21 Defunct Disney Rides and Lands | Mental Floss List Show | 535

TL;DR

Explore the history of defunct Disney park attractions, from Alien Encounter to Great Movie Ride.

Transcript

Hi, I'm Erin McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Mental Floss.com. Welcome to Mental Floss video and did you know that Jackie Chan, Whoopi Goldberg and Cher were once featured in a Disney ride? It sounds fun but Superstar Limo was widely disliked and didn't even make it a single year at California Adventure in the early 2000s. It was a slow ride through L... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Disney park attractions like ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter faced challenges due to their intense themes.
• 🤪 Historical rides such as Submarine Voyage at Disneyland went through thematic changes to stay relevant.
• 😫 Disneyland's Rainbow Mountain Stagecoach and Rainbow Caverns Mine Train set the stage for later attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
• 👰‍♀️ Flying Saucers and If You Had Wings showcased Disney's innovative ride concepts and sponsor collaborations.
• 👰‍♀️ Horizons at Epcot and Rocket Rods at Disneyland represent the evolution and occasional closure of popular Disney rides.
• ❓ Adventure Through Inner Space and Body Wars offered unique perspectives on microcosm and human body exploration.
• 💖 The closure of lands like Holidayland and Camp Minnie Mickey reflects Disney's changing park development strategies.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the reasons behind the closure of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter?

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter faced criticism for being too scary for younger guests, and the park's Imagineers objected to its original design featuring a xenomorph from R-rated Alien movies. George Lucas was involved in its creation but was eventually replaced by a milder alien concept.

Q: How did the Submarine Voyage ride evolve over the years at Disneyland?

Originally gray and named after US Navy submarines in 1959, the Submarine Voyage ride was later rethemed with yellow submarines and exploration-related names in the 1980s. In 2007, it reopened with a Finding Nemo theme, showcasing Disney's commitment to updating classic rides.

Q: Why did Rocket Rods at Disneyland face challenges leading to its eventual closure?

Rocket Rods, introduced as a high-speed thrill ride at Disneyland, struggled due to its reliance on the former people-mover track, resulting in frequent breakdowns. Ultimately, the mismatch between the track design and Rocket Rods' high-speed concept led to its closure in 2001.

Q: What was the significance of Adventure Through Inner Space and Body Wars in Disney's park history?

Adventure Through Inner Space and Body Wars offered unique experiences, allowing guests to explore microscopic and human body themes, respectively. With innovative technology and famous directors like Leonard Nimoy involved, these rides provided immersive and educational journeys for visitors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Superstar Limo, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, and Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour were once popular but now closed Disney park attractions.

• Submarine Voyage transitioned into Finding Nemo theme, while other rides like Rainbow Mountain Stagecoach and Rainbow Caverns Mine Train were replaced by newer attractions.

• Learn about Flying Saucers, If You Had Wings, and Horizons, among other defunct Disney rides, each with their unique history and eventual closure.