Through the years, many points of interest have come and long past at Walt Disney International. Some higher than their predecessors, some worse. This put up is 1 of two in a sequence, with this checklist specializing in the most productive substitute points of interest added to the park, plus the follow-up Worst Appeal Replacements at Walt Disney International. (Up to date December 24, 2024.)
This checklist specializing in enhancements wasn’t simple. Many of the best possible additions at Walt Disney International were new tendencies or unique points of interest, so it’s no longer in point of fact imaginable to dub them as replacements. Continuously, substitute points of interest also are confronted with the problem of being shoehorned into an current area, which turns out to make it tricky for them to surpass their predecessors.
Moreover, as somebody who has been visiting Walt Disney International my complete lifestyles, I’ll admit that I’m most likely nostalgic for what I grew up with. Despite the fact that I attempt to view the whole lot with an open thoughts and blank slate, every so often the replacements have already got a strike towards them in my head.
For the needs of this checklist, we’re evaluating present points of interest with their fast predecessors. This prevents the sins of the daddy from being laid upon the son, and helps to keep issues cleaner. (So no evaluating Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin to If You Had Wings.)
Our newest updates to this checklist for Past due 2024 are much less considerable than previously. The only new enchantment that would’ve made any such lists is Tiana’s Bayou Journey. It misses the lower on each, being neither a considerable improve nor downgrade. (See Splash Mountain vs. Tiana’s Bayou Journey for a head-to-head.) Be expecting primary adjustments to this checklist between 2025 and 2030, as Walt Disney International is embarking on an period of vital land and trip replacements.
Anyway, right here’s the checklist of what’s new…and the outdated that’s new once more…that’s an improve as in comparison to what it changed at Walt Disney International…
Ellen’s Power Journey -> Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – I cherished Universe of Power. Its closure hit me in point of fact arduous, between each my reminiscences of it and feeling just like the finish of an period for the outdated EPCOT. It additionally didn’t assist that the most productive thematic clarification Disney may should for Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Long term International used to be that Peter Quill visited EPCOT Heart as a child. Then the huge display construction went up, including additional insult to damage.
With all of that mentioned, I haven’t any delusions about all of this. Ellen’s Power Journey used to be a few decade previous its top, feeling woefully out of date and extremely unpopular with visitors. Whilst the Power pavilion’s retirement–together with different simultaneous shutdowns–did shut one bankruptcy of EPCOT’s historical past, it used to be already a foregone conclusion. The park I cherished as a child have been useless for over a decade, and its substitute had a useless mall vibe. If the rest, the closure introduced closure for enthusiasts.
Easiest and most significantly of all, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is improbable. It’s a surprisingly pleasing enchantment from begin to end, with a queue and pre-shows that supply intensity and in some way set up to offer sufficient of an ‘edutainment’ basis to weave this into EPCOT, a few wow-moment results, hilarity & hijinks, and a compelling tale set-up. The curler coaster itself is pleasing in period and has improbable drift and fluidity–higher the song and the movement, it feels just a little like dancing.
Above all else, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is simply flat-out amusing. It’s one in every of probably the most amusing points of interest in all of Walt Disney International. It hits all the proper notes, and is only a continuous hoot from begin to end because of its characters, humor, and use of song. It’s precisely the blockbuster enchantment that EPCOT wanted, and is some other nice fashionable hybrid of tale and amusing from Imagineering. It could be referred to as Cosmic Rewind, however the trip fast-forwards to a brand new bankruptcy of EPCOT.
Disney Attraction -> Luckily Ever After – All Magic Kingdom fireworks displays have the similar core qualities, with pyro exploding over Cinderella Fortress to conclude a protracted, memory-filled day at Walt Disney International. The song is pulled from sentimental moments in memorable Disney films and the visuals are dazzling. The entire manufacturing tugs on the heartstrings, overwhelming the senses and feelings in one of the best ways imaginable. On account of all that, there’s a excessive ground for any Magic Kingdom midnight impressive, or even a “unhealthy” one continues to be “just right” relative to maximum different points of interest.
