Disney Closes Space Mountain, Replaces Classic Coaster With New Version

in Disneyland Resort

Space Mountain under construction at Tokyo Disneyland.

Credit: @WD23_Studios

A new version of Space Mountain is officially in operation at Disneyland Resort. After a month-long closure, the Tomorrowland roller coaster reopened with restored special effects.

Guests can once again visit Mr. Tom Morrow at Disneyland Park, where Space Mountain has operated since 1977. Walt Disney World Resort’s version of the indoor roller coaster premiered at Magic Kingdom Park two years earlier in 1975. Others subsequently opened at Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland.

Guests ride Hyperspace Mountain
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort’s Space Mountain isn’t the first to undergo significant changes. Disneyland Paris Resort and Hong Kong Disney Resort permanently rethemed their indoor roller coasters to Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. Disneyland Park temporarily transforms its iconic Tomorrowland attraction into Hyperspace Mountain but hasn’t announced plans to retheme the ride permanently.

This summer, Tokyo Disney Resort permanently closed its Space Mountain. Construction crews have begun demolishing the roller coaster and constructing an all-new version, scheduled to open in 2027. The new Disney Park attraction’s rumored name is “Space Mountain Earthrise.”

Tokyo Disneyland Tomorrowland Plaza and Space Mountain Rework Night-time concept art
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Resort didn’t announce significant changes to its Space Mountain when the Tomorrowland ride closed for refurbishment on August 5, 2024. Still, fans eagerly awaited minor updates and maintenance work on the decades-old roller coaster.

The iconic white spires again welcomed guests on September 6, 2024, and Disney Parks fans immediately noticed a difference. Walt Disney Imagineers repaired blue flashing lights in the tunnel at the start of the roller coaster, a special effect that hadn’t worked in years.

@magicwithgabi shared a video from the newly reopened ride on TikTok:

@magicwithgabi

my favorite ride just got even better! you have to check it out! 🫶🏽 #disneycontentcreator #disneyinfluencer #disneyland #disneyhalloween #spacemountain

♬ original sound – gabi

The Disney Park guest gasped as she entered the tunnel and witnessed the functional visual effects. After riding, she shared her thoughts on the refurbishment.

“The blue lights are back at Space Mountain, and they look phenomenal,” the Disney Park guest said. “If you’re planning on going, just know that it looks even better.”

“The refurb was well done,” she concluded. “I love it so much.”

Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, where guests are increasingly getting sick
Credit: Aubrey Odom, Unsplash

Walt Disney Imagineers blew guests’ expectations out of the water with this latest update.

“It was so fast and smooth today,” @ally.moreno3 commented. “The refurb was well worth it.”

“I’m so happy the lights are back,” said @mystylishlife.

space mountain at disneyland
Credit: Disney

The special effects brought back happy memories for longtime Disneyland Resort fans.

“So nostalgic,” @swag._.ho wrote. “I remember seeing those lights when I was younger.”

Space Mountain was operating normally at the time of this article’s publication. Download the official Disneyland Resort app for information on wait times and Lightning Lane Multi Pass availability.

Which Disney park has the best Space Mountain? In the comments, share your opinion with Inside the Magic. 

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