Since it's opening in 1971, Disney World has been the top vacation spot for guests all around the world. It is estimated that more than 48 million guests visit Disney World each year, making it the most visited vacation resort in the world. Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, and twenty-five resorts making it Disney's flagship resort destination.

Much like Disneyland in California, Disney World's main draw is it's theme parks. From the Magic Kingdom to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney World's theme parks have a plethora of rides and attractions for guests of all ages to enjoy. However, many of these attractions have changed over the years as Walt himself would have intended.

Today, we will be looking at five of Disney World's most *missed* attractions. Have you heard of any of these now defunct attractions?

*Please note that this will also include rides that may have the same theme, but a different experience.*

1. Horizons

Horizons opened on October 1st, 1983 in the Future World section of the EPCOT Center. A spiritual successor to Disney's the Carousel of Progress, Horizons invited guests to take a look at future living in various fantastical locations. Featuring OmniMax screens and a Pick Your Own Adventure ending, Horizons was on the cutting edge of 80's technology.

Sadly, the attraction would close on January 9th, 1999 due to it losing it's GE sponsorship, upsetting its many devoted fans. Even worse, the building was unceremoniously torn down and replaced with Mission: SPACE. Fortunately, the attraction lives on in various tribute websites and youtube videos across the internet.

2. The Great Movie Ride

Opening along with MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios) in 1989, the Great Movie Ride took guests on a journey through Hollywood's most iconic films such as "The Wizard of Oz", "Alien", and "Casablanca". Featuring both animatronics and live performers, the Great Movie Ride became an instant favorite with park guests.

Suddenly, it was announced at the 2017 D23 Expo that the Great Movie Ride would be shutting its doors, angering many of its fans (including myself). Fortunately, the facade of the Chinese Theatre will remain, but a new attraction will be featured: Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (yikes).

3. The Living Seas

Here we are again at the EPCOT Center (you'll notice that I really love the old EPCOT attractions). The Living Seas opened in 1986, making it the EPCOT Center's sixth Future World pavilion. The pavilion focused on the exploration of the seas and the various creatures that lived within them. At the time of its opening, its saltwater tank was the largest in the nation, holding over 5.7 million US gallons.

After losing its sponsorship with United Technologies in 1998, the Living Seas ran unsponsored until 2005 when it was closed to begin its transformation into the Seas with Nemo & Friends. The pavilion opened back up in 2007, inviting guests to explore the seas with Nemo and his friends.

4. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea debuted at the Magic Kingdom on October 14th, 1971. Located in Fantasyland, this E-ticket attraction whisked guests to the ocean floor aboard the Nautilus with Captian Nemo as their guide.

The ride included scenes from the 1955 film, complete with an attack by a giant squid. The ride was closed in 1994 without any sort of warning and was rethemed to Ariel's Grotto. The location of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is now the Seven Dwarves Mine Train, erasing any and all remnants of the old attraction.

5. The Wonders of Life

Are you sensing a theme here?

Probably because EPCOT had the best attractions. The Wonders of Life pavilion opened in 1989, completing Future World's roster of attractions. Sponsered by MetLife, The Wonders of Life focused on the human body and it's many wonders (hence, the Wonders of Life). The pavilion also contained EPCOT's first ever thrill ride: Body Wars. If you've been on Star Tours in Hollywood Studios, it's essentially the same ride, but a different theme.

After MetLife dropped its sponsorship, the pavilion began to fall into a state of disrepair. Eventually, the pavilion closed in 2007 and became vacant for years until EPCOT turned it into a festival center for its various festivals during the year. Cast Members say that the Body Wars queue is still intact, however, it's ride vehicles have long since been removed.