Things that don't exist at Disney World anymore

There are things that used to exist at Disney World that don’t exist anymore.

You might be wondering why we’d bother to tell you.

Here’s why:

info exists online about each of these things and you might think you still can experience them
people ask us all the time how to do them
the search feature on this site is being used to look for those things, likely resulting in people wondering why there are no results. Now they’ll find this article instead.

Side note: I’m not going back to the beginning of time to tell you everything that no longer exists so if you find yourself saying “I went to River Country in 1977. WHERE DID IT GO?” then you’ll have to find another resource. This list goes back about 8 to 10 years.

Without further ado, here are the things you can no longer do at Disney World…

In this article

Animal Kingdom

Rescue Little Red from the poachers

The original script for Kilimanjaro Safari included a story line about poachers that were after endangered elephants and it was up to you in Simba-1 (the name of your safari truck) to rescue it. Instead of a peaceful journey through Africa (like it is now), your safari ended after the game warden radioed your truck about the possible poaching of a baby (animatronic) elephant named Little Red which prompted a bumpy dash to the finish to save her.

https://youtu.be/PB4akgF3lR4?t=21m10s
End date: 2012
Replaced by: New animal exhibits

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Debuting with the 100 Years of Magic celebration in 2001, the Jammin’ Jungle Parade was a once daily parade that ran for nearly 14 years and included a holiday overlay known as Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: Nothing

Jungle Book: Alive with Magic

Jungle Book: Alive with Magic was the temporary show performed on the Discovery River Lagoon and was put into place after the debut of the much anticipated Rivers of Light was delayed several ~~years~~ months. The show, inspired by Indian culture and traditions, featured dozens of performers and several production numbers highlighting the story and music of The Jungle Book.

https://youtu.be/LJTw35fvzMU
End date: 2016
Replaced by: Rivers of Light (which is also now closed)

The Lion Guard Adventure

Like the still-available Wilderness Explorers (which is also at Animal Kingdom), The Lion Guard Adventure was a park-wide quest inspired by the animated series “Lion Guard” that sent explorers on a search for the five Lion Guard characters. Participants used maps to search for statues that were hidden in themed locations and once all 5 were found, they received a button and were inducted into the Lion Guard.

Lion Guard Adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Nothing, however guests can find a similar experience with the Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom

Flights of Wonder

This cute, 20+ minute show highlighted the amazing capabilities of birds – which may sound “lame” but often left guests with their jaws on the ground as the birds swooped and soared over their heads.

End date: December 31, 2017
Replaced by: a new “Up” themed show that also features birds

Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light was a nighttime show that took place in the Discovery River lagoon at Animal Kingdom and featured mist screens, water fountains, and beautiful floating lanterns.

End date: March 15, 2020
Replaced by: Nothing

Primeval Whirl

Primeval Whirl was a jerky, spinning, wild-mouse style roller coaster located in DinoLand, U.S.A. After reports of other similar roller coasters having problems in other parks, Disney changed this attraction to operating seasonally before officially closing it permanently during the extended park closure caused by the 2020 pandemic.

End date: March 15, 2020 (was switched to seasonal a year prior but didn’t officially close until March of 2020)
Replaced by: Nothing

Epcot

Miyuki the candy artist

One of the most unique entertainment options in Epcot, Miyuki was an artist that used soft rice dough to create masterpieces out of candy. The pieces created were chosen by guests and her creations were done with amazing speed and skill.

End date: 2013
Replaced by: Nothing, however there are other entertainment options in the World Showcase

Masks

Geared towards young kids, these masks were handed out at the Epcot KidCot Fun Stops and kids could decorate them as they went from country to country.

End date: 2010
Replaced by: Duffy the Disney Bear on a stick – which is the same idea only now it’s a Duffy Bear instead of a mask

Duffy the Disney Bear on a stick

After the masks were discontinued in Epcot, they were replaced by Duffy the Disney Bear on a stick. These were available as part of the Kidcot stations in Epcot. Guests could obtain a blank Duffy the Disney Bear for coloring and decorating as they went country to country.

End date: 2018
Replaced by: Traveler Cards and Ziploc Bags– guests go country to country collecting country specific cards

Coral Reef printed menus

At Coral Reef, an awesome manager named Debbi would allow you to email pics to her and then she’d print them on special, personalized menus that were presented to you when you arrived. The menus were a nice addition for guests celebrating special events.

