Top 10 Disney Theme Park Rides That Deserve a Movie Adaptation

Disney has mastered the art of turning movies into theme park attractions, but the pipeline flows both ways. With the success of Pirates of the Caribbean and the buzz around new projects, it’s clear that the rich worlds within Disney’s parks are ripe for cinematic storytelling. While rides like Big Thunder Mountain and Tower of Terror are already in the Hollywood rumor mill, countless other attractions hold incredible potential. Here are ten Disney rides that are ready for their close-up.

1. Haunted Mansion: A Spooky Reboot

Yes, there have been two movies already, but the Haunted Mansion’s lore is too rich to leave alone. The 999 happy haunts, the tragic tale of the Bride, the mysterious Hatbox Ghost, and the ever-watchful Ghost Host offer a deep well of narrative possibilities. A new adaptation could lean into a more serious, gothic horror tone, akin to a classic ghost story, or it could embrace a family-friendly mystery format. Imagine a story centered on a new family moving into the mansion, uncovering its secrets one by one, or a prequel that explores how the ghosts came to reside there. The ride’s iconic imagery and beloved characters are begging for a definitive cinematic treatment that truly captures its spooky, yet whimsical, spirit.

2. Matterhorn Bobsleds: A Cold War Thriller

The Matterhorn is more than just an alpine roller coaster; it’s a perfect setting for a high-stakes adventure film. The story could be a period piece set in the 1950s or 60s, blending espionage with cryptozoology. Picture a team of explorers or spies on a mission to retrieve a secret object from a downed plane on the treacherous mountain, only to find they are not alone. They must contend with the elements, rival agents, and the legendary Abominable Snowman that stalks the icy peaks. This concept offers a mix of thrilling action sequences, tense survival moments, and a classic monster movie vibe, all set against a stunning alpine backdrop.

3. Journey Into Imagination with Figment: A Fantastical Quest

For decades, fans have been clamoring for a movie starring the lovable purple dragon, Figment, and his creator, the Dreamfinder. This duo represents the very essence of creativity and innovation, making them perfect protagonists for a whimsical, visually stunning adventure. Marvel has already pioneered a deeper story with their run of Figment comics, and it was met with positive reviews from critics. The film could follow the Dreamfinder and Figment as they travel through the realms of imagination, collecting dreams, ideas, and sounds in their fantastical Dream-Catching Machine. When a shadowy force threatens to drain the world of its creativity, they must embark on a quest to restore color and inspiration. A Journey Into Imagination movie could be a vibrant, heartwarming tale about the power of creativity, appealing to audiences of all ages.

4. The Enchanted Tiki Room: A Musical Comedy

The Enchanted Tiki Room is one of Disney’s most charming and historic attractions. A film adaptation could expand on the world of José, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz, the four parrot hosts. The story could be a lively musical comedy where the birds must work together to save their tropical paradise from a corporate developer who wants to build a luxury resort. The plot would naturally be filled with catchy songs, hilarious banter between the international cast of birds, and a heartfelt message about preserving nature and tradition. With its vibrant setting and built-in musical numbers, an animated Tiki Room movie could be a delightful and colorful addition to Disney’s catalog.

5. Expedition Everest: A Mythical Adventure

This high-speed coaster already has a compelling narrative built-in: a journey through the Himalayas that is disrupted by the legendary Yeti, the guardian of the Forbidden Mountain. A movie could flesh out this story, following a team of archaeologists or adventurers searching for a lost city. As they venture deeper into the mountains, they ignore local legends and desecrate sacred ground, awakening the fearsome Yeti. The film would be a thrilling mix of Indiana Jones-style adventure and creature-feature horror, with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, ancient temples, and a terrifying, yet misunderstood, monster. The built-in conflict and monster mythology provide a perfect framework for an action-packed blockbuster.

6. Soarin’ Around the World: An Epic Global Race

While Soarin’ is a flight simulator without a central character, its concept is perfect for a grand, globe-trotting adventure. The movie could be about an international race where teams pilot advanced personal gliders through the world’s most spectacular locations, from the Swiss Alps to the Great Wall of China. The protagonists could be a scrappy underdog team competing against well-funded rivals, facing challenges and forming friendships along the way. The film would be a visual feast, capturing the beauty of diverse landscapes while delivering high-speed action and a feel-good story about teamwork and perseverance.

7. The PeopleMover: A Sci-Fi Mystery

Bear with me here. I know that the PeopleMover isn’t the must-ride attraction of the thousands of families who visit the parks. However, Tomorrowland’s leisurely tour vehicle could be the basis for a clever sci-fi mystery. Imagine a future where the PeopleMover is the primary mode of transportation in a sprawling, utopian metropolis. The story could follow an ordinary citizen who, while on their daily commute, witnesses something they shouldn’t have—a glimpse into a conspiracy lurking beneath the city’s perfect facade. They must then use the intricate PeopleMover network to evade authorities and uncover the truth. The film would be a slow-burn thriller, using the ride’s unique perspective—gliding through different environments—to build suspense and tell a compelling story about technology and control.

8. “it’s a small world”: An Animated Musical Journey

With its iconic Mary Blair art style and unforgettable theme song, “it’s a small world” is a cultural touchstone. A film adaptation could bring this style to life in a beautiful animated feature. The story could follow a group of children from different corners of the globe who are brought together on a magical boat ride to solve a global problem, like restoring a faded star or returning a lost melody to the world. A Small World movie would be a celebration of unity, culture, and friendship, featuring a stunning, stylized aesthetic that pays homage to its artistic roots. It has the potential to be a heartwarming and visually unique musical experience.

9. Kilimanjaro Safaris: A Wild Adventure

Set in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, this attraction offers the perfect backdrop for a thrilling and educational family adventure. The film could center on a young, aspiring park ranger who must team up with a seasoned veteran to track down a group of poachers threatening the reserve’s endangered animals. The story would be filled with stunning African landscapes, close encounters with majestic wildlife, and a powerful message about conservation. It’s a chance to create a live-action adventure that is both exciting and meaningful, showcasing the beauty of the animal kingdom while highlighting the importance of protecting it.

10. The Carousel of Progress: A Journey Through Time

This classic attraction tells the story of an American family navigating technological advancements throughout the 20th century. A film adaptation could expand on this concept, following multiple generations of the same family as they experience pivotal moments in history, from the turn of the century to a speculative future. The movie would be a heartwarming and nostalgic family drama, exploring how technology changes our lives while showing that the bonds of family remain constant. It’s a chance to tell a sweeping, century-spanning story with a lot of heart, celebrating progress, innovation, and the “great big beautiful tomorrow.”