Credit: ARICAD via Wikimedia CommonsOne of Disney’s most iconic attractions is closing down for good soon — and the resort is encouraging guests to get a headstart on mourning Space Mountain ASAP.
As of right now, you can find five versions of Space Mountain dotted around the world. Like the original at Walt Disney World, each indoor roller coaster puts its own spin on a manned mission into outer space, with two — Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland — currently rethemed to Star Wars and renamed Hyperspace Mountain.
Related: Disney Breaks Ground on Space Mountain Replacement
From July, there will be one less version of Space Mountain in this lineup. To make way for a totally new, more advanced interpretation of the attraction, Tokyo Disneyland will permanently close its Space Mountain on July 31, 2024.
This is a major change for any Disney theme park, which is why Tokyo Disney Resort gave fans plenty of warning by first announcing the closure in 2022. Construction is already underway for the ride’s replacement.
As its last mission draws closer, the resort is continuing to help guests ease into this farewell by launching a line of commemorative merchandise. Debuting in parks on April 8, this includes galactic-themed flasks, keychains, backpacks, and more.
Thrilling space travel goods are now available 🚀
We will be releasing merchandise on April 8th that will fill you with anticipation for the memories and evolution of Space Mountain.
Click here for details on the goods!
https://bit.ly/3vB5mL6#またねスペースマウンテン
スリリングな宇宙旅行のグッズが登場🚀
「スペース・マウンテン」の思い出と進化に期待が膨らむようなグッズを4月8日に発売します。
グッズの詳細はこちらから！https://t.co/TKjDKulGrD#またねスペースマウンテン pic.twitter.com/hIG5HPKtPp
— 東京ディズニーリゾートPR【公式】 (@TDR_PR) April 2, 2024
Mickey Mouse features on most of the designs, clad in fittingly retro space gear. If concept art is anything to go by, Space Mountain’s replacement — which will allegedly be called Space Mountain Earthrise, if recently filed trademark documents are anything to go by — will look anything but retro when it finally opens in 2027.
Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis previously spoke to Disney Parks Blog about the new attraction, describing the vision that will distinguish it from its cousins across the globe.
“It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion,” she said. “Through the queue and then on the ride, we see our connection to our planet and gain a new perspective for how special it is in all the universe. It’s a roller coaster with both thrill and heart.”
How do you feel about Tokyo Disney Resort closing Space Mountain? Let us know in the comments!