End date: 2009
Replaced by: Nothing except for the ~~boring~~ regular, un-personalized menu

Divers with personalized messages

The same awesome manager that created magic with the personalized menus at Coral Reef also took requests for messages to give to a diver to appear in the tank during your meal.

End date: 2009
Replaced by: Nothing. You may still see divers while you dine but you can no longer request special messages to be displayed.

Customizable cups with ears and feet

At Club Cool in Epcot and Goofy’s Glaciers in Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs), you were able to build a cup with various character parts and then fill it with a slurpee-style beverage.

End date: Not sure of an exact date, but sometime within the last few years
Replaced by: Nothing as unique however you can find other cups available to purchase

Captain EO

Captain EO made 2 debuts and departures from Epcot and although it had big names on the production side (George Lucas produced it and Francis Coppola directed it), as well as star power in the lead roles (Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston), this 17 minute 3D film was better known for its music than for its storylines.

End date: 1994 and again in 2015
Replaced by: Captain EO was originally replaced by “Honey I Shrunk the Audience” but the most recent replacement is the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

Honey I Shrunk the Audience

Honey I Shrunk the Audience was a spin-off from the popular “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” films and (not surprisingly) told the story of an out-of-control machine that accidentally shrinks the audience. This film was shown in 3D and was set at the “Imagination Institute” and although it was fairly popular (during its time), it was a little intense for some children.

End date: 2010
Replaced by: Captain EO

Maelstrom

One of only 2 rides in the World Showcase, Maelstrom was a miniature travelogue that highlighted Norway’s past and present, and it included several fan favorites such as trolls and oil rigs as visuals in the storytelling of Norway’s past, present and future.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: Frozen Ever After

Remy at Chefs de France

A tiny, 6-inch tall animatronic Remy used to visit guests at their tables as they dined at Chefs de France. Joined by his maître d’ friend, Remy moved from table to table while perched on a cheese tray set atop a cart. Only at a park themed around a mouse would the idea of having a rat visit your table while you eat sound like a good idea.

https://youtu.be/BpsyiC5ZC28
End date: 2013
Replaced by: Nothing

Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure

Much like the current Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, the Kim Possible version let guests utilizing specialized cellphones (aka Kimmunicators) through the World Showcase to hunt for clues that solved one of 7 different missions.

End date: 2012
Replaced by: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

Sum of all Thrills

A hidden gem inside of Innoventions, Sum of All Thrills was a design-your-own experience that allowed guests to create their own thrill ride and then test it out on a 4D robotic simulator. Using special tools and screens, guests began by choosing a ride vehicle from one of three options: bobsled, roller coaster or jet aircraft, before designing the path their vehicle would take. Depending on your thrill level you could keep it tame or do multiple loops – all of which you could then test out on one of the 4 simulators.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Nothing as of now

Off Kilter

Fan-favorite musical group that played Celtic-rock in the Canada Pavilion

End date: 2014
Replaced by: A bunch of short-lived entertainers (2-3 month engagements) that have included everything from a group of lumberjacks with chainsaws to musicians

Mo’ Rockin’

Another fan favorite located in the Morocco Pavilion that played Moroccan fusion music and was often accompanied by a belly dancer

End date: 2014
Replaced by: A series of other Moroccan music groups

The Universe of Energy and Ellen’s Energy Adventure

The Universe of Energy was an original Epcot pavilion and home to 1 attraction, Ellen’s Energy Adventure which starred Ellen DeGeneres and Billy Nye “The Science Guy” (and Judy, we can’t forget Judy). Described by Disney as a “multimedia romp through time and Ellen DeGeneres’ subconscious,” the entire experience including pre-show was 45 minutes long and included a 37 minute slow trek while riding huge, moving “theater cars” (similar to the ones in the now defunct Great Movie Ride).

End date: August 13, 2017
Replaced by: A yet to be named Guardians of the Galaxy attraction

American Music Machine

This popular 5 piece a capella vocal group was always a pleasure to listen to when strolling near the America Gardens Theater.

End date: September 29, 2017
Replaced by: A variety of other music groups

IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth

This nighttime show ran from 1999 to 2019 and took place in the World Showcase Lagoon. The show featured fountains, fire, special lighting, fireworks, and a large globe covered in LED screens to tell the story of earth and humanity.

End date: September 30, 2019
Replaced by: Epcot Forever

Fountain of Nations

This fountain located behind Spaceship Earth was the centerpiece of Epcot’s Future World and was part of the park’s opening in 1982. It featured water from 29 different nations and entertained guests with its dancing water shows. Removal of the fountain occurred to make room for the re-imagining of Future World into neighborhoods.

