Top 10 Defunct Theme Park Attractions We Miss

#10: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Disney California Adventure
Sometimes, its only a certain version of a ride being decommissioned, while other iterations remain active in different parks. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop rides do still exist in places such as Tokyo Disney and Disneyland Paris, while the original is still operating at Walt Disney World in Orlando. However, the version that once thrilled park goers at Disney California Adventure was scrapped to make way for attractions tying into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Specifically, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror was replaced in May of 2017 by Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout!
#9: Adventure Thru Inner Space
Disneyland
Pay no attention to the fact that the Disneyland attraction Adventure Thru Inner Space was brought to park goers by the much-villified Monsanto Company back in 1967. The makers of Round-Up lent their name to this once-popular Omnimover attraction that simulated the shrinking down of its visitors to the molecular level. Adventure Thru Inner Space ran until Star Wars fever essentially burned so hot that Disney abandoned the attraction in favor of George Lucas Star Tours, which coincidentally also went the way of the dodo. That said, Adventure Thru Inner Space enjoyed a solid run that lasted nearly twenty years.
#8: Journey into Imagination
Epcot at Walt Disney World
If it aint broke, dont fix it. This was essentially what Disney fans had to say when the original Journey into Imagination was shuttered back in 1998. The ride was reimagined and reopened with a new title, Journey into YOUR Imagination, for about two years, until entering its final form, Journey into Imagination with Figment in 2002. The issues many fans had with the reinvention remained, however, specifically the omission of a character named Dreamfinder from the original Omnimover experience. Disney apparently underestimated the power of nostalgia with this one, although it should be said that the new version at least references its heritage with the Figment character, as well as a reference to the Dreamfinder.
#7: Kongfrontation
Universal Studios Florida
It sort of seems like a no-brainer, right? Why wouldnt you want a ride featuring the eighth wonder of the world, King Kong, on your park grounds? Still, that didnt stop Universal Studios Florida from removing its highly popular Kongfrontation attraction back in 2002. The strange thing was that Universal simply replaced one monster with another, since Kongfrontation was sidelined in favor of Revenge of the Mummy. On one hand, we totally get why Universal wants to honor its monster heritage, but why do so at the expense of cinemas most beloved simian? Perhaps it was because Kongfrontation was based upon the 70s King Kong film, and Peter Jacksons CGI remake was then on the horizon? Who knows?
#6: Extraterrorestrial Alien Encounter
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
The culture behind Disney theme parks today seems to straddle a fine line between family-friendly entertainment and the sort of thrills adults want to experience, sans children. The Extraterrorestrial Alien Encounter was actually produced in conjunction with George Lucas Lucasfilm, containing themes that some parents claimed scared their kids. The complaints regarding the content of the Extraterrorestrial Alien Encounter were part of the reason why the attraction was closed down back in 2003. This theatrical production had a decent eight-year run at Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom, but its sort of telling that a ride tying into the Lilo & Stitch franchise emerged in its place.
#5: Kingda Ka
Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
This thrilling roller coaster almost celebrated its twentieth birthday in 2025, but alas, it was not to be. Kingda Ka was a fan-favorite attraction from Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey, a strata coaster with an immense drop. Kingda Ka even provided riders with a momentary feeling of weightlessness as it was winding down, thanks to an airtime hill during the final descent. The coaster also achieved speeds over 120 miles per hour, but nothing good lasts forever. Kingda Ka was closed in 2024, being officially demolished in January and February of 2025.
#4: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
It speaks volumes that a book from 1870 could be adapted into a 1954 film, and further developed into a ride that would last from 1971 to 1994. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage took visitors on a dark ride that simulated a descent into the briny deep. The ride would utilize music, animatronics, and other visuals to achieve this end, culminating in a recreation of the films climactic encounter with a giant squid. It took a lot of money, time, and people power to keep 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage operational, however. It was permanently closed (for maintenance) in 1994.
#3: Horizons
Epcot at Walt Disney World
The legacy of Walt Disneys Epcot experiment has always been this nexus point of entertainment and education. Horizons certainly achieved this goal when it opened at Walt Disney Worlds Epcot back in 1983. This Omnimover attraction suspended guests in the air, showing them visions of the future, potential scenarios involving everything from everyday family life to exciting new ways of communication. It was a fascinating time capsule (no pun intended) that tied into cultural optimism in a great way. Horizons was first closed in 1994, although a four-year reprieve from 1995 to 99 was all it could muster before officially becoming a thing of Disneys past.
#2: Back to the Future: The Ride
Universal Studios Florida
Pop culture enjoys an eternal state of flux, with properties coming and going, ebbing and flowing with the public interest. That said, were honestly sort of surprised that Back to the Future: The Ride couldnt make it through to the modern day. After all, it isnt as if this film franchise has disappeared from the public consciousness. We, as fans, shouldnt have to suffer through poor sequels or shoddy remakes in order for our favorite franchises to be considered relevant by big corporations, right? Right! Thats why were gonna say it here and now: bring back this awesome motion simulator! We dont care if you have to hit 88 miles per hour in a DeLorean to do it.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
The Blade, Alton Towers, United Kingdom
A Pirate Ride Retired in 2024 After a 44-Year Run
Big Bad Wolf, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The OG Closed in 2009, But The Wolf Could Get Revenge
The Great Movie Ride, Disneys Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
A Flashback to Classic Movies That Closed in 2017
The Skyway, Disneyland & Walt Disney World
Whoever Said a Tramway Couldnt Also Double as an Attraction?
Captain EO (1986)
Michael Jackson Cinematic Collab with George Lucas & Disney
Fake Out #1
The Water Slide at Action Park
Just for the thrill of it.
#1: Jaws: The Ride
Universal Studios Florida
Never let them forget what they took from us. Okay, so that may sound quite hyperbolic, but can you really blame us? On one hand, were really happy that Universal Studios Japan not only received the original Jaws: The Ride from its original home in Orlando, Florida, but even had the attraction EXPANDED for its visitors. At the other end of things, what about all of the park goers who came to adore all of the thrills (and photo ops) afforded to them by their Jaws: The Ride? Granted, its understandable that Universal needed to make room for their Wizarding World of Harry Potter area. But did you have to do it at the expense of Bruce?! Boo, Universal. Booooo.
Which abandoned or defunct theme park attractions make you the most nostalgic? Let us know in the comments!