Space Mountain to get major update at Tokyo Disneyland, inside and out

The Oriental Land Co., Ltd., owners of Tokyo Disneyland Resort, is undertaking major renovation of Tomorrowland. Space Mountain Earthrise will open at Tokyo Disneyland in 2027 with a new ride system, onboard audio and a story celebrating Earth’s beauty, surrounded by a redesigned Tomorrowland Plaza.

This newly developed plaza will create a reimagined area expected to open in 2027.

Space Mountain, the famous indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a high-speed joy ride through space, has been a favorite of guests since the grand opening of Tokyo Disneyland in 1983. It’s a clone of the ride at Disneyland Park in California, but now it will be made into an entirely new attraction. While it will maintain its original concept as an indoor roller coaster, will have an enhanced ride and immersive special effects for even more thrills.

“I’m thrilled to introduce this attraction to guests. It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion,” said Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis in 2022.

“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.”

Space Mountain Earthrise introduces a new ride system and onboard audio

Space Mountain Earthrise will feature a newly developed ride system, beginning with a powerful launch from Earth into deep space. Lighting and sound effects inspired by space phenomena will accompany the journey, with onboard audio marking a first for Tokyo Disney Resort’s roller coasters. The attraction’s name refers to the sight of Earth rising above the moon’s horizon, reflecting a story that invites riders to rediscover our planet’s beauty.

Tomorrowland Plaza and Element Express

The redesigned area surrounding Space Mountain Earthrise will be called Tomorrowland Plaza, a gathering space celebrating the connections between humanity, nature and space. Structures throughout the plaza will draw inspiration from fire, water, earth and wood, along with light from celestial objects such as the sun and moon.

After dark, lighting and sound will transform the plaza’s atmosphere. The area is designed to offer guests a place to rest while reflecting Tomorrowland’s vision of a future where people and nature exist in harmony.

A new counter-service restaurant, Element Express, will serve snacks and drinks at Tomorrowland Plaza. The restaurant and plaza are scheduled to debut alongside Space Mountain Earthrise in 2027.

“With the overarching story of appreciating our home (Planet Earth), we are making this change to spread awareness of caring for our Earth and what she’s gifted us throughout time as we know it,” said Owen Yoshino, senior creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering.

Tokyo Disneyland’s original Space Mountain closed in July 2024 to make way for the new attraction. Space Mountain Earthrise and its surrounding area are scheduled to open in 2027, with an estimated investment of ¥70.5 billion.