End date: September 8, 2019
Replaced by: World Celebration neighborhood

Character Spot

This character location featured meets with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy against classic Epcot Future World backdrops. As part of the Future World re-imagining, this location has temporarily relocated to Innoventions West.

End date: September 8, 2019
Replaced by: World Celebration neighborhood

Fountain View (Starbucks)

Fountain View was home to Starbucks at Epcot. As part of the Future World re-imagining, this location closed to make way for the new World Celebration neighborhood. A new Starbucks temporary location called Traveler’s Cafe has since opened near the Refreshment Port in World Showcase, but no specifics have been announced for the future permanent home of Starbucks in Epcot.

End date: September 8, 2019
Replaced by: World Celebration neighborhood

Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Weekends

Star Wars Weekends were an extremely popular series of Star Wars themed events that occurred in May and June, and they included Star Wars character meals, classic Disney characters dressed up as Star Wars characters, “real” characters from the Star Wars movies, a parade and hugely popular sessions with celebrities where you could get FastPasses for autographs or watch panel discussions on different Star Wars topics.

End date: 2015
Replaced by: Several temporary attractions (such as Star Wars Launch Bay) and entertainment options but, more importantly, an entire Star Wars-themed land, which is currently under construction and should be open in 2019

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Imagine gazing upon millions of glittering lights covering the (now gone) Streets of America, all timed perfectly to your favorite holiday music while snow floated through the air. That was The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. It was beautiful and nostalgic and irreplaceable.

End date: 2015
Replaced by: Nothing will ever replace Osborne Lights. However, Disney announced a new and different holiday show for 2016 at Hollywood Studios called Jingle Bell, Jingle JAM!

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure playground

Based on the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” movie franchise, this 11,000 square foot playground was home to several iconic images from the movie, such as giant blades of grass, a supersized honey bee and a filmstrip slide.

honey-i-shrunk-the-kids-movie-set-adventure-00

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Streets of America

This themed land, with streets designed to look like New York City and San Francisco, was home to several attractions including Lights! Motors! Action! and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, both of which are now closed. During the holidays, this area was transformed into the winter wonderland that was the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

This 40-minute, live action show led guests through the mock production of an action movie and involved stunt sequences that included cars, jet skis and lots and lots of fire. Lights, Motors, Action! was shown in a giant, 5000-seat stadium theater and, although the “film” being shot wasn’t real, the stunt women and men (and the stunts they performed) were.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

The Magic of Disney Animation and Animation Academy

The Magic of Disney Animation housed several interactive exhibits, including one of the most unique experiences at Hollywood Studios, Animation Academy. This drawing academy was led by an animator that taught guests how to draw a popular Disney character and, as an added bonus, guests could take their artwork home as a fun (and free!) souvenir.

End date: 2015
Replaced by: Star Wars Launch Bay

Backlot Tour

Once the premier attraction at Hollywood Studios, this combination walking and tram ride tour took guests behind the scenes of movie making. Guests spent the first part of the attraction walking through the demonstration of how some of the scenes from popular movies are created before moving on to a tram tour that showcased set props, costumes, stunts and the production of action scenes, the latter highlighted by a trip to Catastrophe Canyon.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Earful Tower

While not an attraction, this faux water tower adorned with Mickey Mouse ears was one of several icons of Hollywood Studios and stood watch over the park until its removal in 2016.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Sorcerer’s Hat

Another icon, this larger than life hat debuted on September 28, 2001, as part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration at Walt Disney World Resort and departed in early 2015.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Removed to make room for nighttime shows such as Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

American Idol Experience

Inspired by the popular music reality show “American Idol,” this attraction allowed guests to compete against each other in a live audition similar to the one seen on TV.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: Frozen Sing-Along

Journey into Narnia and The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow

From 2005 until 2014, Hollywood Studios hosted several walk-through experiences that told the story of these 2 popular franchises. Narnia themed shows ran from 2005-2011 and a Pirates of the Caribbean themed version ran from 2012-2014. Even though these attractions frequently had long lines, they weren’t up to Disney’s usual standard.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions

Great Movie Ride

The last remaining original attraction from the park, The Great Movie Ride took guests on a journey through scenes of 12 classic movies and was unique in its use of a combination of animatronics, actors, and special effects to help tell the stories. The Great Movie Ride was housed inside of a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and like Ellen’s Energy Adventure, it also utilized the unique “theater car” ride vehicle.

