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Credit: Aditya Vyas, UnsplashDisney World has been rolling out a steady stream of updates lately—new attractions, refreshed areas, land expansions, technology upgrades, and even subtle changes guests barely notice at first. It feels like the resort is in a constant state of reinvention, trying to stay ahead of ever-growing crowds and rising expectations. But as Disney pours its energy into what’s new, some long-loved attractions are quietly slipping behind the curve. In fact, the more changes arrive across the parks, the more obvious it becomes that a handful of classics are struggling to keep up.
These five attractions still possess charm, history, and fan devotion, but they’re also showing signs of age that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. They don’t need to vanish or undergo anything dramatic, but they’re all reaching a point where a little extra care could make a world of difference. As Disney continues modernizing the parks, these rides feel like they’re stuck in a strange middle space—still beloved, but undeniably in trouble.
Let’s take a closer look at the five attractions that fans agree could use some much-needed attention.
Mission: SPACE Feels Rougher Every Year
Mission: SPACE has always been a divisive attraction, even in its early days, when it debuted with cutting-edge simulator technology and a training mission that felt intense and futuristic. Fast forward to today, and that once-impressive experience feels dated, overly harsh, and far less appealing than it once was.
The attraction’s visuals show their age, the movements feel mechanical instead of immersive, and even with two intensity options, many guests walk off feeling like they’ve been shaken instead of transported.
The ride still has potential—it delivers a concept that fits EPCOT’s spirit beautifully. The problem is that the experience hasn’t evolved. As Disney updates attractions across the resort, Mission: SPACE stands out as something frozen in time, clinging to technology that simply doesn’t meet modern expectations.
Guests want to feel transported, not tossed around, and the attraction is creeping toward a point where its reputation risks overshadowing its purpose. A smoother, updated presentation could breathe fresh life into a ride that’s struggling to stay relevant in today’s EPCOT lineup.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment Is Stuck in the Past
Figment is one of EPCOT’s most iconic characters, beloved by generations who grew up with the purple dragon’s whimsical antics. But the attraction itself hasn’t aged nearly as gracefully as its mascot. Journey Into Imagination With Figment feels like a relic of another era—charming, yes, but undeniably stuck in place while the rest of the park transforms around it.
Fans adore Figment, and that’s part of why the attraction’s shortcomings feel so glaring. The sets look dated. The humor doesn’t land the way it used to. The pacing feels off. For many guests, the entire ride feels more like a placeholder than a polished experience. As EPCOT continues embracing updated storytelling and interactive elements, Figment’s ride feels like it’s drifting further out of alignment with what the park is becoming.
That said, the character’s popularity isn’t going anywhere. Guests line up for Figment meet-and-greets, merch sells instantly, and the nostalgic attachment is undeniable. That’s precisely why this attraction deserves attention. It doesn’t need a total reimagining—it just needs enough modern touches to make Figment feel as fresh and imaginative as the park around him.
Peter Pan’s Flight Is Timeless… and Showing Its Age
Peter Pan’s Flight remains one of Magic Kingdom’s most consistently popular attractions, pulling in long waits from rope drop to closing time. There’s something undeniably magical about soaring over London in a pirate ship, watching tiny scenes unfold in glowing sets below. But even the most dedicated fans will admit the ride’s age is showing.
The entire experience is incredibly short by modern standards, and the effects often feel more nostalgic than impressive. For many guests, the wait time simply doesn’t match what the ride delivers. With so many new attractions showcasing advanced projection work, massive sets, and immersive storytelling, Peter Pan’s Flight feels like a charming classic that hasn’t quite kept up with the evolution happening around it.
Still, the love for this ride is immense. No one wants it to disappear. It just feels ready for a tune-up—something that preserves the wonder while giving the experience a little more energy and smoother flow. A refreshed version could easily become a standout again, rather than a ride fans defend purely out of nostalgia.
Star Tours Is Fun… But Exhausting
Star Tours is another attraction that holds a special place in many fans’ hearts. Long before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge arrived, this motion simulator offered one of the coolest ways to experience that galaxy far, far away. And while the randomized scenes and updated storylines have helped keep it fresh, the physical experience hasn’t aged quite as well.
Most guests walk off laughing, smiling… and rubbing their necks. Star Tours is jerky, bouncy, and at times surprisingly rough. With modern motion simulators offering smoother, more precise movements, this one can feel like a leftover from another generation of theme park experiences. It still delivers excitement, but it also leaves many guests wondering why the ride feels so physically demanding compared to attractions built even a decade later.
The technology is capable of more. The Star Wars universe deserves a presentation that matches its immersive standard today. Star Tours doesn’t need a complete reimagining to get there—it just needs a little care to help it feel less like a workout and more like the exhilarating space adventure fans expect.
Space Mountain’s Charm Can’t Hide Its Jolt Factor
Space Mountain is an absolute legend inside Magic Kingdom—a must-do attraction with a distinctive look, iconic soundtrack, and energy that still excites guests of all ages. But as beloved as it is, the ride is also known for being one of the roughest experiences in the park. The coaster’s layout, jerky transitions, and sudden dips all contribute to its charm, but they also remind guests that they’re riding something that dates back decades.
Many fans compare it to newer coasters and walk away feeling that Space Mountain is more of a nostalgic ritual than a comfortable experience. It still delivers thrills, but those thrills come with a level of physical impact that’s becoming harder to overlook. A few smoother transitions, updated effects, or subtle enhancements could go a long way toward ensuring Space Mountain stays iconic for the right reasons.
These Attractions Need a Little Disney Magic
None of these rides needs to disappear, and they certainly don’t need sweeping retheming. Instead, they just need the same love and attention Disney has given to so many other attractions in recent years. Fans don’t want them replaced—they want them refreshed. A softer touch here, a smoother experience there, and a little extra storytelling energy could transform each one while preserving what makes them special.
Disney World is evolving rapidly, but part of its magic lies in striking a balance between the new and the familiar. These beloved attractions deserve to retain their place in that future—ideally with just enough improvements to make them shine as they once did.