12 Retro Theme Park Rides from the ’80s That Are Gone
Step back into the thrill-filled past with these unforgettable theme park rides from the 1980s that no longer exist.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s were a golden age for theme parks, where rides were big and sometimes downright bizarre. Many of the most iconic attractions have since vanished, replaced by sleeker, safer, and more modern experiences. These 12 discontinued rides will take you on a nostalgic loop through childhood memories you probably forgot you had.
1. Adventure Thru Inner Space – Disneyland
ATIS547 on Flickr
This dark ride shrunk guests “down to the size of an atom.” With eerie narration and trippy visuals, it felt like science fiction come to life. It closed in 1985 to make room for Star Tours.
2. The Great American Scream Machine – Six Flags Great Adventure
Camile Gévaudan on Wikimedia Commons
This was once one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world. It rattled your bones with intense loops and rough turns. It retired in 2010 to make space for newer thrills.
3. The Skyway – Magic Kingdom
Robert J. Levy on Wikimedia Commons
This gentle cable car ride gave a bird’s-eye view of the park. It was peaceful, scenic, and a little terrifying if you feared heights. Safety concerns and maintenance issues led to its closure in the ’90s.
4. Earthquake: The Big One – Universal Studios Florida
Loren Javier on Flickr
This show-style ride simulated a massive quake in a subway station. The flashing lights, collapsing walls, and rushing water made it feel real.
5. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – Magic Kingdom
Freddo on Wikimedia Commons
Fast turns, wild scenes, and a surprisingly dark ending — this was no kiddie ride. Based on The Wind in the Willows, it had charm and chaos in equal measure.
6. The Magic Journeys 3D Film – EPCOT
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This was a trippy 3D show that leaned more weird than wonderful. It explored the world through a child’s eyes with floating imagery and synth-heavy music. It debuted at EPCOT but later moved to Magic Kingdom before disappearing.
7. The Bat – Kings Island
Jeremy Thompson on Flickr
The original Bat was one of the first suspended roller coasters. It looked cool but suffered constant technical problems. It closed just a few years after opening in 1981.
8. Journey Into Imagination (Original Version) – EPCOT
Eliedion on Wikimedia Commons
This version featured Dreamfinder and Figment on a whimsical ride through creativity. It was colorful, slow-moving, and beloved by many. Later versions cut the charm and added more tech.
9. The PeopleMover – Disneyland
Effie3 on Wikimedia Commons
This was a relaxing ride above Tomorrowland that rarely had a line. Simple and futuristic, it was a break from the crowds. It was replaced by the short-lived Rocket Rods, which also failed.
10. The Original King Kong Encounter – Universal Studios Hollywood
Jim Epler on Flickr
A massive animatronic King Kong greeted guests with terrifying roars. The set shook, smoke filled the air, and the gorilla got dangerously close. It burned in a studio fire and was later reimagined.
11. Delta Dreamflight – Magic Kingdom
Prime Cinematics on Pexels
This slow-moving ride celebrated air travel’s golden age. It had catchy music, vintage airline scenes, and even robot pilots.
12. Horizons – EPCOT
jimmyweee on Wikimedia Commons
This was a ride about the future that now feels very retro. It imagined space colonies, underwater living, and robot butlers. It closed in 1999, but it had a loyal fanbase.