End date: August 13, 2017
Replaced by: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

This live show brought several of your favorite Star Wars scenes to life and included special character appearances from both old favorites like Darth Vader, as well as some new favorites from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

End date: February 22, 2020
Replaced by: nothing

Magic Kingdom

Wake Tinker Bell

There used to be a mad dash to a shop called Tinker Bell’s Treasures where your child could tap on a small chest and Tink (i.e., lights) would wake up and fly around the room. They’d then be presented a certificate in recognition of their efforts. This was a prime example of competitive parenting as people bulldozed through the crowds with their strollers to be the first ones there so they could do this.

End date: 2010
Replaced by: An expansion of nearby shops

PUSH the trash can

PUSH the Talking Trash Can was in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom and would interact with guests throughout the day. As of early 2014, PUSH no longer appears here.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: nothing

Tom Sawyer Island paintbrushes

On Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom, there used to be paintbrushes hidden and if you found one, you could turn it in for a FASTPASS to Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (or you could’ve walked over to the FASTPASS machines and gotten one? I guess that’s not as much fun). Anyway, this was discontinued for lots of rumored reasons: people keeping the paintbrushes as souvenirs, the changes in the FASTPASS system, etc.

End date: 2012 or 2013
Replaced by: Nothing

SpectroMagic and Main Street Electrical Parade

The Magic Kingdom has always been known for its nighttime entertainment and that included its nighttime parades. Decked out in thousands of lights, the Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic ran (at different times) from 1977 up until 2016. Beloved by many guests these parades were known to delight their fans with nostalgia and catchy tunes.

End date: SpectroMagic made its final run in 2010 and the Main Street Electrical Parade’s final show was in 2016
Replaced by: Nothing as of early 2017, although rumors persist of a new parade for sometime in the future

Snow White’s Scary Adventure

This dark ride put guests in the middle of the famous story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and although it was based on a fairytale, many young children found it a bit too scary.

End date: 2012
Replaced by: Princess Fairytale Hall

Mickey’s Toontown Fair

Once an entire themed land in the Magic Kingdom, Mickey’s Toontown Fair housed giant cartoon-esque structures, including both Mickey and Minnie’s houses, and attractions like Goofy’s Barnstormer which was re-themed for Storybook Circus.

End date: 2012
Replaced by: New Fantasyland, including Storybook Circus

Dream Along with Mickey

Dream Along with Mickey was the castle stage show that took place several times every day. Like the title suggested, this show included Mickey and his friends and celebrated the magic of dreams.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire

Magic Kingdom Welcome Show

For years Magic Kingdom started every morning with a welcome show at the Main Street WDW Railroad Station. This nostalgic favorite included a countdown with the Mayor, a Family of the Day, the Main Street Dancers and lots and lots of characters that arrived on the train to help open the park.

End date: 2017
Replaced by: Let the Magic Begin, a show that takes place at the castle stage instead of at the front of the park

Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams

Wishes was the long-running fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. Hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy, Wishes took guests on a very Disney-ish emotional journey through what happens when you “Wish Upon a Star”. The popular show inspired holiday themed versions called Happy HalloWishes and Holiday Wishes.

End date: May 11, 2017
Replaced by: Happily Ever After

Tomorrowland Cabanas

One of the most short lived experiments in recent years was the late 2016 introduction of Cabanas in Magic Kingdom. These $649/day tents were billed as a private retreat from the hustle and bustle of the park, even though from the outside they just looked like…tents. Each cabana could accommodate up to 8 guests and included charging stations, some snacks, and reserved viewing space for parade and fireworks.

End date: January 2017
Replaced by: Nothing

Talking Mickey

For several years you were able to meet a Mickey Mouse in Magic Kingdom that would actually talk to you. The messages were pre-recorded standard things that were controlled by one of the attendants in the room, but the experience was anything but standard.

One of the more popular places to meet Mickey Mouse, lines here were often long and FastPasses were strongly recommended if you were planning to go. However, the popularity wasn’t enough to keep Mickey from going silent in May of 2018. Disney never released an official statement but rumors are that contracts, consistency, and cost were all factors into turning this Mickey Mouse character greeting back into the standard “no talking” kind.

