Walt Disney World is in the middle of a major transformation with new lands rising in multiple parks, some within spaces that sat untouched for years, like the recently-reimagined Animation Courtyard (remember how long Star Wars Launch Bay was open long after Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge… launched?).
We also have older classic attractions that are getting the TLC they deserve, like the recently-reopened Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Carousel of Progress‘ incoming major refurbishment. But not every corner of the property is getting the same attention; a few major spots have been sitting quiet for a while now. Let’s take look at what’s happening (or not happening) there…
Wonders of Life
This is perhaps the largest and most questionable abandoned space at Walt Disney World. Wonders of Life opened at EPCOT in 1989, tucked between the original Universe of Energy and World of Motion pavilions.
Built around health, the human body, fitness, and nutrition, the pavilion was a hit in its early years, largely thanks to the simulator attraction Body Wars and the beloved Cranium Command show. (Oh and did anyone else learn about the birds and the bees thanks to Martin Short in The Making of Me?)
As EPCOT added Test Track, Mission: Space, and Soarin’ through the late 90s and early 2000s, interest in Wonders of Life faded, and the pavilion closed for good in 2007. For about a decade after that, it served as a temporary Festival Center during EPCOT’s seasonal events, which included live demos and cooking or gardening classes, shopping opportunities, and chocolate sculptures. But most importantly, it provided a massive indoor space to decompress while still enjoying the festival.
In 2019, Disney announced the space would become Play! Pavilion, an interactive city concept where guests could meet Disney characters in a futuristic setting.
Like a lot of projects from that era, work paused and never picked back up. Disney confirmed in 2023 that the space was being reevaluated, and it’s remained empty ever since.
Stitch’s Great Escape
The show building near the front of Tomorrowland has actually cycled through three different attractions. Mission to Mars opened there in December 1971, just months after Magic Kingdom itself opened, and ran until 1993.
It was replaced by the divisive but beloved ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which lasted until 2003. That gave way to Stitch’s Great Escape in 2004, which limped along to a seasonal status until ultimately closing in January 2018. Aside from the occasional meet-and-greet, the space has sat empty since.
Asia‘s Amphitheater
Animal Kingdom‘s Asia isn’t quite as abandoned the way the spots above are, but it’s starting to feel like the forgotten sibling of the park. Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids are both over 20 years old at this point, and the land hasn’t seen much change while the rest of Animal Kingdom continues to evolve around it. (Maybe we’ll finally see Everest’s “Disco Yeti” fixed after the Tropical Americas open?)
Additionally, the large outdoor amphitheater located in Asia along Discovery River Lagoon has now been sitting unused for years (excluding that brief KiteTails window), and that fact alone makes it one of the most puzzling pieces of real estate at Walt Disney World.
Built especially for nighttime spectaculars, the theater opened in 2016 for Rivers of Light, a show centered on nature, animal spirits, and balance. The production struggled with technical issues, long downtimes, and guest reception, ultimately closing permanently in 2020.
Since then, the amphitheater has remained intact — the seating, stage infrastructure, water elements, and lighting systems are still there, aging in place. In a park that traditionally closes earlier than the others and has limited nighttime entertainment, leaving a fully constructed show venue unused is a real missed opportunity.
With as much change happening across Walt Disney World right now, it’s probably only a matter of time before these get some attention too! Perhaps we’ll see one or more discussed at this year’s D23 Parks & Experiences panel in August? What would you like to see happen with these spaces?
