2. Pirates of the Caribbean

The Redhead is no longer up for auction at Pirates of the Caribbean. That decision certainly led to controversy, but a point gets lost when people lament the change. The mere existence of an auction of unwilling women to nefarious pirates was a controversial choice on its own. For that matter, a ride celebrating pirates was always a dicey proposition. It’s an attraction that heroicizes criminals.

When Disney constructed this attraction, it was the era of Mad Men, a time when men ruled the world and a woman’s home was perceived to be in the kitchen. Imagineers thought nothing of the scene, which was intended as comedy relief. Fifty years later, it seemed like a sexist relic of an era women don’t miss.

Park planners made the right choice in updating the attraction, but fans understandably hate the thought of change, especially in the wake of the Figment debacle. For that matter, this wasn't even the first time a change on Pirates of the Caribbean upset people. The addition of Captain Jack Sparrow alienated many diehard fans.

Realistically, Disney didn’t have a good solution with the Redhead at the auction. They could stick with a relic or anger loyalists by changing something archaic. Either decision would have irritated a lot of fans. Pirates of the Caribbean was controversial when it debuted, and it remains that way even today.

1.Mission: Space

This subject isn’t fun for Disney lovers or cast members. Death is rarely funny to anybody. Still, when we discuss the most controversial attractions at Disney theme parks, Mission: Space is clearly the “winner.” It’s the ride where several guests got so sick that they needed medical assistance afterward. The sheer number of ill riders was so significant that park planners added a medical care room close to the Mission: Space exit.

Of course, these changes happened after the damage was already done. The centrifuge that simulated atmospheric escape velocity had caused unforeseen problems. It triggered health issues that were pre-existing conditions for the riders. Yes, Disney had posted warnings and yes, they posted even more after bad things happened. Still, the severity of the Mission: Space experience was too taxing for two people, one of whom was a young boy.

Disney adapted by adding an identical version of the attraction, only without the centrifuge. It was a milder version of Mission: Space that never really excited anybody. In 2017, Imagineers finally altered the ride such that the Green and Orange missions are finally different, but it feels like too little, too late. Since its first year of existence, Mission: Space has felt like the most cursed attraction at Disney. At a minimum, it’s the most controversial.