Here at Theme Park Insider, we believe in "plussing" whatever we do... so that means raising our 2016 preview list to the next level of sarcasm and flame bait. In that spirit, we offer our Top 10 list of the best closed attractions for 2016. (Alas, as much as we are trying to snarky here, we just couldn't bring ourselves to make this list into a 10-page slideshow. We're sarcastic — not evil.)
These are attractions at the major parks we cover that closed in 2015 or will close in early 2016. Some of them might reopen in late 2016 or beyond, but others have gone away forever. Whatever their fate, you won't be able to experience these attractions for the majority of 2016.
So, pour one out for your favorite, read 'em and weep!
10. Mark Twain Riverboat
Disneyland
Along with the Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, the riverboat is heading to dry dock while Disneyland drains the Rivers of America and reroutes it to accommodate construction of Star Wars Land. The river is expected to reopen sometime in 2017.
9. Twister - Ride it Out
Universal Studios Florida
The Pax is no match for Jimmy Fallon, as the Tonight Show host has evicted 1996's number-two movie for his "Race Through New York," debuting in 2017.
8. Animation Academy
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Put down your pencils and book a trip to another Disney resort if you want a free drawing lesson from a Disney animator. What was left of DHS' animation pavilion has closed permanently.
In the words of the immortal Frank Kincaid, we are "moving on"... straight into a new version of Universal Studios Hollywood's "Fast & Furious - Supercharged," which will open on Disaster!'s old site in 2017.
6. Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue
Universal Studios Florida
Another victim of Dominic Toretto and his gang, Beetlejuice goes away at the end of the year, no matter how many times you say his name.
5. Tom Sawyer Island
Disneyland
No water in the river means no rafts to the island. Just the thought makes this former raft driver heartbroken. #PrayForRobert
4. Disneyland Railroad
Disneyland
Star Wars Land continues its rampage across Disneyland, shutting down the railroad, too.
3. Incredible Hulk Coaster
Universal's Islands of Adventure
IOA's skyline is already missing this iconic coaster, as Universal's torn down its track for a complete rebuild. Look for the return of Hulk later in 2016.
2. Fantasmic!
Disneyland
Star Wars Land's greatest victim will be one of Disney's most popular shows - the original Fantasmic!, which closes for the year in January, along with the rest of the Rivers of America.
1. Aladdin
Disney California Adventure
But the top spot on our list goes to a victim not of Star Wars, but of Disney's other insatiable franchise, Frozen. DCA's long-running musical closes in January to make way for a new Frozen-themed musical that will debut later in the year.
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I sure am glad we got to see Aladdin one more time though, before that goes away. I still have not had a chance to see Disneyland's version of Fantasmic!, as every time I'm in California it's Fall, and they only run the show on weekends (which I can never dedicate to a DL day). Still hoping to get that chance someday though...
On the non-Cali-Florida side, Shockwave at Kings Dominion, one of the world's first stand-up coasters, took its last rides earlier this season and will get a lame Huss Giant Frisbee in its place.
Also, Six Flags New England is converting Bizarro back into Superman: The Ride. While they're not changing the course, SF is billing it as a new experience that was even better than the original, which was ranked as the world's best steel coaster for a number of years.
I think the Soarin's closure at EPCOT will be relatively limited. Disney's being ultra conservative with the timeline, but I think it will only be down for a couple of months. For those complaining, consider how long the lines are with both theaters operating and how much longer the lines would be if the attraction is running at half capacity. I think taking everything down until the new projection system is installed on both original theaters and the new theater is online and ready to debut the new film is a good choice. Allowing the attraction to limp along for a couple of months (potentially slowing the transition) is a good move by Disney. Ultimately, I don't think it will take as long as Disney is anticipating.
Genuinely sad to see Beetlejuice close too. My family and I have enjoyed this show for many years. I may or may not want to be The Bride... (I do - goals) Enjoyed it one last time this year with a lingering last look over my shoulder as I left. Fortunately did achieve my goal of BJ 'hitting' on me this time.
Farewell my favourites, farewell.
Disneyland? Losing attendance because a relatively small amount of decent attractions are gonna be closed? Haha, you're pretty funny!
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