Extinct Disney
@extinctdisney.bsky.social
Dedicated to memorializing what was, and remembering the extinct attractions of Walt Disney World. http://youtube.com/@extinctdisney http://threads.net/@extinctdisney
Today in 1999: Discovery River Boats closed at Animal Kingdom, leaving its scenic water route abandoned. What would you have turned it into? https://bit.ly/45isZ7x
Discovery River Boats and the Lost Beastly Kingdom
See Discovery River Boats preview Animal Kingdom history now.
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Today in 2017: The Great Movie Ride closed, ending the park’s classic 1989 icon. What part of it lives rent‑free in your memory? https://bit.ly/3v9wkmQ
Great Movie Ride Tribute to Hollywood at Disney-MGM
See how Great Movie Ride blended film history and stars. Read.
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Today in 2017: Ellen’s Energy Adventure closed at EPCOT, replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. It was the end of the dinos, the Jeopardy bit, and one of the best AC breaks on property. What part of the ride do you still miss? https://bit.ly/2Q5nx6i
EPCOT's Universe of Energy: Ride Through the Original
See EPCOT's Universe of Energy through film, dinos, and tech.
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Today in 2024: Country Bear Musical Jamboree opened, replacing the original Country Bear Jamboree after more than 50 years in Frontierland. Crazy seeing such a long‑standing show finally pass the torch — did you grow up with the old version? https://bit.ly/4bj9Fgp
Grizzly Hall: Origins of Disney’s Country Bear Show
See how Walt Disney’s Grizzly Hall concept became a bear show.
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Today in 1992: Splash Mountain soft‑opened — 21 years after Magic Kingdom debuted. It replaced the old Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour. Crazy how long Frontierland waited for a headliner; did you ride it back then? https://bit.ly/3P0fdB8
Br'er Rabbit Ride History in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland
See Splash Mountain's story, drop, retheme, and closure.
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Today in 1975: Disney signed the EPCOT Future Technology Agreement, shifting EPCOT from concept to active development with help from NASA and federal agencies. A quiet moment that changed everything — what’s your favorite obscure EPCOT milestone? https://bit.ly/3O6hEyb
Epcot History, Lands, and Attractions Over Time at Disney
Follow Epcot History from 1982 to now. Read the full timeline.
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Today in 1994, Legend of the Lion King opened at Magic Kingdom, replacing Mickey’s Magical TV World with a roaring, puppet-filled retelling of Simba’s story. What was your favorite part of the show? https://bit.ly/3b5sCSP
Legend of the Lion King at Magic Kingdom: 1994 to 2002 Puppet Show
Legend of the Lion King ran 1994 to 2002. Watch the puppets.
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Today in 2025: The Liberty Square Riverboat closed after decades of scenic cruises around the Rivers of America. It replaced early riverfront paths when it arrived. What memory from the riverboat ride stays with you? https://bit.ly/3u2PgTx
Rivers of America: Magic Kingdom Riverboat Legacy
See how Magic Kingdom's riverboats changed, then read the story.
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Today in 2025: Tom Sawyer Island closed, retiring its rafts, caves, and frontier hideaways. It replaced unused riverside land back in the early days. What was your favorite moment exploring the island? https://bit.ly/4kq57WN
Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom: A Full History
See Tom Sawyer Island’s caves, trails, and closure details.
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Today in 2017: DisneyQuest permanently closed at Downtown Disney, bringing an end to its five floors of VR and coaster‑building chaos. What was your go‑to thing inside the cube? https://bit.ly/3yfO2Xt
Disney Quest's VR Arcade Legacy in Downtown Disney
See Disney Quest's VR rides and arcade classics. Read more.
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Today in 2010: Captain EO returned to EPCOT, bringing back Michael Jackson’s intergalactic musical adventure after its original run ended in 1994 and replacing Honey, I Shrunk the Audience in the Imagination pavilion. What’s the moment you always think of first when EO blasts https://bit.ly/3weP7NM
Captain EO and the 4D Magic of EPCOT’s Imagination
Relive the music, lasers, and wonder of Captain EO today.
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Today in 1972: If You Had Wings was dedicated in Tomorrowland, launching Eastern Airlines’ iconic Omnimover trip through glowing fireflies and far‑off destinations. What’s the scene you remember most? https://bit.ly/3ygoRUW
If You Had Wings Omnimover Ride Timeline in Tomorrowland
If You Had Wings with Eastern Air Lines in 1972. Read story now.
