Disney Begins Nearly $400 Million Space Mountain Overhaul

in Tokyo Disneyland

Space Mountain at night at Tokyo Disneyland

Credit: Disney

It’s a big day for a classic Disney roller coaster.

Space Mountain with Guests at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Removes One Last Piece of EPCOT History

Few rides are as beloved at the Disney Parks as Space Mountain. This thrilling “journey through space” has become a fan favorite over the years and can be found at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and of course, the Tokyo Disney Resort.

And speaking of the Tokyo Disney Resort, the version of Space Mountain there is undergoing some big changes.

Space Mountain at night at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Related: HBO’s “Perverted” ‘Scooby-Doo’ Series Gets New Logo

We first learned that Tokyo Disney’s Space Mountain was getting a complete makeover a few months ago. This announcement shocked the Disney Parks community as it was completely unexpected.

The Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba opened as Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 as the first official Disney theme park outside of the United States. Eventually, the Disney Resort grew with the addition of a second gate, Tokyo DisneySea featuring the American Waterfront, and the retail complex Ikspiari. Tokyo Disney Resort is unique in the way it is wholly owned by The Oriental Land Company under license from The Walt Disney Company.

Below is concept art for the new attraction:

Concept art for new Space Mountain attraction at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Related: Cedar Point’s Massive Roller Coaster Destroyed Following Permanent Closure

Space Mountain is just one part of this project, however, as the entire Tomorrowland is being reworked as well. This update is expected to cost about 56 billion yen, or roughly $390 million USD, with all renovations being completed sometime in 2027.

The Oriental Land Company’s press release for the large-scale project at Tokyo Disneyland is as follows:

Space Mountain, an exhilarating, indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a high-speed joy
ride through space, has been a favorite of guests since the Grand Opening of Tokyo
Disneyland in 1983. This entirely new attraction will maintain its original concept as an
indoor roller coaster, but will have enhanced performance and immersive special effects that
will give guests even more thrills on this exciting rocket ride.

The new Tomorrowland plaza will express the connection between Earth and the universe,
representing an image of a future where humans are in harmony with nature. Guests will be
able to enjoy moments of rest and relaxation in this plaza where various icons and other
design elements create a sense of hope for the future. After dark, the area will draw guests
into a spectacular world of light and soundscapes.

Guests can look forward to the excitement at the new Space Mountain and the plaza at
Tomorrowland.

Mickey Mouse at Tokyo Disneyland's Halloween Time
Credit: Disney

While the project is years away at this point, groundwork is already beginning, as shown by TDR ExplorerPictures show construction equipment surrounding the attraction as well as mounds of dirt. Cranes are also being lifted into the air. Scaffolding has also been put up.

In line with this new project, The Oriental Land Company has announced that Space Mountain will close in 2024, with the completed new attraction and Tomorrowland plaza slated to open in 2027.

It will be interesting to see if any other Disney Parks announce updates to any of their versions of Space Mountain in the future.

Are you excited about this new version of Space Mountain?

in Tokyo Disneyland

View Comment (1)