Disney's Space Mountain Enters Final Weekend of Operation Before Closure

More changes are on the way at The Happiest Place on Earth, and this time, they’re impacting one of Tomorrowland’s most legendary thrills.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain isn’t getting a major reimagining, but it is heading into a short refurbishment that will briefly take the beloved coaster offline. Beginning February 23, the attraction will close at Disneyland Park, with plans to reopen on February 27. While the turnaround is quick, the work scheduled during that window is key to keeping the nearly 50-year-old ride in top condition.

For guests planning a visit, this weekend marks the final opportunity to blast off into the darkened cosmos before the attraction temporarily powers down next week. If Space Mountain is on your must-do list, you’ll want to make it a priority before the refurbishment begins.

The refurbishment details shared in the official documentation outline several behind-the-scenes updates. According to the report, crews will replace suspended-ceiling light fixtures, update door frames, and remove older steel anchor points embedded in the flooring. These aren’t changes that will dramatically alter the guest experience, but they are vital to maintaining the infrastructure of an attraction that has thrilled visitors since 1977.

Routine projects like this are what keep Space Mountain operating smoothly year after year. While guests may only notice the high-speed turns and glowing stars overhead, ongoing care ensures the ride remains dependable and safe.

The temporary closure is also part of a broader maintenance round across the Disneyland Resort. Over at Disney California Adventure, Golden Zephyr is scheduled for refurbishment from March 9 through March 18. Similar to Space Mountain, the work appears to focus on upkeep rather than a dramatic redesign.

These short closures reflect Disney’s approach to balancing daily operations and long-term preservation. Attractions that have become cornerstones of the resort still require regular attention, even if the updates are largely invisible to those stepping into the queue.

Space Mountain’s place in Disneyland history is significant. As the first version of the attraction, it paved the way for every Space Mountain that followed at Disney parks worldwide. Though other versions have introduced different layouts and updated effects, the Anaheim original continues to hold a special place for fans thanks to its classic track design, instantly recognizable exterior, and central position anchoring Tomorrowland.

Brief refurbishments like this help ensure that the experience remains consistent for the vast majority of the year, with only minimal interruptions for necessary work.

While Anaheim’s Space Mountain is simply pausing for maintenance, the story overseas is far more dramatic. At Tokyo Disneyland, Space Mountain permanently closed on July 31, 2024, marking the end of a run that began when the park opened in 1983. Unlike Disneyland’s short refurbishment, Tokyo’s version has already been fully demolished as part of a sweeping–and very expensive–transformation of Tomorrowland.

The Oriental Land Company, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort, is investing in a completely reimagined Space Mountain set to debut in 2027. Plans call for a brand-new coaster system, a redesigned show building, and a refreshed plaza area surrounding the attraction. With the original structure already removed, the scale of the redevelopment signals a significant shift in how Tomorrowland will look and feel in the years ahead.

The difference between the two resorts is striking. In California, Disney is preserving a classic attraction with careful, incremental updates. In Japan, the company is charting a new course by rebuilding the experience from the ground up.

Both strategies highlight the same truth: Space Mountain continues to be one of Disney’s most treasured attractions. Whether it’s receiving behind-the-scenes upgrades in Anaheim or being reinvented for a new generation in Tokyo, the interstellar coaster remains central to the Disney Parks experience.

How do you feel about the upcoming closure of this iconic attraction at Disneyland Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!