5 Disney Rides that are Better than what they Replaced

May 9, 2024

5 Disney Rides that are Better than what they Replaced

News of a beloved Disney ride getting an update can be bittersweet. We cherish these experiences woven into our childhood memories, and the thought of alteration can feel unsettling.

Sometimes, these changes fall flat, leaving us yearning for the past. But occasionally, the “new” can surprise us. Over time, we might even find new ways to connect with the updated attraction, just like we did with its predecessor.

Here are 5 rides we feel are better than the rides they replaced.

California Screamin’ to the Incredicoaster

California Screamin’ certainly delivered the thrills! With a heart-pounding launch, impressive length, and the only inversion in Disneyland, it was a guaranteed adrenaline rush. But while the ride excelled in excitement, its theming left some room for improvement.

In 2018, Disney California Adventure’s Paradise Pier underwent a transformation into Pixar Pier. California Screamin’ wasn’t left out of the fun! This thrilling coaster received a complete reimagining, becoming the incredible Incredicoaster.

Superhero Makeover:

The coaster is now themed around the hit Disney/Pixar film “The Incredibles.”
Guests are greeted by a hilarious preshow featuring Edna Mode discussing the superhero makeover and Jack-Jack causing playful pandemonium with his powers.
The iconic sound tunnels? They’ve become part of the story, showcasing Jack-Jack’s escape through the coaster!
Large scenes featuring Edna and Jack-Jack open and close the ride experience, adding to the immersive feel.

This transformation is a fan favorite! Gone is the generic California theme, replaced by the heart-stopping world of the Incredibles. It’s a perfect example of how theming can take a thrilling ride to the next level.

Adventure Thru Inner Space to Star Tours

Disneyland’s Adventure Thru Inner Space (1967-1985) pioneered the Omnimover ride system, taking guests on a shrinking journey through giant snowflakes to the heart of an atom. Reflecting Walt Disney’s vision of a futuristic Tomorrowland, it closed to make way for new experiences.

Facing lackluster 80s films, new Disney CEO Eisner turned to Star Wars. He and George Lucas created Star Tours, a groundbreaking motion simulator ride that took guests on a thrilling space adventure. The immersive queue felt like a real starport terminal, complete with “travel posters” to Star Wars planets and iconic droids like C-3PO and R2-D2.

In 2011, Star Tours blasted off into a new era with 3D thrills and exciting destinations. The update earned a prestigious award for “Outstanding Attraction Refresh.” But the fun didn’t stop there! Disney added even more Star Wars adventures,including characters and worlds from the Skywalker saga. Now, with 21 randomized scenes per ride, guests can experience up to 700 unique journeys through the galaxy!

Maelstrom to Frozen Ever After

Replacing the Maelstrom ride in 2016 sparked debate. While the original showcased Norway, Disney felt Frozen’s Nordic inspiration made it a fitting addition to the World Showcase. The new ride lets guests experience the film’s magic in a familiar setting.

While some Epcot veterans miss the original Maelstrom ride’s tribute to Norwegian culture, the new Frozen Ever After undeniably offers a dose of enchanting fun.

Gone are the bare walls! The new Frozen Ever After queue takes guests through Oaken’s Trading Post and Sauna,complete with playful peeks from Oaken and his family. The boat ride itself retains the familiar Nordic vessels and thrilling drops, but now it’s a snowy celebration in Arendelle! Guests sail past beloved Frozen characters like Anna,Kristoff, and Elsa, brought to life with stunning projection technology.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

EPCOT’s classic Universe of Energy, despite its charm, felt like a long lecture even for energy enthusiasts (clocking in at 45 minutes!). In 2017, Ellen’s Energy Adventure offered a more humorous take, but the ride still lacked repeat appeal.

Enter Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! This thrilling coaster seamlessly blends the Guardians’ spacey fun with EPCOT’s educational roots.

What’s New:

A Blast to the Past: The ride cleverly references classic EPCOT attractions through Peter Quill’s childhood memories.
Welcome to Xandar! Guests explore the wonders of this advanced planet through a “Galaxarium” exhibit.
Cosmic Capers: Join the Guardians on a hilarious chase to retrieve a stolen device, complete with a first-of-its-kind reverse launch and 360-degree rotating vehicles!

Cosmic Rewind is a welcome shot of adrenaline and laughter, proving EPCOT can be both fun and educational!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!

Disneyland’s Tower of Terror, while exciting, felt like a pale imitation of its Hollywood Studios counterpart. The lack of a horizontal “Fifth Dimension” section left some fans wanting more.

Enter Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! This Marvel reimagining isn’t just a coat of paint – it’s a full-blown adventure!

Here’s Why Fans Love It:

Collector’s Trove: The queue and pre-show are filled with the Collector’s wacky assortment of relics, setting the scene perfectly.
Star-Lord’s Crew: The ride features original storylines with the voices of the Guardians actors!
Rocket Takes Flight: Watch in awe as a state-of-the-art Rocket animatronic blasts through the vents.
Awesome Mix for Awesome Thrills: The iconic soundtrack adds energy to every drop sequence.
Six Unique Drops: Each ride experience is different, with its own visuals, music, and storyline!

This innovative update proves that sometimes, a reimagining can be even better than the original!

Do you like the new rides better than the old versions?

Skip the wait times and planning stress! As your free Disney expert, I’ll navigate the booking process, find hidden deals for your magical adventure, and craft a personalized itinerary filled with must-dos and hidden gems. Contact me today and let’s make your Disney trip unforgettable!

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Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!