Change is commonplace in the Disney theme parks. Throughout their 70-year history, fans have seen their favorite attractions close as new experiences have been added to the park map. Currently, Disney is in the midst of one of their largest expansion plans for their theme parks, which nearly rivals the ambitious plans of the Disney Decade in the 1990s.
At the Magic Kingdom, guests will soon have the opportunity to experience two new themed areas, including a Cars section (Piston Peak) in Frontierland and the first-ever Villains Land, themed to Disney Villains. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, another first-of-its-kind experience, a Monstropolis-themed area, will soon be adjacent to Grand Avenue and feature the long-awaited Monsters Inc. Door Roller Coaster.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will soon be able to visit Pablo Esparanza and the Tropical Americas as early as 2027, which will occupy the former area of Dinoland U.S.A. In this new land, guests will experience three attractions, including the first-ever Encanto-themed experience, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a carousel.
The bold expansions do not end in Orlando, as the Disneyland Resort, especially Disney California Adventure, has many plans underway, including an ambitious expansion to Avengers Campus, which will welcome two new attractions and the first-ever Coco-themed attraction to Pixar Pier.
This “supercharge” $60 billion expansion plan is not limited to the domestic parks, as Shanghai Disneyland will welcome a Spider-Man-themed roller coaster, and Hong Kong Disneyland will add a Marvel-themed drop tower experience, similar to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This is not to be overshadowed by the complete reimagining of Disney Adventure World (formerly Walt Disney Studios Park), which added a new section called Adventure Bay, home to the World of Frozen and the soon-to-open Pride Lands section, themed to The Lion King.
While most of the time, the new experiences take the headlines, sometimes what is being replaced draws just as much attention within the fandom. While Disneyland’s planned expansions are true to the word “expansion,” Disney World locals had to say goodbye to many long-standing experiences and attractions, such as DINOSAUR, Muppet*Vision 3-D, and the Rivers of America, to make way for these noted additions.
Losing a beloved attraction is always difficult, especially when it has been an integral part of its park’s history, like DINOSAUR was to Animal Kingdom. However, sometimes an attraction reaches the end of its theoretical “life.” This could be due to a lack of guest interest, a lack of cultural relevance, or simply looking outdated. As Walt Disney said, “Disneyland will never be complete. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world,” and sometimes change is hard to swallow.
In this piece, we will spotlight some of the most controversial attractions among the fandom that still stand, determine whether their time has passed, and assess whether Disney should begin exploring an alternative use of this space.
Are these six attractions living on borrowed time, or should they continue to operate?
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Let’s begin our trip at the Magic Kingdom. Given this park’s wide range of attractions, we will spotlight two that could be nearing the end of their current operation. Over in Adventureland, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, which are set to turn 25 years old on May 23, have reached their “outdated” status in our argument.
This traditional spinner attraction has stood at the center of Adventureland for a quarter of a century and is not drawing as many guests as it once did. In fact, before this attraction, there was a tropical fountain and greenery in this same space.
While having the extra capacity is sensible from an operations standpoint, this space would be far better suited as a fountain/seating area for the neighboring Ahola Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace. The Magic Kingdom already has several spinners, including two “tracks” of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Astro Orbiter over in Tomorrowland.
In most cases today, an attraction is immediately replaced with something new. However, Imagineers should consider adding more seating and greenery to this area rather than squeezing in another attraction. This section of Adventureland is often logjammed and will only be more popular following the opening of the nearby Piston Peak.
Finding a peaceful moment in the world’s most visited theme park is already challenging. Building a new fountain with seating in this space would be a win-win for all guests. The Aladdin IP is far too valuable to use on a low-budget spinner attraction.
Verdict – Remove this attraction in favor of creating a more calming environment in the center of Adventureland.
Tomorrowland Speedway
The other attraction has been rumored to be on the chopping block for nearly a decade. Originally opened as the Grand Prix Raceway, the Tomorrowland Speedway (renamed in 2008) has been at the Magic Kingdom since the doors opened on October 1, 1971.
