Walt Disney World is the most magical location on earth, and you’ve just strolled into it from your hotel room in Orlando, Florida. As you travel down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, you can see Mickey Mouse on your right, smell fried dishes coming from three blocks away, and hear the music for a princess sing-a-long starting to play in the background. Everyone and everything is cheerful and bright. But what about those attractions that have been pushed to the background? What if you were forgotten, overwhelmed by vegetation and cobwebs, and lost in time? Take a trip down memory lane with these Disney attractions that have been abandoned or closed down.
Disney Park Attraction Looks Horribly Abandoned, Fan Suggests Hiding It
Discovery Island
Is there an abandoned attraction? Try an abandoned island that is no longer named on a Disney World map, but is instead depicted as a green lump in the middle of Bay Lake on a Disney World map. Discovery Island was a pirate-themed amusement park that first opened its doors in 1974, inspired by the classic Disney film “Treasure Island.” And, according to common opinion, it was the 150 exotic birds from all over the world, rather than the pirate reenactments, that provided the most interest in the attraction. The park’s closure in 1999 remains a mystery, however many believe it was brought about by the launch of Animal Kingdom in the same year.
Discovery Island
Polynesian Beach Wave Machine
Where is the point in waiting for the ideal surf set when you can have a wave machine create it for you? The Polynesian Resort decided in 1971 that they wanted to offer surfing as a recreational sport for their visitors, and thus the wave machine was created! The neighboring Seven Seas Lagoon and its beaches suffered as a result of the attraction’s popularity, despite its success. Rumors spread about the early closure of the attractions, with theories ranging from mechanical failure to the more widely accepted explanation of catastrophic beach erosion. It has been reported that some of the machine’s remnants were left to decompose in the bottom of the lagoon, according to local legend.
Polynesian Beach Wave Machine
Discovery River Boats At Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Discovery River Boats, which first opened their doors in 1998, were meant to take passengers around the Beastly Kingdom. There were supposed to be fire breathing dragons, unicorns, krakens, and other exotic monsters on display during the trip — perhaps a Hippogriff would have shown his or her face! Unfortunately, the kingdom of creatures was never brought into the light. The Radio Disney River Cruise was rebranded to the Radio Disney River Cruise in 1999 when the attraction was given a much-needed renovation. It didn’t make a difference. Visitors appeared to be more interested in animals than in listening to a Radio Disney program — who would have imagined? That year, the attraction was permanently closed.
Discovery River Boats At Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Rainbow Corridor
This futuristic tunnel was part of Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion, specifically Imageworks on the second floor, despite the fact that it was a little psychedelic and possibly the source of many epileptic seizures. The attraction gained popularity shortly after it opened in 1982, when the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, posed for a photoshoot inside — very clever of Disney to take advantage of free marketing opportunities! When ImageWorks was relocated downstairs in 1998, all of the technicolor was reduced, and the tunnel remained abandoned until quite recently. In an announcement made at the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney stated that the Rainbow Tunnel would be reinstalled in the new “Epcot Experience Center” later this year.
Rainbow Corridor
Mike Fink Keel Boats
The Mike Fink Keel Boat ride at Magic Kingdom first opened its doors to guests in the year 1971. The vessels were intended to depict the keelboat races that took place between Davy Crockett and Mike Fink in the television show Davy Crockett and the River Pirates, among other things. But what good is a competition if there isn’t a prize? The winner of the high-stakes race was dubbed “King of the River.” and he was hailed as such. They were free-floating motorized boats that traveled around the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Fink’s Gullywhumper and Crockett’s Bertha Mae were two such boats. Because to a capsizing incident, the attraction was no longer appealing to visitors, and the boats were no longer in operation as of 1997.
