Disneyland Retires Space Mountain Attraction: Successor Begins To Take Shape

in Tokyo Disneyland

Space Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland, opening day original

Credit: Disney

Disneyland has shut down Space Mountain and now provides an update on what will replace this classic, timeless attraction.

Disney concept artwork for the new Space Mountain expansion coming to Tokyo Disneyland.
Credit: Disney

A New Silhouette Rises Over Disneyland—But What Exactly Is Taking Shape?

Guests wandering through Tomorrowland in recent weeks have been stopping mid-stride, shielding their eyes from the sun as they try to make sense of a curious new shape stretching upward behind construction walls. It’s not every day that an iconic skyline begins to subtly shift at one of the world’s most beloved Disney parks, and yet here we are—watching a structure quietly transform piece by piece, hinting at something far more ambitious than simple refurbishment. What’s driving all the sudden attention toward this evolving landmark, and what does its unusual silhouette reveal about Tokyo Disneyland’s future?

As crews continued their work high above ground level, visitors could see something glinting between sections of scaffolding—something that didn’t seem to be there just a few weeks earlier.

Mickey Mouse meets guest at Chef Mickey, a Disney dining experience.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

A Project Years in the Making Gains a Surprising New Detail

For more than two years, one of Tokyo Disneyland’s most significant construction projects has been unfolding largely out of sight. Even though the original version didn’t close until the summer of 2024, progress on the upcoming attraction has been steady and deliberate. While much of the building has been hidden beneath scaffolding and temporary coverings, the pace recently shifted in a visible way that longtime parkgoers couldn’t ignore.

White exterior paneling has begun to sweep across portions of the structure, replacing the previously exposed framework. This fresh façade immediately stood out against the darker gray material that still covers most of the building—material that, according to project observers, is only temporary and not representative of the final exterior design. As the paneling expands, it’s starting to define the attraction’s futuristic aesthetic, giving fans the clearest look yet at the direction Imagineers are taking.

But it wasn’t the paneling that caused guests to stop and stare.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Pluto are dressed in festive Christmas attire with a colorful, lit-up Disney Park backdrop featuring holiday decorations, lighted trees, and iconic landmarks at Tokyo Disney Resort for the 2025 summer season.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Spires Emerge—Echoes of a Disney Classic

At the very top of the construction zone, a circle of striking white spires has appeared, forming a crown-like shape around the roofline. Additional spires can be spotted through the scaffolding, suggesting that what we see now is only the beginning of a larger architectural feature still coming into focus.

Space Mountain 2027, Tokyo Disneyland

These vertical elements immediately draw comparisons to familiar silhouettes found on other Space Mountain structures around the globe. Their placement and style evoke the classic mid-century space-age design language that fans associate with the attraction, from Disneyland’s iconic cone to the more angular interpretations found in parks elsewhere.

Throughout the day, crew members were seen carefully working on sections of exterior paneling—some protected beneath temporary sheeting—suggesting that this phase of the build is active and accelerating. More finishing elements have also appeared around the back of the structure, reinforcing the impression that the attraction is moving steadily toward a recognizable shape.

Tokyo Disneyland – Space Mountain Construction Update 11.19.25

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So why all the excitement over these spires?

Because they may be signaling a bold new identity for one of Disney’s most famous thrill rides.

A person in a Mickey Mouse costume is standing outdoors in front of a pastel-colored building with blue trim, extending their right arm. Mickey is dressed in his signature red shorts with white buttons, yellow bow tie, and black jacket at a Disney Park Resort in Tokyo for summer 2025.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

The Future of Space Mountain—And the Mystery Still Surrounding It

Tokyo Disney Resort has not yet revealed the official name of the attraction taking shape, though a recurring rumor among theme park watchers is that the experience may debut as Space Mountain: Earthrise. While this title has not been confirmed, the visual direction of the construction supports the idea that Imagineers are crafting a re-imagining rather than a simple copy of existing versions.

What is confirmed, however, is the scale of the investment. The Oriental Land Company is allocating approximately ¥56 billion, or about $437 million USD, to bring this attraction to life—a staggering figure that positions it as one of the most expensive single-ride projects in the park’s history. With an expected opening year of 2027, the multi-year endeavor represents a major commitment to the future of Tomorrowland and the long-term evolution of Tokyo Disneyland’s guest experience.

The newly added spires don’t just mark visible progress; they hint at the deeper story Imagineers are trying to tell—a story that blends nostalgia, cutting-edge design, and a reimagined vision of space-themed adventure that could redefine what Space Mountain means for a new generation.

A whimsical, colorful tower stands tall amidst a backdrop of trees and rocks. The tower has a conical roof, intricate details, and ivy climbing its base. A figure stands in a window near the top, looking out into the distance, against a clear blue sky.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Why This Matters for Disneyland Fans Around the World

As Disney parks globally move into an era of aggressive expansion and reinvention, Tokyo Disneyland’s transformation of Space Mountain is shaping up to be one of the most significant undertakings currently in development. The gradual addition of spires, paneling, and structural details offers a rare look into the creative process behind an attraction that millions will one day experience.

For now, the excitement lies in the unknown. Every new panel, every new structural detail, every emerging silhouette pushes the mystery forward—leaving fans wondering just how far this reinvention will go and what surprises await inside the finished attraction.

One thing is clear: the future of Tomorrowland is rising, one spire at a time.

in Tokyo Disneyland

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