Disney’s Next Victims: Which Classic Rides Could Disappear Before You Know It
When people think of Walt Disney World, it’s the timeless rides that come to mind—Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight. These aren’t just attractions; they’re family traditions. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that nothing at Disney is truly permanent. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Maelstrom, and even Splash Mountain all prove that classics can be replaced in the blink of an eye.
So, what’s safe and what’s hanging by a thread? Let’s break it down.
The Attractions on the Brink
The one ride that’s already got an expiration date is DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom. Disney confirmed its final days will come in 2026 as the space gets reimagined into a land featuring Indiana Jones and Encanto. After nearly 30 years of prehistoric chaos, its time is officially up.
Next up on the “likely doomed” list is Gran Fiesta Tour inside EPCOT’s Mexico pavilion. Fans love the Three Caballeros, but the long-standing rumor is that this boat ride is destined to transform into a Coco attraction. With Disney pushing harder than ever to tie rides to movies, it feels more like “when” than “if.”
And let’s not forget the already-gone favorites. Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat all closed in 2025, sacrificed to make way for Cars Land. That was a brutal reminder that nostalgia alone doesn’t save anything.
Attractions in the Middle Zone
Other rides may not be leaving, but they’re going through changes that make fans a little uneasy. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in the middle of a long refurbishment, and while Disney swears it’s just maintenance, the project’s scale leaves room for speculation. Will it come back feeling familiar—or something else entirely?
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also being overhauled. Between new vehicles, fresh scoring systems, and Pixar-inspired additions, it’ll be almost unrecognizable from the 1998 version. Technically, it’s sticking around, but the ride many grew up with won’t be.
The Safer Bets
Some rides don’t appear to be under any real threat. Carousel of Progress might feel dated, but its historical ties to Walt himself have cemented its place. Spaceship Earth, the icon of EPCOT, is in the same category—it might get an upgrade down the road, but the park’s symbol isn’t going anywhere.
The Untouchables
Finally, there are the rides that define Disney parks. Haunted Mansion’s fan base is massive. Pirates of the Caribbean still draws lines decades after it opened. Peter Pan’s Flight consistently racks up some of the longest waits in the park. And Tower of Terror has cemented itself as Hollywood Studios’ crown jewel. These are the rides Disney knows better than to mess with.
The Takeaway
If you’ve got a favorite, ride it every chance you get. Disney’s history makes it clear: no attraction is 100% safe. The parks are constantly evolving, and sometimes, even the most beloved rides are next on the chopping block.