Mike Fink Keel Boats
Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat
Ultimately, the Riverboat was late to its own celebration, arriving the day after Disney World’s official grand opening in 1971, according to legend. The absence of the host did not go over well with the guests. Once 1980 arrived, Admiral Joe Fowler was forced to undergo a normal rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, when being pulled out of the sea, Joe collapsed and shattered the hull, rendering it unsalvageable. In order to be buried somewhere on Disney grounds, the boat was transported to the backstage boneyard. As far as abandoned tourist attractions go, this one was at least given a dignified burial.
Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat
Plaza Swan Boats
Starting with the obvious question of who wouldn’t like to cruise about in an oversized swan? The Swan Boats were widely regarded as one of the most soothing sights in the area. Although it was no Splash Mountain, it did provide some spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle. Some claim that the cost of maintenance during the busy summer months was prohibitively expensive, but the true cause for the attraction’s closure in 1983 remains a mystery. A handful of the original Swans made their way to auction, where they were eventually purchased by long-time enthusiasts of the theme park attraction. Let’s hope the buyer had a swimming pool large enough to accommodate a massive swan boat.
Plaza Swan Boats
World Cruise
It was aboard these ships that tourists could travel around the Seven Seas Lagoon, which was also known as the Southern Seas and Ports of Call. As is typical for our aquatic attractions, these ships did not stay long. The Southern Seas suffered major hull damage in 1974, and as a result, it was placed in dry dock until it was finally decommissioned in 1977. The Southern Seas II was born from the ashes of the Southern Seas, but the following few years were not kind to the World Cruise ferries. The Ports o Call was discontinued in 1984 due to low guest turnout, and the Southern Seas II was added in 1997.
World Cruise
Wonders Of Life Pavilion
The pavilion, which is depressingly nicknamed to some as “the Wonders of Sadness,” is technically not abandoned, but rather is undergoing a transformation into a new venue: new year, new pavilion, and all that jazz. Events such as the Food and Wine Festival, as well as the Flower and Garden Festival, are now held in the neighborhood. Nothing has been operational since the facility’s closure in 2007, however that does not imply that anything has been demolished. Is that correct? It’s time to sneak into the building and see if Body Wars and the other attractions are still in working order! I’m joking, but that’s against the law…
Wonders Of Life Pavilion
Pleasure Island
With the exception of turning into a donkey like Pinocchio, this island is exactly what it sounds like: a collection of pubs and clubs for those who want to party late into the night. What had seemed like a brilliant plan in 1989 turned out to be a disaster at the turn of the century, and renovations began in 2006. Another was the removal of Jessica Rabbit, the notably enormous Jessica Rabbit, from the “Pleasure Island Tonight” sign, which was a popular attraction. The modifications were not well received, and foot traffic did not rise as a result. It was decided by Disney in 2008 that the strip will be closed in order to make space for more family-friendly entertainment. In the end, the entertainment center was forced to close its doors for good in 2010.
Pleasure Island
The Adventurers Club
“Kungaloosh!” When it comes to one-of-a-kind traditions, this greeting takes the cake. The Adventures Club was a themed bar on Pleasure Island that consisted of five different rooms: the Mask Room, the Treasure Room, the Main Salon, the Library, and the Zebra Mezzanine. The Adventures Club was located on the island’s west end. Guests would have access to live events, radio broadcasts, and even the induction of new members into the organization (this may or may not have been a not so secret society). When Pleasure Island closed its doors for the last time in 2008, admirers of the club started an internet petition to keep the club open. They were successful. It was effective for a period. It was eventually decided that the Adventures Club would be closed in 2010.
The Adventurers Club
Mowgli’s Palace
From the beginning, this abandoned palace was a horror story in the making. Municipal officials were upset that the park was taking up valuable real estate on Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and they did not want to deal with tourists. The project managers didn’t seem to care and proceeded to build the park. The park’s gates were mysteriously closed just before the big opening, and they remained closed for good. Despite the fact that all records of the park’s design and construction were “lost,” it is said that the three-word phrase “ABANDONED BY DISNEY.” may be found on every surface in the park. Some believe that the creation of the palace was a hoax, while others say that the building was a horror movie set.
