The Best Rides Based on Movies Ever

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Since Disneyland opened its doors in 1955, movie-themed attractions have been some of the most captivating features. Rides such as the Mad Tea Party and Peter Pan’s Flight enchanted guests, transporting them into realms they had only glimpsed while sitting in a cinema seat, gazing at a large screen in a dimly lit theater before.

These two rides are still running in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and other Disney parks worldwide. Over the years, they’ve been accompanied by numerous movie-themed attractions, not just within Disney’s parks but also at Universal Studios – a company with roots deeply embedded in the over century-old film industry.

Movies, with their captivating imagery and memorable personalities, serve as an excellent basis for theme park rides. It’s no wonder that numerous iconic attractions have been inspired by movies. For instance, consider the 25 attractions highlighted below, some of which originate from seven decades ago, while others are brand-new additions like those recently set up at Universal’s Epic Universe park. Each of my selections is accompanied by a video of the ride for those who enjoy living vicariously through thrilling experiences. (I can sense the adrenaline junkies among you.)

Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies

Currently, Universal’s theme parks primarily focus on creating immersive experiences based on popular films and television series, rather than their original intent as educational spaces for tourists to learn about filmmaking techniques. For instance, the old-style Universal was exemplified by Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies. After a 3D compilation of Hitchcock’s films, visitors were taken behind the scenes on a soundstage, where they learned about the filming of Psycho’s shower scene and other movie magic. Guests could also interact with demonstrations of practical effects used in movies like Strangers on a Train, Rear Window, and Saboteur. Essentially, it was a blend of a thrill ride and a museum, offering a dreamlike experience for film enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this attraction closed in 2003 to make way for Shrek 4-D.

Alice in Wonderland

Despite being over 50 years old, the Alice in Wonderland ride remains surprisingly engaging. The latest iteration of the attraction (opened in 2014) swiftly covers nearly the entire movie storyline in just three minutes. It combines animatronics and screens effectively, reaching a climax with a leisurely slide down the exterior of the show building, offering scenic vistas of the Matternhorn and Fantasyland. Among traditional “kids rides”, this one is hard to beat for quality.

Avatar: Flight of Passage

At the heart of Animal Kingdom’s Avatar-inspired land lies Flight of Passage. This thrilling ride replicates the essence of its source – humans merging with technology to inhabit colossal, blue-skinned aliens – by simulating a banshee flight across Pandora’s skies for riders. To heighten the immersion, your seat mimics the breath of a living creature. The technology proves remarkably effective, and the 10,000 feet ride footage (yes, that’s 10K) is nothing short of breathtaking.

Back to the Future: The Ride

As a die-hard Back to the Future fan, stepping into the intricately crafted replica of the franchise’s iconic DeLorean time machine for a thrilling ride through the ages was an unforgettable experience. The pre-show storyline, brought to life by Christopher Lloyd and Thomas F. Wilson, saw Doc Brown drafting tourists to aid him in chasing down Biff after he swiped the time machine. Enhanced by special effects from 2001: A Space Odyssey’s Douglas Trumbull, Back to the Future: The Ride truly embodied Universal’s old motto that promised a vacation where you could “ride the movies.” Sadly, its eventual closure was inevitable; after all, the future of the Back to the Future franchise is set in 2015 – our past. Both American versions of the attraction shut down by the late 2000s, but Universal Studios Japan’s version held on until 2016 – a year after Marty and Doc returned to the future.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Is there any theme park ride more emblematic than Dumbo? It appears that Disney shares this sentiment; Dumbo is the only ride they’ve constructed at all six of their primary “castle” theme parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland (which joined the list in 2016). You might label it as basic; guests climb aboard a vehicle resembling the flying elephant, each with a joystick to adjust Dumbo’s altitude. Alternatively, you could describe it as fundamental; it satisfies young children’s dream of flying and allows them to control their adventure. As long as Disney maintains its theme parks, Dumbo will continue to soar.

Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!