Suffice to mention, Disney Attraction discovered that ground and used to be as as regards to “unhealthy” as fireworks over Cinderella Fortress may conceivably be. It used to be about as just right as a Magic Kingdom fireworks display set to the “Meow Combine” jingle with cat projections at the fort. That may’ve in fact been higher–no less than it will’ve been humorous. Fortunately, Walt Disney International had the nice sense of undoing this error, even after mentioning that Luckily Ever After have been “completely” retired.
Luckily Ever After excels in large part because of an improbable association paired with music and picture alternatives. There’s a thematic development to the display that is sensible–it is going from journey to friendship to romance to overcoming adversity to reaching a ‘thankfully ever after.’ The music alternatives are improbable, pyro pairings are in point of fact excellent, and projections upload much more to the midnight impressive. In a way, Luckily Ever After is the Disney animated movie archetype, however in montage fireworks display shape. It’s best possible, and the midnight impressive that Magic Kingdom merits.
Primeval Whirl -> Seating House or Building Partitions – The elimination of Primeval Whirl used to be addition through subtraction. The present seating house has a large number of strengths: no line, no longer bodily painful, secure, and no longer hideous. All of that may also be true of the approaching building partitions in early 2025 as soon as Dino-Rama closes. Certain, you received’t be in a position to take a seat down anymore, and building does introduce just a little of blight…however no longer up to Primeval Whirl!
Many Walt Disney International enthusiasts are already lamenting the lack of Dino-Rama, which is unlucky. Now not as it’s in fact just right, however as a result of Dino-Rama has develop into well-liked by enthusiasts who reward its backstory or like its cheese issue. To the level that it’s imaginable for an opinion to be unsuitable…they’re unsuitable. Dino-Rama’s backstory is lipstick on a pig, tricking enthusiasts into considering cheesy carnival rides are in some way just right.
On the finish of the day, a dumpster stuffed with rubbish that has a fascinating tale continues to be a dumpster stuffed with rubbish. Customary visitors don’t care about backstory, and it couldn’t save this crappy carnival trip. A couple of years from now, we’ll have the ability to make a right kind comparability right here, and I don’t suppose there’s any imaginable means that the Encanto Magical Madrigal Casita Darkish Journey isn’t an enormous growth over Primeval Whirl (or the seating house).
Talking of which, I totally be expecting “DINOSAUR -> Indiana Jones Journey” to in the end make this checklist. I don’t need to get forward of myself, however the two current variations of Indiana Jones Journey are amongst Sarah & Tom’s Best 15 Disney Points of interest within the International. In contrast, DINOSAUR wouldn’t crack the highest 50.
Pooh’s Playful Spot -> Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach – This isn’t utterly truthful. Some enthusiasts will most likely remember the fact that the enchantment sooner than Pooh’s Playful Spot used to be 20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea, a real Walt Disney International vintage. Evaluating Seven Dwarfs Mine Teach to that may no longer pass as effectively.
Pooh’s Playful Spot, however, used to be not anything particular. Whilst its predecessor used to be epic in period and scale and its successor is thrilling and endearing for households, Pooh’s Playful Spot used to be form of simply “there,” a stop-gap to throw in position whilst they discovered what to do with the plot of land.
El Rio del Tempio -> Gran Fiesta Excursion – Since El Rio del Tiempo used to be changed through Gran Fiesta Excursion, it’s been met with a combined reaction through enthusiasts, lots of whom had been disillusioned over the advent of characters to the enchantment. I’ve at all times been high quality with Gran Fiesta Excursion (even if I in point of fact pass over the song from El Rio del Tiempo) and that’s as it makes use of characters who’re from an difficult to understand movie that closely specializes in the tradition and surroundings of Mexico.
This wasn’t merely a question of Disney short of to capitalize at the approval for 3 Caballeros as has took place somewhere else in Epcot. For the reason that Audio Animatronics were added, the enchantment has a suitable finale a real “wow” scene that provides it an actual climax. That is one thing it has by no means had, and in my guide, makes the present Gran Fiesta Excursion higher than El Rio del Tempio.
