Fans all over the world have opinions about Disney theme parks. We are stubborn about our favorite rides, we mourn when an attraction closes, we celebrate when a new one opens, and we occasionally complain on social media about much-needed updates. Do the Disney parks really need to be changed all that much? Well, a little upkeep is always a good idea. Here are some things that could be changed or added to make Walt Disney World even more enjoyable.
1. A Moana attraction.
Moana, the latest princess movie, came out last November and did very well at the box office. While Moana currently has a temporary meet and greet space in hollywood Studios, she deserves a more permanent place at the parks (link). Anna and Elsa got a ride and a summer house meet-and-greet in EPCOT's Norway; Moana and her friends deserve the same attention. The story of Moana and demigod Maui is better suited for a stage show than a ride, similar to the Finding Nemo attraction in Animal Kingdom. It would be really something if Disney added an EPCOT country dedicated to Polynesian Islands and put Moana there, but I don't think she'd mind being in AK.
2. The Great Movie Ride.
Don't start tossing your rotten tomatoes on stage just yet folks! I love the Great Movie Ride. It's one of my favorites. I have a poster with one of the ride's signature slogans on my wall! However, I do think it needs some refurbishment. Unfortunately, many of the people enjoying this attraction aren't familiar with many of the movies being shown. I believe that the best way to update this ride while still maintaining its classic charms is to add scenes some other (and some more recent) movie classics: Titanic, Almost Famous, Mulholland Drive, The Godfather, The Lord of The Rings, The Breakfast Club, Good Will Hunting, Dead Poet's Society, Willy Wonka. Or maybe a room full of animatronics acting out iconic scenes ("I'll make him an offer he can't refuse!" et al) or animatronics of iconic couples. Personally, I think a shoutout to the evolution of teen movies wouldn't go amiss either (From Grease to Heathers to Clueless to Mean Girls), but that might just be me. A second track would also help alleviate wait times, and each track could have different movies. I understand that doing this would involve legal battles that I know nothing about, but I'm just throwing it out there!
3. DinoLand USA.
Confession time: I didn't know a whole lot about DinoLand until our most recent family trip to Disney World. I knew that there was something dinosaur related in Animal Kingdom, but I didn't know what! Honestly, for this area, a lot needs to be done, but what's already there gives Imagineers a lot to work with. Let's look at some of what is there: The Primeval Whirl has the style of an older roller coaster, there's classic arcade games that are hard to find elsewhere in the park; there's always 50's music playing; the DINOSAUR ride introduction video is clearly outdated. I don't think any of those things need to change. Instead, I think DinoLand should be revamped to look and feel like a classic carnival. Rickety coasters, games of chance, maybe add a few more dino-themed versions of rides that you'd find at a church festival. The Triceratops Spin can go (how many Dumbo-esque rides do we really need?) and The Boneyard and of course, Dino-Sue can and should stay.
4. The Tiki Room.
The Tiki Room is as much of an Adventureland staple as Dole Whip floats. It's a nice break from the heat, but the show itself is lackluster. A few years ago, it was "under new management" and the show was hosted by Disney birds like Iago and Zazu; however, that remake didn't last long, and the attraction is mostly back to the original. Maybe it's time for another change?
Now excuse me while I get the theme song stuck in my head for several hours. In the Tiki-Tiki-Tiki-Tiki-Tiki room...
5. Stitch's Great Escape.
It actually makes me sad to put this on the list. I love Stitch, and while I don't think this attraction is as bad as many people say, it definitely does need an upgrade. Having Stitch burp on you is fun once or twice when you're a kid. Not so fun when you're an adult. News of its temporary closing may soon be followed by an announcement of a replacement. The attraction is located on prime real estate, and Tomorrowland is all about pushing the boundaries of reality. There's plenty of other things to put here instead.
6. Muppet Vision 3-D.
Muppets are a classic Disney staple, but too many people are worried that they've fallen by the wayside in favor of all the new attractions popping up at Hollywood Studios. Additionally, many park-goers note that the show has been the same for years, which makes it a one-and-done type of attraction. If there was a different show, or perhaps multiple different ones, and if the Muppets were seen more throughout the park, this attraction would be much more popular.
7. EPCOT World Showcase
Actually, there's nothing wrong with the World Showcase. It's the single most perfect place in the world, in my opinion, which is why I want more of it.
Yes, there is room for a few more pavilions! Personally, I've been hoping for a Greece pavilion for a while now. Think of everything they could have: a nice little cafe where you can get souvlaki, feta, and stuffed grape leaves; a Hercules and Meg meet and great; the cast members dressed in traditional Evzone costumes! (Can you tell I'm a proud Greek?) Some other countries to include: Australia, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Brazil...the possibilities are endless.
8. EPCOT Future World
There's a lot that needs some revamping in Future World. Ellen's Energy Adventure, Living With The Land, Journey Into Imagination are all in desperate need of some updates. Hopefully, with Innoventions attractions closing, a Future World renaissance is on the horizon.
And finally...
9. Don't touch the Tower of Terror. Seriously.
Fans were devastated when Disney announced that the Tower of Terror ride in California would be turned into a Guardians of the Galaxy themed ride. The Tower is my favorite ride (well, one of my favorites--it's hard to choose just one) and I know I'm not alone in saying that if it gets altered in the same manner, there will be hell to pay. Not that I don't love Marvel, but nothing beats Rod Serling inviting you into a haunted elevator that drops you from 199 feet in the air several times.
Some rides and attractions don't need complete overhauls or major updates, but they do need some sprucing up. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, The Country Bear Jamboree, Carosel of Progress, Swiss Family Tree House, Expedition Everest, Art of Animation area, and the Astro Orbiter are all examples of areas that just need a little TLC to make them work like new again.