As a cinema enthusiast, I initially harbored doubts when Disney announced their intention to transform the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure into a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride. However, upon its opening, my skepticism was quelled as it turned out to be an enjoyable experience, and even surpassed the original Tower of Terror (at least in California, where the ride system was simpler and less impressive than the Florida version). Rather than entering a haunted hotel’s elevator, guests now board “gantry lifts” that jolt up and down an elevator shaft, stopping at various floors to witness the Guardians battling an alien monster while one of six songs from the diverse soundtrack plays. It might just be the most effective re-imagining of an existing ride system in Disney’s history, and thanks to the different songs (and synchronized visuals and drops), it maintains its appeal on repeated visits. This could explain why it remains one of the most popular attractions at California Adventure years after its debut.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure excels in both thematic detail and adrenaline rush. It features lifelike creatures such as unicorns, centaurs, and Hagrid’s pet Fluffy, seamlessly incorporated into a roller coaster that zips around the periphery of the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The ride swiftly reaches its top speed of 50 miles per hour using one of its multiple launch mechanisms. Riding your own motorcycle or sidecar not only heightens the immersive experience, it amplifies the excitement. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as quickly accelerating backwards at 50 miles per hour on a bike seat!

Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

The new Harry Potter ride, Battle at the Ministry, offered by Epic Universe, significantly enhances the experiences found in earlier dark rides such as Spider-Man or Transformers. Passengers take their seats on flying elevators that simulate ascending, descending, and maneuvering through the Ministry of Magic, as seen in the Harry Potter movies. Here, guests assist the main trio of heroes from the franchise in battling the villainous Dolores Umbridge (played by Imelda Staunton). This ride features some of Universal’s most convincing illusions and its entrance, which magically transports you from 1920s Paris to 1990s London before appearing within the Ministry of Magic’s grand hall, is truly awe-inspiring. The initial reveal is more impressive than many entire rides found at other theme parks.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

The inaugural attraction within Universal’s growing Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, was unlike any other ride when it debuted at Islands of Adventure in 2010. Set within an awe-inspiring replica of Hogwarts castle, complete with a themed queue brimming with Easter eggs and character appearances, the Forbidden Journey allows riders to hop onto “enchanted benches” for a soaring adventure around, through, and under the magical school alongside Harry Potter and his companions. Although some of the large-scale animatronics have begun to show their age, the skillful integration of screens, sets, and an advanced KUKA arm vehicle has been surpassed by other attractions in recent years. Nevertheless, the core idea of making you feel as if you’re riding your own Nimbus 2000 never fails to enchant.

Hogwarts Express

The success of Universal’s first Wizarding World paved the way for the development of a second one. Crafting Diagon Alley as the second domain and linking the two realms through the operational Hogwarts Express train was a brilliant move. Each area boasts its unique station, and visitors eagerly wait for a journey on the legendary locomotive, where they occupy individual cabins and catch glimpses of characters from the Harry Potter series through their cabin windows (actually high-definition screens). Shadowy figures and voices spotted in the hallway intensify the illusion, and since the train travels in both directions, there are two completely distinct videos to experience.

Indiana Jones Adventure

30 years have flown by since I first embarked on the thrilling Indiana Jones Adventure! This timeless blend of classic dark-ride aesthetics and state-of-the-art special effects continues to captivate me, just like it did back then. As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at this incredible theme park ride that transports us right into the heart of the Indiana Jones universe.

Accompanied by Indy’s trusty friend Sallah, we set out on what appears to be an ordinary jeep tour through the “Temple of the Forbidden Eye.” Little do we know, this seemingly harmless journey takes a turn for the unexpected – as if anything ever goes according to plan in a theme park ride!

In reality, it’s a cleverly designed experience that lets us live out our wildest Indiana Jones fantasies. We traverse rickety suspension bridges, dodge flames and barrages of darts, shudder at the sight of countless creepy crawlies, and, of course, narrowly escape an immense rolling boulder. And to top it all off, John Williams’ iconic Raiders of the Lost Ark score fills the air, making every moment feel like a scene straight out of a movie.

Indeed, Indiana Jones Adventure is more than just a theme park ride – it’s a cinematic masterpiece in its own right!

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

A roller coaster was constructed within the raptor enclosure at Jurassic World? That sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it? But imagine a genetically engineered dinosaur that surpasses the T.rex in strength, speed, and intelligence, with the ability to blend into its surroundings! Well, the creators of Jurassic World might just pull off something like that (my apologies for doubting them earlier). The story may be a bit outlandish, but it paid off; VelociCoaster isn’t merely an exciting movie ride, it’s an exceptional roller coaster in its own right. Clocking speeds of 70 miles per hour, it ranks among the fastest. It boasts multiple launches, inversions, and immersive dinosaur-themed elements. Universal has certainly come a long way from their Jurassic Park River Adventure.

