Brand New Space Mountain Coming to One Disney Park in 2027

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

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.

Tokyo Disney

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.

Tokyo Disney Space Mountain

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.

Disney Removes Expedition Everest Reopening Date From Website

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

For months, Guests visiting Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort have been unable to ride one of the most popular attractions in the theme park. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain has been closed since early January as it undergoes a major, lengthy refurbishment. When it first announced the closure, Disney shared that Expedition Everest would be closed for several months, reopening in mid-April.

It looks like that is no longer the case.

The Walt Disney World website recently removed any mention of a reopening date. Instead of saying that the attraction will reopen in mid-April, the site now simply reads, “Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is currently closed for refurbishment. Please check back here for updates.” The Walt Disney World Resort calendar currently runs through June 7 and there are no times listed for the ride.

Expedition Everest

Haven’t yet experienced Expedition Everest? Here’s more information on the thrilling Disney Park attraction that takes riders deep into the Himalayas.

Wander into a Tibetan village at the base of Mount Everest and board a train to the “top of the world.” Beware: Some say a legendary snow monster lives deep in the mountain.

After a steep ascent, your train picks up speed and races into the darkness. Without warning, a broken and twisted track appears in front of you. Brace yourself as you plummet backward into total darkness. Inside the cavern, the mythical tale comes true as you see the shadow of a massive, growling beast!

Race to escape the cursed mountain—before the Yeti claims another expedition.

Expedition Everest

While Expedition Everest may be closed, there are still a number of other fun rides and attractions you can experience during your Animal Kingdom trip — including Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, “It’s Tough to Be a Bug”, and Dinosaur. There are also a ton of great places to stop and get your foodie fix, like Flame Tree BBQ, Tiffins, and Satu’li Canteen.

Upcoming Refurbishments at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via Disney Destinations

In an effort to continually enhance the Guest experience here at Walt Disney World Resort, we refresh our offerings from time to time.

The high Rock Springs Pool and On the Rocks Pool Bar at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be unavailable from January through late March 2023 while the pool undergoes refurbishment. The Paddock Pool and other leisure pools will remain open and available to Guests throughout this refurbishment.

The lobby at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will undergo a refurbishment from mid-April through late May 2022. During this time, the lobby will remain operational and Cast Members will be present to help direct Guests to the check-in location.

During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 a.m.

Disney World Plans Refurbishment for Space Mountain

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via InsidetheMagic.net

Walt Disney World Resort is known for its iconic attractions, especially at Magic Kingdom.

From Pirates of the Caribbean to Jungle Cruise to Haunted Mansion and everything in between, these attractions have been beloved by Guests for decades and still remain an intricate part of the Disney magic because, in many ways, they are timeless.

While the Disney Park attractions and their theming might be timeless, the reality of operating a theme park shows that rides are constantly having to undergo maintenance to keep up with the volume of Guests they carry each day.

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

We recently saw two of three big mountains in Magic Kingdom undergo maintenance, in Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. Now, it seems Disney has plans to undergo construction on its third mountain, Space Mountain, located in Tomorrowland.

A recent permit filed by Walt Disney World Resort for the area where Space Mountain sits (4950 N. World Drive) shows there are plans for improvements to the ride.

Buena Vista Construction Company, which handles many projects in Walt Disney World Resort, will be the contractor and the general description of improvement is to “provide labor, material and/or electrical for construction.”

Space Mountain Permit 2022

Disney has not announced a closure of Space Mountain as of yet and the description does not indicate what areas of the ride will be under construction. That being said, we can expect to see activity begin to happen around the attraction at some point in the near future.

We previously reported on how extreme weathering has affected the attraction, leaving many areas on the outside façade looking rough. However, with electrical elements being added to this permit, we would venture to say that the work will not just pertain to the outside building.

space mountain