Center opened in 1982,at the start of the computer era. It was the most technologically-advanced theme park in the world at the time, and Communicore was designed to educate the public about the wonders of computers.
The main exhibit was a tour through EPCOT Computer Central, the actual control center for almost everything in the park. The original version of this, the Astuter Computer Revue, proved to be spectacularly unpopular. It was torn out almost immediately and replaced by Backstage Magic. Communicore itself remained in place until 1994, when it was replaced by Innoventions.
4. Star Tours (Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios)
When Michael Eisner took over as Disney CEO in 1984, he felt that the company's recent line-up of films wasn't strong enough to form the basis for new theme park attractions. Instead, he looked outside - bringing in Michael Jackson for Captain EO, and teaming up with George Lucas on Star Tours.
The groundbreaking simulator attraction took riders into the world of Star Wars, and was installed at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It proved to be enduringly popular, and was updated in 2011 to become Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Except, that is, at Disneyland Paris - where it lives on to this day.
3. Universe of Energy (Epcot)
The original Universe of Energy pavilion at EPCOT Center featured a roof that was covered in 80,000 photovoltaic solar cells. These partially powered the ride vehicles for the attraction within, which transported guests by following guide wires rather than a traditional track. On their way, guests viewed various film sequences about energy production, as well as a diorama featuring audio-animatronic dinosaurs.
In 1996, the attraction was replaced by Ellen's Energy Adventure, an updated version starring Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye "The Science Guy".
2. Videopolis (Disneyland)
Perhaps the quintessential 1980s Disneyland attraction is Videopolis, installed in 1985 as a way to appeal to teenagers and young adults. Located in Fantasyland, it hosted shows during the day but came to life at night when it transformed into an open-air dance club. It featured 70 video monitors, which showed music videos or live feeds, as well as snack bar featuring the trendy name "Yumz".
Videopolis was tied into another 1980s Disney initiative - the launch of the Disney Channel. A show dedicated to the attraction was filmed live at Disneyland, and featured top bands and singers such as New Kids on the Block and Janet Jackson. It was shuttered in 1995, being replaced by the Fantasyland Theater.
1. Journey into Imagination (Epcot)
Disney was looking to create a new type of theme park with EPCOT Center - one focused on celebrating new technologies and world culture. For that reason, management opted to ban Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck from the park. Without Mickey and friends, though, who were kids to connect with in the park? And - more importantly - what would be emblazoned on merchandise sold in the park's shops?
The answer was to create a new, original character - one who would fit with the park's theme. That character was Figment, the icon of the Imagination Pavilion. Together with Dreamfinder, Figment hosted the pavilion's headline attraction: Journey into Imagination, which eventually opened five months after the rest of the pavilion (which was subsequently renamed as the Journey into Imagination Pavilion).
The original version of Journey into Imagination operated until 1998, when it was overhauled to become Journey into YOUR Imagination. This version of the ride came in for stinging criticism, and only survived for two years before it was itself replaced. It was themed around 3-D movie Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, which was also hosted in the same pavilion, and saw guests passing through numerous areas of the fictitious Imagination Institute.
Fans of the original ride were furious. What had happened to Dreamfinder and Figment, the icons of Epcot? They demanded the characters' return, and Disney caved. In 2001, the ride was again closed, reopening the following year as Journey into Imagination with Figment, its current incarnation. Figment received a much larger role this time around, appearing in every single show scene. The famous theme tune of the original ride, One Little Spark was also back. But fans were just as critical of the new version - as can be seen in these reviews from TPT readers.
Comments
What about The Kitchen Krackpots in the Land? They killed it and now we have Soarin'.
I am unhappy that the EPCOT attraction featuring Body Wars, The Making of Me, Cranium Command, etc. is now closed. I have been told that it is open "seasonally" but we are there during every season (as Annual Passholders) and haven't seen it open at any of these times. While technology certainly is high on our collective RADARS, some of yhe old rides and attractions and much more welcomed.
@ Donald St. Georges: Wonders of Life pavilion. The entire thing is gutted inside and the building is only used for conventions and special events. The Body Wars vehicles were shipped to Hong Kong Disneyland for their star tours, and afaik, Buzzy et al are still backstage, but obviously broken down and not in use...
I think many of us could write volumes (and have) about missing the original Journey Into Imagination. The present attraction, fun as it is, pales in comparison to the original which would still "fit in" today.
But Horizons could have lived on with some updates. The abandoned Wonders of Life pavilion is proof that new ideas aren't necessarily better ones. Horizons gave all of us an opportunity to dream about what could be. As long as there are new dreams, there's no lack of material with which that attraction could live for generations.
Dream Flight's disappearance is a shame although it would be considered "boring" by today's guests. But the artistry and detail and the nod to when air travel had class makes that ride worthy of being housed in the Smithsonian today. Especially as we see the decline of hospitality in the skies.