One Disney park has officially removed the final trace of Space Mountain. The iconic indoor roller coaster, known for its futuristic design and pitch-black track, has been a staple of Disney parks since the 1970s. The ride has seen updates, rebrands, and overlays over the years—but until now, it had never been permanently dismantled.
Originally launched at Walt Disney World in 1975, Space Mountain quickly became a signature Disney attraction. Its success led to custom-built versions across Anaheim, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, each bringing slight differences while maintaining the same high-speed, space-themed experience.
In recent years, some parks have introduced variations such as Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, incorporating IP-based overlays and new soundtracks. Others have quietly updated their queues or effects. One park, however, has taken the most dramatic step yet—complete removal.
Demolition Marks the End of an Era
As of this week, Tokyo Disneyland has fully demolished its version of Space Mountain. The ride had operated in the park’s Tomorrowland since April 1983, just days after the resort first opened. It remained in operation for more than 41 years, closing permanently on July 31, 2024. Demolition has been underway since that date, with the final structural elements now removed.
The removal is part of a major redevelopment project led by the Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under license from The Walt Disney Company. This marks the first time a Disney park has permanently dismantled its version of Space Mountain rather than rebranding or updating it.
A new version of the ride is already under construction and is expected to open in 2027. While the official name has not been confirmed, it is rumored to be called Space Mountain: Earthrise. According to Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis, “It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion.
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.”
Tomorrowland Continues to Transform
The new Space Mountain will be part of a wider transformation of Tomorrowland. The area surrounding the former ride is being converted into a redesigned plaza that will include new seating, lighting, and symbolic design features. The goal, according to park officials, is to reflect a future defined by harmony between people and nature. Lighting and sound effects will be used to change the atmosphere throughout the day.
In addition, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters permanently closed in 2024. It will be replaced by a new shooter-style attraction themed to the 2012 film Wreck-It Ralph, scheduled to open in 2026. These changes follow the 2020 debut of The Happy Ride with Baymax, a spinning ride featuring original music that has developed a cult following among fans.
Tokyo Disneyland’s version of Tomorrowland is being reshaped from the ground up, with legacy attractions removed to make room for new experiences. Space Mountain may return in name, but its original form is now officially part of the past.
Fantasy Springs Expands the Resort Further
Just next door, Tokyo DisneySea is undergoing a major expansion of its own. Fantasy Springs, a new themed port inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan, opened in June 2024 and is the park’s largest expansion since its debut.
This new land adds four new rides, multiple restaurants, and an integrated luxury hotel. The expansion significantly increases the park’s footprint and brings new capacity to one of Disney’s most ambitious resorts.
Each area includes an original attraction. In the Frozen Kingdom section, guests can board Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, a boat ride retelling the story of the 2013 film through elaborate sets and animatronics. Rapunzel’s Forest features Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, a romantic boat ride through scenes from Tangled (2010) featuring one of the most impressive animatronics in any Disney park.
In Peter Pan’s Never Land, guests can take flight on Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, a large-scale dark ride. The land also includes a family-friendly ride called Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies.
Fantasy Springs also introduced the Fantasy Springs Hotel, a deluxe resort directly connected to the land. With views into the new areas and priority access to the land, the hotel integrates seamlessly into the overall guest experience. At present, however, guests not staying at the hotel are unable to access its prime dining opportunities.
The expansion has drawn strong initial attendance and, much like Space Mountain 2.0, reflects the Oriental Land Company’s long-term investment in immersive storytelling and large-scale design.
How do you feel about the latest changes at Tokyo Disney Resort?
