Many know that popular movies can become attractions, such as Frozen Ever After in EPCOT. However, did you know that many Disney attractions have actually inspired the movies? The first attraction to do so was Tower of Terror. The highest grossing goes to Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Learn about these and more attractions that have inspired Disney movies to be made!
Pirates of the Caribbean
The first Pirates of the Caribbean attraction opened at Disneyland Park on March 18, 1967. The use of the latest animation named Audio-Animatronics, detailed scenes, catchy songs and more made this a guest favorite. The first Pirates of the Caribbean film came out in 2003, named Curse of the Black Pearl. In 2006, Captain Jack Sparrow was updated to a replica Johnny Depp animatronic. There are now 5 Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Plus, Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction is found at Disney Parks around the world.
The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion attraction dates back to 1969 when it first opened at Disneyland in California. Ever since it has been home to 999 happy haunts! Replicas of the attraction can also be found at Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland. Similar versions, with different names, are also at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Pairs. The Haunted Mansion movie staring Eddie Murphy as a real estate agent named Jim Evers debuted in 2003. Even Madame Leota makes an appearance in the film.
Tower of Terror
With a 1994 opening, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror instantly become a park icon. Ride on a haunted elevator in a, once very glamourous and, now abandoned 1930’s hotel. The movie inspired by the ride with the title, Tower of Terror, came out in 1997 and actually uses the attraction in scenes of the movie. The story of the movie follows Halloween partygoers who disappear in the hotel’s elevator! This was a made for TV movie starring Kirsten Dunst and Steve Guttenberg. Tower of Terror gets the title for the very first attraction to inspire a movie to be made.
Country Bears
If you have visited Country Bear Jamboree at Disney World than the bears in the movie poster above will look familiar! Country Bear Jamboree is an original attraction that opened with the park in 1971. Disney World’s Country Bear Jamboree is a 20-minute, air-conditioned, show with animatronic bears. Listed to their jokes and fun country songs. In Tokyo Disneyland, you can sing along with the Country Bears. The Country Bears movie came out in 2002, following country rock bands of bears. Celebrity cameos in the movie inclue Elton John, Queen Latifah and more.
Dinosaur
This attraction first opened in 1998 under the name, Countdown to Extinction. Then changed to Dinosaur after the movie inspired by the ride came out. Disney Dinosaur, the film, was released in the year 2000. On the attraction guests take an adventure back in time when Dinos ruled the earth. In the movie, we follow a dino named Aladar who is seeking a new home for his family.
Plus, be on the lookout for a an upcoming movie inspired by the Jungle Cruise!
Have you seen all 5 of these movies?!
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