Tarzan Rocks -> Discovering Nemo: The Musical – This one is uncomplicated, and with out caveats. Tarzan Rocks used to be a high-energy live performance taste display with some neat visuals, however the “excessive sports activities” vibe made it really feel misplaced in Animal Kingdom. It additionally wasn’t just about as elaborate or well-produced as Discovering Nemo: The Musical.
Despite the fact that the Nemo display is a CliffNotes model of the film, it really works extremely effectively, and lines very good manufacturing price. How it makes use of performers as opposed to puppets is the spotlight for me, and I believe the display is likely one of the best possible ones Disney has finished within the parks.
Donald’s Boat -> Dueling Dumbos – I nonetheless take into accout the force right down to Walt Disney International within the early 90s, and being attentive to Disney Radio, “Florida’s in-car welcoming station.” 365 days, the radio touted a brand new brief land, Mickey’s Starland, with a Disney Afternoon Display. As a tender kid, not anything used to be rather as cool as this. Twenty years later, this “brief” land used to be nonetheless chugging alongside as Mickey’s Toontown.
New Fantasyland’s “Dueling Dumbos” aren’t utterly new within the sense that there used to be a Dumbo spinner in Magic Kingdom sooner than, however the presentation is much better, as is the full enjoy. The wait could also be now so much shorter, there’s an indoor interactive play house, and the Storybook Circus house across the Dumbos is best notch.
Have fun A Dream Come True -> Competition of Myth Parade – What number of Disney enthusiasts have uttered the word “I’m no longer a parade individual” as results of a decade-plus of the more than a few incarnations of the Have fun A Dream Come True Parade? It’s no longer that it used to be unhealthy…in 2001 or 2002 when it first debuted, however a decade later I used to be extra than over it.
It wasn’t till seeing probably the most parades at different fort parks that I spotted possibly it’s no longer me, it’s the parade. Competition of Myth is imaginative, elaborate, colourful, and lines a couple of jaw-dropping floats that culminate in a daylight hours parade worthy of Magic Kingdom.
Beneath New Control -> Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Infrequently, all it takes is a small hearth to in point of fact set issues proper! I don’t know whether or not Disney determined to revert to the unique Tiki Room as it used to be the best factor to do, or the inexpensive factor to do, after a hearth broken sides of the Tiki Room.
Without reference to motivation, the unique Tiki Room is again, undoing the Nineteen Nineties injury inflicted upon the enchantment.
Meals Rocks -> Soarin’ – Epcot points of interest will function prominently at the sequel to this checklist–the ten worst enchantment adjustments, however it additionally earns a excessive position for one of the most best possible adjustments. A part of the explanation Soarin’ ranks so extremely is partially because of the truth that Meals Rocks used to be an inferior substitute for the EPCOT Heart-era Kitchen Kabaret, a amusing and extra memorable display.
In greater section, Soarin’ is right here as it manages to seize the spirit and ambition of EPCOT Heart, whilst additionally including pleasure to the combination. The up to date Soarin’ Across the International is not as good as its fast predecessor, however for the sake of this access, we’re bearing in mind Soarin’ as an entire enchantment, no longer the movie enjoying in it.
Talking of which, Soarin’ Over California (which used to be at first simply “Soarin” at Epcot) nonetheless holds up. We all know this as it performs at DCA once a year and in addition had a restricted run at EPCOT lately. The good thing about OG Soarin’ is that it’s precise filmed photos, no longer CGI. For some other, it showcases the wildlife as an alternative of structure, lowering distortion.
I’m no longer averse to Soarin’ Across the International, however the CGI, tacky animals, and distortion has worn on me over the years. (To Imagineering’s credit score, they did simply replace the EPCOT finishing whilst addressing distortion within the Eiffel Tower scene.) Soarin’ Over California isn’t appearing its age in any respect and advantages from its photos being actual, while the intensive CGI of the recent model will inevitably date itself a lot faster. Each variations are just right, must-do points of interest–however Soarin’ Over California has a slight edge.
