- Mar 13, 2024
- 1,228
- 35
Over the years, Disney has dreamed up countless attractions that ultimately never made it off the drawing board. But the reasons some projects were shelved are more jaw-dropping than others.
Most often, budget constraints have been the culprit, but some tales involve disputes with Hollywood heavyweights, clashes with major sponsors, or concepts so bizarre they made Imagineers feel queasy.
Take, for instance, Candy Mountain. Once envisioned as a giant candy-themed spectacle in Fantasyland, the idea eventually morphed into a mountain of sweets so nauseating that even Disney legend John Hench called it a "tummy ache waiting to happen." Or the elusive Western River Expedition, a grand animatronic ride that never saw light due to unexpected demand for pirates at Disney World.
Then there's the ill-fated Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom, initially set to feature the iconic Xenomorph. Concerns over family appropriateness led to a pivot that arguably doomed the attraction’s success. Some ideas were sidelined due to sponsor disputes, like the proposed Mt. Fuji Roller Coaster, quashed by sponsor Kodak's rivalry with Fuji film.
And who can forget the ambitious Beastly Kingdom, a mythical land at Animal Kingdom that was trumped by the allure of dinosaurs and the costs associated with live-animal care? The plot thickens as ousted designers used their skills at Universal, bringing facets of the concept to life there instead.
Some projects like the Superstar Limo suffered from tragic timing, as its lighthearted chase through Hollywood was scrapped for a tamer alternative after Princess Diana's untimely death caused a sensitive shift in tone.
These stories showcase a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the "what could have been." Which one intrigues you the most? Let us know your thoughts!
Most often, budget constraints have been the culprit, but some tales involve disputes with Hollywood heavyweights, clashes with major sponsors, or concepts so bizarre they made Imagineers feel queasy.
Take, for instance, Candy Mountain. Once envisioned as a giant candy-themed spectacle in Fantasyland, the idea eventually morphed into a mountain of sweets so nauseating that even Disney legend John Hench called it a "tummy ache waiting to happen." Or the elusive Western River Expedition, a grand animatronic ride that never saw light due to unexpected demand for pirates at Disney World.
Then there's the ill-fated Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom, initially set to feature the iconic Xenomorph. Concerns over family appropriateness led to a pivot that arguably doomed the attraction’s success. Some ideas were sidelined due to sponsor disputes, like the proposed Mt. Fuji Roller Coaster, quashed by sponsor Kodak's rivalry with Fuji film.
And who can forget the ambitious Beastly Kingdom, a mythical land at Animal Kingdom that was trumped by the allure of dinosaurs and the costs associated with live-animal care? The plot thickens as ousted designers used their skills at Universal, bringing facets of the concept to life there instead.
Some projects like the Superstar Limo suffered from tragic timing, as its lighthearted chase through Hollywood was scrapped for a tamer alternative after Princess Diana's untimely death caused a sensitive shift in tone.
These stories showcase a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the "what could have been." Which one intrigues you the most? Let us know your thoughts!
