Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
In a swift overnight transformation, construction crews tore down part of Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland area, cutting off guest access and leaving visitors wondering what’s next for this section of Walt Disney World Resort.
The first hint came last week when the Cool Ship drink stand, a staple spot serving Coca-Cola refreshments, was marked as “temporarily closed for refurbishment” on Walt Disney World Resort’s website. Soon after, construction walls appeared, cordoning off the entire area from Disney Park guests’ view.
Credit: Disney
But the real surprise came when photos surfaced showing the Cool Ship completely demolished. Captured by an anonymous Reddit user from the vantage point of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, the images revealed that the entire stand—including the large fiberglass rocket ship perched on its roof—had been dismantled.
Cool Ship in Tomorrowland has been demolished
by inWaltDisneyWorld
This rocket ship isn’t just any decoration; it’s a piece of Disney history originally from the 1986 film Flight of the Navigator. Before finding its home at Tomorrowland, the prop stood on the now-closed Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The demolition has sparked concern among Disney Parks fans online.
Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr
“I really hope they preserved that ship… It’s a real piece of Disney movie and theme park history,” said u/CoffeeJedi on Reddit.
No official word has been given on when or if the original Cool Ship structure will return. The kiosk will reopen in some form later this year. Walt Disney World Resort has not said whether it will feature the same menu, including Coca-Cola favorites and Mickey ice cream bars.
Credit: Disney Tips
This teardown is part of a larger wave of refurbishment projects in Tomorrowland. The Astro Orbiter closed earlier this year for a major offsite refurbishment and is expected to reopen this summer. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set for a lengthy modernization starting in August 2025, with advanced interactive technology and an animatronic host named Buddy expected to debut when it reopens in 2026.
Should the Cool Ship drink stand look different when it reopens? Share your thoughts with Disney Tips in the comments!
It is sad that that Disneys CEO and his minions continue to destroy WDW to bring the lame attractions from Disneyland. And in th process removing Walts Tom Sayer Island and paddle boat/ship,
Then KILLING OFF Muppets attraction and Animation Courtyard.
Death of a Dream. Erasing Walts vision Roy completed before his death.