Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Attractions that ended runs in 2017
This is the time of year that I daydream about doing a blackand-white video montage with panning Ken Burns-y images of theme park attractions that closed during the year. But then I snap out of it. Sure, death of attraction can be sad, but let’s celebrate what we had. Good times, right?
Here’s a look at some rides and shows that took their final bows at Central Florida theme parks in 2017 — plus peeks at the future. “Blue Horizons” Where: SeaWorld Orlando (debuted in 2006)
What we liked: The acrobatic diving, the music, the big dolphin finale.
Was it time to go: Our enjoyment level was still high, but we hear your argument about it getting stale and not what you’d call educational.
What’s next: “Dolphin Days” arrived this spring.
What we think: We dig the informational aspect but miss, well, the splashiness of “Blue Horizons.” “Wishes” Where: Magic Kingdom (debuted 2003)
What we liked: Well timed fireworks and Jiminy Cricket as our host.
Was it time to go: Yes. The “Wishes” chorus was sounding worn-out and was prompting seizures. (We kid. But yes.)
What’s next: “Happily Ever After” took over.
What we think: It’s a worthy successor, with improved use of castle lighting and a perfectly placed Tinker Bell (bonus points for “Go the Distance”). Ellen’s Universe of Energy Where: Epcot (debuted in 1996)
What we liked: It had great scale: big rooms for big dinos. It had good air-conditioning. And “Jeopardy!”
Was it time to go: Yes. It was slow, painful and skippable.
What’s next: A thrill ride based on “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
What we think: Good reviews of the “Guardians”-inspired makeover of Tower of Terror in California give us hope. (We still have a death grip on the look of “our” Tower though.)
Great Movie Ride
Where: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (debuted in 1989)
What we liked: The nostalgia factor, capped by the Oz scene and Wicked Witch animatronic.
Was it time to go: It was either that or update and upgrade.
What’s next: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Train
What we think: We like the look of the animation and love the notion that Mickey finally gets a ride … and it’s in our backyard.
Dragon Challenge
Where: Islands of Adventure (debuted 1999)
What we liked: Ah, in the good old days, the near-misses provided by then-Dueling Dragons, two separate but fairly equal thrill rides.
Was it time to go: Alas, yes. The feeling among fans is that the staggered launches, which came after a set of flying-object incidents, took the edge off.
What’s next: The coasters have been dismantled to make T2:3-D Where: Universal Studios (debuted 1996)
What we liked: Some of the 3-D effects, the big synthetic soldiers on the sides, the transition between “real life” actors and on-screen stars.
Was it time to go: Yep. It had lingered long enough to be retro
What’s next: The park says only that it will be “an all-new live action experience based on a high-energy Universal franchise.”
What we think: See us in 2019 for an all-new live action response.