A "Tradition" of Closed/Unused Attractions?

[Empress Room]

Does anyone know when the phenomenon started where Disney allowed attractions to remain closed/unused or only open on a seasonal basis?

For example, currently, Epcot has Wonders of Life open seasonally, MGM has Superstar Television and the Catwalk Bar sitting empty, Magic Kingdom has Timekeeper and COP mothballed and, I'm sure, there are examples of others. The earliest "attraction" I recall is the closing (and letting sit empty) of The Odyssey Restaurant in Epcot. To me, it's the ultimate "bad show" - theme park buildings and attractions in the plain public view completely unutilized.

Did this occur at WDW before the early 1980s? Did this ever occur at Disneyland during Walt's heydey? What's the earliest closure that you remember (excluding, of course, the closing of an attraction for rehab or rethemeing purposes, sticking solely to buildings and attractions closed for lengthy periods of time with no known future plans)?

My guess is that this is a more recent revelation. Anyone?

 

[dxwwf3]

Excellent question. The first thing that I can remember is the Odyssey as well (What a waste of a great spot).

Hopefully someone can give us some more info on this.

 

[Chux]

I always wondered about the Odyssey, since my first trip back in 03. Seems like such a waste of a great spot inbetween FW and WS. Luckily in December I was able to hit Timekeeper, WoL, and CoP.

 

[marni1971]

On the whole, this wouldn`t have happened 10 years ago, but now a days it is more and more common, and the ultimate bad show. Try asking for some of your admission back since you couldn`t see all the attractions!

Horizons springs to mind - and this seems to put the structural problem rumour to rest (partly) - it originally closed in late 1994, and reopened in December 1995 on an ad-hoc basis until January 1999 - UoE was closing for its Ellen makeover, World of Motion was closing for Test Track, and Fututreworld East would have been too empty. Of course Test Track fell way behind schedule, so Horizons struggled on until January 9th 1999 - when it remained unused until June 1999 when demolition began (I dare say some of this time was taken with internal fixtures removal, although the majority if the pavilion was intact when demolished. For 5 months the doors were just kept locked again, with only the usual `please enjoy our other attraction` signs. Bad show.

The Odyssey was open in 1993 - look here for some inside pictures from its former glory days. Having it standing empty to guests is very poor indeed - especially when its so prominment.

I can think of one attraction that was left empty (apart from 20k) for a long time - The Fantasyland theatre, where Philharmagic is today. The Mickey Mouse Revue opened on October 1st 1971, and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland for its 1983 opening. The theatre was empty (if I recall right) until 1987 when Captain EO opened in Futureworld, and Magic Journeys was moved into Fantasyland until late 1993/early 1994, when it closed for preparation for Legend of the Lion King.

This (seasonal openings) seems to be a left over from Disneylands Harris/Pressler regieme, and a bad one. It could be worse - look at Disneylands Rocket Rods track. 4 years and still decaying. And visable throughout Tomorrowland.

 

[Empress Room]

On the whole, this wouldn`t have happened 10 years ago, but now a days it is more and more common, and the ultimate bad show. Try asking for some of your admission back since you couldn`t see all the attractions!

Great point indeed. Although it is not a Disney-specific phenomenon (Universal Orlando has several attraction buildings sitting empty and ugly), Disney has seemed to take this to new heights - and I frankly expect more from them.

Arguably, Horizons and World of Motion were at least closed and/or phased out over a period of time and new attractions were planned and built on a fairly quick timetable. Superstar Television, The Catwalk Bar, a large portion of the backstage tour all at MGM have no rehabs or plans in sight. The Odyssey is perhaps the most egregious example of this - a viable building in the middle of Epcot where unknowing and unsuspecting guests walk by, attempt to open the closed doors and otherwise peer through the windows because it appears to be a restaurant that is open. How bad is that?

Timekeeper is quickly falling into the same category. Having the building used for pictures and hot chocolate distribution during MVMCP each December is downright pathetic.

