What would you have gotten rid of before Wishes?

wdw&sonny

DIS Veteran
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
1,646
Just curious what everyone thinks about changing Wishes for Happily Ever After.
Wishes was clearly one of the most beloved "attractions" at MK.
And there are clearly some that are not highly regarded (based on opinions here and low wait times).

In the spirit of "if it aint broke, don't fix it", what would you have gotten rid of or changed before messing with Wishes?

Here's my top 10 list: In order of what needs to go first...
1. People Mover (if it traveled through attractions like Buzz, maybe it would be ok).
2. Enchanted Tiki Room (would need to be really drunk to not be annoyed)
3. Country Bear Jamboree (no amount of drunk can fix this)
4. Stitch (just sad)
5. Speedway (waste of space)
6. Hall of Presidents (move it to World Showcase)
7. Swiss Family Tree House
8. Liberty Square River Boat
9. Tom Sawyer Island (waste of space)
10. Carousel of Progress (at least change the time periods so it's not 1900, 1920, 1940 then 2020).

What would you get rid of?
 
What did it cost to change Wishes to Happily Ever After? Any difference in the operational cost?

I'm not saying that there aren't a LOT of attractions at MK that need to be "updated". I just don't know what other factors played a part in the change. Cost? Crowd Control? Appeal to younger Generation?
 
Get rid of the People Mover and Country Bears?!?! Blasphemy!!!

That said, I think that Illuminations is more in need of an update than Wishes was, but I think the change was driven by recent technology like LED lighting and projections.
 

I like happily ever after (was just there and enjoyed it as much as wishes). Really they should update that every few years to include a variety of music from recent movies to classics, IMO. My mom and I also did carousel of progress, that needs to be updated. At least the 2020 year since at lot of the future technology is already here. And I like Swiss family tree house, it takes up little space so really what would you replace it with? Go at night you have spectacular views of the park! Agree with you on stitch... oh and Tom Sawyer island is fun if you have little kids so your on your own with that one as well.
 
I would hate to lose Swiss Family and Tom Sawyer because they are so different than the standard attraction. My kids love running around the island and I love it because it is usually relatively uncrowded and cooler.

The treehouse I enjoy because it is fun to point out all the feats of ingenuity that went into it. Plus, they're both people eaters!
 
I have not seen HEA yet, but I must say that while I loved Wishes and always made sure to plan at least one evening in the MK to see it in front of the Castle, I think the change is okay. I would prefer change in terms of fireworks and projections rather than see my People Mover or Carousel of Progress get bounced.
If Stitch never saw the light of day again, it would be too soon for me, but of your list, that would be the only one I would toss. For evey person who avoids an attractions there is another who finds the nostalgia in that attraction.
I would agree that Illuminations needs an update badly.
 
1. Swiss Family Treehouse
2. Carousel of Progress
3. Tiki Room
4. PhilharMagic
5. Stitch of course
6. Tom Sawyer Island

I would never want the Speedway or People Mover to go away. Hall of Presidents is one of the few educational attractions on Disney property.
 












Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top