Anyone who has visited a Disney theme park knows that there is always a chance rides will be closed during your visit because they are being refurbished. Disney attractions undergo such heavy usage that refurbishments can range from minor fixes to months-long closures for more massive undertakings. However, it is more uncommon that Disney announces that it is closing one of its most popular attractions for a complete remake. But that is exactly what happened today at Tokyo Disney.
Tokyo Disney is one of Disney’s most popular overseas theme parks. From the incredible architecture to its amazing Tokyo DisneySea Park — which is completely different from any other Disney Park — to the incredible merchandise that makes U.S. Park goers jealous. It seems that there is nothing people don’t like about the Tokyo Disney Resort.
One of the most beloved attractions at Tokyo Disney is Space Mountain. The indoor roller coaster is similar to those found at the other Disney Parks, but that will soon change. On April 27, Disney announced that Tokyo Disney would be closing Space Mountain for 3 years! In that time, they are going to completely transform the ride. When it reopens, it will still be Space Mountain, but it will be a completely different ride experience.
Disney Parks Blog shared more information on the massive changes that are coming to the attraction:
The classic Space Mountain attraction, a guest favorite since Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, will be closing for a major renovation of Tomorrowland starting in 2024. By 2027 the new area will see a newly rebuilt Space Mountain attraction, keeping the original concept as a thrilling indoor coaster that takes guests on a high-speed journey through space, but will include enhanced performance and immersive special effects. These will give guests even more thrills throughout their journey and will provide a greater connection between Earth and the universe.
According to Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis, “I’m thrilled to introduce this attraction to guests. It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion. Through the queue and then on the ride, we see our connection to our planet and gain a new perspective for how special it is in all the universe. It’s a roller coaster with both thrill and heart.”
The Space Mountain renovation will go along with an all-new Tomorrowland plaza. Disney Guests often say that the various Tomorrowland sections at several Parks do not look like they are in the world of Tomorrow. However, in the image of Space Mountain shared by Disney, Tomorrowland definitely has a futuristic look.
With the transformation of Space Mountain, as well as the Tomorrowland Plaza, Tokyo Disney will show Guests how they can be a positive change for the environment, how the two function together, and how humans can be more appreciative of the planet.
