If there’s one thing Disney fans know, it’s that change at the parks is inevitable. Walt himself believed the parks should never be complete, and Disney has carried that philosophy forward. But let’s be honest—some changes feel like pure magic, while others leave fans scratching their heads. Here’s a ranking of Disney World’s major ride rethemes, starting with the best glow-ups and ending with the ones that missed the mark.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This one tops the list for good reason. EPCOT took a gamble replacing Universe of Energy, and it paid off big time. A spinning, backward-launch coaster with a playlist of classic hits? It’s thrilling, fun, and everything fans didn’t know they needed.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The debate around Splash Mountain’s closure was intense, but the new attraction holds its own. The ride keeps the same heart-pounding drops while introducing Tiana’s world in a way that feels fresh, vibrant, and worth celebrating.
Frozen Ever After
Goodbye Maelstrom, hello Anna and Elsa. While some fans still mourn Norway’s cultural showcase, the Frozen retheme keeps the boat ride fun and immersive. The animatronics are top-notch, and the soundtrack pulls kids (and adults) right in.
Test Track (1999 Update)
The first version of Test Track that replaced World of Motion felt groundbreaking. Guests got to “test drive” cars and hit high speeds around the track. Later rethemes haven’t lived up to it, but the 1999 version was legendary.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Replacing Mr. Toad wasn’t popular, but Pooh’s ride has carved out its place in Fantasyland. It’s colorful, silly, and perfect for families, even if purists still long for the chaos of Mr. Toad.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
The ride looks gorgeous from the outside, but inside, it’s a little too safe. Ariel’s story deserved something bigger, and while it’s not a total flop, it lands squarely in the “just fine” category.
Gran Fiesta Tour
Donald and friends took over what was once a cultural journey through Mexico, and while kids enjoy it, many fans feel something important was lost. Rumors keep swirling that Coco might replace it—and honestly, that might be for the best.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
This one? Ouch. The original Journey Into Imagination is a Disney legend. The current version just doesn’t hold up, no matter how much love Figment gets. For many fans, it’s the most disappointing retheme of all time.
