[Over 2025, the Sip Family will use their Magic Key year passes to attend the Disneyland Resort frequently. Therefore, a fair bit of my content will be Disney based this year, while also presenting a Disney-themed cocktail recipe.]

Over our many visits to the Disneyland Resort, we’ve had the privilege of experiencing countless attractions. Some of those have disappeared from the parks and, in some cases, I wish what we once had could return. Here are some of the rides and shows I dearly miss:

Rocket Rods/PeopleMover

Really, I just wish they did something with this deserted track. Apparently, Rocket Rods was a mechanical/technical nightmare, breaking down frequently. I remember standing in line for two hours the first time we ever rode it. If the track won’t be utilized for anything else, why not at least bring back the PeopleMover for guests young and old to enjoy a great view of Tomorrowland, while taking a load off their feet for a bit.

Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train

While I thought A Bug’s Land was a general miss and am glad they converted the area to something else, the Chew Chew Train nestled itself into a soft spot in my blackened heart. I’m sad the Sipplings never got to experience it, even though they love the Spider-Man ride that sits close to where it once resided. Something about gently moving past giant food objects, while Heimlich described his love of each of them, made the Sip Advisor so happy.

Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

Despite enjoying the movie franchise, I am not a fan of the Guardians the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! ride. For me, it’s too chaotic and overstimulating. The Tower of Terror was different, taking a subtle approach to the thrills. While Mission: Breakout! bounces guests up and down while a rock soundtrack blasts and various scenes are quickly shown, Tower of Terror gave you a couple solid drops and let you focus on that, rather than coming at you from all angles.

Splash Mountain

I understand why this ride needed to be repackaged, but I will miss it. Having now been through Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – which I found to be very lackluster and only enjoy for the fact Boy Sip loves it so much – the ride had a lot to live up to and didn’t. Part of my dislike is that the ride has nothing to do with the movie, which I think would have been a better story to tell than Tiana trying to put together a party.

Muppet Vision 3D

I’ve long been a Muppets fan and was sad to hear the 4D show – yes, physical effects such as bubbles and smoke gave the attraction a whole extra ‘D’ – was closed in 2014 at California Adventure. The theatre now shows Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a decent replacement which the Sipplings love, making me wish they had a chance to enjoy Muppet Vision.

Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy

This Space Mountain adaptation is by far my favourite rendition of the popular rollercoaster. In it, riders are chased by space ghosts (scarier than it may sound), as you enjoy the typical dark thrill ride. The Halloween seasonal hasn’t appeared since 2018. Rather than bringing back my beloved Ghost Galaxy, Disney seems to prefer using the Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain spinoff because who doesn’t want more Star Wars in the park… oh yeah, ME!

Billy Hill and the Hillbillies

Somehow, I had never seen this show until Mrs. Sip and I were a couple and made our first trip to the parks together in 2004. It was a lot of fun, while The Golden Horseshoe venue offered air conditioning on hot days and food options. Various performers still entertain guests in the space, but Billy Hill and his band were the ones I recognized the most.

Skyway

I understand the safety concerns this ride presented, but it offered an amazing viewing experience, while also allowing guests to transport themselves between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Not tot mention, passing through the Matterhorn was a neat experience. As an homage to the ride, a few Skyway vehicles can be found on the Matterhorn, destroyed by the Abominable Snowman who inhabits the mountain.

Mad T Party

This extravaganza was so much fun the one time Mrs. Sip and I were able to check it out. The drinks, music, entertainment, etc. I’m not one for dance parties, but this one was enjoyable even for me. It probably helped that the Drink Me cocktail bar was slinging some great drinks, highlighted by the Mad Long Island-Iced T.

Disneyland Rides/Shows I Miss: Bayou Beauty

• Muddle Cucumbers
• 1 oz White Rum
• 1 oz Ginger Liqueur
• Garnish with a Cucumber Slice

This Princess and the Frog cocktail was surprisingly delicious. I mean, I like all the ingredients, but wasn’t sure how it would come together and they did in a way that is far superior to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Is there anything I missed that you have a lasting fondness for? Sadly, with the park always evolving, you never know when your favourite attraction may disappear from the landscape.