Credit: Shenghung Lin, FlickrDisneyland is preparing to make some enormous changes to one of its theme parks, and a classic attraction is right in the middle of the overhaul.
After roughly four decades of sending guests racing through the darkness, one version of Space Mountain has officially closed for good. This isn’t a simple refresh, either. The company is rebuilding it with a new identity, new ride technology, a different story, and an entirely redesigned surrounding area.
Space Mountain won’t be the same when this project is finished.
And now, the theme park has revealed what will take its place.
Space Mountain Has Spent Decades Sending Guests Into the Darkness
Space Mountain remains one of Disney’s most recognizable attraction concepts.
The original opened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1975, giving guests an indoor roller coaster that simulated a race through outer space. Disneyland followed with its own version in 1977.
Disney later expanded the concept internationally, creating different versions rather than simply copying the same coaster everywhere.
One of those versions arrived at another theme park in 1983. Its enormous white structure became a defining part of Tomorrowland, while the indoor coaster sent riders through darkness surrounded by stars and other effects.
That version survived for more than 40 years.
Tokyo Disneyland closed the ride permanently in July 2024, clearing the way for something much more ambitious.
Disney Has Finally Revealed Space Mountain’s New Identity
Tokyo Disneyland’s replacement will officially be called Space Mountain Earthrise.
Although the “Space Mountain” name remains, this isn’t a simple routine refurbishment.
Space Mountain Earthrise will remain an indoor roller coaster that takes riders through outer space, preserving the basic idea behind the original concept. Beyond that foundation, guests should expect a dramatically different experience.
Tokyo Disneyland plans to introduce a new storyline, upgraded show elements, different architecture, and a newly developed ride system.
The adventure will begin as riders launch away from Earth before speeding deeper into space. Lighting and audio effects inspired by cosmic phenomena will surround riders along the journey.
The “spirit” of Space Mountain will essentially remain, even as nearly everything around it is rebuilt.
The New Coaster Is Only Part of Disney’s 2027 Plans
Space Mountain Earthrise is scheduled to open in 2027, years after the previous coaster carried its final riders.
The project will also reshape the surrounding Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland Plaza is the centerpiece of the redesigned area.
The plaza will explore the relationship between humanity, nature, and space, giving Tomorrowland a broader identity beyond the futuristic architecture traditionally associated with the land.
That means guests aren’t just getting another Space Mountain. They’re getting an attempt to redefine Tomorrowland.
Tokyo Disneyland Is Spending Big to Reinvent Tomorrowland
The transformation comes as part of a massive investment of approximately ¥100 billion.
Tomorrowland Plaza will feature architecture inspired by natural elements, including fire, water, earth, and wood. It will also incorporate imagery and lighting inspired by celestial bodies such as the Sun and Moon.
After sunset, lighting and sound effects will further transform the plaza.
Space Mountain Earthrise won’t be the only major attraction arriving as part of Tomorrowland’s next chapter, either.
An entirely different Disney IP is coming to the land.
Another Disney Franchise Is Taking Over Tomorrowland
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue will introduce Wreck-It Ralph to Tokyo Disney Resort when it opens in spring 2027.
The indoor interactive attraction will send guests into the candy-covered racing game Sugar Rush, where they’ll join Ralph and Vanellope on a mission involving King Candy and his Sugar Bugs.
Guests will work to restore the troublesome glitches into their original candy forms, including gummy treats, cupcakes, and other sweets.
The attraction will introduce new interactive technology to the resort and become the world’s first theme park attraction built around Wreck-It Ralph (2012).
Pixel Prism will replace the former Planet M shop and sell merchandise, including items connected to the attraction.
Nearby, a new popcorn location called Popping Station will face Tomorrowland Plaza. It replaces The Popping Pod, which closed in November 2024.
Together, these additions make 2027 an important year for Tomorrowland.
Could Other Space Mountain Coasters Eventually Face the Same Fate?
Space Mountain Earthrise raises an interesting question for Disney fans outside Japan.
What happens to the remaining versions?
Disney hasn’t announced plans to replace every Space Mountain, and there’s currently no indication that the coasters at Disneyland or Walt Disney World will follow this same path.
Still, Tokyo Disneyland’s decision proves even a decades-old Space Mountain isn’t necessarily untouchable.
Disney could eventually transform another version around an established franchise. Stitch could fit naturally into a chaotic space adventure. At the same time, Marvel offers characters and stories that could support a high-speed cosmic coaster, with Disney holding the appropriate theme park rights.
None of that has been announced.
For now, the other Space Mountain attractions remain standing. But after watching Tokyo close a 40-year-old version and replace it with Space Mountain Earthrise, their futures may not feel quite as untouchable as they once did.
