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Disney Permanently Closes Space Mountain, New Look Given on Replacement Attraction

in Disney Parks, Tokyo Disneyland

Posted on by Thomas Hitchen 3 Comments
Space Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland, opening day original

Credit: Disney

The race to rebuild one of Disney’s most iconic attractions is well underway, and the price tag attached to the project continues to underline just how significant the transformation will be.

Tokyo Disney Resort's Cinderella Castle amidst a blue sky during the hot, summer months
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is pressing ahead with its all-new version of Space Mountain, a replacement for the beloved Tomorrowland attraction that entertained guests at Tokyo Disneyland for more than four decades before closing permanently in 2024. When the reimagined coaster finally launches in 2027, it will anchor one of the most ambitious redevelopments in the park’s history.

Space Mountain has long been considered a cornerstone of Tomorrowland across Disney parks worldwide. The indoor roller coaster first blasted off at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1975 before Disneyland Park received its own version two years later. Since then, the attraction has expanded across the globe, becoming a signature experience at multiple Disney destinations.

Tokyo Disneyland opened its version alongside the park itself in 1983, making it one of the original attractions guests encountered when the Japanese resort welcomed its first visitors. While other Disney parks have refreshed or re-themed their versions over the years—such as Hyperspace Mountain in Paris and Hong Kong—Tokyo Disney Resort has opted for something much more dramatic.

Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland.
Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, Flickr

Rather than simply modernizing the attraction, the resort is constructing an entirely new Space Mountain from the ground up. The original ride welcomed its final guests on July 31, 2024. Soon afterward, construction walls appeared throughout Tomorrowland, and demolition crews began dismantling the familiar mountain structure. For many longtime fans, watching the attraction’s iconic spires disappear from the skyline marked the end of an era.

The project forms the centerpiece of a sweeping Tomorrowland overhaul being carried out by Tokyo Disney Resort and operator Oriental Land Company. The redevelopment extends beyond the coaster itself, with a redesigned plaza area planned around the attraction to create a more immersive futuristic environment.

According to official documents released by Oriental Land Company, the investment behind the new Space Mountain sits at approximately ¥70.5 billion, or around $461 million USD. That staggering figure makes it one of the largest attraction-related investments ever made at a Disney park.

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

Although fans have widely adopted the rumored title “Space Mountain Earthrise,” Disney has yet to confirm an official name. The attraction continues to be referred to simply as “Space Mountain (2027)” in project materials.

Recent construction updates suggest progress remains steady. A new video from X user @tacchi0712 offers one of the clearest looks yet at the site, revealing substantial structural work taking shape behind construction barriers as well as the new lighting for the attraction. The latest footage appears to show significant advancement on the attraction’s future as crews continue work on the massive complex.

Space Mountain. Lit up!?

The scale of the project reflects Tokyo Disney Resort’s broader strategy of investing heavily in long-term expansion. The resort has already demonstrated its willingness to commit billions to major additions, most recently through the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. The new Space Mountain is expected to serve a similar role for Tokyo Disneyland, helping redefine Tomorrowland for a new generation of guests.

Disney has released concept art showcasing a sleek, glowing mountain structure that differs dramatically from the original 1983 version. The redesigned attraction appears set to blend advanced lighting effects, updated architecture, and enhanced storytelling into a futuristic centerpiece unlike any previous incarnation of the ride.

A large crowd of Disney fans walks towards Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Nicholas Cole, Flickr

For now, guests can only watch from behind the construction walls as the project takes shape. However, with the attraction still scheduled to debut in 2027 alongside the new Tomorrowland plaza, the countdown has officially begun for the next chapter of one of Disney’s most recognizable roller coasters.

What are your thoughts on the new Space Mountain attraction? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

in Disney Parks, Tokyo Disneyland

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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