Inside Tokyo Disneyland’s Massive $461 Milllion Space Mountain Overhaul

If you’ve visited Tokyo Disneyland recently, you may have noticed a giant, construction-walled void where a legendary landmark once stood. The original Space Mountain, a cornerstone of the park since its 1983 opening, is officially a memory—but what’s coming in its place is nothing short of a galactic revolution.

The Oriental Land Company (OLC) has officially upped the ante, confirming a staggering ¥70.5 billion (~$461 million) investment for a ground-up rebuild of the attraction and its surrounding plaza.

A Total Transformation (2024–2027)

Unlike typical theme park renovations that swap out track or add digital screens, OLC opted for the "total replacement" strategy:

Complete Demolition: Following its permanent closure on July 31, 2024, the original show building was entirely dismantled to make way for a brand-new structure.

Next-Gen Coaster: While it remains an indoor roller coaster, the "Space Mountain (2027)" project will feature enhanced performance, cutting-edge special effects, and a more emotional storyline that connects guests to Planet Earth.

The "Earthrise" Rumor: While OLC still officially lists the project by its year, internal rumors and trademarks suggest the new title may be "Space Mountain Earthrise".

The Tomorrowland Plaza: Harmony with Nature

The $461 million price tag isn’t just for the ride. A massive new Tomorrowland Plaza is being constructed to replace the previous concrete expanse.

Day & Night Atmosphere: By day, the plaza will be a lush space where "humans and nature are in harmony". By night, it will transform into a "spectacular world of light and soundscapes".

Modern Aesthetic: Concept art reveals a sleek, curved silhouette for the new mountain, drawing design inspiration from the futuristic, organic lines seen in Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Bonus Content: Sugar Rush is Coming!

The Space Mountain rebuild is the centerpiece of a wider Tomorrowland revitalisation. In Spring 2027, a brand-new Wreck-It Ralph interactive shooting attraction will debut, replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

The Mission: Guests will team up with Ralph and Vanellope to save the Sugar Rush video game from "Sugar Bugs" created by King Candy.

Investment: This project represents an additional ¥29.5 billion (~$193 million), bringing the total Tomorrowland investment to over $650 million.

Are you planning a trip for the 2027 grand opening? You can stay updated on construction progress and official opening dates through the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website at: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl.html

Space Mountain Permanently Closing At Tokyo Disney Park As Tomorrowland Is Fully Transformed

In a move that is sure to both excite and devastate Disney fans, The Oriental Land Company has announced that Tokyo Disney Resort’s Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland is to receive a major investment project which will see the area totally transformed and the beloved Space Mountain permanently closed.

The Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba opened as Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 as the first official Disney theme park outside of the United States. Eventually, the Disney Resort grew with the addition of a second gate, Tokyo DisneySea featuring the American Waterfront, and the retail complex Ikspiari. Tokyo Disney Resort is unique in the way it is wholly owned by The Oriental Land Company under license from The Walt Disney Company.

Featuring a plethora of fan-favorite Disney attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain at Adventureland, Westernland, and Tomorrowland, respectively, Tokyo Disneyland brings Disney magic to Guests from all over the world. Other lands include the World Bazaar and Critter Country.

A staple of the Disney Parks portfolio, an iteration of the Space Mountain attraction is present at most Disney Parks worldwide. At Disneyland Park in Disneyland Paris, the dark-ride coaster is branded as Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain — with something similar returning to Disneyland Resort very soon — and at the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, Guests can experience Disney’s first-ever Space Mountain.

Now, in a bold move, The Oriental Land Company has announced a major transformation to both Space Mountain and Tomorrowland with the popular Disney ride being completely rebuilt.

In line with this new project, The Oriental Land Company has announced that Space Mountain as fans know it will close in 2024 with the completed new attraction and Tomorrowland plaza slated to open in 2027. According to the report, the major renovation will cost a projected 56 billion Japanese Yen (approx. $438 million). So far, there has only been one concept art image shared of the vision thus far.

It is not clear when in 2024 the attraction will close but all eyes are sure to be on the progress of this project at Tokyo Disneyland. It will be interesting to see if any other Disney Parks announce updates to any of their versions of Space Mountain in the future.

Source: https://insidethemagic.net/