Tomorrowland Location Closing Indefinitely at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

in Walt Disney World

Guests walking into the entrance to Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom

Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

Disney has confirmed that the Tomorrowland location will be closing indefinitely.

Cinderella Castle from Tomorrowland
Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

It might just be because many are laser-focused on the transformation of the Walt Disney World Resort, but it does feel like the iconic Orlando destination is undergoing change after change. There are the big things: the current closure of Big Thunder Mountain ahead of Frontierland’s major relandscaping and the upheaval of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example.

Then there’s the smaller, more contained stuff: the retheme of Test Track in EPCOT and the changes to operations, like this and this. Looking at the broader picture of the Central Florida theme park scene, it’s clear that “change” is the word of the year. Universal Orlando Resort will debut its grand (maybe) new park in a few days: Universal Epic Universe.

Entrance to Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Inside the Magic

Many have wondered if Disney would respond to this significant new Universal footprint in the Sunshine State by announcing its fifth gate at the Walt Disney World Resort–it hasn’t; it just revealed its first resort in the Middle East, instead.

Disney Experiences isn’t turning a blind eye to the arrival of Epic Universe, though, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro explained that if visitors are heading to the Universal park, they “have to” visit the Magic Kingdom.

We’re not focusing on the big stuff here, though. Disney has confirmed that a Tomorrowland location has closed indefinitely. According to the official Walt Disney World Resort website, the Cool Ship snack kiosk in Tomorrowland is now closed with no definite opening day in sight. “Cool Ship is temporarily closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen later this year,” the webpage reads.

The Cool Ship kiosk at Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Cool Ship is located near the (also closed) Astro Orbiter attraction and is a popular kiosk for guests experiencing Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and the fan-favorite Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Guests can purchase typical Disney park snacks from Cool Ship, such as popcorn, cotton candy, cinnamon nuts, and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars.

The aforementioned Astro Orbiter, which neighbors Cool Ship, may still be closed, but the refurbishment is seemingly moving along in the right direction. The central post has finally been returned to the attraction space, hopefully signalling that the end of this closure is in sight.

The new "Buddy" robot at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Credit: Disney

In other Tomorrowland news, Disney Experiences also confirmed that the beloved Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin would be undergoing its own update featuring refreshed ride vehicles and new targeting features.

“As guests get ready to board the ride, they will be greeted by a robot named “Buddy,” who will help prepare them for their mission,” Spectrum News 13 wrote. “Buddy will also provide guests the opportunity to hone their blaster aim while checking out some of the new, interactive target features, officials said.”

The closure of the Toy Story franchise-themed attraction will begin in August 2025 and reopen sometime next year.

How do you feel about the ongoing closures at the Walt Disney World Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

in Walt Disney World

View Comments (2)