While it was an innovative experience at the time, this “Tomorrowland” attraction looks far from futuristic in 2026.
This attraction opened, like many opening day attractions at the Magic Kingdom, as a “sister” to the Autopia at Disneyland. Following Walt Disney’s passing, his brother Roy Disney opted to push for projects that were proven hits in Disneyland and would not bring more risk to an already massive project.
However, a number of original attractions slipped through the cracks, including the Country Bear Jamboree, the Hall of Presidents, and the eventual Space Mountain, which opened in 1975.
Like in Disneyland, this attraction allowed guests of all ages, particularly younger ones, to “drive” for the first time around a short track in an Indy-style car. For many, this attraction evokes nostalgia, which is likely why it still exists today.
While the track has been shortened many times during the park’s expansion to make way for Mickey’s Birthdayland (which eventually became Mickey’s Starland, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, and now Storybook Circus) and was shortened once again to accommodate TRON/Lightcycle Run, Disney does not seem interested in completely removing it.
Over in California, the Autopia will introduce a fully electric fleet in early 2027, which will not change the “ride” itself but will bring much-improved modernization to an attraction that is supposed to resemble the future. This update would greatly help Magic Kingdom’s edition, as the gas fumes emitting from this space can be overwhelming to some.
This attraction occupies a massive plot of land and could be home to several new attractions (in either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland) if Disney leans in favor of removing the experience. Updating it to an all-electric fleet could get the job done and ensure it continues to entertain the next generation.
Verdict – It’s not time to demolish it yet, but this attraction is in desperate need of a refresh. If the electric fleet update is successful in California, Walt Disney World should consider updating its fleet similarly. The alternate strategy would be to officially close this attraction and either make this a Fantasyland expansion pad or a Tomorrowland expansion pad.
EPCOT
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
When looking at all Disney World attractions that are either in dire need of a refresh or in danger of being on the chopping block, Journey Into Imagination with Figment is likely one of the first that enters your mind.
This was the “third” attraction to hold this space, as it replaced the short-running Journey into YOUR Imagination in 2002, which replaced what was potentially one of the most beloved rides in Disney Parks’ history, Journey Into Imagination. This first version attraction featured Figment and another original character, the Dreamfinder, as they explored several art forms, seeking to collect sparks of imagination, such as literature, acting, and theater, among many others.
When the original attraction closed, it was replaced by the short-lived Journey Into YOUR Imagination, which quickly closed to make way for the current attraction. While this new edition is viewed as a general improvement over the previous one, it still lacks the heart and innovation of the original.
Additionally, like the Speedway and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, this attraction has likely overstayed its welcome. This attraction has become a relic of early-2000s Imagineering, given the limited budget they were given and the outdated animations; it is begging for a major modern-day overhaul.
Over the past several years, and even more recently, guests have seen many classic attractions receive a much-needed refresh, such as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, and this summer, with the “reopening” of Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Figment has been the mascot of EPCOT since its attraction opened back in 1983, and he is not in danger of leaving the park. However, his attraction should be the next major focus of Imagineering. Figment merchandise is always flying off the shelves at festivals. They could introduce Figment to an entirely new generation with this update and potentially see an even greater uptick in Figment merchandise sales.
Verdict: This version of Journey Into Imagination needs an immediate update. A return to its former glory could be the missing dark ride modern-day EPCOT needs. The park’s mascot deserves a far better attraction. Fans should be cautiously optimistic for an announcement at this summer’s D23 Expo.
Mission: SPACE
The other attraction we will spotlight at EPCOT opened around the same time as Journey Into Imagination with Figment and also replaced a beloved classic EPCOT attraction.
As part of a plan to “modernize” EPCOT with more thrill-based experiences, Mission: SPACE opened its doors on August 15, 2003. This attraction remains one-of-a-kind, as it allows guests to experience the sensations of space travel without actually going into space.
