Credit: DisneyIn the specialized world of theme park enthusiasts, few structures carry as much weight, history, and raw mechanical power as the massive, bronze-clad peak that dominates the skyline of Discoveryland. It is widely considered the most beautiful and intense version of the attraction ever conceived—a steampunk masterpiece that swaps the gentle curves of its American cousins for a high-speed launch and multiple inversions. But as we move into 2026, a seismic rumor is vibrating through the fan community, suggesting that this icon may be about to go silent for a very, very long time.
According to a flurry of recent social media reports and a viral discussion sparked by prominent insiders, whispers are growing that Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris is being prepped for a staggering two-year refurbishment. If the rumors prove true, the “Columbiad Cannon” could fall silent as early as late 2026, not to be heard again until the resort celebrates its 35th Anniversary in 2027 or 2028.
The Viral Rumor: Fact or Friction?
Before diving into the mechanical “why,” it is vital to establish the current status of this news: it is a rumor. As of early 2026, The Walt Disney Company has not officially placed a multi-year closure on Disneyland Paris in the public calendar. However, the source of the speculation—a trending thread on X (formerly Twitter) and subsequent corroboration from several European “blue-sky” blogs—suggests that internal scheduling has already begun to account for a massive “back-to-the-studs” overhaul.
The rumor gained significant traction when fans noticed a pattern in recent maintenance filings and the increasing frequency of “technical downtime” for the attraction. The consensus among the community is that the ride no longer needs a “check-up” but rather a “rebirth.”
Why Two Years? Decoding the Mechanical Necessity
To the average guest, a two-year closure sounds like an eternity. Most ride refurbishments are measured in weeks; even “major” overhauls like the recent transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure took roughly 18 months. Why would this particular mountain require 700+ days?
The answer lies in the unique DNA of the Disneyland Paris version of the ride. Unlike the Florida or California versions, which are gravity-fed wild mouse-style coasters, the Paris version is a high-performance Vekoma machine. It features a specialized incline launch system that fires trains up the side of the mountain, three inversions (including a sidewinder and a corkscrew), and a highly complex synchronized audio system.
1. Total Track Replacement
After thirty years of punishing high-G forces and a launch system that puts immense strain on the steel, the ride may be reaching its structural “end of life.” Insiders speculate that a two-year window would allow Disney to perform a complete track replacement—literally swapping out the aging steel for new, smoother rails. This would ensure the ride remains a headliner for another thirty years.
2. The Launch System Evolution
The iconic “Columbiad Cannon” uses a cable-driven launch system that is notoriously difficult to maintain. A long-term closure could allow engineers to install a modern Magnetic Launch System (LSM). This would not only increase reliability but could also allow for more precise control over the “show timing” inside the mountain.
3. The Great Thematic Reset
Perhaps the most exciting part of the rumor for purists is the potential end of the Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain era. Since 2017, the ride has featured a temporary Star Wars overlay that many fans feel clashes with the stunning Victorian-steampunk exterior. The rumor mill suggests that a two-year closure is the only way to properly restore the original Jules Verne-inspired theme of De la Terre à la Lune (From the Earth to the Moon), including the return of the beloved Baltimore Gun Club storyline and the majestic orchestral score by Bruce Broughton.
A Resort in Transition: Other Massive Changes at the Destination
The potential closure of Discoveryland’s Space Mountain doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is part of a much larger, multi-billion-euro transformation currently unfolding across the entire Disneyland Paris resort. If you are planning a trip in the next 24 months, the landscape you encounter will be vastly different from what it was even a year ago.
The Rebirth of Disney Adventure World
The most significant change is happening right next door. The Walt Disney Studios Park is officially undergoing a name change and a total brand reset, emerging as Disney Adventure World. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; the park is being physically rebuilt.
- World of Frozen: Construction is reaching its final stages on the massive Arendelle-themed land. Guests will soon be able to explore the kingdom of Anna and Elsa, complete with a North Mountain, a replica of the village, and a version of the Frozen Ever After attraction.
- Adventure Bay: A massive new lake is the centerpiece of this expansion, which will host nighttime spectaculars involving drones, fountains, and pyrotechnics.
- The Lion King: Rumors continue to swirl (and are gaining massive credibility) regarding a dedicated Lion King land featuring a world-class water attraction. This would be a first for any Disney park globally and is expected to be a significant draw for the late 2020s.
The Village Transformation
Even the area between the parks is getting a facelift. Disney Village is in the middle of a multi-year phased renovation. Old, tired storefronts are being replaced by sleek, modern dining concepts like Rosalie (a French brasserie) and updated shopping experiences that move away from the “neon-90s” aesthetic and toward a more timeless, park-like atmosphere.
The 35th Anniversary: The Strategic Anchor
Why would Disney choose to close their biggest thrill ride now? The answer is likely the 35th Anniversary in 2027.
Disney loves a “Grand Reopening.” By taking the mountain offline in 2026, they can spend eighteen to twenty-four months perfecting the experience. When 2027 arrives, they can market the “Return of the Legend” alongside the grand opening of the new lands in Disney Adventure World. It creates a “perfect storm” for tourism: a restored masterpiece in the original park and a brand-new world in the second park.
The Fan Verdict: Is the Wait Worth It?
The reaction to the viral tweet from Themountainkin1 has been a fascinating study in “Disney Fan Logic.” On the one hand, there is genuine dread. For many, a trip to France isn’t complete without the 1.5-G launch of Space Mountain. Losing that for two years—especially for Annual Pass holders—is a bitter pill to swallow.
On the other hand, the comments section is filled with fans who are willing to wait. One user replied, “If two years is what it takes to get the Star Wars out and the Jules Verne back in, take three years. Do it right.” There is a sense that the ride has been “limping along” under its temporary overlay and that a permanent, high-quality restoration is the only way to honor its legacy.
What You Should Know Before You Book
If you are planning a visit to Disneyland Paris in 2026, 2027, or 2028, here is the current strategy:
- Keep an Eye on the Calendar: Official refurbishment dates are usually released 2–4 months in advance. However, for a two-year project, Disney may give a “heads up” much earlier to avoid guest disappointment.
- The “Studio” Factor: If the mountain is closed, focus your energy on the new offerings at Disney Adventure World. The opening of the Frozen land will likely compensate for the loss of thrill capacity in the main park.
- The Original is Best: If the rumor of a Jules Verne return is true, the post-2027 version of the attraction will likely be the definitive version for decades to come.
Conclusion: The Quiet Before the Blast
As of today, the Columbiad Cannon is still firing. The Hyperspace Mountain mission continues, and the bronze plates of the mountain still gleam in the Parisian sun. But the whispers of a long-term blackout are becoming impossible to ignore. Whether it’s a track replacement, a launch upgrade, or the long-awaited return of “Mission 1,” a two-year closure would be a historic moment for the resort.
The 35th Anniversary is looming on the horizon, and Disney seems ready to play a very long, costly game to ensure their most beautiful park is at its peak. For now, we wait for an official word from the Mouse—and we hope that when the mountain finally reopens, it’s with the score, the story, and the steampunk soul that made us fall in love with it thirty years ago.