If you’re a long-time Disneyland visitor like me, you’ve no doubt experienced the grief of extinct Disneyland attractions. It’s bittersweet, isn’t it? On one hand, the idea of a ride or experience permanently leaving is hard to swallow, but there’s also excitement of new attractions as the resort lives up to Walt’s promise that, “Disneyland will continue to grow…as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
Although I tend to lean on the side of welcoming new concepts and ideas, it’s still always sad to see favorite attractions exit the parks, so I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory land and revisit 5 extinct Disneyland attractions.
While we may miss them, it doesn’t mean they were always outstanding in execution or that their replacements are unappreciated, but the “old ones” still hold special memories that I (and I’d wager many other millennials) definitely miss.
So, here they are in no particular order!
Extinct Disneyland Attraction #1: Rocket Rods (1998 – 2000)
I can still hear the high-pitched sound of the vehicles upon takeoff. I don’t know about you, but I LOVED the Rocket Rods ride. It was so much fun to zip around with a view of Disneyland Park below, PeopleMover style!
The unexpected increases in speed were thrilling, and I enjoyed traveling through the buildings. But alas, its most enjoyable elements are what led to its demise. Rumors of engine and tire trouble began circulating and guests were eventually informed the ride would never reopen again. It still makes me sad to see the former tracks of the PeopleMover/Rocket Rods sitting there unused. There’s so much potential! Come on Disney, give us something new!
Extinct Disneyland Attraction #2: Rescue Rangers Raceway (1991)
Believe it or not, the Rescue Rangers Raceway is one of my fondest Disneyland memories as a child. Do you remember this limited-time attraction? Several years ago, I went on a quest to make sure what I remembered was actually real – and thankfully, it was! Autopia has quite a unique history, with several different versions over the years. One of those was Fantasyland Autopia (1959-1999), and in 1991, Disneyland ran a promotion for The Disney Afternoon television block featuring iconic shows like Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin, Duck Tales, and Darkwing Duck. Can you hear their theme songs now? (IYKYK!)
As part of that promotion, Fantasyland Autopia temporarily became Rescue Rangers Raceway complete with cartoon character cutouts at the entrance and throughout the attraction itself. For a girl who lived for The Disney Afternoon, it was a dream come true!
Extinct Disneyland Attraction #3: Carnation Plaza Gardens (1956 – 2012)
This has to be one of my most missed Disneyland attractions – and not just for the ice cream! Carnation Plaza Gardens was an iconic piece of Disney history. Opening in 1956, the dance pavilion and bandstand were a hot spot for guests for years.
Some fabulous names graced the pavilion during its heyday, including Annette Funicello, Mel Torme, the Osmond Brothers, Frank Sinatra Jr., and even Walt Disney himself.
In addition to music and dancing, the Carnation Plaza Gardens food windows offered hamburgers, hot dogs, and (of course) Carnation Ice Cream. My favorite thing about this romantic blast from the past location was the swing dancing! There was nothing like getting out on the dance floor under a retro tent and jiving to Big Band music at The Happiest Place on Earth, or watching the pros in their vintage attire. It’s a memory I’ll never forget. Oh, and the ice cream wasn’t too bad either. Carnation Plaza Gardens closed in 2012 to make way for Fantasy Faire, but I’m still not over the loss of this one.
Extinct Disneyland Attraction #4: A Bug’s Land (2002 – 2018)
Although I’m a fan of Avengers Campus, I was also a fan of Bug’s Land. Chock-full of fun movie references, it was the perfect playground for littles (and kids at heart). As you walked in under the iconic archway, you were greeted by the sounds of nature, getting you ready for what was to come, and several attractions were cleverly dispersed into the small scenic area.
Upon entering, you were shrunk to bug-size, and in true Disney form, your imagination could run wild! The land featured four fair-inspired rides: Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train, Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies (a bumper cars-style ride), Francis’ Ladybug Boogie, and Flik’s Flyers.
My family particularly enjoyed the whimsical train ride and the buggies.
There was also an immersive show, It’s Tough To Be a Bug! and a water play area, Princess Dot Puddle Park.
The surroundings were especially magical at night!
In 2018, A Bug’s Land closed to make way for Avengers Campus (though there are a few hidden tributes to the land on campus). In 2019, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind reimagined Flik’s Flyers. Onward and upward!
Extinct Disneyland Attraction #5: Luigi’s Flying Tires (2012 – 2015)
I know I’m going to get a lot of flak for this one, but hear me out… A tribute to Disneyland’s Flying Saucers ride (1961-1966), Luigi’s Flying Tires shared a similar fate. Although the idea is inspired with its “You Can Fly” allure, both were fraught with technical problems from the get-go. Despite it all, I appreciated the concept of Luigi’s Flying Tires (minus the beach balls addition) and it always put a smile on my son’s face when he was little!
When the ride worked correctly, you could hover from one end of the space to the other. Unfortunately, its slow pace combined with an awkward ride vehicle proved to be its downfall.
Luigi’s Flying Tires closed in 2015 to make way for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters attraction, which debuted in 2016.
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What Say You?
I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of this trip down memory lane. If you could turn back the clock, which extinct Disneyland attractions would you like to revisit? Which do you miss the most? Are you in favor of sticking with older attractions, or replacing them with new ones? Let us know what you think in the comments!
