by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland will close in 2024 for a major three-year renovation that will transform the ride experience, building, and surrounding area. The cost of the futuristic renovation will be about $436 million.
Space Mountain Tokyo Disneyland – The New Look and Feel
The $436 investment in the Space Mountain area of Tokyo Disneyland will transform several elements, including:
- The outer appearance of the Space Mountain building
- The area around Space Mountain (a new “Tomorrowland Plaza”)
- The queue experience for Space Mountain
- The indoor ride experience with enhanced special effects and better performance, including new track.
Tokyo Disneyland released concept art (subject to change) showing the proposed new look of the area (before and after picture):
Space Mountain Tokyo Disneyland Ride Changes
Space Mountain will remain an indoor roller coaster and will have the track replaced as part of the upgrade. According to Tokyo Disneyland, ride enhancements include:
- A “story element” will carry from the plaza to the queue and ride about the connection between the universe and Earth, where humans live harmoniously with nature.
- New track will replace the existing track, resulting in greater performance and a smoother ride.
- Updated visual elements and effects will create a more immersive experience.
In a Disney Parks Blog post, Walt Disney Imagineer Kathleen Davis says:
“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 Plaza – Tokyo Disneyland
The renovation of the area around Space Mountain will result in a new “Tomorrowland Plaza” at Tokyo Disneyland. The architecture of the area will be more soft and curved with a futuristic look and feel. At night, the entire plaza and Space Mountain building will welcome guests in a visual wonder of colors along with futuristic soundscapes.
The renovated Space Mountain and new Tomorrowland Plaza at Tokyo Disneyland are expected to open to the public in 2027.
History of Tokyo Disneyland Space Mountain
Space Mountain was part of Tokyo Disneyland’s opening attractions on April 15, 1983. The park created it to resemble the early original Disneyland version. In 2006, the ride closed down for renovations that enhanced it with a more futuristic look and feel. It reopened in 2007. The newest 2024 renovation will be much more in-depth.
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(Article) A New Space Mountain Coming to Tokyo Disneyland in 2027 (Disney Parks Blog)
(feature image is artist concept of Space Mountain and area in Tokyo Disneyland – ©Disney)