Who Desires to Be a Millionaire: Play it -> Toy Tale Mania – Since its debut over a decade in the past, Toy Tale Mania has been one of the vital standard points of interest in Walt Disney International. I’ve to confess that I believe it’s hyped up, with reputation coming from a dearth of different family-friendly choices in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Nonetheless, I believe it’s higher than Who Desires to Be a Millionaire: Play it and the kind of enchantment the park wanted. The next Toy Tale Land additions (Slinky Canine Sprint and Alien Swirling Saucers) had been constructed on unused land, so that they don’t in point of fact depend right here. With that mentioned, Slinky Canine Sprint is our favourite of the trio.
Camp Minnie-Mickey Trails -> Avatar Flight of Passage – Speculating is a perilous recreation, and we at first anticipated Na’vi River Adventure, the slow-moving boat trip via a bioluminescent rainforest with stress-free song alongside the best way, to be our favourite enchantment in Pandora – International of Avatar. Even then, it used to be glaring that Flight of Passage will be the headliner, however we’re suckers for boat rides.
In truth, the marquee draw and our favourite substitute for the Camp Minnie-Mickey Trails has been Avatar Flight of Passage. Whilst this may well be described as Soarin’ on steroids, it’s in point of fact so a lot more. Prior to riders climb aboard the again of a banshee and fly via Pandora for a simulator enjoy, there’s a ton of build-up and funky queue. Plus, the trip itself is a multi-sensory enjoy this is stress-free and exhilarating all of sudden.
Phrases don’t do Flight of Passage justice–it’s so just right that it ranks as #6 on our Record Rating All 91 Points of interest at Walt Disney International! That’s just right sufficient to make it the #2 enchantment substitute within the historical past of Walt Disney International, however it may well’t compete with #1…
Lighting Motors Motion -> Celebrity Wars: Upward thrust of the Resistance – This isn’t simply the number one enchantment substitute within the historical past of Walt Disney International, it’s tied for the most productive trip in all of Walt Disney International, length. Celebrity Wars: Upward thrust of the Resistance is that groovy, a real triumph of creativity and a contemporary masterpiece of Imagineering.
It’s been effectively over a decade because the Disney-MGM Studios in point of fact shined as a running studio, and because then the Streets of The us portion of the park trudged alongside with none memorable attracts (save for the Osborne Lighting at Christmas). As such, it used to be lovely simple for the billion-dollar Celebrity Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to surpass it.
As an entire, Celebrity Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is improbable however arguably doesn’t rather are living as much as its complete possible. It used to be a large swing for Imagineering to create an unique surroundings and stick with a storyline, however that has ended up being a legal responsibility fairly than an asset (see It’s Time for Celebrity Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Spoil the Laws).
Of the trip replacements again on this nook of the park, Celebrity Wars: Upward thrust of the Resistance is a long way awesome to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. That may come as just a little of a marvel to first-timers, in any case, what child hasn’t dreamed of piloting the Quickest Hunk of Junk within the Galaxy?! Because it grew to become out, Smugglers Run is amusing however just a little like a UPS-in-space simulator, while Celebrity Wars: Upward thrust of the Resistance is progressive. It’s proper up there with the most productive Walt Disney International–or any theme park anyplace–has to supply.
Making plans a Walt Disney International go back and forth? Know about resorts on our Walt Disney International Lodges Evaluations web page. For the place to consume, learn our Walt Disney International Eating place Evaluations. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to shop for, learn our Pointers for Saving Cash on Walt Disney International Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular take a look at suave pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney International Journey Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most productive position to begin is our Walt Disney International Commute Making plans Information for the whole lot you want to grasp!
Your Ideas
Which enchantment replacements at Walt Disney International do you suppose are upgrades? Anything else in this checklist that’s in fact a downgrade for you? Did we pass over any rides or displays that are meant to’ve made the lower? Do you compromise or disagree with my checklist? Do you just like the substitute points of interest in this checklist, or would you like their predecessors? Which of the new-generation points of interest are your favorites? Percentage any questions or further ideas you may have within the feedback!