End date: May 13, 2018
Replaced by: Regular, non-talking Mickey

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial

Like the Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios, this show included bringing kids on stage to teach them some things. Obviously instead of learning how to be a Jedi, they learned how to be a pirate here. The 25-minute show finished with kids taking the pirates pledge and singing “A Pirate’s Life for Me!” It also featured the kids’ moms swooning over the very Johnny-Depp-looking pirate. Ahem.

End date: September 2018
Replaced by: Nothing

Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party

This street party was similar to a mini-parade and featured a few floats with popular characters as well as the opportunity to dance along with performers. The party started near the train station at the front of the park and worked its way up Main Street U.S.A. to the central park hub.

End date: December 2018
Replaced by: Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party opening at Magic Kingdom in January 2019

Happy HalloWishes Fireworks

Happy HalloWishes was the long running fireworks show that took place at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The show was based on the Haunted Mansion attraction and featured various Halloween characters and Disney villains.

End date: November 2019
Replaced by: Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular opening at Magic Kingdom in August 2019

Holiday Wishes Fireworks

Holiday Wishes was the nightly fireworks show performed during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. The show featured fun versions of classic Christmas songs paired along with fireworks over Cinderella Castle.

End date: December 2018
Replaced by: Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks opening at Magic Kingdom in November 2019

The Pirates League

According to Disney, the Pirates League allowed guests to “come aboard for a swashbuckling pirate transformation” that could include a new hairstyle, makeup, special treasure, and costume.

End date: March 15, 2020
Replaced by: Nothing

Stitch’s Great Escape

A “theater-in-the-round” attraction featuring a Stitch animatronic that caused mayhem. This attraction featured Stitch burping a chili cheese dog into guests faces.

End date: January 6, 2018
Replaced by: Temporarily was a Stitch meet and greet, but is currently nothing.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was an interactive attraction/game found in Magic Kingdom. In the game, Hades was trying to take over the Magic Kingdom and Merlin was recruiting park guests as new apprentices. The apprentices (you) attempted to thwart Hades’s plan by attacking notorious Disney villains that could be found at various “portals” throughout the park.

End date: January 24, 2021
Replaced by: Nothing

Disney Springs

Adventurer’s Club (and all of Pleasure Island)

Back before Disney decided to focus entirely on ~~shopping~~ family-friendly entertainment with the rechristening of Downtown Disney as Disney Springs, Pleasure Island housed several nightclubs including the amazingly unique Adventurer’s Club. The club was a spot Imagineered to resemble a private club for world travelers (circa 1937) and included entertainment that was part improvisational comedy, part animatronics and puppets and 100% fun. Kungaloosh!

End date: 2008
Replaced by: Several bars and restaurants in an area of Disney Springs now known as The Landing

Disney Quest

An innovative experiment, Disney Quest in Disney Springs was a 5 floor interactive indoor “theme park” that allowed guests to experience some of their favorite attractions “video game” style. Not only could you find some of your favorites (like CyberSpace Mountain) but guests could also play classic 1990ish video games, pinball machines, etc. But, like all things technology, video game tech moves quickly and that made it hard for Disney Quest to stay up with the times and relevant with many of today’s gamers.

End date: July 3, 2017
Replaced by: the NBA Experience, which is also now permanently closed

La Nouba

This in residence Cirque du Soleil show wowed guests for nearly 19 years. Housed in a custom built theater and featuring the same amazing pageantry and story telling paired with amazing feats of acrobatics and athleticism you expect from a Cirque show, this family-friendly entertainment offering was a popular way for guests to spend an evening outside of the parks.

End date: December 31, 2017
Replaced by: a new, Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show (yet to be named)

NBA Experience

After lots of hype, the NBA Experience opened to a mediocre reception and when the parks shut down, the NBA Experience never reopened.

Filled with basketball-themed games and photo ops, this entertainment option probably didn’t have a wide enough appeal to ever draw the crowds it needed to remain open.

End date: officially announced on August 16, 2021, however, the NBA Experience never reopened after it closed back in March 2020.
Replaced by: Nothing has been announced

General

Ride up front on the Monorail

With good timing, riders were able to ask the monorail pilot if they could sit up front with them. Not only was it fun and a great view, but guests were presented with a co-pilot’s license at the end. However, after July 5, 2009, this practice came to an end when the pink and purple monorails collided, resulting in the death of a monorail pilot.

End date: 2009
Replaced by: nothing

Grand Gathering events

Groups of 8 or more used to be called Grand Gatherings by Disney World and this designation allowed those groups the option to participate in 3 special events: International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception, a Safari Celebration Dinner and the Good Morning Gathering.