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Today in 1997: ABC Sound Studio opened at Disney-MGM Studios, replacing Monster Sound Show with a new ABC‑themed audio experience. What’s your favorite memory from that building? https://bit.ly/3h8ZQ8f
Monster Sound Show and Disney-MGM Studios History
See how Monster Sound Show mixed Foley effects and comedy.
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Today in 1994: Innoventions East and West debuted at EPCOT, taking over the former CommuniCore spaces with interactive tech and futuristic showcases. What Innoventions memory pops into your head first? https://bit.ly/30eA2P5
Innoventions and EPCOT's Lost Tech Pavilions History
Read about Innoventions and the EPCOT tech pavilions today.
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Today in 1988: The Norway Pavilion opened at EPCOT, filling the long‑vacant expansion space between Mexico and China with Nordic architecture, culture, and the future home of Maelstrom. What’s your favorite Norway memory? https://bit.ly/2Svyr3a
Maelstrom Ride in EPCOT's Norway Pavilion Explained
See how Maelstrom Ride blended Norway lore, trolls, and thrills.
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Today in 1975: The WEDWay Peoplemover opened in Tomorrowland, replacing the land’s earlier ground‑level walk‑only flow with a futuristic elevated transit loop. What’s the first scene you think of when you ride it? https://bit.ly/2H98QdW
Peoplemover: WEDWay to TTA to Tomor at Magic Kingdom
Peoplemover history from 1975 to Tomor. Read more here today!
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Today in 1989: Delta Dreamflight opened in Tomorrowland, replacing If You Had Wings/If You Could Fly with a new aviation adventure. Did you ever take this classic flight? https://bit.ly/3gWsjNd
Dreamflight in Tomorrowland: Delta’s Flight Story 1989
See Dreamflight’s Delta 767 sets and three acts. Read more!
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Today in 1988: Mickey’s Birthdayland opened at Magic Kingdom, a brand‑new land built just to celebrate Mickey’s 60th birthday and tucked into a former backstage area. It was meant to be temporary, but fans still talk about that quirky little corner of the park—did you ever get https://bit.ly/3bUG1P6
Mickeys Birthdayland: The Magic Kingdom's 1988 Surprise
See how Mickeys Birthdayland became Starland and Toontown.
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Today in 1984: Laserphonic Symphony debuted at EPCOT Center, replacing Carnival de Lumière and paving the way for IllumiNations in 1988. Ever catch this early lagoon show? https://bit.ly/4uuelGj
Laserphonic Symphony - Extinct Disney
Laserphonic Symphony was EPCOT Center’s first true nighttime spectacular — the moment the park discovered what its World Showcase Lagoon could be. Debuting on June 9, 1984, it replaced the short‑lived Carnival de Lumière and dramatically expanded the scale, ambition, and technical artistry of EPCOT’s evening entertainment. Where Carnival de Lumière relied on rear‑projected film
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Today in 2003: The Great Movie Ride reopened after a round of updates to lighting, audio, effects, and animatronics. As one of the park’s 1989 originals, it didn’t replace anything — it helped define the park. What was your favorite scene? https://bit.ly/3v9wkmQ
The Great Movie Ride - Extinct Disney
As the centerpiece of Disney-MGM Studios’ opening day, The Great Movie Ride was more than an attraction—it was a love letter to Hollywood. Housed inside a full-scale replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the ride used a trackless “traveling theater” system, allowing guests to glide through elaborate sets representing iconic moments in film history. The attraction
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Today in 1972: If You Could Fly opened, replacing If You Had Wings with a streamlined, sponsor‑free take on the same ride path. https://bit.ly/3ClVHIy
If You Could Fly: Tomorrowland Omnimover Details
Learn how If You Could Fly updated the Omnimover in 1987. Read more now.
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Today in 2002: Journey Into Your Imagination with Figment opened, replacing the infamously bad Journey Into YOUR Imagination and bringing Figment back at last — do you remember how rough that 1999 version was? https://bit.ly/3iG1dJ9
Journey Into Your Imagination - Extinct Disney
In 1998, EPCOT guests bid farewell to one of the most beloved dark rides in Disney history: Journey Into Imagination. The original attraction, which opened in 1983, starred Dreamfinder and his mischievous creation Figment, guiding guests through the realms of art, literature, science, and performing arts aboard whimsical omnimover vehicles. It was a celebration of
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Today in 1987: If You Had Wings closed and was replaced by If You Could Fly, ending the Eastern‑Airlines‑sponsored era of the ride — do you remember the original version? https://bit.ly/3ygoRUW
If You Had Wings Omnimover Ride Timeline in Tomorrowland
If You Had Wings with Eastern Air Lines in 1972. Read story now.