Mowgli’s Palace
Skyway
The Skyway was built in conjunction with the rest of the park in 1971 to allow guests to travel rapidly between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. The ride remained open until the late 1990s, and as with many Disney closures, the reason for the attraction’s demise is up for debate. Although Tomorrowland’s loading station was closed down, it wasn’t until years later that it was removed, along with the pylons and cables that supported it. The station at Fantasyland, on the other hand, survived for a few more years. Even though there were reports that it will be converted into an eatery, the station closed its doors in 2011.
Skyway
Tropical Serenade
On opening day in 1971, this was one of the most popular programs, and it was certain to drive parents insane. The program, which was hosted by two birds, Clyde and Claude, featured over 150 mechanical birds, flowers, and tikis singing songs such as “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Roon” and “Let’s All Sing Like the Birdies Sing.” Clyde and Claude were the hosts of the show. To be honest, I’m not sure those songs qualify as “calming serenade,” but to each his or her own. The show ended its run in 1997 to make room for a revamped version, dubbed “The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management).” which opened the following year. Perhaps Clyde and Claude were not dismissed and were able to secure a spot in the chorus instead.
Tropical Serenade
The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
The Enchanted Tiki Room was taken over by Zazu and Iago from The Lion King and Aladdin, respectively (Under New Management). Hopefully, Clyde and Claude were able to find work in another part of the park. The show was criticized for being too identical to the last one, and the reviews were not positive. Attic fire in January 2011 rendered poor Zazu permanently disabled, and a sprinkler system destroyed Uh-Oa, one of the mechanical goddesses, causing her to perish. The concert was forced to close for a second time, and the show’s producers opted to redesign it in the style of the original Tropical Serenade. It was a costly lesson in the phrase “don’t fix what ain’t broke.”
The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)
‘STOLport’ For Disney Employees And Guests
It’s probably a good thing that this attribute was forgotten because it was essentially useless. Only four planes could be parked on the STOLport, which stood for “short take-off and landing,” The runway had no hangers and could accommodate only four planes at a time. At the very least, travellers did not have to deal with the inconvenience that is luggage claim. Management determined that it was better to discontinue passenger service in 1972, with the company finally ceasing operations completely in the 1980s. The landing strip is still in use, but it has been relegated to the status of storage. From the monorail, you can still see the runway and the runway lights.
‘STOLport’ For Disney Employees And Guests
Fort Wilderness Railroad
The Fort Wilderness Campground’s fully working steam train began operating in 1973 and operated through the wide acreage of the campground. The official cause for the attraction’s shutdown was never revealed, as has been the case with many other Disney attractions. It was reported that the train’s fuel capacity was inadequate and that a young girl was struck by the railway while riding her bike. Ouch. According to this theory, the rails were abandoned to nature in the 1980s, which was a good thing. In the end, several of the train wagons found new life as a ticket counter on Please Island, thanks to Disney’s creative thinking.
Fort Wilderness Railroad
Pocahontas And Her Forest Friends
An 11-minute live performance including Pocahontas, Meeko, Grandmother Willow, and a variety of live animals was one of the highlights of the Animal Kingdom’s opening day in 1998, according to the park’s website. Honestly, her grumpy hummingbird Flit, was probably hiding in a tree watching everyone when the princess sang to the wild creatures throughout her performance. After a ten-year run, Pocahontas and her companions performed one more time before the show was cancelled due to low attendance. Grandmother Willow was able to remain at Camp Minnie and Mickey as a designated smoking place until the park closed in 2014. This was possible because of her firmly planted roots. Let’s hope she didn’t catch on fire while driving.
