While Disney may be home to many beloved attractions whose lives may very well stand the test of time, but some rides have been permanently dismantled to make way for new innovations in theme park entertainment. Here we take a moment to remember some of our favorite forgotten attractions from Disney Parks both near and far.
The Wonderful World of Crabs
Originally created to shelter Walt Disney’s several pet crabs, this attraction opened as an interactive walkthrough experience at Disneyland in July of 1955. Despite the fact that it was a generally well-liked attraction, the company predicted a decrease in the popularity of crabs following the closure of nearly all beachfront properties containing at least twelve crabs. Park-goers were forced to say goodbye to their crustacean pals on January 17, 1956, by men with ominous trenchcoats.
A Race Against Susan Sarandon
One of Disney World’s stand out attractions, this one-of-a-kind experience was only available to those visiting Disney’s MGM Studios in the summer of 2002. Passengers would embark on a perilous quest to beat Susan Sarandon at her own wicked game. Once seated in their Democratic Doombuggies, guests would be transported into the unpredictable realm of Emmy-nominated actress Susan Sarandon’s career, where you manage to outshine her at every turn, despite her accomplishing more than you ever will in your meager, pathetic lives.
Pattycake Corner! Starring A Lot Of Wasps
This stage show found its home in the Frontierland of both American Disney parks. A staple part of all Disney vacations, each guest, if they wished to be granted passage to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, was required to engage in a pattycake competition with a gargantuan swarm of wasps who would morph their hideous cluster into the shape of a pair of working arms. This forcibly popular attraction closed its curtains in 1975, following the catastrophic injuries sustained by many of the wasps.
Electricity Is A Lie And You Damn Well Know It
Because of a minor spelling error in the title of the originally proposed attraction at Epcot, the Imagineers at Disney began construction for a ride they believed was called “Electricity Is A Lie And You Damn Well Know It”. Once its doors opened on September 5, 1996, guests would board a large rectangular capsule where televisions would descend around them, bombarding them with images of Céline Dion in tears and lions, all while a bellowing voice boomed “Have you even seen electricity? What is this shit?” over the subwoofers included in every ride vehicle. EIALAYDWKI was open for a span of two and a half hours, as the Imagineers quickly realized their error and temporarily shut down the attraction while they re-themed the attraction to match the correct title. Ten days later, Universe of Energy opened its doors. Those who were fortunate enough to ride EIALAYDWKI considered it to be the best Disney ride they've ever experienced.
Needles
Based on the classic Disney film of the same name, this indoor roller coaster at Disney’s California Adventure follows the story of a palpable young lad, Winston Cheddar, who desires nothing more than to be felt by his peers and loved ones, but instead they insist on jabbing him with five-inch sewing needles. Despite having two inversions and a scene depicting a locally owned fro-yo joint, the ride made people sad. It ended its two-year run in 2000 following allegations of critical un-funnery.
