Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash / DisneyWalk into Walt Disney World today and you’ll notice something: the “classics” aren’t as safe as they used to be. Over the last decade, Disney has been busy reimagining and replacing attractions to keep up with modern audiences. That’s not necessarily bad—new rides bring fresh thrills—but it feels like part of the park’s soul is slipping away for longtime fans.
While some 70s and 80s rides remain, they’re now more like survivors of a bygone era than guaranteed mainstays. Each one that sticks around grows more precious because, as history has shown us, nothing is untouchable.
With so many favorites already gone, here’s a ranked look at the classic Disney World rides still standing strong in 2025.
Classics That Have Already Disappeared
Before we get into the rides still standing, let’s take a moment to remember the ones that didn’t make it. Splash Mountain is gone, reimagined into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tom Sawyer Island has closed, as have the Rivers of America and the Liberty Belle Riverboat that floated along them.
Over at Animal Kingdom, It’s Tough to Be a Bug has been shut down to make way for a Zootopia attraction.
Hollywood Studios has lost some big ones, too. Muppet Vision 3D is permanently closed, and The Great Movie Ride—the crown jewel of the park’s early years—is long gone. Even Animal Kingdom’s DINOSAUR is on borrowed time, with Disney confirming it will close in 2026 to make way for a new Indiana Jones adventure.
These changes are reminders that the “classics” still standing could be next. So, let’s rank the rides that remain—the rides that define Disney World’s history and continue drawing crowds.
10. Tomorrowland Speedway (1971)
The Speedway opened on day one in 1971, giving kids the thrill of driving their own car. It’s a simple ride, and while the smell of gas and the slow-moving cars feel outdated today, something is charming about it. It ranks low because it hasn’t aged particularly well.
The fumes can start a coughing fit for anyone nearby, and the track is anything but smooth. But it’s still a rite of passage for young drivers who dream of holding the wheel.
9. Living with the Land (1982)
EPCOT’s Living with the Land may not scream “thrill ride,” but it captures what makes the park special. Guests face futuristic greenhouses, where they see innovative growing techniques and real food crops. The ride feels educational and relaxing, and while it doesn’t have the star power of other rides, it has carved out a loyal fan base.
8. “it’s a small world” (1971)
Few rides are more iconic than “It’s a Small World.” Love it or hate it, the endlessly cheerful tune is part of Disney lore. The attraction earns its spot because of its global message and rich history, but its repetitive nature and dated dolls keep it from cracking the top five. Still, families continue to flock to it for that nostalgic Disney magic.
7. Carousel of Progress (1975)
This rotating theater show may feel like a time capsule, but it’s one of Walt Disney’s personal projects. That legacy alone gives it a higher ranking.
The show traces the progress of American life through the decades, reminding guests of Walt Disney’s original vision for Tomorrowland. It’s not the most popular attraction, but its historical importance makes it untouchable for now.
6. Jungle Cruise (1971)
One of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved attractions, Jungle Cruise thrives on its skippers’ witty puns. It combines old-school animatronics with live comedy, keeping each ride fresh. Disney even modernized it recently to update outdated elements, showing its staying power. The humor and charm earn it a solid mid-ranking.
5. Journey Into Imagination with Figment (1983, sort of)
EPCOT’s purple dragon, Figment, has become the park’s unofficial mascot. The original version opened in 1983 and has undergone several updates and slight retheming, but the character’s charm has endured.
While the current version isn’t as beloved as the original, it still carries enormous fan nostalgia. Its high ranking reflects the character’s staying power, the ride’s quirkiness, and Disney’s recognition that fans would riot if Figment ever disappeared.
4. Spaceship Earth (1982)
This EPCOT icon is impossible to ignore. The giant geodesic sphere houses a slow-moving journey through the history of communication, narrated by famous voices through the years. It’s visually impressive, thought-provoking, and the most recognizable landmark in the park.
Updates over the decades have refreshed scenes and narration, ensuring it remains relevant. Its mix of history, futurism, and symbolism as EPCOT’s centerpiece secures its place as a top-five ranking classic.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight (1971)
Despite its short ride time, Peter Pan’s Flight consistently draws some of the longest lines in Magic Kingdom. Flying over London and Neverland is pure Disney magic, with its suspended pirate ships offering a unique perspective. Its ranking comes from its timeless popularity and ability to delight children and adults decades after its opening.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean (1973)
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s most influential attractions, inspiring a billion-dollar movie franchise. It has everything: catchy music, impressive animatronics, and immersive sets.
The original ride has also been updated, adding Captain Jack Sparrow and softening some risqué scenes, keeping it relevant for modern audiences. It misses the top spot only because there’s one ride that edges it out in terms of legacy and cultural impact.
1. Haunted Mansion (1971)
The Haunted Mansion reigns supreme. With its blend of eerie atmosphere, dark humor, and groundbreaking effects, it’s the ultimate Disney classic. Fans love its balance of spooky and silly, and it remains as popular today as it was in 1971.
The Mansion captures everything Disney does best—storytelling, atmosphere, and innovation—making it the undisputed champion of this list.
A Lasting Legacy
Disney World has proven that no ride is safe, which makes these surviving classics even more special. They’ve weathered decades of change, updates, and closures, yet they’re still entertaining millions of guests. Some are quirky, some are iconic, and a few are practically sacred.
But rankings are subjective—some fans swear “it’s a small world” deserves the top spot, while others would never trade Spaceship Earth for anything.
How would you rank Disney World’s classics still standing in 2025?