Pocahontas And Her Forest Friends
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, considered to be one of the most exciting of the original attractions, had 12 individually operated 38-person submarines that explored a 12 million gallon tank of seawater. It included mechanical mermaids, gigantic squid, and even a model of the Lost City of Atlantis as part of its underwater riding experience. The attraction was forced to close in 1994 due to the high level of maintenance required. According to rumors, a Finding Nemo-style film is currently under development. An emotional celebration that included the draining of the tank and the sinking of one submarine in Castaway Cay signaled the end of the attraction’s era on the island.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
Horizons
Horizons may be familiar to those who visited Walt Disney World in the early years of the company. It was a building in the middle of EPCOT that allowed people to learn about scientific breakthroughs. It was positioned in the center of the park. Horizons was created as a follow-up to the Carousel of Progress, which was shown during the 1964 World’s Fair as an ode to “utopian futurism.” and as a companion piece to the Carousel of Progress. Visitors may choose to go to the Mesa Verde desert town, the Bravo Centauri space station, or the undersea Sea Castle research base via an Omnirover ride system that included two 70-millimeter “OMNIMAX” screens. After a six-year lifespan, the ride was decommissioned in 1989.
Horizons
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
When Disney bought the rights to the Alien film property, they immediately began work on a new attraction that would be located in the heart of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World’s theme park. The Imagineering team worked with George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, to create a terrifying “theater-in-the-round” experience that depicts what would happen if aliens took over the world. When it was finished, Disney CEO Michael Eisner ordered that it be closed since the happy pre-show did not reflect the actual scary and dramatic ride. The ride was eventually closed. It first opened its doors in 1995 and closed its doors in 2003, when it was replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape!
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
The Great Movie Ride
When the news broke that The Great Movie Ride would be closing, many Walt Disney World fans were devastated. It operated as a part of Disney-MGM Studios from 1989 to 2017, when it was demolished to make way for a new attraction called Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. There were animatronic figures from films such as The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and Alien, and the ride was a leisurely journey through the history of motion pictures. There were several routes to choose from along the way, and it was one of the longer rides, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Flight To The Moon
Flight to the Moon, a futuristic attraction located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, first opened its doors in 1967. There were vibrating chairs and displays to make it appear as if riders were flying upwards toward the moon on this flight simulation attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Following the 1969 moon landing, it was necessary to modify the ride. In 1975, it was renamed Mission to Mars. It was unfortunately demolished and replaced with the Toy Story-themed Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in 1992, but tourists can still view the original rocket that was created for the ride in front of the park today.
Honey, I Shrunk The Audience
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience was a 4D show that was located just next to Space Mountain in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. It was a hit with the kids. It was based on the 1989 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and guests were required to wear 3-D spectacles to give the impression that they had shrunk to small size while inside the cinema. This show was added to the schedule to take the place of the Michael Jackson Captain EO show, which had previously been there. The Captain EO concert was added to the schedule after Jackson’s death, however it was later removed in 2014. Since then, the theater has been devoid of patrons.
Honey, I Shrunk The Audience
Flying Saucers
The Flying Saucers at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland were similar to bumper cars, but they were propelled by gusts of wind when they first opened on August 6, 1961. When it became apparent that larger individuals would not be able to fit, the goal of bumping into as many passengers as possible became problematic. On September 5, 1966, the ride was decommissioned after only five years of operation. It was expensive to run, necessitated extensive maintenance, and could only accommodate a small number of passengers at a time, among other disadvantages. When it was decommissioned, it was converted into the Tomorrowland Stage, which presently presents live-action Star Wars productions.
Flying Saucers
Rainbow Caverns Mine Train
The Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was one of the first attractions at Disneyland’s Frontierland, having opened less than a year after the park’s official opening in December of 1971. This train trip took passengers through various natural landscapes, including a desert and a forest, and featured audio-animatronic animals. There was a Cascade Peak, a towering mountain range, and a roaring waterfall among the most striking aspects of the landscape. The Conestoga Wagons, Stagecoaches, and Pack Mules were just a few of the additional attractions in the surrounding area. The attraction was popular with guests because it let them to see over 200 different animatronic creatures. However, it was discontinued in 1977 to make way for the construction of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Rainbow Caverns Mine Train
Adventure Thru Inner Space
Prior to the opening of Star Tours in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, the ride that took its place was known as Adventure Thru Inner Space. It first opened its doors on August 5, 1967, as an Omnimover attraction that featured a simulation of humans shrinking to the size of an atom. The Monsanto Mighty Microscope with a glass tube was located on one side of the ride. As the cyclists proceeded around the track, the crowd could see the other riders shrinking in size. Interestingly, this was the first Disney attraction to make use of the Omnivmover system, which can still be seen in current attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, among others. To make way for Star Tours, the ride was decommissioned in 1985.
