11 Disney World Rides Facing Overhaul Under Josh D’Amaro

Josh D’Amaro is about to step into one of the most influential jobs in entertainment. Within days, the longtime Disney Parks leader will become CEO of The Walt Disney Company, inheriting a massive portfolio that includes films, streaming, merchandise, and, of course, the theme parks.

For Disney fans, leadership changes often raise an immediate question: What will happen to the rides?

D’Amaro built his reputation by overseeing expansions, new lands, and park improvements during his time leading Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. With that background, many observers expect the parks to remain central to Disney’s strategy moving forward.

And that could place several classic Walt Disney World attractions under the spotlight.

Taking Over Bob Iger’s Legacy

Bob Iger spent years guiding Disney through enormous change. His tenure included major acquisitions, the growth of Disney’s streaming platforms, and continued investment in theme parks worldwide.

Now, as Iger prepares to step aside, D’Amaro steps forward as the next leader of the company.

Unlike many past CEOs, D’Amaro arrives with deep park experience. He previously oversaw Walt Disney World operations and later led Disney’s global parks division. That background gives him an unusually close connection to the attractions guests experience every day.

Still, that connection doesn’t necessarily mean the parks will stay the same.

Disney Has a Long History of Updating Rides

Disney has never treated its rides as untouchable relics. Over the years, the company has refreshed technology, added new scenes, and occasionally introduced recognizable characters into classic attractions.

Sometimes those changes help attractions stay relevant for modern audiences. Other times, they spark passionate debates among fans who prefer the original versions.

With D’Amaro preparing to lead the company, attention naturally turns to which attractions could be next.

Several long-standing Walt Disney World rides stand out as potential candidates.

Classic EPCOT Attractions Facing Questions

EPCOT features several attractions that fans frequently discuss when updates come up.

Spaceship Earth remains one of the park’s most iconic experiences, guiding guests through the history of communication inside EPCOT’s massive geodesic sphere. Disney once planned a significant update to the ride before postponing the project, leaving many to wonder whether the idea could return.

Mission: SPACE presents a different challenge. The ride still attracts thrill-seekers, but it also has a reputation for being too intense for some guests. Disney already introduced a gentler version of the experience, yet some fans believe the attraction could eventually receive a broader refresh.

Then there’s Journey Into Imagination With Figment, one of the most passionately debated attractions at EPCOT. The ride has changed several times over the years, and many longtime fans still hope for a major overhaul that restores more of the character’s original charm.

Magic Kingdom’s Classic Headliners

Magic Kingdom features several attractions that have defined the park for decades.

Space Mountain remains one of the park’s most famous roller coasters. However, its ride system and effects feel noticeably different from those of some newer Disney coasters around the world, raising ongoing questions about potential modernization.

Haunted Mansion sits in a similar position. The attraction has received small updates over the years, but still relies on the same core storytelling that made it famous. Future changes would likely focus on enhancing the experience rather than altering it entirely.

It’s a Small World also continues to spark discussion among fans. While the ride remains a Magic Kingdom staple, other versions of the attraction have incorporated recognizable Disney characters into their scenes, leading some to wonder whether Florida might eventually follow suit.

Jungle Cruise represents another attraction that continues to evolve. The ride’s humor-driven storytelling and live skippers give Disney plenty of flexibility to refresh scenes or introduce new narrative elements.

Pirates of the Caribbean rounds out the group of Magic Kingdom classics that often come up in speculation. The Florida version remains shorter than versions found in other parks, which has fueled rumors for years about possible expansion.

Hollywood Studios Attractions in the Spotlight

Disney’s Hollywood Studios also features attractions that could attract attention.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror remains one of the park’s most recognizable experiences. While Disney rethemed the ride at Disney California Adventure into a Marvel attraction, the Florida version still maintains its classic theme.

Star Tours presents another interesting situation. The ride played a major role in Disney’s early partnership with Star Wars, but today it exists alongside newer attractions tied to the franchise. Disney continues to update Star Tours with new destinations and characters, making it an attraction that can evolve.

A Turning Point for Disney’s Attractions

Whenever leadership changes occur at Disney, the parks often evolve along with the company.

Josh D’Amaro’s arrival as CEO could bring another wave of updates designed to keep Walt Disney World competitive and exciting for future visitors. None of these attractions has confirmed changes on the horizon, but their age and visibility place them squarely in the conversation.

For Disney fans, that creates a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation.

Because if Disney history shows anything, it’s that even the most beloved rides can eventually change.