- Mar 13, 2024
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Rides based on Disney’s animated films have been part of Disney’s theme parks from the very beginning, as attractions based on Peter Pan, Snow White, and Mr. Toad anchored Disneyland’s Fantasyland when the park opened in 1955. Over the last 7 decades, films from across the Disney and Pixar canon have been immortalized at resorts around the world.
©Disney
That said, to the chagrin of some fans, not every animated classic has gotten the ride treatment. Whether box office results scuttled plans — RIP Atlantis: The Lost Empire-themed Submarine Voyage refurbishment — or a film’s pop culture influence seemed to wane, many entries in the library have seemingly been skipped over. That said, fans shouldn’t fret, as recent events tell us that any Disney or Pixar animated film still has a chance of becoming a ride…
There’s no denying that Disney has fast-tracked the development of certain attractions based on animated films in recent years. After the gargantuan success of Frozen in 2013, EPCOT’s Maelstrom was turned into Frozen Ever After by 2016.
Frozen Ever After
Other fresh examples include the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, which opened at California Adventure in 2019, just four years after the Pixar film, and the original Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which opened at the Disneyland Paris Resort 7 years after the Pixar film.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
The trend is continuing with the upcoming Encanto attraction at Animal Kingdom, which is scheduled to open in 2027, a scant 6 years after the film debuted in theaters.
©Disney
However, fans of older films shouldn’t give up hope just yet. While Disney has been using relatively recent films in some projects, that doesn’t mean that older films are completely off the table. After all, the massive Monsters, Inc. expansion coming to Hollywood Studios — complete with a first-of-its-kind suspended door coaster — is based on a film that was released in 2001.
©Disney
Further examples can be found at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The acclaimed Enchanted Tales of Beauty and the Beast dark ride opened in 2020, 29 years after the legendary film.
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland
Meanwhile, over at Tokyo DisneySea, the Fantasy Springs expansion – which opened in 2024 – features 3 mini-lands within: One based on Frozen, one based on Tangled, and in a full circle moment, one based on the 70-year old Peter Pan, just like Disneyland decades earlier.
Peter Pan’s Never Land
While Disney has prioritized films like Encanto and Frozen, quickly getting rides following their debuts, Monsters, Inc. land and other examples show that it’s never too late for Imagineering to develop a ride based on the company’s animated films. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on Disney’s newest attractions.
Which animated film do you want Disney to build a ride based on next. Let us know in the comments below.
©Disney
That said, to the chagrin of some fans, not every animated classic has gotten the ride treatment. Whether box office results scuttled plans — RIP Atlantis: The Lost Empire-themed Submarine Voyage refurbishment — or a film’s pop culture influence seemed to wane, many entries in the library have seemingly been skipped over. That said, fans shouldn’t fret, as recent events tell us that any Disney or Pixar animated film still has a chance of becoming a ride…
There’s no denying that Disney has fast-tracked the development of certain attractions based on animated films in recent years. After the gargantuan success of Frozen in 2013, EPCOT’s Maelstrom was turned into Frozen Ever After by 2016.
Frozen Ever After
Other fresh examples include the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, which opened at California Adventure in 2019, just four years after the Pixar film, and the original Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, which opened at the Disneyland Paris Resort 7 years after the Pixar film.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
The trend is continuing with the upcoming Encanto attraction at Animal Kingdom, which is scheduled to open in 2027, a scant 6 years after the film debuted in theaters.
©Disney
However, fans of older films shouldn’t give up hope just yet. While Disney has been using relatively recent films in some projects, that doesn’t mean that older films are completely off the table. After all, the massive Monsters, Inc. expansion coming to Hollywood Studios — complete with a first-of-its-kind suspended door coaster — is based on a film that was released in 2001.
©Disney
Further examples can be found at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The acclaimed Enchanted Tales of Beauty and the Beast dark ride opened in 2020, 29 years after the legendary film.
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland
Meanwhile, over at Tokyo DisneySea, the Fantasy Springs expansion – which opened in 2024 – features 3 mini-lands within: One based on Frozen, one based on Tangled, and in a full circle moment, one based on the 70-year old Peter Pan, just like Disneyland decades earlier.
Peter Pan’s Never Land
While Disney has prioritized films like Encanto and Frozen, quickly getting rides following their debuts, Monsters, Inc. land and other examples show that it’s never too late for Imagineering to develop a ride based on the company’s animated films. Stay tuned to Magical Guides for more on Disney’s newest attractions.
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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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Which animated film do you want Disney to build a ride based on next. Let us know in the comments below.
