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Disney World Just Quietly Axed Its Most “Terrifying” Rides

Something is quietly changing inside Walt Disney World Resort. A place once known for thrilling moments hidden within its fairy tale magic is slowly erasing the “scary” factor. Instead of big scares and jumpy moments, Disney seems to be leaning into something softer—a gentler, family-first approach designed to make every attraction approachable for guests of all ages.

This isn’t a sudden shift. It’s been building over time, with specific experiences being reworked, rethemed, or removed entirely. For families who’ve avoided certain rides because they were just too intense for young kids, this could be welcome news. But for fans who love those edge-of-your-seat moments, it’s starting to feel like the end of an era.

A colorful amusement park ride in the heart of Disney World features a large, smiling, flying elephant with big pink ears and a blue and yellow cap. Amidst lively Disney World crowds, the ride's ornate details shine beautifully against a blue sky dotted with clouds.
Credit: Disney

Disney’s Balancing Act

For years, Disney managed to mix enchantment with just the right touch of fear. It gave kids bragging rights for conquering something spooky while still feeling like part of a fairytale. But some attractions hit a little too hard—especially for younger guests.

Parents planning their dream vacation often skipped certain rides entirely. You could practically hear it in the parks: “Oh no, not that one—she’ll cry the whole time.” That’s the kind of reputation some of these attractions have built over the years, despite not being traditional haunted houses.

Now Disney is softening those sharper edges and creating a more universally comfortable experience. And it started in a big way with two long-standing attractions.

A skeleton pirate on Pirates of the Caribbean
Credit: Disney

The End of It’s Tough to Be a Bug

One of the most prominent examples of this shift is It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On the surface, it seemed innocent—a charming 4D show inspired by A Bug’s Life (1998). But once the lights went out, things got… well, a little too real.

Between the hissing and the crawling sensations on the seats, and the towering Hopper animatronic barking orders, this attraction was notorious for sending kids running for the exit. Disney has officially shuttered the show to make way for a new Zootopia experience, marking a clear departure from anything that might be deemed “too scary.”

animal kingdom's tree of life walt disney world disney park disconvery island it's tough to be a bug replaced with zootopia show disney imagineers tree of life theater
Credit: Ken Lund /Flickr

DINOSAUR’s Last Roar

Another significant change is happening over in DinoLand U.S.A. DINOSAUR is closing to make room for Tropical Americas. This ride was intense, to say the least. Guests were plunged into a dark, roaring prehistoric world with flashing lights, sudden jolts, and terrifying dinosaurs lurking around every turn.

For years, parents debated whether their kids could handle it, and many opted out altogether. Disney’s decision to retire the attraction reflects its broader push for rides that are more fun than frightening.

DINOSAUR attraction in DinoLand U.S.A.
Credit: Disney

A Pattern Emerges

Once you examine the changes, the pattern becomes evident. Disney is gradually distancing itself from experiences that have a reputation for startling children or feeling too intense for families. Nothing has been officially announced beyond these closures, but fans are already guessing which attractions could be next in line.

Haunted Mansion and Pirates May See Tweaks

Two classics—Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean—are getting plenty of fan speculation. Haunted Mansion is beloved for its eerie atmosphere, but for young children, the dark rooms and ghostly whispers can be overwhelming. Pirates, while less frightening, still features some intense moments, such as cannon blasts and dark drops.

Neither ride is likely to disappear entirely, but subtle reworks to make them a little more “kid-forward” wouldn’t be shocking.

Hatbox ghost at Haunted Mansion
Credit: Disney

The Big Thrills Could Be Next

And then there are the bigger thrill rides. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is practically built around scaring people. Its creepy hotel theme and sudden plunges are legendary. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance isn’t a horror ride, but its realistic battle sequences and intensity make it a hard pass for many kids.

Disney isn’t tearing these rides down tomorrow—but in a park shifting toward a softer tone, they stand out.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, a Disney star wars ride at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

The Start of a New Era

Disney’s parks have always evolved with the times, and this may be the clearest sign yet of a new era. For families with small children, it’s a welcome shift. But thrill seekers might see it as Disney trading its scares for safety.

Whether this is a short-term pivot or a long-term strategy, one thing’s clear: the fright factor that once defined certain attractions is fading fast.

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