To me, if you want to make a lasting impression on your guests, you have an obligation of utilizing the structures and attractions that are in place; otherwise, it appears as if you are doing nothing more than walking through some outlet mall where stores are boarded up.

BTW, great pictures of The Odyssey in happier days. Thanks!

 

[WillsNov]

CoP

I was in Disney as recently as of 08-April and CoP was up and running. It didn't seem to have that many problem as if it wasn't used in a while. Moreover it was pretty full the times I went on it. Hopefully the eggheads in Disney will keep this attraction open and running for Walt's sake.

 

[Robfasto]

I worked in the Odyssey Complex for the first 2 years it was open. Even in the early years they never could get people to eat there. Everyone either ate at the Stargate Restaurant or went on into World Showcase. Also for the longest time the bridge that goes from the Odyssey to World of Motion/Test Track was not built.

 

[sanders]

Carousel of Progress has been opened for over a year now. They opened it up, due to them closing AE (back in Oct 2003), and have kept it open since.

It even seems its not carrying the "Open Seasonally" tag anymore as well.

just wanted to post that little side note.

 

[jsfra209]

I hate seeing attractions that are not being used. For example, Carousel of Progress.. My question is: Is there a reason why it is closed almost all the time? Is it because it's broken? I can't imagine an attraction would be broken for that long..

 

[Bullredchaser]

Odysee really bothers me to see it closed all the time especially since the building has been closed for over 13 years.But not as bad as seeing the chalet ( sky cab ) building and the empty 20,000 leagues land.

 

[Robfasto]

I hate seeing attractions that are not being used. For example, Carousel of Progress.. My question is: Is there a reason why it is closed almost all the time? Is it because it's broken? I can't imagine an attraction would be broken for that long..

It call comes down to the bottom line, the cost of staffing and attraction upkeep vs. the number of people the are in the park.

That is why they are seasonal, because with a bigger crowd in the park they are less likely to be running an attraction at 10% capacity.

The Odyssey complex was being used some last year during the Food and Wine Festival they had "The Chefs' Showplace at the Odyssey Event Center" which had guest chef's doing live cooking demonstrations.

 

[bork]

1994 seems to be the year when everything started going down hill throughout Disney. (A coincidence that this was the year Frank Wells Died?).

In the MK, a few things did close before then (Swan Boats - 1983, Walt Disney Story - 1992, Adventureland Veranda - 1993, ), but look at what closed since then.
20k Leagues - 1994
Davy Crockett Conoes - 1994
Penny Arcade - 1995
Main Street Cinema - 1998
Mile Long Bar - 1998
Skyway - 1999
Kiel Boats - 2001
CoP and Timekeeper go seasonal - 2001
Diamond Horseshoe show closes 2003
Also El Prirata y el perico went seasonal at some point.

During that time, the only new addition was Aladdin.

The new management at Disneyland seems to be turning things around there with rehabs and doing something with areas that have been closed for a while. Hopefully, this makes its way to WDW soon.

 

[pat in the hat]

Odysee really bothers me to see it closed all the time especially since the building has been closed for over 13 years.But not as bad as seeing the chalet ( sky cab ) building and the empty 20,000 leagues land.

I agree . . . ultimate bad show(s) . . . which make me very sad.
I hold Disney to a higher standard and visible, unused attraction remnants and "seasonal" attractions just don't cut it in my opinion! Funny, I am never offered a "seasonal" admission price when attractions are closed.

Just my opinion!

 

[speck76]

-January 15, 1956
Tomorrowland:
Phantom Boats close (returned for 1956 summer; removed at end of 1956 summer;

 

[RedGear]

This is very sad, and I am even more upset about the timekeeper and CoP being only seasonal. Everytime Ive been to disney I love watching these two and now this next time I go I won't be able to see them. And almost every book i've read on disney these two are rated pretty high for disney attractions. i know it does have to do with cost and guest populatiarity, but still these two are great and when have gone on them they have been pretty full. It is very sad, and I agree with the skycab and the 20k just being empty. Just try and replace them and maybe you'll make something that people will love. I even remember going on 20k when I was 6, and it's one of the few things from that trip I remember!!