16 Theme Park Rides from the ’80s That Are Now Collectibles
Some theme park rides from the 1980s have become valuable collectibles, with parts, signage, and ride pieces now prized by fans and collectors.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1980s, theme parks introduced rides that were thrilling, imaginative, and unique to the era. As many of these rides were retired or dismantled, parts of them — like signage, vehicles, and props — became collectible items. Today, pieces from these defunct attractions are sold, displayed, or preserved by collectors and fans of theme park history.
1. Disneyland’s PeopleMover Vehicles
Evan Wohrman on Wikimedia Commons
Disneyland’s PeopleMover closed in 1995, but the vehicles used throughout the ’80s became highly sought after. A full PeopleMover car sold at auction for thousands, with collectors drawn to its sleek, mid-century design. Smaller parts, like seats or directional signs, also became popular items. Disney fans value them as icons of Tomorrowland’s original vision.
2. EPCOT’s Horizons Ride Vehicles
Steven Miller on Wikimedia Commons
Horizons was a dark ride that let guests choose their ending — space, sea, or desert. After closing in 1999, props and vehicle shells from its 1980s heyday surfaced in collector circles. Full-ride cars and large set pieces occasionally appear at auctions or private sales. These items are rare and often kept by serious EPCOT fans.
3. Universal’s Kongfrontation Animatronic Pieces
LEONARDO DASILVA on Wikimedia Commons
Universal Studios Florida debuted Kongfrontation in 1990, but it featured ride tech and designs developed throughout the ’80s. After the ride closed in 2002, parts of the giant animatronic King Kong arms and faces became collector targets. Some pieces were saved by former employees or auctioned off. They now serve as dramatic display pieces in private collections.
4. Magic Kingdom’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Subs
Alex Reinhart on Wikimedia Commons
This underwater-themed ride operated through the ’80s until its closure in 1994. After dismantling, some of the Nautilus submarines were sold or donated. One was placed in Disney’s Castaway Cay lagoon, while others went to private collectors or were scrapped. Remaining parts like portholes or signage are now rare collectibles.
5. Six Flags’ Shockwave Coaster Cars
Freddo on Wikimedia Commons
The Shockwave roller coasters, popular in several Six Flags parks during the ’80s, featured signature loop designs. When these coasters were retired, fans scrambled to collect the original train cars. A few found homes in museums or with roller coaster historians. Smaller parts, like wheels or signage, circulate among collectors.
6. Disneyland’s Skyway Buckets
David Jones on Wikimedia Commons
The Skyway offered views over Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before closing in 1994. Many of the colorful gondola-style buckets were used throughout the 1980s and later sold to private buyers. They now appear in home gardens, collector garages, or on eBay for high prices. Their nostalgic appeal makes them one of Disneyland’s most recognizable collectibles.
7. World of Motion Ride Signs
Dietmar Rabich on Wikimedia Commons
EPCOT’s World of Motion was a humorous look at transportation history and closed in 1996. Ride signs, animatronic props, and entrance displays from the 1980s version became collectible as EPCOT evolved. Items like queue signage and sponsor plaques were salvaged by fans. These pieces now often surface in theme park auctions.
8. Knott’s Bear-y Tales Animatronics
METRO96 on Wikimedia Commons
This dark ride mixed storytelling with dark ride effects and was active throughout the ’80s before being replaced. After its closure, characters like the pie thief and dancing bears became cult favorites. Some animatronic figures were saved or restored by fans. Others were auctioned off during park overhauls.
9. Adventure Thru Inner Space Microscope Vehicle
Tuxyso on Wikimedia Commons
This Disneyland ride closed in 1985 and featured guests “shrinking” in a microscope-inspired pod. After its removal, the ride’s automobiles and other props became collectibles. Items like signage, vehicle panels, and lab props occasionally emerge in collector auctions. Many are now displayed in Disney fan museums or themed rooms.
10. Universal Studios Earthquake Ride Debris Props
Steve Langguth on Wikimedia Commons
Debuting in 1989, the Earthquake attraction was built using models and props from the 1980s film. After it closed, leftover props like fake debris, train parts, and ride signage were salvaged. Collectors often seek out pieces tied to the practical effects era. These props are sometimes sold with certificates of authenticity.
11. River Country Water Park Inner Tubes
Steven & Courtney Johnson & Horwitz on Wikimedia Commons
Though not a ride, River Country was Disney’s first water park and had unique floating rides and tube slides. After it closed, some original inner tubes and park signage from the 1980s were sold or repurposed. A few ended up in the hands of collectors. Today, even a simple branded tube is considered a rare Disney relic.
12. Six Flags Freefall Ride Seats
Mene Tekel on Wikimedia Commons
The Freefall ride was a vertical drop tower popular across Six Flags parks in the 1980s. As these rides were removed, fans grabbed seats, lap bars, and instruction signs. These heavy steel parts often became decorative items or fan art. They’re among the more affordable and available ride collectibles.
13. Disney’s Dreamflight Prop Planes
Freddo on Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, this attraction featured a ride through aviation history. Dreamflight’s ’80s-era ride vehicles and set pieces, like mini prop planes, were removed in the mid-1990s. Some items were saved by collectors or Imagineers. Props occasionally show up in auctions with high value.
14. Smurf Mountain Cars (Kings Dominion)
Coasterman1234 on Wikimedia Commons
This ride was part of the larger Lost World Mountain at Kings Dominion in the 1980s. After it was removed in the early ’90s, some ride cars were sold or discarded. A few ended up with private buyers who restored them. Today, the colorful Smurf-themed vehicles are rare and highly collectible.
15. Euro Disneyland’s Le Visionarium Props
LEONARDO DASILVA on Wikimedia Commons
Opening in 1992 but designed throughout the ’80s, Le Visionarium used 360-degree video and detailed animatronics. When the attraction closed, props like robot heads and Timekeeper signage became popular among collectors. French Disney fans, in particular, preserve pieces of this ride. Items are hard to find but highly valued.
16. Marineland’s Ocean View Sub Ride Parts
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Though less famous, Marineland had submarine-themed attractions that were active during the ’80s. After the park closed, parts of the subs and marine props were stored or sold off. Some collectors acquired original ride parts like periscopes or hull panels. These are now displayed in marine or theme park collections.