Adventure Thru Inner Space
The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror
Technically, this ride is still in operation, but it has undergone a significant transformation. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened its doors for the first time on July 22, 1994, at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, and it has since been added to a number of other Disney parks. In a matter of seconds, guests would enter a haunted Hollywood hotel elevator and be transported hundreds of feet below the ground. As a result of Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, the ride received a complete makeover in 2017. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! is the new title for the film. The characters from the Marvel movie appear in the new version, which uses the same technology as the original.
The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror
PeopleMover
The PeopleMover was located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and first opened its doors on July 2, 1967. A miniature train that operated on elevated rails and was constantly moving was used to transport the guests. Each car had its own sound system, which broadcasted commentary on the location of the car in Tomorrowland as it traveled through the area. The phrase “people mover” which originated from this ride and is now used to denote public transit, originated from this trip. The PeopleMover made its final run on August 21, 1995, when Imagineers determined that it had reached the end of its useful life. There are still tracks visible in Tomorrowland for current guests to observe, and there are reports that it may be returned to the park in the near future.
PeopleMover
Ho Thuy Tien In Vietnam Is Sleeping With The Fishes
The Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam, which was built for three million dollars and opened its doors in 2004, closed its doors in a short period of time. However, rather than demolish it, the developers decided to leave it in place. Slowly but steadily, it began to crumble, and today it resembles the set of a horror film. Surprisingly, the park has risen to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Why wait until Halloween Horror Nights to go to the park when you can pay a visit to the empty park all year? Locals, sensing an opportunity to make some money, have even begun charging curious visitors to explore the grounds, which have lain neglected for many years.
Ho Thuy Tien In Vietnam Is Sleeping With The Fishes
Welcome To Your Six Flags Nightmare
Over a decade ago, this amusement park ceased to be a source of amusement. These are the ruins of Six Flags New Orleans, and they’re delivering the screams once more. After being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the park was forced to close its doors permanently. No one has stepped forward to redevelop the land since it was built on low-lying ground. Now, the park is ready for anyone who is daring enough to venture into its grounds and become lost in the “wonders” it has to offer. We’re going to pass on this one without hesitation. However, if you enjoy spooky amusement parks, it is less expensive to fly to New Orleans than it is to Vietnam.
Welcome To Your Six Flags Nightmare
Chernobyl Left This Park To Die
This amusement park in the Ukrainian city of Pripyat has been closed since 1986 when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded in the Soviet Union. After years of hosting children bashing bumper cars into one other and taking in the views from the Ferris wheel, it has become a site of death and ruin. This is a spooky spot that isn’t safe enough to be a tourist attraction, and ghosts aren’t the only thing that can happen here. The radioactive fallout from the meltdown continues to engulf the park in an impenetrable deadly fog.
Chernobyl Left This Park To Die
Italy Hopes To Reopen The LunEur Park One Day
Yes, that is a skeleton of a dinosaur peering down at the decaying landscape below. When the Luna Park Permanente di Roma (LunEur Park for short) closed its doors in 2008, it proved that it was not meant to exist forever. It was recognized for many years as the largest amusement park in Rome and the oldest amusement park in Italy when it first opened its doors in 1953. After going through what was characterized as a crisis moment, the historic park shuttered its doors and transformed into the eerie attraction you see in the photo above. It was agreed to rebuild and reopen the park in 2015, and construction began in 2016. However, no date has been established, and little effort has been made toward restoring it to its former splendor.