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Today in 2017: Pandora – The World of Avatar opened at Animal Kingdom, replacing Camp Minnie‑Mickey with floating mountains and glowing forests. Which era do you miss more — Camp Minnie‑Mickey or Pandora? https://bit.ly/3RLpYuE
Pandora/Camp MM - Extinct Disney
Camp Minnie-Mickey opened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998, serving as a rustic retreat where guests could meet characters and enjoy shows like Festival of the Lion King. After closing in January 2014, the area was reimagined into Pandora – The World of Avatar, which debuted on May 27, 2017. Inspired by James
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Today in 2025: The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure opened at Hollywood Studios, replacing Voyage of the Little Mermaid after 30+ years. Which version do you prefer — the classic or the new one? https://bit.ly/3PL6JRe
Voyage of the Little Mermaid - Extinct Disney
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid was an attraction located in Disney's Hollywood Studios. It opened on January 7, 1992, and was based on the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid. The attraction took guests on an undersea adventure with Ariel and her friends, featuring scenes from the movie, live action performances, and special effects.
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Today in 1990, Mickey’s Starland opened at Magic Kingdom — the scrappy, character‑packed makeover of Mickey’s Birthdayland that kept the party going for a whole new wave of kids. What’s the first thing you remember doing in Starland? https://bit.ly/3bUG1P6
Mickey’s Birthdayland & Starland - Extinct Disney
Mickey's Birthdayland, the first new land added to Magic Kingdom since the park's opening, debuted in 1988. Originally intended as a temporary attraction, its popularity led to its expansion into Mickey's Starland and eventually Mickey's Toontown Fair, which remains a beloved part of the park today.
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Today in 1986, the “Tomorrow’s Child” era of Spaceship Earth debuted — narrated by Walter Cronkite and wrapped in that dreamy, synth‑soaked optimism only EPCOT could deliver. A whole generation grew up hearing that lullaby as the geodesic temple carried them through humanity’s https://bit.ly/3fLCvHY
Spaceship Earth - Extinct Disney
An opening day attraction at EPCOT Center, Spaceship Earth debuted on October 1, 1982, and remains one of the most iconic experiences in Disney history. Housed inside the park’s signature 18-story geodesic sphere, affectionately known as “The Epcot Ball,” the attraction is a 13-minute Omnimover ride that takes guests on a journey through the history
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Today in 1998: DisneyQuest soft opened at Downtown Disney, taking over the old Fireworks Factory spot with five floors of VR, build‑your‑own‑coaster mayhem, and digital chaos long before home internet could keep up. What was the first thing you always ran to inside the cube? https://bit.ly/3yfO2Xt
Disney Quest - Extinct Disney
Opening on June 19, 1998, DisneyQuest was a five-story, 100,000-square-foot indoor theme park located in the Downtown Disney West Side. Designed as a futuristic arcade-meets-theme-park experience, it featured interactive attractions, virtual reality adventures, classic arcade games, and quick-service dining—all under one roof. The venue was part of a larger initiative to bring DisneyQuest to urban
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Today in 2008: Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) logged out for the very last time — closing the gates on one of Disney’s most beloved online worlds. What was your favorite VMK memory — designing rooms, pin trading, or trying to survive Fireworks Frenzy? https://bit.ly/3ekjA7J
Virtual Magic Kingdom - Extinct Disney
Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK) was a free massively multiplayer online game (MMO) developed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online in collaboration with Sulake, the creators of Habbo Hotel. Launched in beta on May 23, 2005, VMK was part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth campaign, commemorating 50 years of Disney parks. Players entered a
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Today in 2005, Lights, Motors, Action! screeched onto the scene at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. What was your favorite moment — the motorcycle slide, the rooftop chase, or the big finale jump? https://bit.ly/2OeTNU2
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - Extinct Disney
Brought to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show officially opened to guests on May 5, 2005. Adapted from its sister attraction, Moteurs… Action! Stunt Show Spectacular, which debuted in March 2002 at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris, the show was a high-octane
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