Although some have been around for nearly 50 years, legacy rides at Orlando's theme parks never lose their luster.


Updated Aug. 8, 2023

Orlando has always been a forward-looking destination, but we also love our past ... particularly when it comes to classic theme-park rides. On your next visit to Orlando, make time for these legacy attractions — including several that have been entertaining guests since their parks first opened!

Walt Disney World® Resort

A family dancing in a theme park.
Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando

Magic Kingdom® Park

These rides at Magic Kingdom Park — Disney's original Orlando theme park — have been around since opening day in 1971, albeit with some upgrades through the years. What's more, 12 other day-one attractions and shows are still there.

Save on discount tickets: Walt Disney World Resort

'it's a small world' (Debuted 1971)

Charming animatronics and a well-known theme song have made this all-ages boat ride a part of the national zeitgeist.

The Haunted Mansion (Debuted 1971)

This classic, in which you board a "Doom Buggy" and party with 999 happy haunts, was most recently refurbished in 2015.

Jungle Cruise (Debuted 1971)

In addition to simulating river passage in Asia, Africa and South America, this attraction offers a "Jingle Cruise" version at Christmastime.

EPCOT®

EPCOT was originally named EPCOT Center when it debuted in 1982. Only two of its opening-day rides remain, in part because this has long been the most evolutionary of Disney's theme parks.

Spaceship Earth (Debuted 1982)

The famous geodesic sphere houses one of the park's original rides, in which you journey through the history of communication.

Living With the Land (Debuted 1982)

Part ride and part greenhouse tour, this slow-moving boat attraction focuses on innovative agriculture.

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet (Debuted 1999)

The most recent update to Epcot's giant slot-car ride invites you to design a concept car before racing through a series of performance tests.

Disney's Hollywood Studios®

Disney's movie-centric theme park premiered as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. Disney's Hollywood Studios has done more than change its name in the time since, as just one first-year ride is still available.

Star Tours — The Adventures Continue (Debuted 1989)

When this frequently updated Star Wars ride debuted, few would have guessed that Disney would one day own the franchise.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Debuted 1994)

This elevator-based attraction will take you to "the Fifth Dimension" before plummeting 130 terrifying feet.

Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Debuted 1999)

This enclosed-launched, steel roller coaster features the titular, multi-platinum-selling band's music and iconography.

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Disney's zoological theme park opened on Earth Day 1998. Until last year, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park only offered daytime admission, but it has since expanded to nighttime hours. You can still enjoy two original rides.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (Debuted 1998)

One of Disney's most unique rides is also one of the most unpredictable, taking you through a savanna of real-life exotic animals.

DINOSAUR (Debuted 1998)

This enhanced motion-vehicle attraction features dinosaur animatronics on a turbulent ride through the ancient past.

Kali River Rapids (Debuted 1999)

Simulating a river expedition, this raft ride shares an important message about the dangers of runaway logging and the destruction of natural habitats.

Universal Orlando Resort

Two girls walking across a splash pad at Universal Citywalk Orlando
Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios Florida

In 1990, Universal Orlando Resort debuted its first Orlando theme park: Universal Studios Florida. The film-and-television-focused park has changed continuously, but one of its first rides remains one of its most popular.

Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort

E.T. Adventure (Debuted 1990)

Get ready to phone home as you help Steven Spielberg's famous alien. The ride's most recent upgrade occurred in 2012.

Men in Black Alien Attack (Debuted 2000)

Paying homage to the blockbuster film franchise, this attraction recruits you to blast aliens on the streets of New York City.

Revenge of the Mummy (Debuted 2004)

Universal's third-oldest current ride came 14 years after opening day. The enclosed roller coaster is based on the movies.

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Universal's Islands of Adventure first gathered its famous collection of super-heroes, magical creatures and ferocious beasts in 1999. Its first-day attractions and shows, including the following, actually outnumber new additions.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (Debuted 1999)

One of Marvel Comics' most popular characters takes center stage in this motion-based, 3D ride.

The Cat in the Hat (Debuted 1999)

The most Seuss-ical attraction in Orlando sends you on a wild ride with the title character and his wacky friends.

Jurassic Park River Adventure (Debuted 1999)

Take a thrilling river journey on this raft attraction based on the movies and Michael Crichton's novel.

SeaWorld® Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando lighthouse
SeaWorld® Orlando

Orlando's second-oldest theme park, SeaWorld Orlando has been in business since 1973. In addition to animal entertainment, it has a solid lineup of attractions, one of which has been there since the beginning.

Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando

Sky Tower (Debuted 1973)

Standing 400 feet tall, this retro-cool original provides a bird's eye view of Orlando.

Journey to Atlantis (Debuted 1998)

This flume ride/roller coaster hybrid explores a sunken city, but fair warning: You're going to get wet!

Kraken (Debuted 2000)

This sea monster-themed attraction continues to be one of SeaWorld's most popular roller coasters.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort children on dragon ride
The Dragon at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened in 2011 with a focus on kids. Built at the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park, it also kept and updated two of its predecessor's rides.

Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Coastersaurus (Debuted 2004)

This wooden roller coaster debuted as the Triple Hurricane. It rolls through a jungle filled with life-sized LEGO dinosaurs and animated versions.

The Dragon (Debuted 2004)

Originally called Okeechobee Rampage, this roller coaster was upgraded with an indoor section and large LEGO models.


Stay Connected to Orlando
You never know what we’ll dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for free, personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Threads and YouTube for valuable offers, exclusive tips, fresh attractions and the latest events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.

Have feedback about this blog? Let us know.