The History of 4D Films at Disney World

When browsing attractions at Disney World you might begin to notice a specific style of attraction that can be found throughout the parks. Attractions like Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, Muppet Vision 3D, Mickey’s Philarmagic, and It’s Tough to be a Bug, are all 4D film attractions. This attraction style first became popular in the late 1980s, and continues to delight guests in the present day. But what are 4D films, and what history do they have within Disney World? Continue reading to learn more about these iconic attractions.

What are 4D Films?

4D films are attractions that show 3D films in a theater setting, and combines 3D film effects with real in-house special effects. The special effects that exist within the theater can include water spraying, seats rumbling, scent, mist, fog, wind, lasers, and strobe lights. Other 4D effects that one might find at Disney include animatronics, and  interactive seating elements like poking or vibrating.

The first 4D film was entitled The Sensorium and played at Six Flags Power Plant in Baltimore, Maryland in 1984.

Captain EO

One of the most iconic 4D films to ever play was Captain EO at Disney’s EPCOT park. This 4D film had a massive budget, and featured Michael Jackson as the star. Captain EO was written by George Lucas and detailed a space adventure with iconic song and dance sequences. This attraction debuted at EPCOT in 1986 and was a massive hit. The audience was dazzled by its 3D effects and physical “4D” effects like strobe lights, lasers, seat rumbling, and more. The success of Captain EO paved the way for more 4D Disney attractions to come.

Muppet Vision 3D

Opening in 1991 at Hollywood Studios, Muppet Vision 3D is an attraction that took 4D to the next level. This charming and goofy film features Jim Henson’s Muppets and utilizes 3D effects in classic ways. However, 4D effects are taken to new heights with the use of audio-animatronics that appear throughout the theater, and even a costumed performer. This attraction still plays in the park to this day, and uses 4D effects like bubbles, lighting, projections, and smoke.

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

With the success of Captain EO and Muppet Vision 3D, Disney began working on a new 4D film experience. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience debuted in 1994, taking the place of the iconic Captain EO attraction. This film featured characters from the popular family film: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Using the same theater as Captain EO, this film used many of the same physical effects. This show featured shaking a rocking from the theater which worked to create the illusion that the audience was being moved along with the events taking place on screen. This attraction ran until 2009 when it was replaced by Captain EO’s temporary return, and then closed again to make way for Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

In 2003, 4D films were becoming popular in theme parks throughout the world. That year, Magic Kingdom obtained its first and only 4D attraction that still entertains guests to this day: Mickey’s PhilharMagic. This 4D film stars Donald Duck as he explores iconic scenes and songs from classic Disney films. This attraction uses physical effects like scent and water, and also features the largest 3D screen ever made.

4D film attractions remain quite popular throughout Disney World. Do you enjoy this style of attraction? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.