Unfathomable Tales: The Myth of Sunken Disneyland Attractions

Have you heard of the strange urban legend that some of Disneyland's most cherished attractions lie at the bottom of the sea? While this idea can certainly make for an interesting, yet questionable, bedtime story, the reality is that most of these tales are based on misunderstanding and rumor. Let's delve into the facts behind some of these myths and explore what actually happened with several iconic Disney rides.

The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Subs

One of the most intriguing stories surrounding Disney parks involves the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride at Walt Disney World. According to popular belief, several of the ride's underwater interiors were salvaged and repurposed for the resort's private island, Castaway Cay. However, this narrative is more complicated than it appears.

Frankly, the exact details of what happened to these subs after they were removed from the park are shrouded in mystery. The subs did indeed make it to Castaway Cay, but their ultimate fate remains unknown. According to the 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, an online entertainment article, these submarines were eventually sunk off the coast of Castaway Cay as an attraction for recreational divers. This adds an element of intrigue to the original plan but is still just a theory.

The Mike Fink Keelboat: An Aftermath of Neglect

Another tale about sunken Disney attractions is the Mike Fink Keelboat, which used to be a highlight of the New Orleans Square area in Disneyland. This attraction, known for its nostalgic feel and elaborate sets, was unfortunately affected by neglect. Over time, the attractions became worn out and less appealing to visitors. In 1995, the ride's design was dramatically altered and rechristened as "Country Bear Jamboree."

The subs that were part of this attraction were not actually sunk; they were removed and probably stored, awaiting a potential repurposing or restoration. Factors such as budget constraints and declining interest in the attraction likely led to its revival in a new guise, rather than being abandoned in the water.

The Unfortunate Actually Sunken Rides: Speculation and Reality

While some tales of sunken rides may be founded on facts, others are purely speculative. For instance, the idea of somewhere onboard Disney resort attractions being at the bottom of the sea is almost entirely a myth. The notable exception is related to the ride's transportation and maintenance.

For instance, the transportation of certain structures from Orlando to other Disney locations can be a logistical nightmare and sometimes leads to unforeseen incidents. However, these usually involve temporary flooding or other minor disruptions. For example, during the construction of the Tokyo Disney Resort, there were instances of flooding due to the 2011 earthquake and ensuing tsunami. In such cases, the resort's situation was exacerbated by soil liquefaction, a phenomenon that the park's location on reclaimed land made vulnerable.

Conclusion

While it's tempting to believe in the allure of sunken Disney attractions, the reality is more grounded in the challenges of maintaining and transporting these elaborate rides. The sinking of submarines at Castaway Cay as a dive attraction is the closest thing to a confirmed "sunk ride" in the Disney universe. For the rest, most of these stories either stem from misunderstandings or are outright fictional. Whether you choose to believe in the legends or not, one thing is certain—disneyland and its sister parks continue to captivate and enchant visitors with their wizardry, no matter the depths of the sea bed.

Keywords: Disneyland, Sunken Attractions, Walt Disney World