The Dark Side of Disney World: Exploring Abandoned Places
The Forgotten Side of Disney World: Exploring Abandoned Places
When most people think of Walt Disney World, they picture dazzling fireworks, world-class rides, and magical family memories. But Disney World also has a hidden side—one that tells a quieter, more somber story. Scattered across the parks and resorts are abandoned attractions, shuttered buildings, and forgotten experiences that once entertained millions of guests but now sit in silence.
For those interested in abandoned exploration or Disney’s complex history, these places are haunting reminders of how quickly things can change in the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
In my latest video, I take you deep into the abandoned corners of Disney World, uncovering long-forgotten experiences that many fans never even knew existed. You can watch it here: ▶ Watch the full video.
But let’s also explore some of Disney World’s most fascinating abandoned places—why they mattered, why they disappeared, and what still remains.
Magic Kingdom’s Forgotten Corners
Tomorrowland Skyway Station
Before the Disney Skyliner soared above Epcot and the resorts, Magic Kingdom had its very own gondola ride. The Skyway connected Tomorrowland to Fantasyland, offering guests a breezy bird’s-eye view of the park.
The Fantasyland station was demolished in 2011 to make way for the Tangled restrooms, but the Tomorrowland station still lingers—transformed into an unassuming bathroom. Look closely, though, and you can still see remnants of its past. For longtime fans, it’s eerie to think of gondolas once gliding where guests now rush in and out of restrooms.
Stitch’s Great Escape
One of Magic Kingdom’s most controversial attractions, Stitch’s Great Escape opened in 2004 as a family-friendly replacement for the terrifying Alien Encounter. Instead of a menacing alien, guests were strapped into seats while Stitch escaped, wreaking havoc in the theater—including his infamous “chili dog burp.”
But the attraction never really clicked. It shifted into seasonal operation, then quietly closed in 2018, with Disney confirming its fate two years later. Today, the building sits shuttered, occasionally used for special events. It’s a rare sight in Magic Kingdom: a large, circular shell of a building, abandoned in plain view.
Epcot’s Abandoned Experiences
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
Long before guests wielded interactive wands in the Wizarding World at Universal, Epcot had its own scavenger hunt: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. Armed with a phone-like device, guests followed Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus Perry on secret missions around the World Showcase.
For a while, it was a fun way to engage kids in Epcot’s otherwise adult-leaning atmosphere. But by 2020, it quietly closed, with plans to replace it with a DuckTales-themed version that has yet to really take off. Today, the once-busy kiosks are silent, another interactive experiment that faded into memory.
Disney’s STOLport Airport
Believe it or not, Disney World once had its very own airport. Located just off World Drive, the STOLport (short for Short Take-Off and Landing) opened in the early 1970s to fly guests directly onto Disney property.
The service never caught on—few wanted to ride in small commuter planes—and by the late ’70s, it was abandoned. The runway still exists today, fenced off and overgrown. If you ride the Epcot monorail, you can still glimpse it. It’s eerie to see such an ambitious project reduced to nothing more than cracked pavement in the Florida sun.
Disney’s BoardWalk and Lost Nightlife
Jellyrolls Piano Bar
For nearly 30 years, Jellyrolls was the heart of Disney’s nightlife. A dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk, it attracted conventioneers, Epcot fans, and night owls who weren’t ready to call it quits after the parks closed.
But in 2025, Disney shut the doors for good, with vague talk of “reimagining” the BoardWalk. As of now, no plans have been revealed. The building remains dark, a quiet monument to a time when Disney after-hours felt alive.
Hollywood Studios: Lost in the Backlot
The Backlot Tour
Once the signature attraction of Disney-MGM Studios, the Backlot Tour was a sprawling tram ride through sets, wardrobe departments, and the legendary Catastrophe Canyon. Guests experienced Hollywood “behind the scenes”—with explosions, floods, and fireballs.
But over time, the tour shrank, pieces closed, and the attraction was reduced to little more than a shadow of its former self. In 2014, it closed permanently, making room for Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge.
Yet the past lingers. If you know where to look, you can still find remnants of the old tram load area tucked behind Star Wars Launch Bay. For Disney fans, it’s like walking through a ghost town hidden in plain sight.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
From 2006 to 2020, Jedi Training gave kids the chance to duel Darth Vader on stage. Lightsabers clashed, robes flowed, and for many children it was the highlight of their Disney trip.
But when the parks closed in 2020, Jedi Training never returned. The stage signage was quietly removed, and today the old performance space is used for stroller parking. It’s a reminder that even beloved experiences can vanish overnight.
Resorts and Recreation That Disappeared
Polynesian Village Boat Rentals
Once, guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort could rent sailboats, pontoons, and sleek little speedboats that zipped across the Seven Seas Lagoon. It was pure 1970s vacation magic.
But one by one, the rentals disappeared. Disney never made an official announcement; they simply faded away. After a tragic alligator incident near the Grand Floridian in 2016, boating activities diminished further, leaving the marina little more than a docking space for service boats and fireworks cruises.
Today, the dock is picturesque but empty, the laughter of families on the water replaced by silence.
Disney’s Biggest Blunder: Galactic Starcruiser
The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was perhaps Disney’s most ambitious project—a two-night fully immersive Star Wars hotel experience. Guests boarded the Halcyon starcruiser, trained with lightsabers, and lived out their own Star Wars stories.
But with costs soaring to $2,500 per person, the experience was too expensive for most families. Despite strong reviews, demand dried up. After just 18 months, the Halcyon closed in 2023.
Today, the $350 million building sits empty, hidden behind trees, with no clear future. It’s Disney’s most recent reminder that not every experiment lasts forever.
Why Abandoned Disney World Matters
To most visitors, Disney World feels timeless. But these abandoned spaces prove otherwise. Attractions disappear. Restaurants close. Even massive projects like the Starcruiser can fade into history.
For fans of abandoned exploration, these hidden corners are haunting. They’re not just empty buildings—they’re echoes of dreams, risks, and stories that once filled the parks with life.
If you want to see more of these places up close, don’t miss my latest video: ▶ Watch on YouTube.
Like abandoned Disney World content? Check my other videos:
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
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