Credit: Becky Burkett, Inside the MagicAs the skyline of the Magic Kingdom is currently dominated by the massive construction cranes of Villains Land and the earth-moving equipment for Piston Peak, a quieter, arguably more critical operation is unfolding on the opposite side of the park. It is mid-February 2026, and Tomorrowland—long criticized for being a “Yesterday-land” of outdated aesthetics and mismatched IPs—is entering its most significant evolutionary phase in three decades.
With the recent naming of Josh D’Amaro as CEO, the parks’ directive has shifted toward high-tech immersion and kinetic energy. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Tomorrowland, where the closing of legacy attractions and the filing of “curious” new permits suggest a total retheme is no longer a “Blue Sky” dream—it is actively loading.
The Space Mountain ‘Mega-Refurb’: A Heart Transplant for an Icon
The success of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad overhaul, which officially reopens this spring with a brand-new track and high-tech “Rainbow Caverns,” has provided a blueprint for Tomorrowland’s crown jewel. Rumors from the front lines of Imagineering suggest that Space Mountain is next in line for a “cavern-deep” restoration.
Just as Big Thunder was stripped to its bones to solve decades of structural fatigue, Space Mountain is reportedly being eyed for a 2027–2028 multi-year project. The speculation points to:
- Total Track Replacement: Utilizing the same precision-steel technology being deployed in Tokyo’s $460 million Space Mountain rebuild to eliminate the “roughness” of the 1975 original.
- Synchronized On-Board Audio: Finally bringing the atmospheric score tech used in Disneyland and Hong Kong to Florida, turning the ride from a simple coaster into a cinematic journey.
- A ‘Starry’ Upgrade: Replacing the aging projection system with high-definition digital star-fields and practical “warp” effects that make the vacuum of space feel truly infinite.
The Speedway Swap: From Gas Fumes to Galactic Races
Perhaps the most persistent “vibe killer” in Tomorrowland is the Tomorrowland Speedway. Between the loud, gas-powered engines and the massive footprint, it is prime real estate currently dedicated to a 1950s vision of driving. With the opening of the Cars-themed Piston Peak in Frontierland, the Speedway’s current identity is effectively redundant.
Current speculation for 2027 and beyond suggests Disney is finally ready to retire the gas-guzzlers. The leading theory involves an attraction to high-speed electric vehicles (EVs). By utilizing the existing track footprint but swapping the cars for glowing, futuristic “Light-Pods,” Disney could create a high-capacity family race that glows at night. This would align perfectly with the nearby TRON Lightcycle / Run, turning that entire corner of the park into a neon-soaked grid of kinetic motion.
The Vacancy Strategy: Stitch and the Laugh Floor
Tomorrowland currently suffers from a “dead space” problem. The former Stitch’s Great Escape building has sat dormant for years, currently serving as a temporary lounge and meet-and-greet spot. However, with the official announcement of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios, it is widely believed that Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor will eventually follow its IP home.
This leaves Disney with two massive, adjacent buildings to play with.
- The Big Hero 6 Project: Rumors have resurfaced about a San Fransokyo-themed attraction for the Stitch space. A “Healthcare Companion” simulator or a trackless Baymax-themed ride would provide the high-tech, heartfelt anchor the land currently lacks.
- Wreck-It Ralph ‘Sugar Rush’: While a Wreck-It Ralph attraction for Tokyo has been confirmed for 2027, the Magic Kingdom remains a candidate for a similar “gaming” experience. With Buzz Lightyear currently closed for its 2026 “Buddy-Bot” upgrade, the door is open for a wider integration of digital gaming IPs into the physical space.
Carousel of Progress: Meeting the Man Behind the Magic
While much of Tomorrowland is looking forward, the Carousel of Progress is preparing to pay the ultimate tribute to the past. As of February 5, 2026, Imagineering filed a series of Notice of Commencement permits for the attraction, indicating that the long-awaited update is finally moving into the installation phase.
The addition of the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic is the centerpiece of this project. Situated in a new introductory scene, the animatronic will feature the man himself sharing his vision for a “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” This isn’t just a nostalgic touch; it’s a mission statement. By placing Walt at the entrance of Tomorrowland, Disney is tethering the land’s high-tech future to the optimistic humanism that defined the 1964 World’s Fair.
Conclusion: A Future Worth Waiting For
For years, Tomorrowland has felt like a collection of miscellaneous ideas stuck in a “standby” loop. But the systematic approach of 2026—modernizing Buzz Lightyear, updating the Carousel, and the looming redesign of the Speedway—proves that Disney is finally ready to hit “play.”
As we look toward the 2030s, Tomorrowland is shedding its “yesterday” skin. It is evolving into a land defined by clean energy, galactic travel, and the relentless optimism that there is indeed a great big beautiful tomorrow just a dream away.