These are Disneyland’s most controversial ride closures ever. Disneyland has seen many attractions come and go in its 70 years of operation, but these are the ones that sparked the most outrage and sadness from Disneyland goers. Some were decades ago, while others were much more recent.
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain was in Critter Country in Disneyland and it closed permanently on May 31, 2023 and was changed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opened in late 2024. It was controversial because of the cultural insensitivity and because fans loved the classic nostalgia of the ride.
Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror was located in California Adventure park. It closed in 2017 and was rethemed to be Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Park goers were sad because they loved this ride and felt it hadn’t been there long enough to change it. The new ride surprised guests and became wildly popular quickly though.
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree was a show with singing Bear animatronics that was in Critter Country. It closed because of low attendance and theming changes to the area. It was controversial that this original attraction was changing to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
PeopleMover
The PeopleMover was an iconic Tomorrowland attraction in Disneyland. It closed on August 21, 1995 and never came back. It was replaced by Rocket Rods. Guests loved the PeopleMover because it was relaxing and had great views and vibes.
Submarine Voyage
Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland closed in 1998 and sat empty until the area turned into Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage in 2007. Fans were upset when it closed because they felt it was a signature Disneyland experience. Before this ride was Finding Nemo themed, Disneyland announced it was going to be Atlantis Expedition, but it never happened. Read about more Disneyland rides that were announced and never built here.
Motor Boat Cruise
Motor Boat Cruise was located in Fantasyland and closed for good in 1993 due to expensive upkeep and low popularity. Families loved this ride and were sad to lose a calm, family-friendly attraction.
The Skyway
The Skyway was an ariel attraction that took guests from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland and vice versa. It closed in 1994 because of safety issues and maintenance challenges. This closure was controversial because it had some of the best Disneyland views you could experience.
Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland
Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland is kind of a forgotten attraction these days since it closed so long ago in 1977. It was a scenic train ride with charming animal animatronics. It was later replaced by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Rocket Rods
Rocket Rods replaced the PeopleMover, but eventually it closed too in 2001. It had mechanical problems and Disney was doing budget cuts. The empty track of this ride is still above you as you wander around Tomorrowland.
The Adventures of the Flying Saucers
The Adventures of the Flying Saucers was located in Tomorrowland and closed for good in 1966. It had a lot of maintenance issues and the ride vehicles malfunctioned frequently. This closure was controversial because it was one of Walt Disney’s personal favorite attractions. See more Disneyland rides that permanently closed here.