Credit: DisneyThe iconic Sonny Eclipse has been removed from Magic Kingdom Park this week.
Some visit Walt Disney World’s original park for thrill rides like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Space Mountain. Others come for classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.” Then there are those who seek out Disney’s more eccentric touches—like stopping by Cosmic Ray’s to catch a set from Sonny Eclipse.
Who Is Sonny Eclipse?
For nearly three decades, Sonny Eclipse has been a Tomorrowland staple, entertaining guests at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café with his intergalactic lounge act. The animatronic alien from the planet Zork performs a 27-minute set filled with original songs and space-themed banter, all while playing his glowing Astro-Organ.
Voiced by the late, great jazz singer Kal David, Sonny’s smooth vocals and retro persona have made him a cult favorite, offering a quirky, offbeat charm rarely seen in modern theme park entertainment.
Though Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe also offers some pretty mediocre quick-service fare, Sonny has built a devoted following among Disney fans who appreciate his old-school charm. His music, crafted by Disney legend George Wilkins, blends humor with a classic lounge aesthetic, creating a nostalgic contrast to the park’s cutting-edge attractions. While his presence is often overlooked by casual visitors, longtime fans know Sonny Eclipse as one of Walt Disney World’s most enduring hidden gems.
But as of this week, everyone’s favorite alien has disappeared.
Disney Removes Beloved Animatronic From Magic Kingdom
As noted by Blog Mickey, Sonny Eclipse is missing from his usual spot at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café right now.
In his place, you can currently find a special events stage. This is typically reserved for seasonal celebrations like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. However, with no major events taking place now or in the immediate future, Sonny’s sudden disappearance is slightly more mysterious.
The most logical explanation is that Sonny has been whisked away for maintenance. His set is constructed so that it can be raised into the ceiling, allowing other performances to continue in his place or for Disney to undertake any necessary repairs.
If it’s any consolation to Sonny Eclipse super fans, this isn’t the first time he’s disappeared. The alien previously went missing for a couple of months in early 2023 but did eventually return. Here’s hoping that this absence isn’t quite as extensive.
Disney’s $60 Billion Rejuvenation
Sonny Eclipse’s disappearance comes amid a period of big change for Disney.
In 2023, Disney announced a groundbreaking $60 billion investment plan aimed at transforming its theme parks and cruise experiences over the next decade. The initiative will fund new attractions, expanded lands, and advanced technologies designed to enhance guest experiences and increase park capacity.
Walt Disney World Resort is getting $17 billion of this total, which will fund huge changes for Magic Kingdom. This includes a new Cars-themed area, bringing high-octane thrills to Frontierland. The Cars land – which will apparently be notably different from the version currently found on the West Coast at Disney California Adventure Park – will feature two new attractions, one of which will center around off-road racing.
Fans of the Pixar franchise can look forward to experiencing Radiator Springs reimagined in the Old West, merging the charm of the frontier with the fast-paced action of Lightning McQueen and his friends.
However, this exciting addition also comes with the closure of two classic attractions: Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.
In addition, the highly anticipated Villains Land will make its debut, focusing on a “mysterious spell” that unites Disney’s most notorious villains. This dark, magical event will immerse guests in a land steeped in the villainous plots of Disney’s most iconic antagonists. “Their evil ambitions give us endless possibilities to tell new stories,” D’Amaro shared in 2024. “This new land will be home to the villains you know and loathe.”
Tomorrowland appears to be remaining in its current form, despite increasing criticism in recent years that the land is feeling outdated, contrary to its name.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is gearing up for its first-ever Monsters, Inc. (2001) land, headlined by an innovative roller coaster inspired by the film’s iconic door transport system. This attraction will mark Disney’s first suspended coaster, adding a thrilling new dimension to the park.
However, the expansion comes at the cost of MuppetVision 3D, which is being replaced by the new land. The Muppets, meanwhile, will take over a reimagined, Aerosmith-free version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom is bidding a permanent farewell to DinoLand U.S.A., replacing DINOSAUR with a new Indiana Jones attraction and adding a ride inspired by Encanto (2021). Earlier this week, Disney also shuttered It’s Tough to be a Bug! to make way for a new show in the Tree of Life, Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Are you a big fan of Sonny Eclipse?