Most guests at Disney go to the parks for the vibe, the snacks, the rides and the character interactions. However, many do not know about the history of the most iconic Disney rides. Some believe all rides were inspired by top grossing films, or that a fan base paved the way for an attraction to be built. In this article, I will be sharing the Disney rides that came before their respective movie and fun facts about each one. Let’s get started!
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
This popular attraction can be found in all the Disney parks around the world. However, its origin began in Disneyland in 1967. It was the last ride Walt Disney had personally overlooked and was involved with before his passing. Shortly after, it became and has remained one of the most popular rides to date. The movie, released in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, was based on the popular attraction and with it came an amazing soundtrack, iconic characters and four more movies. The POTC trilogy was so popular, that in 2006, the original ride was renovated with some elements of the film. Nevertheless, as established, the attraction came approximately 36 years before the film.
2. Country Bear Jamboree
This beloved attraction, featuring country-loving bears playing instruments and singing songs, came to life in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1971. The ride was so adored and popular, that it became a part of Disneyland one year later, and of Tokyo Disneyland 11 years later. In 2002, Disney released a film called The Country Bears which was inspired by the attraction, even though many people do not recall this movie from their childhood (I sure do!). Therefore, the attraction came approximately 31 years before the movie.
3. The Haunted Mansion
Welcome foolish mortals to the backstory of this famous ride. The Haunted Mansion opened in 1969 in Disneyland and subsequently, opened in other Disney parks as the years went by. This dark ride is a fan favorite as it showcases spooky scenes, filled with ghosts and ghouls. The popularity of this ride sparked a movie, which came out in 2003 and was titled, The Haunted Mansion. Both the ride and the movie started a cult following between fans, so much so that in 2023, a reboot of the 2003 film was made. All in all, the attraction was made 34 years before the original film.
4. Dinosaur
This Animal Kingdom ride opened in 1998, when the park officially opened its doors to the public. Its track layout was nearly identical to Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland. However, the name was quite different when the ride opened; it was called Countdown to Extinction. The attraction’s name was changed to Dinosaur in 2000 to promote the Disney film with the same name, but the ride itself was untouched. Therefore, if we consider the original ride in 1998, it came out only 2 years before its movie.
5. Jungle Cruise
Punny and creative, this ride opened in 1955, in Disneyland and became a ride staple. Originally, Walt Disney wanted live animals in this ride, however, this was opted out for animal animatronics. The Jungle Cruise takes you on a boat journey through the jungles of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. The tour guide, or skipper, talks you through the entire encounter while also delivering a hilarious monologue, full of puns. The ride is so popular that Disney decided to create a movie based on this jungle adventure, which released in 2021. Taking everything into account, the attraction was made 66 years before its official movie release.
While Disney does appreciate the success of its films, the Disney parks are home to some of the most original rides, that were there long before the triumph of the motion picture that followed. I hope this article gave you some insight on the history of some Disney rides and their long-standing prosperity, long before its movie.
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Maria Mora
For as long as Maria can remember, there was always a Disney movie playing in her house. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Dumbo, or Tarzan, she became enthralled with all things Disney. She has visited the Disney Parks over 100 times and on different continents! Her love of Disney goes hand in hand with her love of reading, which has motivated her through the years to become a zealous writer. She hopes that whatever she does helps her community. After all, with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust, anything is possible!
