Disneyland, Disney World rides permanently closed in 2017
It is that time of year again, when we reflect and say good-bye to all of the rides and attractions that permanently closed at Disneyland and Disney World.
The list for 2017 is not as long as it has been in prior years, but there were a few heartfelt losses. Most of the closures will be making way for new attractions and still some major closings will not be taking place until after the New Year.
So, raise a Dole Whip to those rides and shows we have lost this year:
Jan. 3, 2017: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at California Adventure in Disneyland was closed to be re-themed as the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! in May.
May 1, 2017: #INCREDIBLESsuperdanceparty at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. This Tomorrowland-based dance party stuck around for about 3 and half years.
May 12, 2017: Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom. For over 13 years Jimmy Cricket and the Blue Fairy taught us “Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart. And the best part is, you’ll never run out of wishes. They’re shining deep down inside of you. ‘Cause that, my friends, is where the magic lives.” The show as replaced by a new fireworks show Happily Ever After.
July 3, 2017: DisneyQuest at Disney Springs in Disney World. This huge building was an indoor interactive theme park that opened on June 19, 1998 as part of a major Downtown Disney expansion. The concept of DisneyQuest was to bring the Disney brand to locations for people who could not travel to a theme park. A Chicago DisneyQuest opened in 1999, but was closed in 2001 after it losing money. Coming in it’s place will be the NBA Experience.
Aug. 14, 2017 was a big day at Disney World: Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot and The Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios closed for good. Ellen’s Energy Adventure will be replaced by a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and The Great Movie Ride will be replaced by Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride. In this attraction you “step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen.”
Aug. 20, 2017: Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland. Now, let’s not give up hope that this parade, which started in 1977 at the Magic Kingdom, won’t find a home at either the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland. After all, we all love the techno voice that screams – The Main Street Electrical Parade!
Aug. 28, 2017: The Music of Pixar Live! at Hollywood Studios. This limited-time stage show featured a live orchestra playing music from Pixar movies with the movie clips in the background.
Sept. 14, 2017: Avengers Training Initiative at California Adventure. This was another short-lived event, about three months, geared to kids 4 to 12 years of age to find out if they had the right stuff to be Avengers.
Sept. 29, 2017: American Music Machine at Epcot. This five-person a capella group starting playing in April 2015.
Dec. 31, 2017: Flights of Wonder at Animal Kingdom. The show will be replaced by a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney-Pixar’s “Up.” The new show will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur village, the Disney Parks Blog announced.
Dec. 31, 2017: La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs. After nearly 20 years, the show will close, but Cirque du Soleil will remain. It is working on a new show focused on Disney animation. No opening date for the new show has been announced.