Kongfrontation

Since the mid-1980s, King Kong has been a prominent feature in Universal’s theme parks, with a giant animatronic Kong added to the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. This was later expanded into a full-fledged attraction called Kongfrontation at Universal Studios Florida, where guests were evacuated from Manhattan via the Roosevelt Island Tramway due to Kong causing chaos. As you might expect, this evacuation didn’t go as planned (it never does on theme park rides), and Kong managed to grab the tram before a last-minute escape. The experience was surprisingly intense, with enjoyable details – like the fact that the Kong animatronic’s “breath” had a banana smell. Kong was retired in 2002 to make way for a roller coaster based on the Mummy franchise. Since then, the giant ape has found a new home at nearby Islands of Adventure, where an attraction called Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened in 2016.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

This attraction tends to divide opinions, as some guests aren’t fond of its video game-like feel or the absence of Han Solo and limited appearances of Chewbacca. However, after more than a dozen trips on it myself, I must say that I adore it! The full-scale Millennium Falcon replica outside is simply breathtaking, and the impeccable recreation of the interior, complete with holochess table, leaves me in awe. The ride itself is thrilling; whether you’re piloting the ship, manning the guns, or working as an engineer, it never fails to deliver fun. It’s even more enjoyable when experienced with friends, either collaborating or joking about missed opportunities like the second coaxium canister. But what truly makes it special is riding it with kids, who get to experience the thrill of making the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs!

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

There are many thrilling dark rides; Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is one of them, offering an incredibly intense and witty experience. With years of Halloween Horror Nights under their belt, Universal Studios has crafted a truly terrifying attraction filled with monsters and sudden jumps that will make your heart race. As you enter the eerie replica of Frankenstein Manor, you’ll navigate through chilling rooms saturated with an ominous atmosphere, passing glowing equipment and crates containing organs and lab rats. Your journey ends in Victoria Frankenstein’s laboratory, where she aims to restore her family’s reputation by capturing Dracula. Let me remind you: Unpredictability is a theme park ride’s middle name. Frankenstein’s latest experiment takes a terrifying turn, leading to appearances and scares from all the classic Universal Monsters. The ride, along with the surrounding castle and waiting area, are incredibly detailed, making it feel like a horror enthusiast’s dream or worst nightmare.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Possibly, Peter Pan’s Flight, Disney’s quintessential dark ride, remains a timeless classic even after 70 years; its magic enduring through the years. A refurbishment in the 1980s may have contributed to this enchantment. Riders embark on “flying” pirate ships for an adventure to Never Land with Peter Pan and the Darlings. Unlike many traditional Disney dark rides that can be quite frightening (ask anyone who experienced the original Snow White ride, they’ll confirm), Peter Pan’s Flight is designed to offer a taste of flying for young children (and those who remain young at heart) as they soar above London in the iconic central sequence.

Radiator Springs Racers

The Cars franchise has consistently received less praise compared to other Pixar productions. However, the California Adventure ride based on it is a massive hit, offering cutting-edge animatronic cars and an exhilarating race track that replicates Radiator Springs. It’s not overly intense for diehard Cars fans, yet thrilling enough for others to think the wait is worthwhile. Moreover, we can expect that at some point in the future, the lifelike full-sized Lightning McQueen and Mater from the Radiator Springs Racers will develop consciousness and rebel against their human creators. This rebellion is inevitable.

Splash Mountain

Regardless of your opinion on “The Song of the South” and its portrayal of life in the late 1800s, the decision Disney made to base a ride around it (in 1989!) was quite entertaining. The log flume, adorned with animatronic cartoon characters, and one of Disney’s most iconic tunes (“Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”), perfectly blended Disney’s narrative prowess with enjoyable family thrills. Since “The Song of the South” was never released on home video, it was only a matter of time before Splash Mountain found itself in a difficult situation. However, the attraction has been reimagined; instead of the mountain and flume, we now have Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you long to ride Splash Mountain again, your best bet is to plan a trip to Japan, as it’s still operational at Tokyo Disneyland.

