When you go to Disney World daily like we do, you get stuck on quite a few rides over time.
Disney rides malfunction from time to time — sometimes due to guest behaviors (like hats flying off or people reaching out of ride vehicles) and sometimes due to technical difficulties. Occasionally, we’ll be onboard a ride when it stops and we get the chance to see “behind the curtain.” So today, we’re sharing some of the most interesting ride closure photos we have!
Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is arguably one of the most popular attractions in Hollywood Studios. Seriously, people wait in line for HOURS to do this ride because of its incredible storytelling and extremely advanced technology. But when we hopped on the ride, we got the chance to see how one of the effects really works!
After you encounter Kylo Ren “accidentally” during the ride, he begins to chase your ride vehicle through the ship. One of those scenes involves Kylo walking towards you down a hallway with his lightsaber lit up. And during our ride? It stopped working!
When the ride halted, we could tell that this effect was made by projecting onto a flat piece of material that was shaded darker around the edges. The hand holding the lightsaber extends and retracts from the background material. Pretty cool effect!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
One that’s a little less surprising is the evacuation process for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This ride goes along a track above Tomorrowland, and if the ride shuts down, the riders are walked alongside the track until they get to an exit point.
You can see this evacuation when you’re outside in the land, but you may also be able to spot people being escorted off the ride from Star Traders — the gift shop has an upper window that peeks into the ride! From there, they’ll exit through doors and down staircases that drop into Tomorrowland.
Test Track
It’s currently being renovated into a new version, but back when Test Track was open, we witnessed an evacuation of the ride where people were walked through various ride scenes to the exit. Since this ride has a smooth ramp-like track, it was an easier trek than some others.
We’ll be interested to see if the evacuation plan is any different with the new version of the attraction when it opens in EPCOT.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of Disney World’s newer attractions, operated with trackless vehicles. When this ride has issues and has to close, the vehicles all stop in their respective rooms and the lights come on.
It’s very interesting to see this ride evacuated because turning the lights on highlights some of the hidden effects in the attraction. It’s also an interesting experience due to the fact that you’re just exiting on a “regular” concrete floor.
So there you have our experiences with some of the most bizarre ride evacuations and malfunctions in Disney World!
For more behind the scenes, check out this video of ways you can get kicked out of Disney World!
Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World updates.








Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Disney World resorts have six new perks for Cool KIDS' SUMMER!
Walt Disney Studios is officially open in Hollywood Studios at Disney World!
This sugar bomb brunch was unexpected!
Disney World just made an upgrade to a popular weather app!
Check out the new ride poster for the updated Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom.
Out of the HUNDREDS of restaurants available on Disney World property, which select few are...
Tons of new merchandise is coming to theaters with 'Toy Story 5'!
There are two new drinks at eet by Maneet Chauhan for the summer, and one...
BIG changes are coming fast and we’re breaking down what’s disappearing, what you still need...
Southwest Airlines' CEO has warned that the cost to fly may not go down any...
New Loungeflys have dropped on Amazon.
Some of Disney Springs best food is literally at your fingertips.
Starbucks is dropping two NEW summer drinks in just a few weeks!
Everything Animal Kingdom has going on in June!
Here are eight products worth throwing in your bag before your next Disney World summer...
We've got an update on a NEW attraction coming to Epic Universe!
June is a packed month for Disney+ new releases!
This room may seem out of the way, but that's part of the charm.
Amazon is having a massive sale on Disney World essential items!
Disney World guests should look towards these hotels for dining options.