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Credit: Inside the MagicDisney CEO Bob Iger has made it clear: the “classic” version of Disney World that so many fans grew up loving is on its way out.
Whether it’s through attraction closures, rebranding, or the introduction of IP-centric lands, the Florida resort is steadily morphing into something new—something many fans feel is less magical and more manufactured.
For decades, Disney World was seen as a living tribute to Walt Disney’s vision. Parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT embodied storytelling, creativity, and education, but under Iger’s leadership, the priority has shifted. Intellectual property is now the dominant currency, and in its wake, many fan-favorite attractions—some of them dating back generations—have vanished, and more are on their way out.
A Wave of Major Disney World Removals
If you’ve been to Disney World recently and noticed a few beloved attractions missing, you’re not imagining it. According to reports from Inside the Magic, 15 classic attractions have been removed during Iger’s time at the helm. This isn’t just about updating rides—it’s a wholesale shift in philosophy.
Take The Great Movie Ride, once a centerpiece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It used to take guests on a nostalgic journey through cinema history, from The Wizard of Oz to Casablanca. That’s now gone—replaced by Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The newer ride is technologically impressive and cute, but Disney could’ve had both.
And over in EPCOT, Maelstrom used to be a quirky boat ride through Norse mythology in the Norway pavilion. Now it’s Frozen Ever After.
Confirmed Disney Projects That Seal the Deal
It’s not just about what’s been removed—it’s also about what’s coming. With several confirmed projects moving forward, the writing is on the wall.
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Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are being removed to make way for a Cars-themed land and the much-anticipated Villains Land. These areas were peaceful and immersive slices of old-school Disney. Now they’ll be high-energy, IP-heavy destinations aimed squarely at modern audiences.
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Monstropolis, inspired by Monsters, Inc., is replacing Muppet*Vision 3D and the surrounding area. The charm of Jim Henson’s creations is being traded in for Pixar polish. Fans who grew up quoting Muppet lines during their visits will have to hope that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets will be what they hope. But, still, it won’t come with the same accessibility as Muppet*Vision 3-D did.
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At Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being wiped off the map. The upcoming Tropical Americas land will merge Encanto and Indiana Jones in a new adventure-themed area. That’s exciting for fans of both properties, but it comes at the cost of one of the park’s most original areas.
It’s clear that the philosophy now is “IP or bust.”
Even the Remaining “Classics” Are Changing
Not every legacy attraction has been removed, but even many of the survivors have been overhauled. Country Bear Jamboree, for instance, still exists—but not the way you remember it. The original show, with its goofy, twangy charm, is gone, replaced with a more “mainstream” version featuring songs from Aladdin and Frozen.
There are also rumors that other subtle changes may be made to classic Disney attractions in the future.
Even in California, Tower of Terror has been rethemed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! The spooky elegance of old Hollywood has given way to loud, punchy Marvel action. That trend is becoming the rule, not the exception.
Walt’s Dream, Rewritten
It’s hard not to wonder what Walt Disney would say if he saw today’s parks. Would he be thrilled by the cutting-edge technology and massive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora – The World of Avatar? Or would he be disheartened that so many original ideas, cultural showcases, and family-friendly classics have been paved over for synergistic tie-ins?
We may never know for sure, but many longtime fans believe the latter.
Walt’s idea of EPCOT, for example, was based on progress, learning, and community—not franchise representation. With projects like the now-shelved Mary Poppins ride and cultural areas of World Showcase remaining untouched while Marvel attractions soar, it feels like the direction is no longer in line with his legacy.
The Future is Flashy—But at What Cost?
There’s no denying that many of these new experiences are impressive. Flight of Passage in Pandora is often praised as one of the best rides Disney has ever built. Galaxy’s Edge immerses fans in the Star Wars universe in jaw-dropping ways. And the demand for franchises like Frozen, Zootopia, and Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t going away.
But at what point does the shift toward IP start to feel like Disney World is becoming less “Disney” and more “Disney+ Live”? Isn’t there a way to both preserve the classics and introduce new IPs to the theme parks?
Bob Iger’s strategy has been clear for years now. The parks are being used to promote—and profit from—Disney’s biggest brands. While that makes sense from a business perspective, it leaves longtime fans feeling like they’re losing something irreplaceable.
If things continue on this track, “classic” Walt Disney World won’t just be hard to find: It might cease to exist entirely.