There was much outcry when the beloved Horizons closed in 1999. The attraction, which had opened in October 1983, was an Epcot classic which truly embodied the mission and purpose of Future World. Any attraction taking its place was going to have big shoes to fill and Disney promised an experience unlike any other ever experienced at a theme park. Mission Space truly delivers on that count with one of the most technologically advanced ride systems ever created. Next to actually going into space, Mission Space is probably the closest you will ever come to experiencing the thrill and intensity of space travel.
In order to create as authentic an experience as possible, Disney worked very closely with NASA in the development of this project and it is safe to say that they were successful. In terms of intensity, no other Disney attraction comes close, exposing Guests to 2.5 G’s (more than twice the force of gravity on the earth’s surface). The attraction’s multiple-armed centrifuge achieves the illusion of acceleration and weightlessness by spinning and tilting the sealed capsules in which the Guests ride. The attraction was so successful in its illusion of space travel that a less-intense variation of the ride had to be introduced in order to allow more Guests to experience the attraction.
In addition to its striking realism, Mission Space is a very entertaining attraction while still in keeping with the overall feel of Future World. The interactive elements of the attraction, assigning roles and tasks to each of the Guests inside the capsule to perform at various moments throughout the ride, makes Guests feel more a part of the attraction. Interestingly enough, the futuristic X-2 vehicle actually uses several technologies in development today that could actually be seen in future space travel, including aerospike engines, solid hydrogen fuel, an aerobrake and carbon nanotubes.
When Mission Space opened in October 2003 it was truly a state-of-the-art attraction. Even today, ten years later, it remains one of Disney’s most unique and technologically advanced ride systems. Despite the attraction’s intensity, it continues to remain popular among Epcot Guests and the attraction’s less-intense side now enables it to be enjoyed by the entire family (not just the thrill seekers). It may not be Horizons, but Mission Space has carved out its niche at Epcot that still holds true to the spirit of Future World. As such, Mission Space ranks #30 on the top fifty countdown.
#29: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Disneyland
This next attraction is proof that even though an attraction may be gone, it is never truly forgotten. Disneyland’s original Submarine Voyage debuted in 1959 as a part of the new Tomorrowland and was a mainstay at the park until 1998. Even soon after the attraction closed, rumors circulated about a potential replacement. In 2001 the idea was floated to re-theme the submarines around the Disney animated film “Atlantis.” However, when the film underperformed at the box office the idea was shelved. The rumors of a revived submarine attraction became even stronger after the huge success of “Finding Nemo.” Finally, in 2005, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage was officially announced and the attraction opened in 2007 to huge crowds.
The new attraction combines the charming undersea voyage of the original submarines with the whimsical setting and characters of Finding Nemo. Guests board one of eight research submarines and set out in search of an active underwater volcano. Through their portholes, Guests see a spectacular underwater environment of coral reefs and ancient ruins. The sub then travels through a waterfall and enters the hidden show building, where Guests find themselves moving through underwater caverns. The captain announces that, due to an amazing new marine technology called "sonar hydrophones" (an homage to the original attraction), they can actually hear the fish talk. Guests then encounter a plethora of characters from the movie as they go in search of Nemo (who is once again lost).
The new attraction actually reused the eight submarines from the original Submarine Voyage. Even all these years later, the attraction’s ride system remains unique among Disney attractions, giving Guests the sensation of travelling deep beneath the ocean’s surface. Boarding through a hatch, descending down a set of spiral stairs, and viewing the attraction through one of forty round portholes, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is very much like the original attraction, creating an authentic submarine experience, while making it relevant to today’s generation with the addition of Finding Nemo characters. In some ways the attraction’s storyline is similar to The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot, but it features several additional scenes that help to flesh out the story.
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage is a modern classic, an attraction that very much pays homage to the original Submarine Voyage while still showcasing advancements in technology that have been made since the original first opened. The attraction is certainly one of the most unique to be found at any Disney park. Because it is a ride system that is so uncommon, that is part of what makes the ride so much fun. In addition, incorporating the theming of Finding Nemo helps make the attraction even more entertaining, with its combination of memorable characters and lighthearted moments. Thus, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage finds itself at #29 in the top fifty rankings.
