Exciting changes are on the horizon at Tokyo Disneyland! Starting July 31, 2024, the park’s iconic Space Mountain will close for a massive makeover that promises to enhance the guest experience and modernize this beloved attraction. The extensive renovation, projected to cost a staggering $353 million USD, will breathe new life into the ride’s track, exterior, and queue area.
Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain, originally mirroring the California original, first opened its gates on April 15, 1983. Over its 40-plus years of operation, the ride’s steel-tracked structure has begun to show its age, leading to the much-needed refurbishment. The Oriental Land Company, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort, is spearheading this transformation. Their decision to update one of the park’s hallmark attractions will ensure it remains a star player for decades to come, aligning it with the newly opened Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea.
The planned updates are not just cosmetic. Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain will get an all-new exterior, a completely redesigned track and ride system, and a reimagined queue area to better handle guest demand. This ambitious project also includes a broader renovation of Tomorrowland, bringing a fresh astrofuturist aesthetic expected to resonate well with fans. This move underscores the Oriental Land Company’s commitment to addressing the perennial “Tomorrowland problem,” aiming for a timeless sci-fi look that other Disney parks have struggled to maintain.
Interestingly, full remodels of Space Mountain attractions are rare across Disney’s global parks. The last significant track replacement occurred at Disneyland in California in 2003. Other refurbishments have typically focused on aesthetics, like the Star Wars overlay at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. These overlays, while introducing new themes, have often been met with mixed reactions, suggesting that maintaining the essence of the original attractions while updating them is a tricky balancing act.
The Tokyo Disneyland transformation project illustrates the significant investment required to keep these classic rides relevant and engaging. With Space Mountain set to close for three years, the park is prepared to offer tips on navigating this absence while ensuring the refurbishments deliver an unforgettable experience when the attraction reopens in 2027.
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Source: J. Sprague
