The ax has been rocked by a few deeply unpopular. The Walt Disney World Attractions While the writing has been on the wall for some time, the coronavirus pandemic surely accelerated the disappearance of Great Stitch Escape, Rivers of lightand Primitive swirl, all of which are configured to close. Additionally, some other previously announced projects have been temporarily postponed as Disney’s theme park division makes its way to the current COVD-19 crisis.
According to a memo sent to the cast members of the theme park (via WDWNT and confirmed elsewhere), Florida’s Magic Kingdom theme park has officially closed Stitch’s Great Escape after an extended “temporary” shutdown, while the park Animal Kingdom will close Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light Night Show. This news should come as no surprise to theme park fans, as these three attractions were among the most disgusting in the entire Walt Disney World resort.
Stitch’s Great Escape is the least surprising of the group. A re-themed version of the cool new Alien Encounter trip, it was too scary for kids and too dumb for adults, resulting in an experience that was unpleasant for anyone while wasting valuable real estate in Tomorrowland. Rumors have been circulating for years about what would eventually replace it, but with the pandemic attacking Disney’s finances, the space will likely remain empty even after the shutdown becomes permanent.
Meanwhile, Primeval Whirl has always been a monstrosity in beautiful Animal Kingdom Park, a light-themed off-platform rollercoaster shoreline that seemed to exist solely to devour guests rather than provide a poignant experience. Rivers of Light, on the other hand, was an ambitious nightly show that required extensive technology and a new seating area to bring it to life. However, it was never a hit with visitors, especially compared to high-energy nighttime shows in other parks. When the dust has settled, we’ll probably see a new show take over the Rivers of Light space. Who knows what will be involved for Primeval Whirl?
This news comes shortly after rumors spread yesterday that Disney was canceling the massive restoration of the Earth Spaceship and the construction of a new Marry Poppins attraction at Epcot. We have learned that neither project is canceled, but both are temporarily postponed for now. Major attractions that were already under construction when the pandemic began, such as the Tron roller coaster at the Magic Kingdom and the Star Wars hotel at Hollywood Studios, are still moving forward.
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