Credit: Frank Phillips, Flickr
A National Publication has posted the confirmation that many Walt Disney World fans were hoping would never come to fruition.
Disney World, the iconic theme park in Florida, has long been a place where dreams come true, and magic feels tangible. For decades, it has delighted millions with its array of imaginative rides and attractions.
However, over the years, fans have often been gripped by the fear that some of these beloved rides might be shut down. Rumors have persistently swirled about the potential demise of classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and even Peter Pan’s Flight.
The Haunted Mansion is one of Disney World’s most iconic attractions, having first opened its doors to the spook-seeking public in 1971. The ride’s blend of eerie ambiance, humorous ghostly characters, and state-of-the-art special effects has cemented its place in the hearts of Disney fans. Despite its popularity, rumors have periodically emerged suggesting that The Haunted Mansion might be closed or significantly altered. These fears, however, have proven to be unfounded.
The ride remains a cornerstone of Liberty Square, continuously drawing long lines and rave reviews.
Another ride that has often been the subject of closure rumors is Jungle Cruise. Since its debut in 1971, this attraction has taken guests on a comedic riverboat tour through various jungle landscapes, filled with animatronic animals and wisecracking skippers.
In recent years, Disney has updated Jungle Cruise to address “cultural sensitivities,” ensuring that it remains relevant and respectful while preserving its adventurous spirit. Despite the updates, fears of its closure persist among fans. However, Disney has shown a clear commitment to preserving this ride, recognizing its importance as a classic, family-friendly adventure.
Peter Pan’s Flight has been enchanting Disney park guests since the opening day of Disney World. This dark ride takes visitors on a magical journey over London and into Neverland, following the adventures of Peter Pan, Wendy, and the Darling siblings.
The ride’s innovative use of suspended vehicles and immersive scenes has made it a perennial favorite. Rumors about its potential closure have circulated for years, often fueled by the ride’s frequent refurbishments. Yet, each refurbishment has only served to enhance the experience, ensuring that Peter Pan’s Flight continues to captivate new generations of Disney fans.
While fears about the closure of many iconic rides have proven baseless, one significant change did occur with the closure of Splash Mountain. This log-flume ride, based on the controversial 1946 film Song of the South, was beloved for its catchy songs, engaging story, and thrilling drops. Despite its popularity, Disney decided to reimagine the attraction, acknowledging the problematic elements of its source material.
In its place, Disney introduced Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a ride inspired by the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. While some fans were excited about the change, others were skeptical. Many of them felt to be proven right following the release of the POV ride through of the attraction.
Just recently, USA Today’s Even Chen previewed the ride, confirming that there are no traces of Splash Mountain left in the attraction.
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a feel-good ride” she said. “Unlike “The Princess and the Frog,” the ride has no villains, like Dr. Facilier. Guests with little ones who are scared of the dark should be aware that it gets quite dark for multiple stretches, but there’s nothing else to be afraid of. Even the big drop is more thrilling than frightening. Lively music plays the whole time, and the bayou critters guests see along the way are as endearing as Louis the alligator from the film.”
While the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Peter Pan’s Flight continue to thrive, demonstrating that Disney values the history and nostalgia associated with its classic rides, other rides have met their demise at the hands of the company. While the ride hasn’t officially opened yet, it will be interesting to see what the overall reaction is.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open on June 28, 2024. The attraction will only be available by Virtual Queue and Individual Lightning Lane purchase. Both of these functions can be found on the My Disney Experience app in the same section where you can book and purchase Disney Genie+ selections.
For more information about the Frontierland attraction, please visit Disney’s official website.
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