However, due to the attraction’s extreme intensity, a lighter version (the green mission) later opened, allowing guests to experience the story at a much calmer pace, similar to Star Tours. While this is a very innovative experience and somewhat connects to the original EPCOT, it lacks the heart of a Disney attraction.
The Disney IP catalog is filled with films revolving around space, including some that even contain messaging at the heart of EPCOT, like Pixar’s WALL-E. With the popular Space 220 Restaurant next door, if this attraction were to be re-themed, it would likely maintain a “space theme,” making a story around WALL-E a perfect fit not only for the attraction’s location but also for its placement in EPCOT.
Verdict – Given that the attraction is nearing its 23rd birthday and the experience’s high intensity, it is due for an update. Creating a family-centered attraction in that space (which is already near two of EPCOT’s most intense attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Test Track) would be the perfect way to refresh it while maintaining its theme.
Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage
With Hollywood Studios currently refreshing much of the park with the Magic of Disney Animation replacing Star Wars Launch Bay and the Muppets moving into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, we have a clear choice to spotlight at this park.
Live theater productions have always been a key component of this park, but one is in desperate need of a refresh. Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage debuted at the then-MGM Studios Park on the same day the animated classic hit theaters.
This musical show takes guests through the film’s story while featuring all the major songs from the iconic soundtrack. While this show still draws a large number of guests daily, this park recently welcomed two theater productions that have been smash hits among fans, and it’s time for a third.
In the summer of 2025, Disney debuted two shows at Hollywood Studios, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, both of which have immediately become widely regarded experiences.
Disney live entertainment has also been very successful on the high seas, debuting a Moana musical (Disney The Tale of Moana) on the Disney Treasure and a Hercules musical aboard the Disney Destiny.
As with the “new” Little Mermaid show, Disney could either simply update the sets and costumes or create a new show based on another film in its library. A potential concept to watch in this space is the Muppets.
If Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets succeeds among the fans, this space could become home to the first-ever “live” Muppet show in a Disney park. During Disney Jollywood Nights, Kermit and Miss Piggy host a live show at the Theater of the Stars, which could be quietly serving as a precursor to an everyday experience.
Verdict – Given Disney’s recent success in live entertainment productions, this space is in desperate need of a refresh that could be done fairly quickly. This large theater is quickly becoming forgotten, and a new show would bring some new life to this space.
Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids
We will conclude our article with a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With Tropical Americas on the way and the recently opened Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, not much in this park is “begging” for an update. However, one attraction that will likely become the least popular once Tropical Americas opens is Kali River Rapids.
Located in the Asia section, this river rafting attraction is very popular in the hot Florida summers but is often not viewed on the same level as top-tier attractions in this park, such as Avatar Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
While this attraction was significantly budget-cut during its construction (initially called Tiger Rapids Run) due to financial troubles, Imagineering was never able to give this the love it deserved.
Tropical Americas will bring some much-needed capacity to this park, but once that land debuts, this attraction is likely next on the schedule at Animal Kingdom. Disney should either consider refreshing the scenes and set dressing (like the proposal for Tomorrowland Speedway) or use that large plot of land for a new attraction.
In its current form, this attraction could be even further forgotten once Tropical Americas opens in 2027.
Verdict – After the opening of Tropical America, Disney should turn its attention to this corner of the park. This attraction should either be re-themed to an IP or given a significant facelift to match other highly regarded experiences in the park.
Conclusion
The Disney parks will always be evolving. Whether that means seeing a fan-favorite attraction close its doors after a nearly 50-year run or a forgotten attraction finally receive its long-awaited update, the parks will never remain stale. Once the massive supercharge era comes to an end after Villains Land debuts at the Magic Kingdom, these six attractions could be next on the chopping block as Disney sets their eyes on their next wave of sweeping changes.
