Tokyo Disney Resort announced a new take on the classic Space Mountain indoor roller coaster space adventure attraction today. The concept art shows a new look that provides a hopeful new vision of tomorrow. Park guests will enjoy the latest technology in the attraction attraction and environment around it.
The announcement promises a new Space Mountain inside and out in a setting that symbolizes the promise of Tomorrowland. It will remain an indoor roller coaster with enhanced performance and new immersive special effects, but will be located on a new pad that’s currently part of the parking lot for the resort. The current Space Mountain footprint will become a new plaza called the Tomorrowland Square.
According to the Oriental Land Co. release, the “Tomorrowland Square expresses a future in which the universe and the earth are connected and humanity and nature are in harmony.”
The idea is to create a space where guests can relax while feeling hope for the future surrounded by various monuments. The environment will also have a special package of lights and sound.
“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.
When will existing Space Mountain close at Tokyo Disneyland?
The current Space Mountain is expected to close in 2024 to make way for the transformation. So book your travel for one last ride, if you can; COVID related restrictions are expected to loosen later this year.
I particularly appreciate how this new design for Tokyo Disneyland evokes the early concept art for a Space Port attraction, a rollercoaster that would launch you into space, which became Space Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1975) and then at Disneyland (1977). Tokyo Disneyland’s version opened with the park in 1983,
Both of these amazing conceptual drawings were from the great Imagineer John Hench. Walt Disney first approached Hench about the idea for an indoor roller coaster for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland in 1964. Some concept art was created, but the idea was shelved as the park was busy integrating the attractions from the 1964 World’s Fair.
What Space Mountain Means to Disney
“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.
“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,” said Davis. “It’s a roller coaster with both thrill and heart.”
Today, Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain resembles the version that was built in 1977 for Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. We will know whether or not the final look lives up to this great new vision, when Space Mountain reopens at Toyko Disney Resort in 2027.
Would you like to see Disneyland or Magic Kingdom’s current Space Mountain roller coaster attraction get a similar upgrade? Let us know in the comments.
Update: added information about the location of the upgraded Space Mountain and comments from Walt Disney Imagineering.