Stop Skipping These Disney World Attractions, Or We're Going To Lose Them

If you’ve been paying attention to Disney World news lately, you’ve probably noticed a bit of a troubling pattern.

The company isn’t shy about closing attractions that aren’t pulling their weight in terms of foot traffic. And if we’re being honest, the writing is already on the wall for a few of your favorites.

We’ve seen it before. First, they announce something shiny and new. Next thing you know, a classic is shuttered for good. That’s exactly what’s happening in Frontierland right now. Disney is moving forward with their plan to introduce Cars attractions, which means they’re filling in the iconic Rivers of America and waving goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island. And let’s be real, the area is already showing signs of abandonment, with crumbling beams and deteriorating pathways making it clear Disney has mentally moved on—even if guests can still technically visit.

It’s not just Frontierland either. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the curtain is about to fall on MuppetVision 3-D as well. That’s right—Disney has greenlit a new Monsters Inc. land, and the Muppets are the latest casualty.

So, what does this mean? It means that Disney is watching which attractions get attention—and which ones don’t. If a ride or show isn’t pulling its weight, it’s going to be on the chopping block sooner rather than later. And unfortunately, there are a few more attractions that might be next if we don’t start giving them some love.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Let’s start with Mickey’s PhilharMagic. This 4D show at Magic Kingdom is charming, funny, and a nostalgic celebration of Disney’s best musical moments. But foot traffic? It’s not exactly bustling most days. With newer, flashier attractions opening all over the parks, this classic show gets overlooked. And that’s a mistake. Once Disney sees an empty theater more often than not, it’s only a matter of time before they replace it with something trendier.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

Over at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros has been holding down the fort inside the iconic pyramid. But it’s not hard to see that guests are often bypassing the ride in favor of grabbing a margarita or checking out the pavilion’s shops and restaurants. Rumors have swirled for years that this attraction could eventually be replaced with a Coco-themed ride. And honestly? If we keep skipping it, Disney’s going to think that’s exactly what we want.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

This one hurts. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is one of the few remaining attractions that Walt himself personally touched. But let’s face it, it’s not exactly drawing the crowds anymore. With some scenes feeling dated and the show’s pace much slower than today’s thrill rides, casual guests often overlook it completely. Yet this is a ride that embodies Disney’s original vision of innovation and progress. If people keep passing it by, it’s hard to imagine Disney won’t eventually deem it expendable.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree

This one’s already dodged a few bullets, but it’s not safe yet. Country Bear Jamboree has seen its audience dwindle over the years. Disney did a refresh with a new musical revue, but let’s be honest—if it doesn’t move the needle in terms of guests filling the theater, it could still be on borrowed time. The fact that it’s been able to stick around is solely because of Walt Disney’s influence ‚ same with the Carousel of Progress — but foot traffic still matters.

The Bottom Line: Vote With Your Feet

Disney has made it crystal clear they’re looking at attendance data to decide the future of attractions. And if a show or ride isn’t pulling people in, it doesn’t matter how classic or iconic it is—it’s going to be replaced. These attractions might not have the bells and whistles of the latest thrill rides, but they bring something just as valuable: charm, nostalgia, and a connection to Disney’s past.

So the next time you’re tempted to walk past PhilharMagic, Gran Fiesta Tour, Carousel of Progress, or Country Bear Jamboree, think twice. Because if we all keep skipping them, they’re going to go the way of Tom Sawyer Island—forgotten, fenced off, and gone.