End date: 2012
Replaced by: While there are no longer Grand Gathering events, you can still link large groups together using a “travel with” number, which is handy because your rooms will be assigned at your resort first, making it very likely that you’ll be located near each other

Mickey paint chips at Home Depot

People have often picked up these Mickey-shaped paint chips to make things related to their trip. However, Home Depot no longer carries Disney paint so the chips aren’t available anymore.

End date: 2012
Replaced by: Disney-branded paint is now available at Wal-Mart, but the paint chips have changed making them less conducive for crafting

Pal Mickey

Pal Mickey dolls were interactive Mickey dolls that, when used inside Disney World, would offer tips and info to guests based on location within the parks.

End date: Dolls discontinued in 2008 and as of 2014 the dolls no longer work in the park
Replaced by: While there are no longer any interactive dolls sold, the technology and design that made Pal Mickey possible was the pre-cursor to the RFID technology used in the parks today for items like Magic Bands.

Walt Disney World Speedway

Just outside of the Transportation and Ticket Center used to sit the Walt Disney World Speedway, where guests could pay to drive race cars courtesy of the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

End date: 2015
Replaced by: The reorganization of the parking lots and roadways around the Transportation and Ticket Center

Selfie Sticks

Citing safety concerns from guests trying to use the gadgets on rides, Disney banned selfie sticks in all parks in 2015.

End date: 2015
Replaced by: Long arms

Paper FastPasses

It’s hard to believe, but paper FastPasses made their debut in 1999. This virtual queuing system allowed guests to use their ticket media to collect paper FastPass tickets at popular rides. The FastPasses would have a return time assigned to them and guests were then free to visit other attractions until their return time opened up. Guests could collect a 2nd FastPass as soon as the return time for their 1st FastPass+ had passed OR after 2 hours (whichever came first), and so on.

End date: 2014
Replaced by: FastPass+ (which is also now gone)

FastPass+

FastPass+ never returned after the parks reopened in 2020, and in mid August of 2021, Disney announced that the popular (and free!) FastPass+ system would be replaced with a paid version called Disney Genie+.

The old FastPass+ system had its downsides, but many people (us included!) liked being able to pre-select up to 3 return times per day.

End date: August 18, 2021 (however, FastPass+ never returned after the parks closed in March of 2020)
Replaced by: Disney Genie+

Disney Dollars

From 1987 until 2016 the Walt Disney Company sold their own scrip that could be redeemed at the Disney parks, on-board Disney Cruise Liners or at Disney Stores. Modeled to look like Disney-fied versions of American currency, Disney Dollars made popular (and unique) souvenirs or fun alternatives to Disney gift cards.

End date: 2016
Replaced by: Nothing as unique, however there are a wide variety of gift cards available

Express Bus Transportation

This short-lived, premium (read: costs money) transportation option allowed guests to quickly hop from park to park. Once inside a park (which means guests have gone through at least 1 security screening) guests wanting to park hop could then go to a designated spot inside of a park where a Disney Cast Member would escort them to a pick-up spot. Once there, every 15 minutes or so a bus heading out to a different park would arrive (each park had 1 pickup per hour). Being picked up and dropped off at a location inside the park (which lets you enter the park past the security checkpoints) saved guests lots of time, making this a convenient option for many park-hopping fans.

End date: August 23rd, 2017
Replaced by: Minnie Vans and regular Disney transportation options

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Where to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World

This was a picnic-style, outdoor barbecue dinner and show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The meal featured Chip, Dale, Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie and included rope tricks, line dancing, and other performances.

End date: December 31, 2018
Replaced by: Closed to make room for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge

Extra Magic Hours

Extra Magic Hours (often abbreviated as EMHs) provided early or late access to parks for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort (and guests from a select few other resorts). These were popular as they often provided a less busy park experiencing. EMHs were generally held at one park per day and would allow resort guests into the parks either an hour before park opening or to stay for 2 hours past park close.

End date: March 16, 2020
Replaced by: Early Theme Park Entry

Grand Floridian Society Orchestra

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra began playing at the Grand Floridian resort when it opened in 1988. They continued playing in the lobby of the resort for 32 years until the Grand Floridian temporary closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. After the Disney parks reopening in July 2020, the orchestra had a brief stint at Hollywood Studios before being let go in October 2020.

End date: March 16, 2020
Replaced by: Nothing

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Disney makes changes all the time so this list will continue to grow. Anything else from the last decade or so that you think should be added?