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Walt Disney’s Theme Park History Erased, Original Rides to be Condemned

In a surprising turn of events, Tokyo Disney Resort has unveiled early plans for a sweeping reimagining of Adventureland, sparking both excitement and deep concern among fans. As part of a larger strategy to prepare for the future through 2035, the resort’s parent company, Oriental Land Company, revealed new concept art — and longtime guests are already mourning what could soon be lost forever.

A First Look at the New Adventureland Concept

A colorful aerial illustration of a theme park with winding paths, gardens, water attractions, rides, buildings, and crowds of people, all surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic clouds.
Credit: Disney

The fresh rendering, straight from Walt Disney Imagineering, paints a very different picture of Adventureland. Beyond the current New Orleans area and nestled behind The Crystal Palace restaurant, the familiar landmarks of yesteryear are notably absent. Missing in the artwork are beloved staples like the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, Swiss Family Treehouse, and the Western River Railroad station — all icons since the park’s early days.

Although the press release didn’t dive into specifics, it confirmed that major changes are being explored, hinting that what we’re seeing could be the blueprint for Tokyo Disneyland’s future.

What the Concept Art Suggests

While details are scarce, keen-eyed fans have pieced together several hints from the concept illustration. The revamped Adventureland seems to explore vivid, wild settings that feel pulled from South or Central America. Among the vibrant scenery:

  • Paradise Falls from Disney-Pixar’s Up seems prominently featured, with colorful balloons soaring overhead.

  • A reimagined New Orleans district appears to expand deeper into the land.

  • A rowboat ride, playground area, and a high-speed roller coaster can be spotted.

  • A possible spinner ride inspired by The Incredibles (featuring Omnidroids) and a flying swing attraction are visible in a small village section.

  • A mysterious large show building anchors one side of the area — it could either represent a new major attraction or cleverly mask existing views of Westernland and Big Thunder Mountain to preserve sightlines.

Again, it’s important to stress: nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Fans are making educated guesses based on the images provided, and many questions still remain unanswered.

Which Attractions Are Most at Risk?

The potential loss of the Swiss Family Treehouse isn’t a shock — it’s been closed for years. However, seeing historic attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Enchanted Tiki Room missing from the plans is a genuine surprise.

The Western River Railroad’s fate is a little more complicated. The majority of its track exists in Westernland (Tokyo’s version of Frontierland), which we can’t fully see in the released artwork. Still, its current station appears removed or hidden, leaving its future uncertain.

If these beloved rides are indeed retired, it would mark a major cultural shift for Tokyo Disneyland — one that mirrors recent moves elsewhere in the resort.

Tokyo Disneyland’s Pattern of Change

A vibrant scene of a theme park with a red pirate ship docked in a clear blue water canal surrounded by lush green foliage. In the background, whimsical rocky hills rise under a bright blue sky.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disneyland is already making headlines for replacing aging classics. Earlier this year, the original Space Mountain closed its doors for good, clearing the way for a sleek, modernized version of the ride, set to open in 2027. The park is clearly signaling a readiness to evolve in bold, transformative ways, even at the expense of nostalgia.

It’s also worth remembering that past announcements for major expansions at Tokyo Disney Resort have changed after initial reveals. Fantasyland’s revitalization was altered significantly after public feedback, and the originally announced Frozen-only land for Tokyo DisneySea eventually expanded into the larger Fantasy Springs project.

Why Fans Shouldn’t Panic… Yet

While the concept art is certainly dramatic, it’s important to note that early plans often evolve. What we’re seeing now might not reflect the final blueprint for the land. Factors like guest feedback, construction challenges, and changing priorities could still reshape the outcome.

The resort’s history of adapting projects mid-stream means there’s still hope for the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, and other favorites — even if they’re currently missing from the official preview.

The Big Picture: Preparing for Tokyo Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary

All these changes align with Tokyo Disneyland’s broader strategy to reinvest in its future, especially with its 50th anniversary approaching in 2033. By revitalizing aging areas and injecting fresh energy into the parks, the Oriental Land Company hopes to keep Tokyo Disney Resort competitive and innovative well into the next decade.

Still, it’s clear that the emotional impact of losing cherished attractions will be significant for longtime fans — and conversations around this overhaul are just getting started.

What’s Next?

We’ll continue to monitor every announcement and update from Tokyo Disney Resort as this project develops. For now, one thing’s certain: Adventureland’s future will look very different — and the next decade will be one of the most transformational in the park’s history.

What are your thoughts? Would you welcome a completely new Adventureland, or do you think classics like the Jungle Cruise should be protected? Let us know!

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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