Iconic Disney Attraction Space Mountain Is Being Demolished

Disney Parks are known for many things, but their attractions may top them all. Although I am a huge fan of Disney Eats and all the delicious bites only found at Disney, attractions are the number one spot. Unlike Disney snacks, Disney attractions are only found in the Parks. From Walt Disney World to Disneyland Paris to Tokyo Disneyland, each Park has its own unique flare.

The concept of Disney theme Parks began with Disneyland in California. Since then, Parks have opened worldwide, allowing Guests from all areas to enjoy the Parks. Disneyland opened in 1955, and soon after, other Parks like Walt Disney World followed suit in Orlando, Florida. From there, it was Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland Park. Although each Park offers its own experience, some attractions are consistent with the originals released at Disneyland.

What makes the consistency in attractions so exciting is allowing Guests from all over the world to experience the same ride, no matter which Park they visit. Furthermore, it creates a unified feeling that regardless if you are in Paris, Tokyo, or Orlando, you can still celebrate the same magic Walt Disney originally created in California 68 years ago.

Some attractions may have their own versions, as seen with the iconic Haunted Mansion ride. In 1983, Tokyo Disneyland opened its doors and has many of the same iconic attractions found at Disneyland. Splash Mountain (although now closed down) along with Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Mark Twain Riverboat, Big Thunder Mountain, “it’s a small world”, and Space Mountain are to name a  few.

In April 2022, Tokyo Disney Resort announced the closure of one of these classic attractions to make way for something faster and enhanced. That ride is Space Mountain. Now, it’s being demolished in the Park to start the process of a new Tomorrowland.

A New Space Mountain

Tokyo Disney Resort is getting a makeover in one area of the Park. A major renovation is coming to Tomorrowland beginning in 2024. As Imagineers prepare for the construction and changes ahead, Guests can look forward to what the future will offer. “By 2027, the new area will see a newly rebuilt Space Mountain attraction, keeping the original concept as a thrilling indoor coaster that takes guests on a high-speed journey through space, but will include enhanced performance and immersive special effects,” Disney Parks Blog wrote.

The idea is to create a greater connection with Earth and the universe, representing a “future where humans are in harmony with nature.” The design elements also create an area looking towards the future, giving very much the vibe of EPCOT. As Guests will have to wait a few years for the transformation to be complete, Tokyo Disney Resort has begun the dismemberment of Space Mountain.

As shown in the video below on X, the new Space Mountain, Yamakabe Space Mountain, is in its beginning phases. “This massive project has already begun, but Space Mountain will not close until sometime in 2024,” Inside the Magic writes. The concept art shown above is what the planned new thrill ride will look like once construction has commenced.

本日2023.9.2のFS①
山壁
新スペースマウンテンとその周辺
バスターミナルウエスト

アレンデール城の奥の屋根
ラプンツェルの森/塔
ノースマウンテン/フローズンジャーニー
TDS FSホテルファンタジーシャトー外壁
グランドシャトー駐車場入り口
パークエントランス部分の壁の装飾

#TDR_now pic.twitter.com/wikuDj9QC6

— WD23 (@WD23_Studios) September 2, 2023

What’s promising is that Guests can still ride the attraction into 2024, so they do not yet have to say goodbye to their beloved Space Mountain. But soon after the closure, Guests will have a new attraction to look forward to, hopefully with open arms.

What do you think of a new Space Mountain?