Could these rides be coming to Disneyland Abu Dhabi? The fun inspired by Hollywood's big screens

For decades, Disneyland was a place where rides inspired movies. But in recent years, the formula has flipped. Now, some of Disney’s most iconic attractions are born not from imagination alone—but from the blockbuster films that dominate pop culture.

From Indiana Jones and Star Wars to Frozen and Finding Nemo, the lines between the screen and the theme park have blurred. These rides do more than retell movie plots—they immerse guests in the worlds of beloved franchises through cutting-edge design, animatronics, and storytelling.

As Disney prepares to open its first park in the Middle East with Disneyland Abu Dhabi, this trend of turning hit films into headline attractions is expected to take centre stage. Here’s a look at the rides that prove Disney’s best stories don’t end with the credits—they continue on tracks, boats, and high-speed adventures.

Film inspiration: Indiana Jones series (beginning with Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981)
Park: Disneyland, Anaheim
About: This thrill ride takes guests deep into a cursed temple filled with collapsing ceilings, swarms of snakes, and a rogue boulder—all straight out of the Indiana Jones cinematic playbook.

Film inspiration: Star Wars Franchise
Parks: Disneyland (Anaheim), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Florida), others
About: What started with the Star Tours motion simulator in the late '80s evolved into a fully immersive land. Galaxy’s Edge features cutting-edge attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, bringing fans into the heart of the Star Wars universe.

Film inspiration: Toy Story series
Parks: Disneyland (Anaheim), Hong Kong Disneyland, others
About: This interactive ride transforms guests into space rangers, allowing them to shoot laser targets while helping Buzz defeat Emperor Zurg.

Film inspiration: Finding Nemo (2003)
Park: Disneyland, Anaheim
About: Reimagined from the original 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, this underwater attraction uses submarine-style vehicles and digital projections to bring the oceanic adventure to life.

Film inspiration: Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Park: Disney California Adventure
About: This dark ride follows Mike and Sulley as they attempt to return Boo to the human world. It's a scene-by-scene walkthrough of the animated hit, complete with detailed sets and animatronics.

Film inspiration: Cars (2006)
Park: Disney California Adventure
About: Set in a life-size replica of Radiator Springs, this high-tech attraction blends storytelling and speed, taking guests through scenic vistas and a head-to-head race finale.

Film inspiration: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Parks: Disney California Adventure, Magic Kingdom (Florida)
About: Guests ride in clamshells through iconic musical scenes from the film. The ride uses classic dark-ride techniques mixed with modern animatronics and effects.

Film inspiration: Frozen (2013)
Parks: EPCOT (Florida)
About: This slow-moving boat ride takes visitors on a journey through Arendelle, featuring key characters and songs from the global phenomenon. It’s one of Disney’s most popular IP-based rides.