5 Walt Disney World rides that need an update after Test Track

As a seasoned gamer and park enthusiast with over three decades of memories etched into my hard drive, I must say that Disney World is like a second home for me – a magical realm where dreams come alive and nostalgia blooms. However, even this enchanted land has its areas in need of a little Tinker Bell dust and some love from the Imagineers.

As someone who grew up visiting Disneyland multiple times throughout my childhood and still making trips there as an adult, I wholeheartedly agree with Walt Disney’s sentiment that the park will never truly be completed. The magic of Disneyland lies in its ability to constantly evolve and adapt to the changing world, keeping up with the imagination and creativity of its visitors.

As a long-time Disney enthusiast and frequent visitor of Walt Disney World, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement as I hear about Test Track undergoing its second update. Having experienced the attraction numerous times over the years, I have fond memories of riding in the sleek, futuristic vehicles that took us on a thrilling journey through the testing process of a new automobile. However, it’s clear to me that Disney is always looking to improve and evolve their attractions, which is why this update is so intriguing.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

In much the same vein as Test Track, Journey Into Imagination has gone through numerous transformations since its debut in 1983. Originally, this attraction showcased characters such as Figment and The Dreamfinder, who utilized dreams and creativity to fabricate new things. The ride boasted impressive animatronics, captivating sets, and breathtaking effects that delighted Disney park visitors. However, in 1999, the attraction was rebranded as Journey Into Your Imagination, which eliminated The Dreamfinder and diminished Figment to brief appearances in the queue. The revised version received mostly unfavorable reviews, leading to its closure in 2001 to pave the way for a more successful iteration.

In 2002, the latest version of the attraction debuted, emphasizing the character Figment more prominently. This updated ride essentially takes guests on a tour of the Imagination Institute led by Dr. Nigel Channing (portrayed by Eric Idle), who aims to demonstrate experiments related to the five senses. However, this tour is interrupted by Figment who invites riders into his house of imagination instead. Although opinions were divided about this version, it was generally better received than its second iteration. Nevertheless, some of the ride’s effects have become outdated, and they don’t fully capture the essence of Figment given his popularity. Figment resonated strongly with visitors in the 1980s, and Disney should make an effort to ensure that the beloved purple dragon is portrayed more accurately.

Spaceship Earth

In EPCOT, Spaceship Earth serves as the park’s captivating centerpiece. Upon entry, visitors are drawn by the towering globe and eagerly anticipate exploring its enchanting interior. The attraction has undergone updates, with Dame Judi Dench providing narration in its most recent iteration. It continues to impress with its lifelike animatronics and engaging set pieces. However, age is evident, and the closing “Welcome to your future” spectacle, while once intriguing, has become less enchanting, particularly on multiple rides.

At the 2019 D23 event, Disney unveiled plans for Spaceship Earth’s revamp as part of EPCOT’s overall transformation. Yet, similar to other planned changes, this project didn’t come to fruition. Disney hasn’t provided a new timeline for when this renovation might occur, and it could be postponed until after Test Track’s completion. Despite the delay, fans are eager for an updated Spaceship Earth, even if the traditional narrative about thanking the Phoenicians is changed.

Peter Pan’s Flight

In Fantasyland’s Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the classic dark rides that still survive. Despite its age, the ride continues to attract a large number of visitors, often resulting in long queues. However, the wait for this ride may not be worth it due to its relatively short duration and outdated effects and animatronics. Compared to other Disney attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight seems rather static and lacks the fluidity of modern animatronics.

To give this attraction a fresh look and feel, Disney Imagineering provides an ideal blueprint for its transformation. The Peter Pan’s Flight at Shanghai Disneyland serves as an exemplary model of updating the ride while preserving its traditional dark ride ambiance. It boasts impressive animatronics and special effects, yet retains the nostalgic charm that initially captivated visitors. Regardless of whether Disney chooses this approach, it’s crucial to revitalize this attraction to make the 90-minute wait worthwhile.

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster remains the most thrilling rollercoaster at Walt Disney World. However, it’s becoming more evident that this ride needs a tune-up. Unfortunately, younger audiences are less familiar with Aerosmith and it may be time to find a new artist. Plenty of great bands are out there, and many would love to attach themselves to a Disney attraction. Rumors about a retheme to other artists, like Queen or The Muppets, have existed for years, but nothing has happened. 

Beyond just an updated soundtrack, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster also requires a smoother track ride experience. Although it’s been refurbished and reopened, the ride experiences frequent issues, particularly at Hollywood Studios where there are limited attractions. Since it remains one of the few thrilling rides for adrenaline junkies at Disney World, it’s high time for Aerosmith to bid farewell from this iconic rollercoaster.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

As a devoted fan, I’ve been enjoying Space Ranger Spin since it debuted in the Magic Kingdom back in 1998. Yet, over time, shooting dark rides have significantly advanced, and this classic ride seems to be a relic of its era. The challenge lies in discerning where one is firing amidst the dense laser cluster, and the props and animatronics don’t always respond as expected when targeted. It can be perplexing to gauge performance until the final score reveals the outcome.

The Toy Story-themed ride at Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania, has closed down, and many consider it a better version of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be losing its charm due to lack of updates or renovations. Interestingly, Tokyo Disneyland is planning to retheme Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters as Wreck-It Ralph’s ride, and some believe that Magic Kingdom could benefit from a similar update. Even if the theme remains Toy Story, Disney might consider using Fix-It Felix to modernize the ride.

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2024-08-09 15:27