Magic Kingdom Fans Heartbroken as Tomorrowland Set for Closure

Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom is one of those magical places that fills you with a sense of wonder and excitement, even before you step foot inside.

As a long-time Disney park fan, there’s something particularly special about Tomorrowland—a land dedicated to the future, where the possibilities seem endless and the imagination runs wild.

Disney needs to protect Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

When you enter Tomorrowland, you’re immediately greeted by that iconic futuristic architecture—sleek lines, metallic surfaces, and neon lights that give the land a distinctly otherworldly vibe. The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in Magic Kingdom. You feel like you’re stepping into a world where anything is possible, a world where technology and innovation are the stars of the show.

One of the first attractions I always make a beeline for is Space Mountain. It’s an absolute classic, and no visit to Tomorrowland is complete without experiencing this journey through the cosmos, which might not be quite as fast as you would think.  It’s an exhilarating experience that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve ridden it.

After Space Mountain, I like to take things a bit slower and head over to Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This gentle ride is a hidden gem in Tomorrowland, offering a relaxing tour of the land from a unique, elevated perspective. The PeopleMover gives you a chance to take in all the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland at a leisurely pace.

Riding it at night is especially magical—the neon lights of Tomorrowland glow brilliantly in the darkness, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Plus, the PeopleMover offers a behind-the-scenes look at Space Mountain, giving you a unique glimpse inside the iconic attraction. You may be able to

No trip to Tomorrowland would be complete without a stop at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This interactive attraction is perfect for those of us who love a little friendly competition.

As you enter the world of Buzz Lightyear, you’re armed with a laser cannon and tasked with helping Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. It’s always a blast to see who can rack up the highest score as you spin and shoot your way through the attraction. Plus, it’s a great excuse to let out your inner space ranger and immerse yourself in the playful side of Tomorrowland.

And then there’s Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, which brings a dose of humor and fun to Tomorrowland. This comedy show, featuring some of our favorite characters from Monsters, Inc., is not only hilarious but also interactive. Of course, many of our goals in life involve being “that guy.”

The newest addition to Tomorrowland

One of the newest additions to Tomorrowland, TRON Lightcycle / Run, has quickly become a must-do for thrill-seekers. The ride is an exhilarating race through a digital world on a lightcycle, and the experience is truly next-level.

From the moment you step into the queue, you’re immersed in the world of TRON, and the anticipation builds until you’re finally launched into the high-speed, high-tech adventure. Though some fans don’t like its short ride time, it still remains one of the most popular attractions inside Magic Kingdom.

A Tomorrowland Shutdown: An Abandoned Attraction

However, not all parts of Tomorrowland are as bustling and lively. One of the most noticeable and lamented aspects of the land is the abandoned Stitch’s Great Escape! attraction.

Once home to the mischievous blue alien, this attraction was a favorite for many Disney fans, offering a unique experience that combined humor, chaos, and a touch of sci-fi horror. When it closed, many of us hoped that Disney would quickly repurpose the space, bringing a new and exciting attraction to the heart of Tomorrowland.

Years later, the building still sits empty, a reminder of what once was and what could be.

Fans continue to speculate about what might replace Stitch’s Great Escape!—some hope for a new attraction that could pay homage to classic Disney sci-fi themes, while others dream of something entirely new and groundbreaking that fits the forward-thinking spirit of Tomorrowland. Despite the speculation, Disney has kept its plans for the space under wraps, leaving us all to wonder and wait.

Recently, Mickey Central asked fans what they would like to see go into the abandoned Stitch’s Great Escape! building. The answer? A new version of Alien Encounter.

What would you put in the empty building where Stitch’s Great Escape used to be? pic.twitter.com/O6xHbhzLmf

— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) August 22, 2024

For those who don’t know, Alien Encounter was one of the most intense and memorable attractions ever to grace Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.

Opening in 1995 as ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, this dark and thrilling experience pushed the boundaries of what a Disney attraction could be. The premise was simple yet terrifying: guests were part of a demonstration by an intergalactic corporation, which went horribly wrong when an alien creature was accidentally teleported into the room.

The attraction was a sensory overload, with pitch-black darkness, spine-chilling sounds, and the feeling of something sinister brushing past you, creating an atmosphere of sheer terror.

The abandoned state of the attraction feels like a missed opportunity in a land that’s all about looking toward the future.

It’s almost ironic that in a place where we’re supposed to be imagining what’s next, there’s a space that feels stuck in the past. As much as I love Tomorrowland, I can’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity every time I walk by that empty building, remembering the fun times I had with Stitch — and Alien Encounter — and hoping that Disney will soon bring something new and exciting to this corner of the Disney World park.