#28: The Hall of Presidents, Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents has a long history that goes beyond just being an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. For the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Walt Disney Imagineers created a show for the Illinois pavilion entitled “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” that featured one of the most advanced Audio Animatronic figures ever created at the time. This World’s Fair exhibit was so successful that a version of the show was created for Disneyland while the Fair was still going on in 1965. At Magic Kingdom, it was decided that Liberty Square would replace New Orleans Square found at Disneyland. This new land would be the perfect location for an attraction that would take Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln to an entirely new level.
This attraction has a degree of majesty and dignity not found in many other Disney attractions. It starts with the exterior of the attraction which is representative of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, continues into the preshow area featuring paintings and memorabilia of numerous presidents, and is most prevalent throughout the course of the actual show itself. From the beautiful artwork throughout the movie, to the stirring quotes from some of our greatest leaders, to the dramatic oratory of Morgan Freeman, the show is extremely moving experience.
There are few experiences in Disney World compare to when the stage full of 43 animatronic presidents is revealed. Each so lifelike in appearance, every detail has been carefully considered, from their hair to their clothing. Two animatronic figures in particular put on truly amazing performances. George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are undoubtedly two of the most influential figures in American history and they are brought to life for Guests at The Hall of Presidents. The movement of these figures is so smooth and the mannerisms so lifelike that it is no surprise that they are two of the most advanced Audio Animatronics at any Disney attraction.
The Hall of Presidents is an attraction whose primary focus is to educate Guests about the history of our nation and its presidents. At the same time, however, it does so in a unique and entertaining way that brings that history to life. When Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are speaking one cannot but help to think that they are real. In addition to this tremendous technology, there are many emotional moments throughout the course of the show that will truly give you goose bumps; you will certainly leave this attraction feeling proud to be an American. For these reasons, The Hall of Presidents ranks #28 in the top fifty rankings.
#27: Mickey and the Magical Map, Disneyland
From a classic show with a long and storied history to a brand new show, this next attraction debuted in May 2013 and has already been receiving rave reviews. Mickey and the Magical Map combines classic Disney songs and characters with groundbreaking technology all encompassed in an original storyline featuring Mickey Mouse as the main character as well as appearances by Yensid, the sorcerer from Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Disneyland’s Fantasyland Theater has a long history, featuring a variety of shows ranging from Dick Tracy to Beauty and the Beast to The Wiggles. Mickey and the Magical Map is the latest show to occupy this space.
Rather than highlighting one particular Disney animated film, the storyline of Mickey and the Magical Map features Mickey jumping from one story to another through an enchanted map. This enables the show to feature both classic Disney films like “The Jungle Book” and “The Little Mermaid” in addition to modern favorites such as “Princess and the Frog” and “Tangled.” The beauty of this show is that it is tremendously easy for scenes to be switched out over time (to keep up with new Disney films being released) while still preserving the main storyline of the show.
Mickey and the Magical Map is a show that presents some of the most classic moments and songs from many of your favorite Disney movies, but with a new twist. Several of the songs are given more upbeat arrangements and orchestration that give them a slightly different feel. There are also other songs are juxtaposed with each other, such as a song medley first featuring Pocahontas, joined by Mulan, and ultimately Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The vocal talents of the Cast are truly amazing and added to this is the upbeat choreography of the dancers that really gives the show a high-energy feel.
Adding to all of this is the state-of-the-art technology of the actual map itself. Providing beautiful visuals throughout the course of the show, the map is more than just a backdrop and some of the transitions from screen to live-action are so seamless that you won’t be able to figure how it happens. Combining this technology with classic Disney storytelling, music, and characters, Mickey and the Magical Map has everything you would want and it is the type of show you can watch over and over again. Therefore, Mickey and the Magical map comes in at #27 on the top fifty countdown.
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