See How Disneyland's Snow White Ride Went From Scary to Enchanting

If you ever found yourself on the classic Snow White's Scary Adventures ride at Disneyland, you would have been subjected to cackling witches and half a dozen Evil Witch sightings but not one glimpse of the princess herself. It's no wonder why the ride, though beloved by many, drew some criticism.

In 2020, the iconic Scary Adventures ride underwent a major revamp, trading frightening forest scenes for Snow White herself dancing with the dwarves while pleasant apple pie scents float through the air. The updated Snow White's Enchanted Wish — the ride's second revamp since opening with the park in 1955 — was unveiled in celebration of 83 years since the movie first premiered in Los Angeles.

"We're finally giving Snow White the happily ever after that she deserves," John Gritz, the principal concept designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a video when the ride opened. "The star of the show is Snow White so we thought it would be really, really important to introduce her early on."

Riders can marvel at a mine scene with glittering jewels all around, enhanced with shadow projections, which Gritz said feels like it's filled with "spectacular magic." The ride utilizes LED black lighting and laser projections, as well as classic songs to bring the enchanted world to life.

One of the main draws of Snow White's Enchanted Wish is that it's entirely kid-friendly. The earlier Scary Adventures attraction was often described as a "dark ride," too scary for small children.

"What's so special about this attraction is [it was] actually Walt Disney's first major animated picture as well as one of the original attractions in Fantasyland the day that Disneyland opened," said Kim Irvine, the executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering. The original iteration of the ride was called Snow White's Adventures. It was last redesigned in 1983.

Irvine said the team also spruced up the exterior, repainting it in warm pinks and gold as well as a "cheerier blue" to make it "feel happier." You can find the ride in Fantasyland, near the landmark Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.