Star Tours

Despite being over 35 years old, the initial Star Wars ride at Disneyland continues to impress due to continuous improvements. The original experience was based on a single movie, where guests embarked on a voyage to Endor that occasionally deviated from its course – as can happen on any theme park adventure – and found themselves in a skirmish with the Death Star. Today’s version, however, seems disjointed from Star Wars continuity, taking tourists to iconic locations from the nine Star Wars films and various Disney+ series, featuring appearances by numerous characters. Disney has consistently added new elements to the ride, and the advanced CGI in the current edition looks stunning. Moreover, since each journey includes a random selection of up to 20 different segments, Star Tours remains full of surprises every time you visit.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Among the fantastic Star Wars experiences listed here, Rise of the Resistance stands out as an exceptional choice – arguably the best movie-themed park ride ever created. This immersive attraction is packed with unexpected twists and boasts multiple vehicle types and scenes. It’s a collection of Disney Imagineering’s greatest achievements, featuring screens, advanced animatronics, live actors, holographic effects, celebrity appearances, trackless ride vehicles, life-size spaceships and AT-AT walkers, and a colossal hangar filled with Stormtroopers. The experience transports you into a thrilling Star Wars journey that’s hard to beat in terms of theming and excitement. It’s safe to say that Rise of the Resistance is currently unrivaled, making it an undeniable number one choice for many.

Studio Backlot Tour

For about six decades, trams have been transporting Universal Studios’ visitors through their renowned backlot. Although the journey has adapted to suit modern times, it preserves much of its initial charm by taking guests on a tour featuring Hill Valley (from Back to the Future) and the Psycho house from the iconic horror series. The guides share fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits and amusing anecdotes along the way, while videos playing on screens during the ride offer context and historical information. For fans of classic cinema, it’s a delightful journey into Hollywood’s past, and its extended duration – almost an hour long! – offers a pleasant respite from walking throughout the day.

Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania! modernized the classic Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery concept with a high-tech twist, being the first computer-animated film’s counterpart. Instead of targeting mechanical characters, riders engage in a sequence of digital mini-games while aiming. They throw eggs, rings, darts, and break plates; each target has its own score, which makes strategy vital. The theming is spot-on with the Toy Story universe, but be aware that using the pull-string gun can give your forearms a good workout, so remember to warm up before you hop on!

Transformers: The Ride

For your consideration: The Transformers rides at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood surpass the Michael Bay “Transformers” films they’re inspired by in my opinion. Instead of being long and chaotic like the movies, this short and sweet experience boasts stunning 3D effects that transport you into an exhilarating yet understandable adventure to safeguard the Allspark from the malicious Decepticons. Up to twelve guests embark on a ride vehicle, represented as a Transformer named Evac, which propels, soars, and dashes through a dark ride combining animatronic effects with 3D screen technology. Given that I had to endure those excruciating live-action “Transformers” films for my work, I’d say it was a fair trade for such an exceptional ride.

Turtle Talk With Crush

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, another attraction at Magic Kingdom that uses similar technology to create a mock comedy club, is almost as impressive as Turtle Talk.)

Waterworld

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me share my unabashed affection for the mesmerizing Waterworld stunt show – an experience that transcends the ordinary realm of cinematic entertainment. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, I strongly encourage you to immerse yourself in this captivating spectacle.

Remember, this magical production remains a beacon of excellence amidst the looming threat of climate change and melting polar ice caps. So, do yourself a favor, seek out Waterworld, and witness this masterpiece while it continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Trust me; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

Notable Mentions: Earthquake: The Major One, Frozen Till the End, Grand Cinema Journey, King Kong in 3D Sensation, Mad Tea Party Time, Monsters’ Laughter Theater, Mr Toad’s Wild Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy’s Return, Roger Rabbit’s Car Spin Adventure, Tron: Lightcycle Runway.

Amazing Theme Park Rides Based on Movies That Were Never Built

Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition

Disneyland initially had grand plans for the Indiana Jones property, beyond just The Indiana Jones Adventure ride that opened in 1995. Originally, Imagineers intended to redesign a significant portion of the Adventureland area with a pavilion called The Lost Expedition. This pavilion would have featured two rides: a roller coaster modeled after the mine-car ending from ‘Temple of Doom’, and a dark ride in jeeps showcasing Indiana Jones’ greatest adventures, including elements from the existing Jungle Cruise. However, most of this designated land was eventually used to construct Splash Mountain instead.

Indiana Jones Ore Car Attraction

As a fan, I’d like to share some insights about an “Ore Car Simulator” that would have supposedly been part of the Lost Expedition complex, had Indiana Jones Land been constructed. Fortunately, though the land itself wasn’t built, Disney still offers the thrilling Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril mine-train roller coaster at Disneyland Paris. This was the first looping coaster in any Disney park, a fact I found fascinating even before experiencing it as a teenager. However, during my one ride, the train got stuck midway through, an adventure I could have done without!

Indiana Jones Jungle Cruise

The “River Idol” would likely serve as a key attraction in the revamped Jungle Cruise area designed around various Indiana Jones-themed experiences. Indeed, it appears as if it could have been plucked straight from an Indiana Jones film.

