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Credit: Only the Chosen, FlickrWalt Disney World has a way of surprising guests — sometimes by saying goodbye to a beloved spot, and other times by bringing it back. After months of uncertainty and a full demolition that left many fans shaking their heads, a beloved location in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom is preparing to make a comeback.
From Demolition to Renewal
Back in July, Disney bulldozed the original Cool Ship location. What had once been a quirky refreshment stand known for its mist-blasting spaceship top was flattened — down to the dirt. Guests riding the PeopleMover could see the trenches and bare pavement where the kiosk once stood. Many assumed that was the end of an era.
Cool Ship wasn’t a massive attraction, but it held a special place in Tomorrowland’s charm. It was the kind of stop where guests could grab a drink, cool down on a hot day, and enjoy that retro-futuristic vibe that made the land feel so unique. Its removal felt like one more piece of the park’s nostalgia being erased.
A Modernized Return
But now, just a few months later, things are looking very different. The new Cool Ship is well on its way to reopening. Construction crews have been working quickly, with new equipment and menu boards already installed on the exterior of the sleek, modern kiosk. Two ordering windows and a central pickup station are visible, signaling a clear shift from the old retro style to something more streamlined.
While temporary construction walls are still up, guests on the PeopleMover can get a glimpse of the transformation. The structure embraces the updated Tomorrowland aesthetic Disney’s been rolling out in recent years — one that’s more unified and clean. It fits alongside TRON Lightcycle / Run and the upcoming overhaul of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, which is currently under construction.
How Disney Has Modernized Tomorrowland
Cool Ship’s comeback is more than just a quick food stand reopening. It’s part of a bigger identity shift happening in Tomorrowland. For years, this land has felt like a patchwork of old and new. Now, Disney is clearly pushing for a cohesive look — moving away from the classic retro style toward something sleeker and more modern.
This doesn’t come without some mixed feelings. Many longtime Disney fans are still nostalgic for the old spaceship-topped kiosk. But others are excited to see Tomorrowland get some much-needed attention. With TRON already a major headliner and other refurbishments in the works, this small but meaningful update ties the area together.
What to Expect When It Reopens
Although Disney hasn’t announced an official reopening date, the company has listed Cool Ship on its website, confirming it will reopen at some point in the future. Judging by the progress on-site, it may not be too long before guests are once again lining up for a quick snack and a cool mist in the middle of Tomorrowland.
It’s rare for Disney to demolish a spot entirely and then bring it back in updated form. But this move shows that even as the park evolves, some locations are too iconic to disappear forever. And for many guests, seeing Cool Ship return — even in a new look — will feel like welcoming back an old friend.