As with all major theme parks around the world, change happens. Old rides are replaced by new ones, classics are changed so they are 'not-so-classic' any longer - but why should we still care about the classic attractions at Walt Disney World? Some (yes, i'll admit, only a few...) have withstood the test of time, and still remain in the parks today. The legacy of these classic attractions make them feel special compared to the new (usually screen-based) attractions of today.
Honour Walt Disney, and the future...
Not only are you riding a great classic attraction, but in many cases, you are also seeing with your very eyes a creation by the man himself, Walt Disney. Many of the classics that still live within the parks today were dremt up by the man who started it all. Some attractions were even made with the help of Walt - such as the Carousel of Progress (Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom), which featured in the 1964 New York Worlds Fair. These attractions may not be the most exhilerating or thrilling in the park, but true Disney fans will appreciate them for what they are, were and will be. Some classic attractions have also inspired new rides, which may not exist otherwise - and some classics have closed to make way for 'new classics', rides which future generations will see as a classic attraction (such as Splash Mountain for example).
Teaching others...
Riding the classic attractions, especially with children, is teaching them the legacy and keeping it alive. Just like you pass family tales down the family between generations, it is also important to pass Disney fandom and love for the old, but classic, attractions down too - thus preserving Disney memories. Some attractions may seem outdated and a waste of space, but they were created in an age where children didn't rely on technology, and used their own imaginations to dream up games and entertainment. Take the Swiss Family Treehouse at the Magic Kingdom for example, it doesn't have screens, tracks, vehicles or lights - it instead has a few bridges, some rope and a few scenes. It may not seem much on paper, but experience it with kids and allow them to let their imaginations run wild, and you won't beleive how much fun they can have from a classic and low-tech attraction.
Keeping it alive...
If guests are no longer riding an attraction, Disney will have no option but to close and replace it. The company gives attractions less and less attention, upgrade and money as they before less popular. They will only invest money into attractions that people pay to ride. Some attractions now-a-days show this lack of investment, for example Carousel of Progress, a true classic that isn't upgraded or changed - the 'future' scene in the attraction is certainly in the past now! Not only do you get to experience the classic Disney attraction, but you are contributing to the future of the attraction, and preserving it for future generations to enjoy. Once attractions are gone, they are gone forever unfortunately.
What WDW attractions do you see as classics? Would you be sad to see them close? Do you think they are at threat of closure?
