6 Favorite Attraction References in Other Attractions

Seeking out Hidden Mickeys is one of our favorite pastimes when we ride our favorite Disney attractions. But there are plenty of other secrets waiting to be discovered beyond those three familiar circles. You can find references to important years in Disney history, and other references to famous characters besides the Big Cheese. If you closely, you can even find references to former attractions, especially in the new attractions that they replaced. Here are six of our favorites:

1. Horizons in Mission: SPACE

The super-realistic space flight simulation attraction, located in Epcot’s World Discovery, replaced the beloved Horizons. For those who don’t remember, Horizons was a slow-moving attraction that showed you the possibilities of the future. The highlight of the attraction came at the end when you got to choose your final destination. You could select space station Brava Centauri, the desert farm of Mesa Verde, or the Sea Castle research base under the ocean. When Mission: SPACE opened in 2003, it took you on a thrilling journey to Mars in a pulse-pounding simulation that NASA astronauts have said is convincingly close to the real thing. A tribute to the former attraction can be found in the middle of the rotating space station located in the queue. If you look in the center, you’ll see the logo for Horizons, a fitting tribute to the attraction that gave us the memorable quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Contrary to common belief, this was NOT a Walt Disney quote, but for the rest of that story, you’ll have to read the list of this and other Disney Myths in our book “112 Disney Lists Volume 2“!

2. World of Motion at Test Track

Just next door to Mission: SPACE, Test Track also has the distinction of replacing an early Epcot attraction. This was World of Motion, which opened along with Epcot on October 1, 1982. World of Motion was a slow-moving dark ride that told the history of transportation. As you wander about the courtyard surrounding the distinctive silver building that hosted both attractions, you’ll see the logo for World of Motion on the fences and waste receptacles, a fitting tribute to a long-lost attraction that was the brainchild of legendary Imagineer Ward Kimball.

3. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Fantasyland has seen many changes and expansions over the years, the most notable being the arrival of New Fantasyland in 2012. Before the arrival of New Fantasyland, the area once home to the 20,000 Leagues lagoon was home to Pooh’s Playful Spot, a children’s play area located across the walkway from the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. In the playground was Pooh’s treehouse, complete with the sign for Mr. Sanderz over the door. Children (and adults if they crouched down) could wander inside and peer out the windows. Close inspection would reveal a carving on the wall in the shape of the Nautilus. The tree has since been relocated to the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh entrance, but the Nautilus can still be found inside.

4. Dean Finder

Over an Epcot, Journey Into Imagination With Figment takes you on a whimsical tour through the world of – you guessed it – imagination, with Dr. Nigel Channing of the Imagination Institute as your host. This is the third incarnation of the attraction, which first opened in March 1983. Your host in this original version was the Dreamfinder, and he took you on a musical tour through the world of imagination aboard his Dreamcatcher mobile, accompanied by the playful purple dragon named Figment. When the attraction was reimagined as Journey Into YOUR Imagination in 1983, the story shifted to a tour of the Imagination Institute with the aforementioned Dr. Nigel Channing, played by Eric Idle. The Dreamfinder was gone, and Figment only appeared in a brief cameo. Thankfully, Figment returned in the third (and current) version of the attraction, causing all sorts of mischief as Dr. Channing tries to take us on a tour of the science labs. While the Dreamfinder himself didn’t return, you can see a punning tribute to him on one of the doors as you travel through the institute. Look for the name Dean Finder on one of the office doors, a clever reference to the beloved former host that hopefully will return one day.

5. Lights, Motors, Action! at Galaxy’s Edge

When Galaxy’s Edge arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in August 2019, it was one of the biggest expansions to come to any of the Walt Disney World parks, replacing Streets of America. One of the former attractions here was the Backlot Tour, where you could take a behind-the-scenes tour demonstrating how special effects were created. The tour’s highlight was Catastrophe Canyon (watch out for that water!). The Backlot Tour was eventually replaced by the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show that demonstrated (loudly!) how car stunts were choreographed and filmed. This entire area eventually closed to make way for the arrival of Galaxy’s Edge, but an homage to one of those old attractions can be found if you know where to look. Look for the green speeder bike on a wall in the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. Close examination will reveal a few characters written in Aurebesh (the Star Wars language seen throughout Galaxy’s Edge). These letters translate as LMA, a reference to the former stunt show that once occupied this land.

6. Vultures on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train brought new thrills to the Magic Kingdom when it opened as part of the New Fantasyland expansion. It also brought Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated classic back to the park since Snow White’s Scary Adventures had closed in 2012. This opening day dark ride attraction took you through the world of Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, and when they said scary, they weren’t kidding! The appearance of the evil witch as she turned around sent shivers down the spines of children and grown-ups alike. As the Imagineers put the finishing touches on the Mine Train, they repurposed a pair of vultures from the old attraction into the new coaster. You can spot them overhead as you make your final climb. Similarly, the figures of Doc, Happy, Sleepy, Grumpy, and Bashful, now seen in the cottage, are from the former attraction.

Catch up on Summer Fun in Walt Disney World with the new Summer issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with features and pictorials on:
• Summer Fun at Walt Disney World
• The BoardWalk and BoardWalk Inn Resort
• Disney Parades Throughout the Years
• Percy Jackson
• Wayback Machine: The World of Motion
• Top Ten Facts About the Dreamfinder

• and Much More!!