Throwback Disney World Attractions

With all the new additions to Walt Disney World in Florida, a throwback is in order to remember some of the great attractions that once were.

As a Disney Nerd, reliving the past is just as great as embracing the future of Disney Parks. Let us travel back in time together and relive some of the great moments of our childhood!

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Let’s start with the famous 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.  It opened in October 14th, of 1971 and operated until September 5th, 1994. It is a sister attraction to Disneyland’s Submarine Voyage. In this attraction you sit in a 12 passagenger  “submarine”, that you are really just seated below water level.  Each guest had a round window to look out into the sea. This ride took you through the unknown of the deep sea.

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

Alien Encounter was in Tomorrowland which was replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape. As we now know, Stitch’s Great Escape is now closed. Makes you wonder… is this attraction location doomed? Many Disney nerds preferred the Alien Encounter over Stitch’s Escape. This ride was a 4-D simulation that made for a realistic experience for riders. This ride was not operating for long, opening in 1994 and closing in 2003. Many guests state this was the scarriest ride to ever operate in Disney World. Believe it or not, CEO Michael Eisner wanted it to be more intense! It was closed for a short period and officially reopened it in 1994. This is a throwback that many enjoyed or despised.

 

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

In 1971 a Disney classic was opened to the public. Many Disney Nerds hearts broke in 1998 when they closed the ride down for good. It was based on the movie, The Wind in the Willows. Disney nerds loved this ride so much that there was a protest for Disney to keep this ride! It was a dark ride like many others in Fantasyland. Sadly, the protest failed and Disney replaced it by The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.

 

Mickey’s Toontown Fair

While this is not a ride attraction, it surely is missed by many. In 1988 Mickey’s Toontown Fair originally opened under the name of Mickey’s Birthdayland; and then changed to Mickey’s Starland in 1990. In 2011 Disney closed it down to build and expand Storybook Circus. The Fair was a great place for the young kids to explore Mickey and Minnie’s house, and even Donald’s boat! Not only could you explore the town, but you could also meet characters.

 

Maelstrom

Oh boy… one of the changes that hurts my Disney loving soul. In 1988 in the Norway Pavilion you could find Maelstrom. This was a dark boat ride that was in the back of the Norway pavilion. In 2014 Disney replaced Maelstrom with Frozen Ever After. On this ride you could learn the ways of the Vikings. This ride was outdated, but a great way to cool off in the Florida heat.

Which attraction do you miss the most?

Don’t forget! If you are looking to book your next Disney vacation, please contact Once Upon A Time Travel, the official travel agent of The Disney Nerds Podcast!