These Disneyland Rides are Gone Forever

When you see photos of Disneyland rides that are gone forever, it’s hard not to imagine what it would feel like to ride them just one more time.

Maybe you’ve wished you could step back onto the PeopleMover, glide above the park on the Skyway, or take one last drop on Tower of Terror.

Disneyland fans are passionate — and nothing sparks debate faster than attractions that disappear too soon.

When I launched The Happiest Blog on Earth in 2013, I never imagined how quickly Disneyland Resort would change. In just a few short years, entire lands, beloved rides, and iconic experiences were retired, reimagined, or replaced. 

Disneyland is always evolving and that’s part of its magic. But that doesn’t mean we can’t pause, reminisce, and honor the attractions that helped shape our memories.

This guide is a look back at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure rides that are gone forever, including when they opened, when they closed, and what replaced them.

Whether you’re a longtime Disneyland local or planning your first visit, this is a nostalgic walk through attractions that defined an era of the Disney parks. It’s one place they can continue to live on.

This article was originally published in 2018 and is added to anytime a major attraction at Disneyland retires.

California Screamin’ (2001-2018)

California Screamin’ opened at Disney California Adventure on February 8, 2001 with the park’s Grand Opening, and closed permanently on January 7, 2018. Known for its iconic launch, the Neil Patrick Harris narration, and Paradise Pier theming. It was one of the park’s most beloved thrill rides.

Once you made your way to the attraction under the stripped awnings, you boarded one of the cars, pictured below.

On your way to the coaster launch point, other guests line up along the railing to watch you go by.

While California Screamin’ is gone forever, the track itself lives on. The attraction reopened on June 23, 2018, as Incredicoaster, part of the newly reimagined Pixar Pier, complete with Incredibles characters, story elements, and a new soundtrack.

Flik’s Flyers (2002-2018)

Flik’s Flyers closed on September 4, 2018, with the rest of a bug’s land to make way for Avengers Campus.

This attraction holds a special place in my heart — it was the first ride our entire family of five experienced together at Disney California Adventure. Back then, all five of us could actually fit in one “take out container.”

I had of course been to California Adventure before, but it was the first ride we took as a complete family at California Adventure when my baby was still a “baby” and I captured her hand-up excitement, along with her siblings’ amazement in this picture. 

While Flik’s Flyers was a simple spinning ride, it represented something bigger for families visiting the parks with little ones. This is forever one of my favorite pictures of our kids at Disneyland Resort.

Francis’ Ladybug Boogie (2002-2018)

Francis’ Ladybug Boogie closed on September 4, 2018, with the rest of a bug’s land to make way for Avengers Campus.

I have to admit, this one never gave me much of a thrill. At the time, it was on my “rides to skip” list because it’s so similar to other resort attractions.

I have never been super sad about this one flying away forever. What about you?

Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train (2002-2018)

Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train operated from October 7, 2002, through September 4, 2018, offering a gentle, sensory-rich ride perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Guests boarded Heimlich himself and traveled through oversized fruits and treats inspired by A Bug’s Life. Along the ride guests could explore what Heimlich was eating next. The smells, sounds, and playful narration made this attraction a standout for younger guests.

The ride closed permanently as Disney California Adventure prepared for Avengers Campus. It is one iconic Disney California Adventure ride many people miss dearly. Good by Heimlich, we will miss you!

It’s Tough to Be a Bug (2001-2018)

This 4-D attraction closed in California Adventure without any warning, and when Disney announced the new Superhero-themed land (at that time, was yet to be named Avengers Campus), they told us that it’s tough to be a bug would not be reopening.

Princess Dot Puddle Park (2002-2018)

This one has been missed for sure! Parents visiting the parks often used this space to cool off and unwind. Especially locals. The cool water splash pad came as a welcome relief on hot days at Disneyland Resort.

Now, parents head back to Mickey’s Toontown for water play at the fountain or at Donald’s boat. 

Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies (2002-2018)

First off, just look at my amazing photography skills from way back when! Can you tell how passionate I was about this ride?

It’s another one I don’t miss “a bug’s land.” The lines that looked short could eat up an afternoon and then you just drive in one direction, no bumper car fun here. 

King Triton’s Carousel (2001-2018)

King Triton’s Carousel operated from February 8, 2001, to March 5, 2018, featuring under-the-sea theming inspired by The Little Mermaid.

It was replaced by Jessie’s Critter Carousel as part of Pixar Pier’s transformation.

Mickey’s Fun Wheel (2009-2018)

This is the second facelift for this attraction. What began as an original attraction at California Adventure known as the Sun Wheel, morphed into Mickey’s Fun Wheel in 2009.

While the Ferris wheel itself still exists, the original Mickey-themed version is gone forever, replaced by Pixar Pal-A-Round featuring Pixar characters and updated gondolas.

Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! (2006-2027) 

This beloved dark ride in Hollywood Land is closing sometime in 2026 to make way for a new Avatar experience. 

This attraction will be missed by so many who grew up going on this ride. We did a full recap of the attraction on my podcast, Castle Talk Radio. 

Red Car Trolley (2012-2025)

The Red Car Trolley took guests along a route between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Land. It was a simple, leisurely ride narrated along the way.

While a moving vehicle is no longer in operation, you can still see and take pictures with one of the trolleys on Buena Vista Street near the entrance to California Adventure. 

Soarin’ Around the World (2016-2026)

Soarin’ Around the World replaced Soarin’ Over California and now the world itself will be replaced by America. Yes, Soarin’ Across America joins the lineup July 2, 2026 at Disney California Adventure Park.

Soarin’ Over California (2001-2016*)

Soarin’ Over California debuted with Disney California Adventure in 2001 and closed in 2016 when it was replaced by Soarin’ Around the World.

While it occasionally returns as “Soarin’ Over California” during special events like Food & Wine Festival, the original attraction is no longer the default experience, making it a nostalgic favorite for longtime park fans.

When this change was announced, many California Adventure Park enthusiasts said Disney is erasing “California” from California Adventure. One thing is certain, this park is always making changes!

Splash Mountain (1989- 2023)

In Splash Mountain’s place we now have Tiana’s Bayou Adventure which has brought us so much magic into the parks. 

Tower of Terror (2004-2017)

Few attractions inspire as much nostalgia as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which operated at Disney California Adventure from 2004 until January 2, 2017.

And since we’ve already clarified my lack of photography skills from back in the day, I am pulling some photos for a nearly identical ride at Disneyland Paris. Hope you don’t mind. 

From the eerie queue to the randomized drops, this attraction defined an era of Disney storytelling.

It was replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, which now anchors Avengers Campus.

Restaurants Gone Forever

We’ve covered attractions, but I also wanted to give a quick nod to some dining establishments that are gone forever since I began writing The Happiest Blog on Earth.

• Aladdin’s Oasis in Adventureland which has transformed into “The Tropical Hideaway” serving various flavors of Dole Whips and more 
• Ariel’s grotto closed in 2018 and opened June 23, 2018 as Lamplight Lounge in the new Pixar Pier area.

Gone Forever Extras

There are so many little and BIG things that have changed over the years. Here’s a short list of other things you might recall or miss from days gone by (covering 2013 to today).

• Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular (2003-2016) at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater 
• DJ’s Dance ‘n’ Drive (2012-2019) at Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land

• Frozen — Live at the Hyperion (2016-2020) at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater 
• Red Car Trolley News Boys (2012-2019) at Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street
• Rogers: The Musical (Summer 2023) at Disney California Adventure’s Hyperion Theater 

I know, there’s plenty more attractions (AND SHOWS!) that were done and gone before I began this website, feel free to list your favorite in the comment section. Things are always changing at Disneyland Resort and while we miss what once was, I can’t wait to see what’s to come!