Spaceship Earth
Sticking with EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is the centerpiece attraction of the park. When guests first walk in, they see the giant ball and are curious to experience the attraction within. The attraction has been updated already, and its current version, narrated by Dame Judi Dench, still features amazing animatronics and immersive set pieces. However, its age is noticeable, and the “Welcome to your future” gimmick that takes up the attraction’s ending has lost its charm, especially on repeat rides.
Disney announced at 2019’s D23 that Spaceship Earth would be reimagined as part of EPCOT’s transformation. However, like many other projects that were supposed to be part of the transformation, it never happened. Disney hasn’t revealed a new date of when this update could happen, and it may not be until after Test Track is done. However, a Spaceship Earth would be welcome, even if that means Dench no longer tells riders to thank the Phoenicians.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the few classic dark rides remaining in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Despite the ride’s age, it still draws crowds and is often one of the longer lines in the park. However, as it currently stands, the ride is not worth its extensive wait, even if the queue is adorable. It’s too short of an attraction and the effects and animatronics are outdated. They barely move, and it feels stale in comparison to Disney’s incredibly fluid animatronics seen on rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
This attraction needs a makeover and Disney Imagineering has a perfect template for it. The Peter Pan’s Flight in Shanghai Disneyland is a perfect example of how to move this attraction into the modern era while still keeping the classic dark ride vibe. It has brilliant animatronics and effects, but that old-school charm that made visitors love this ride in the first place. Even if Disney doesn’t go that route, something needs to be done with this attraction so that it’s worth the 90-minute wait.