Disney World has spent the last several years transforming its parks around blockbuster franchises, and longtime fans have noticed the difference. Attractions based on Frozen (2013), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Toy Story (1995), and Star Wars now dominate large sections of the resort as Disney continues to lean into recognizable characters and modern IPs.
That strategy has helped shape the company’s plans across all four parks.
At the same time, several classic attractions now feel increasingly out of place compared to Disney’s newer direction.
Disney Already Replaced Several Park Staples
Fans have already watched some major Disney World attractions disappear.
The Great Movie Ride gave way to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. EPCOT replaced Maelstrom with Frozen Ever After. Splash Mountain eventually became Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Disney also permanently closed Muppet*Vision 3D in 2025 as Hollywood Studios prepares for a Monsters, Inc.-themed expansion.
Animal Kingdom continues changing as well. Disney is phasing out DINOSAUR and much of DinoLand U.S.A. as construction on Tropical Americas progresses.
Because of those changes, many guests have started paying closer attention to which attractions could eventually be next.
EPCOT Continues Feeling Like a Transitioning Park
Few rumors inside Disney World continue to circulate as widely as the idea that Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros could eventually become a Coco (2017) attraction.
The film fits naturally inside the Mexico Pavilion, and Disney has already shown a willingness to replace classic EPCOT attractions when stronger franchises become available.
Mission: SPACE also remains a frequent target of speculation.
Some guests still enjoy the intense simulator ride, while others avoid it due to motion sickness. The attraction also lacks the recognizable Disney characters now shaping much of EPCOT’s identity.
Then there is Figment.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment still attracts loyal fans, but the attraction itself often receives criticism for feeling outdated. Rumors about updates or major changes continue to surface year after year.
Magic Kingdom Could Eventually Follow the Same Trend
Tomorrowland Speedway increasingly feels disconnected from the land surrounding it.
The attraction originally represented futuristic driving, but loud gas-powered cars no longer feel very futuristic to many guests. Some Disney fans now believe the space could eventually evolve into a Stitch-themed Tomorrowland experience instead.
Stitch already has deep ties to Magic Kingdom history, and many guests believe a space-themed attraction centered around the character would fit Tomorrowland far better.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh also sparks occasional replacement rumors.
Some fans believe Disney could eventually turn the attraction into a more interactive experience inspired by “Playdate with Winnie the Pooh” and Disney Jr.-style entertainment offerings.
The Barnstormer feels vulnerable for similar reasons. Disney continues to prioritize larger franchises throughout the parks, and the coaster’s current Goofy theme lacks the same IP strength.
Star Tours Feels Different in the Galaxy’s Edge Era
Star Tours once represented Disney’s biggest Star Wars experience.
That changed once Galaxy’s Edge opened at Hollywood Studios.
Guests can now step directly into Batuu, pilot the Millennium Falcon, and experience Rise of the Resistance nearby. As a result, some fans feel Star Tours now exists between two completely different eras of Star Wars storytelling.
Disney still updates scenes in the simulator attraction, but questions about its long-term future continue to surface among guests.
Disney’s Direction Seems Pretty Obvious
None of these attractions has officially been confirmed for replacement, and several may remain untouched for years.
Still, Disney’s recent track record has made many fans increasingly nervous about older attractions that lack strong franchise ties.
The company has clearly embraced recognizable IP as the future of Walt Disney World.
For longtime guests, that means one difficult reality continues hanging over the parks.
Even Disney classics no longer feel completely safe.