Italy Hopes To Reopen The LunEur Park One Day
These Are Not The Swan Boats You’re Looking For
Are you courageous enough to get on this swan boat in the mucky river and see where it leads? We’re not like that. The brush that is growing on the boat is quite frightening, and the thought that something might come out from below and harm us makes us feel uneasy. Swan, you made a great effort! It was originally built in 1969 in Germany under the name Kulturpark Spreewald, and it was rebuilt in 1989 before being closed in 2002 due to financial difficulties. The park, which is located in East Berlin, has become a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy a scary picnic. Fortunately, no one has ever been brave enough to swim with the swans in the past.
These Are Not The Swan Boats You’re Looking For
The Real Westworld Was Left To Rot In Japan
Japan is home to one of the world’s most terrifying amusement parks, which is located in the city of Osaka. Western Village Haikyo, which appears to be the basis for Westworld, was shuttered in 2007, yet it is still attracting visitors in 2018. This is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about what life was like in the Wild West. Furthermore, it provides an excuse to take a holiday in Japan. Although the park claims to be off-limits, getting inside it is rather simple. Weeds and other overgrowths will greet you as soon as you go through the door if you dare. You will also see a facsimile of the Mount Rushmore memorial. Keep in mind to visit the prison and meet the robot sheriff while you’re there.
The Real Westworld Was Left To Rot In Japan
Tragedy Forced South Korea To Put These Ducks Out Of Commission
There’s a good reason why these ducks don’t appear to be pleased. In 1999, tragedy struck when a happy child riding on one of the rides was thrown from the attraction and died. The park management vanished shortly after the incident, and the park was left in shambles as a result. However, this is one of the parks on our list that you will not be able to visit. The park was removed in 2011 as part of a larger development. It was demolished and replaced by a hotel. Fortunately, you now have this horrifying photo of a “happy duck” permanently burned into your memory. You didn’t need to get a decent night’s sleep tonight, did you?
Tragedy Forced South Korea To Put These Ducks Out Of Commission
The Land Of Oz Isn’t So Magical Anymore
The Land of Oz has seen better days, to be sure. The park, which is located in the picturesque hamlet of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, first opened its doors in 1970. The 16-acre park, which was dedicated to the Wizard of Oz, was a huge success. The park remained essentially unchanged over the decades. Attendance statistics plummeted as a result of the lack of any adjustments to entice families to return. In 1975, a fire damaged a portion of the park, making the situation even worse. In an odd twist of fate, this seemingly deserted park is reopened twice a year for a commemoration of the “Autumn of Oz” Guests are invited to tour the scary park and discover the darker side of The Wizard of Oz while attending the event.
The Land Of Oz Isn’t So Magical Anymore
Walt Disney Crushed Nara Dreamland
If this deserted theme park appears to have been rejected by Walt Disney, that is because he actually did. When Walt Disney visited Japan in the late 1950s, park owner Kunizu Matsuo was in talks with him about establishing a theme park there. Following a deterioration in their working relationship, Disney withdrew, leaving Matsuo with little choice but to design his own characters and build the park on his own. The park was a big success when it first opened its doors in 1961. Then, in 1983, when Walt Disney created his own Tokyo Disneyland, things took a turn for the worse for the company. Nara Dreamland never had a chance, and its attendance began to dwindle gradually. In 2006, Matsuo was able to put a stop to the battle and permanently close his park.
Walt Disney Crushed Nara Dreamland
Gulliver’s Kingdom In Japan Featured This Haunting Sculpture
Gulliver’s Kingdom was a failed theme park in Japan that was built near the town of Kawaguchi-machi. Based on the classic Gulliver’s Travels, the odd theme park featured a massive figure of the titular character, Lemuel Gulliver, who was anchored to the ground with ropes and chains. Several individuals speculated that the park’s proximity to a notoriously spooky woodland was the reason for its lack of attendance. Today, adventure seekers sneak onto the site to take shots of the surroundings.
Gulliver’s Kingdom In Japan Featured This Haunting Sculpture