The Hauntington Hotel

Prior to interactive shooting galleries being commonplace in Orlando attractions such as Toy Story Midway Mania and Men in Black Alien Attack, Six Flags had devised a Ghostbusters ride concept called Hauntington Hotel. In this ride, guests would have explored a haunted building, using car-mounted proton packs to shoot at targets. As shared by the ride’s designer in an interview on 2600connection.com, the entire project – from creation and design to engineering and prototyping – was complete and set for installation in Texas, until Six Flags’ parent company sold its theme parks division. With a change of ownership, the project ultimately disintegrated, considered by many as one of the biggest disappointments in human history.

Nostromo

For about eight years, the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland was home to an attraction named ExtraTERRORestrial: Alien Encounter. Riders were literally strapped down to their seats while a menacing E.T. “materialized” in the center of the room, and then proceeded to touch and breathe on them while the lights were out. When Alien Encounter opened it starred a creepy alien; when it was conceived it starred *the* creepy alien — as in H.R. Giger’s iconic xenomorph from Ridley Scott’s classic 1979 film. Astonishingly, someone at Disney thought it was a good idea to insert a little acid-blooded horror into the Happiest Place on Earth. Eventually, Disney came to their senses and abandoned the ‘Alien’ aspect (and the original name for the attraction, Nostromo, after the ship in the film), but not the overall concept. After terrifying children for almost a decade (I was one of them; this thing was pure nightmare fuel), Alien Encounter finally closed in 2003. The site now houses a toned-down version starring Stitch from ‘Lilo & Stich.’

The James Bond Live-Action Stunt Show

The initial plan for Universal Studios Florida featured a breathtaking design by ‘Star Wars’ artist Ralph McQuarrie for a stunt show based on James Bond. This concept was heavily influenced by longtime James Bond production designer Ken Adam. The proposed structure, known as the “Giant Circular Roof,” would have opened to reveal screens displaying Bond’s most formidable adversaries, who would have watched 007 meet his demise and the launch of a nuclear warhead. Unfortunately, this project never took off, but over the years, Universal Studios has hosted stunt shows themed around ‘Conan the Barbarian,’ ‘The A-Team,’ ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ and ‘Waterworld.’

Mel Brooks’ Hollywood Horror Hotel

Initially, the Tower of Terror wasn’t themed as ‘The Twilight Zone,’ but rather a joint venture between Disney and Mel Brooks. However, Brooks eventually withdrew from the project, and ‘The Twilight Zone’ elements were incorporated instead. Earlier plans for what was often referred to as “Hotel Mel” featured an attraction and functioning hotel within the same building, along with a murder mystery that could be solved using clues scattered around the premises. Interestingly, it was around the time Imagineers came up with the idea of incorporating haunted elevators that suddenly leap out of their shafts that Brooks lost interest and moved on to make ‘Life Stinks.’ Knowing this, it’s hard not to think that life sometimes does indeed stink.

Batman Island

Initially, Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios was intended to have an area dedicated entirely to Batman, prior to its transformation into Marvel Super Hero Island. This concept emerged during the 1990s when Tim Burton’s Batman films were at their peak popularity. The proposed area would have featured a Batmobile ride, a Bat-jet attraction, and a live-action stunt show starring Batman, Robin, and even Superman. However, as plans frequently evolve, the space designated for Batman was eventually replaced with areas featuring characters such as Spider-Man and The Hulk from Marvel Comics.

Batwing: Batman vs the Penguin

On Batman Island, one could imagine thrilling features like a suspended roller coaster, offering riders a chance to select between two distinct paths – the Batman or Penguin route. Each track would have provided unique experiences, visual effects, and pyrotechnics. In the lower left corner, you might spot a sign for Shreck’s Department Store, a nod to Christopher Walken’s character in ‘Batman Returns.’ Regrettably, this ride never materialized. However, the idea of competing coasters found its place at Islands of Adventure, as evidenced by its Dueling Dragons ride (originally named Dragon Challenge and now part of the Harry Potter realm).

