Disney World Quietly Closes Another Classic-Fans Are Outraged
A special kind of magic comes from walking into Disney World and feeling like nothing’s changed. Lately, Disney has been changing faster than guests can keep up. Classic rides and shows that defined the Disney experience for decades are disappearing—not all with a big sendoff.
Here’s a nostalgic walk through some of the attractions we’ve already lost (or seen dramatically changed), and a few more that might not be far behind.
A Snow White Story You Might’ve Forgotten
Unless you’re a hardcore Disney fan, you might not even remember Snow White’s Scary Adventures. It shut down in 2012 to make way for meet-and-greets in Princess Fairytale Hall.
The timing feels strangely poetic now that the 2024 Snow White movie bombed so badly, with fans wondering if the character will ever bounce back.
Bears Can Still Sing—Just Not the Same Songs
In 2024, Country Bear Jamboree returned with an all-new act. Sure, the bears are still there, but their old-school, tongue-in-cheek country tunes? Gone. Now they’re crooning Disney classics like The Bare Necessities. It’s cute but lost the quirky charm that made the original legendary.
No More Muppet Madness
MuppetVision 3D was one of those shows where you could count on a laugh—even if you’d seen it a dozen times. But in 2024, it was pulled from regular rotation. Now, the theater only runs seasonal shows. On the bright side, the Muppets are making a comeback with their 2026 retheme of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Say Goodbye to Quiet Time
Two peaceful, low-key attractions—Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America—disappeared in July 2025. The Liberty Belle steamboat was docked for good, and access to the island was shut down permanently.
These spots may not have had long lines, but they were some of the last corners of classic Disney tranquility. Guests could wander through caves, relax along the waterfront, or just escape the chaos of the crowds. Their closure likely hints at new expansion plans, possibly a reimagined land or major IP addition—but for many, it’s still a bittersweet farewell to a slower, quieter era of the park.
The Big Splash… Gone
This was the goodbye that probably pained fans the most. Splash Mountain was Disney water ride royalty. That catchy “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” finale? Iconic. The animatronics, the storybook charm, and that thrilling final drop made it a must-do for generations. But in early 2023, Disney officially closed the ride and began transforming it into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The updated version, which opened in 2024, features gorgeous visuals, new music, and nods to The Princess and the Frog. Still, it’s hard for longtime fans not to feel like they lost a core piece of Magic Kingdom nostalgia. Some are excited for the change—others are still mourning the mountain.
What’s Next?
Whispers keep circling around Swiss Family Treehouse, Carousel of Progress, and Journey Into Imagination with Figment. Some fans worry Big Thunder Mountain could be next. Disney may remove or retheme the Western rollercoaster with the new Villains Land expansion. While nothing’s confirmed, Disney’s slowly phasing out the classics.
So if there’s an old-school ride you love? You might want to catch it while you still can.
