4. Emerging technology

Technology evolves rapidly, and even the biggest technological marvel can appear dated quickly. Trying to keep pace with the changes can be daunting. Depending on the nature of the experience, it is sometimes possible to update technology without fundamentally changing an attraction.

A great example of this actually comes out of Universal Orlando. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man was considered one of the most technologically advanced theme park attractions in the world upon its 1999 debut, but by the second decade of the 21st century it was starting to feel somewhat less impressive. Rather than close the hugely popular attraction, Universal gave it a refresh, re-mastering the film in high definition and updating both the projectors and the ride system.

Sometimes, however, it just isn’t possible to keep up, or the costs of doing so would be prohibitive. Many people believe that this is what happened to Tomorrowland, not only at the Magic Kingdom but at Disneyland as well. Long before Epcot was conceived, Tomorrowland was supposed to highlight the best, most cutting-edge, technology of today and tomorrow. But time doesn’t stand still, and Tomorrowland needed constant attention to remain fresh. Opened in 1982, Epcot’s Future World compounded the problem, as it was another area designed to remain on the cutting edge.

By the mid-1990s, Tomorrowland’s sleek white architecture looked more retro than futuristic and its attractions seemed confused. In 1994, it became the New Tomorrowland, drawing heavily from Disneyland Paris’ steampunk/sci-fi inspired Discoveryland. It now celebrates “The Future That Never Was and Always Will Be,” inspiring nostalgia for the future as predicted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. Changing Management Whims

It is only human nature for a new manager to want to put his or her stamp on a project. As Disney has undergone changes in management regimes, each has had a different focus and set of priorities. Some changes make little or no sense to us as fans, such as closing the beloved Journey Into Imagination to make room for the poorly-received Journey Into YOUR Imagination and, later, Journey Into Imagination With Figment. Nonetheless, those and other changes were part of the grand scheme imagined by park management at the time.

History shows that nothing is certain but change. Do you have a favorite now-shuttered Walt Disney World attraction? Are you eager to see what Disney brings out next, or would you prefer that things remain the same? Share your opinions with us in the comments!