Ranking the Legendary Classic Disney World Rides Still Open in 2025
Walt Disney World is built on the idea of change, but lately, that change has meant saying goodbye to rides that once defined the parks. Attractions from the 70s and 80s are becoming rare survivors, each more valuable as others disappear. For longtime fans, every closure feels like losing a piece of the park’s soul.
Some beloved favorites are still around, and for 2025, we’re ranking them from the ones that barely hang on to the ones that continue to reign supreme.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Before celebrating the survivors, it’s worth acknowledging the attractions that have already vanished. Splash Mountain has been transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, while Tom Sawyer Island, the Rivers of America, and the Liberty Belle Riverboat have all closed. At Animal Kingdom, It’s Tough to Be a Bug made way for a new Zootopia experience.
Hollywood Studios hasn’t been spared either—Muppet Vision 3D has shut down, and the legendary Great Movie Ride is a memory. Even DINOSAUR has its fate sealed, with closure confirmed for 2026 to make room for an Indiana Jones adventure.
These departures remind us that the “classics” we still enjoy could disappear just as suddenly, which makes the surviving rides all the more meaningful to rank.
10. Tomorrowland Speedway (1971)
It’s loud, smelly, and rough, but kids love it. The Speedway has been around since opening day, letting young drivers hold the wheel for the first time. Outdated? Sure. But it remains a rite of passage that keeps its spot on the list.
9. Living with the Land (1982)
This gentle boat ride through futuristic greenhouses represents the spirit of EPCOT. Guests see crops grown experimentally, learn about sustainability, and get a breather from the Florida heat. It’s not flashy, but its loyal fan base proves education can still entertain.
8. “it’s a small world” (1971)
The dolls, the colors, and yes—the song. This ride defines Disney nostalgia. While its repetitiveness keeps it from climbing higher, its global message and history make it impossible to leave off the list. Families still line up for its timeless magic.
7. Carousel of Progress (1975)
Walt Disney’s personal touch gives this rotating theater show special weight. It follows the evolution of American life through the decades, serving as both a history lesson and a Disney artifact. It might not draw the biggest crowds, but its legacy secures a safe spot.
6. Jungle Cruise (1971)
Jungle Cruise thrives thanks to its skippers. The jokes and banter keep every ride fresh, and recent updates have kept it relevant for modern audiences. It blends humor, animatronics, and classic Disney charm in a way few rides can.
5. Journey Into Imagination with Figment (1983, updated)
Figment is EPCOT’s mischievous mascot, and though the original 1983 version is long gone, the dragon’s popularity keeps the attraction alive. The current ride isn’t universally loved, but fan devotion to Figment guarantees this quirky ride’s survival.
4. Spaceship Earth (1982)
EPCOT’s icon is more than just a photo backdrop. Inside the sphere, guests trace the history of communication through beautifully staged scenes. Regular updates have kept it fresh, while its symbolism as the heart of EPCOT earns it a high ranking.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight (1971)
Short and simple, yet eternally magical. This dark ride’s suspended pirate ships create the illusion of flying over London and Neverland. Long wait times prove that even the simplest rides can hold a special power.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean (1973)
Catchy songs, atmospheric sets, and a billion-dollar movie franchise—it doesn’t get much more influential. Updates have added Jack Sparrow and toned down some dated scenes, keeping the ride modern while preserving its spirit. Only one classic edges it out.
1. Haunted Mansion (1971)
No ride embodies Disney storytelling better. With its eerie visuals, sharp humor, and groundbreaking effects, Haunted Mansion balances spooky and silly like no other. More than fifty years later, it’s still one of the park’s most popular attractions and the king of the classics.
Enduring Legends
Disney World has shown that nothing lasts forever, making these classics’ survival feel even more meaningful. Whether you ride them for nostalgia, history, or pure fun, they connect generations of visitors. Which one tops your list of must-ride classics?