Dick Tracy’s Crime-Stoppers

Back in 1990, before Warren Beatty’s ‘Dick Tracy’ premiered, there was high anticipation that the movie would be a massive success. Disney had plans to leverage this with an amusement park attraction where visitors could ride alongside Dick Tracy on a chase through Chicago (effectively, a dark ride experience). The vehicles designed for this attraction were to be equipped with tommy guns, allowing riders to shoot at targets throughout the adventure. However, as ‘Dick Tracy’ failed to become a full-fledged franchise, this idea was abandoned. Interestingly, the design of these planned vehicles resembles those used in the Indiana Jones Adventure, and the concept of shooting galleries can still be found in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Ride

Visitors to this ride, inspired by the 1993 stop-motion animated Christmas movie, would have hopped aboard spooky, flying caskets (!) for a dark ride reminiscent of Peter Pan’s Flight, but with a unique Tim Burton twist. Disney found the concept appealing, but Tim Burton, who had joint control over the characters, wasn’t as excited and vetoed the idea altogether. Instead, every year, Disney reimagines the Haunted Mansion in California as the “Haunted Mansion Holiday,” incorporating characters from the film into the experience.

Godzilla Bullet Train

Since the 1970s, there were initial ideas to incorporate a bullet train experience in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Visitors would have been seated inside a vehicle, watching screens that mimicked a trip through the Japanese countryside. However, a more captivating version of this idea involved introducing Godzilla into the equation; he would emerge from the sea and attack the train as it passed through Tokyo Harbor. It’s said that this project never progressed beyond discussions with Toho, the studio that owns Godzilla, due to their belief that a colossal, destructive lizard didn’t fit well with Epcot’s tranquil, nature-inspired ambiance. Too bad it didn’t happen.

The Great Muppet Movie Ride

For over two decades, The Muppets have been a significant part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, showcasing their 3D movie, MuppetVision 3D. Originally, the Muppets were planned to play a more prominent role within the park, with a parody version of the Great Movie Ride called The Great Muppet Movie Ride. In this ride, Jim Henson’s iconic characters would have reenacted scenes from popular films. However, during the 1980s, Disney and Henson were in discussions for a corporate merger, but the deal was canceled following Henson’s death in 1990, thus putting an end to The Great Muppet Movie Ride. Nevertheless, Disney eventually purchased the Muppets in 2004, so it’s possible that their most remarkable theme-park attraction is yet to be created.

Jurassic Park Jeep Safari

As a devoted movie buff, I can’t help but share my excitement about the Jurassic Park land at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It boasts a thrilling River Adventure ride, which while not mirroring the ‘Jurassic Park’ films too closely (apart from the animatronic dinosaurs), still manages to deliver an exhilarating experience. However, the original blueprint for this park was far more captivating. It envisioned a Jeep Safari ride that would have been a cinematic marvel, immersing visitors in the world of the movie.

This Jeep adventure would have taken us on a remote-controlled journey through the park, where we’d encounter giants like brontosaurus, outrun the terrifying T-Rex, and face off against cunning raptors. Unfortunately, as reported by DisneyAndMore.Blogspot.com, this idea was deemed too similar to the River Adventure, making it impossible for both attractions to coexist harmoniously.

Jurassic Park Jeep Safari

As a die-hard movie buff, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I zoom in on that Jurassic Park Jeep Safari ride vehicle. Reminds me of those iconic 8-seat DeLoreans from ‘Back to the Future’, doesn’t it?

Baby Herman’s Runaway Buggy Ride

The popular movie ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ served as a foundation for one theme-park attraction (Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin at Disneyland). However, Disney initially had larger plans, envisioning multiple rides based on this franchise. One of these proposed attractions was Baby Herman’s Runaway Buggy Ride, where visitors would act as stand-ins for the mischievous baby in a perilous scene, riding in vehicles modeled after baby carriages. As reported by JimHillMedia.com, guests would have worn baby bonnets throughout the ride to enhance the experience and stimulate sales of adorable photos taken during the adventure. Regrettably, disputes between Disney and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment over creative control of Roger Rabbit hindered the development of this proposed attraction, as well as other planned constructions related to it.

Toontown Trolley

Just like the Baby Herman ride, disputes about the Roger Rabbit character halted plans for a simulator ride similar to Star Tours, which would have given guests a tour through the cartoon-filled town of Toontown from ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’. Originally, these rides were meant to be part of an entirely new Disneyland area called Hollywoodland. However, this area was ultimately reimagined as Mickey’s Toontown. Unfortunately, poor Roger missed out on his own dedicated ride.

Toontown Trolley

I’m excited to share with you another fascinating concept art piece from the Roger Rabbit Trolley Ride! It has quite a psychedelic vibe that I believe children, especially those buzzing with energy from too much sugar, would find utterly captivating.

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2025-05-23 17:31