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Two Disney World Rides Officially Closed, To Be Replaced With New Attractions

Two beloved attractions at Walt Disney World officially closed down over the weekend, but two new rides are in the works at the theme park.

Epcot’s “Universe of Energy” and Hollywood Studios’ “The Great Movie Ride” had their final runs on Sunday, according to the official Disney Parks blog. The Great Movie Ride was an 18-minute guided studio tour of some famous Hollywood films, such as the Wizard of Oz and Casablanca. “The Universe of Energy” was an original attraction at Epcot, first opening its doors in 1982.

The attraction went through several changes over the years. In 1996, the pavilion housed Ellen’s Energy Adventure attraction, a ride featuring the talk-show host and Bill Nye, according to Extinct Disney.

During the D23 Expo in July, Disney announced the Universe of Energy pavilion would close to make room for the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. At the same expo, it was announced that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway would take the place of The Great Movie Ride.

The new attraction -- which will feature a variety of special effects and visual transformations -- is the first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction at the park. 

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