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Tokyo Disneyland Unveils Space Mountain Earthrise as Replacement for Classic 40-Year-Old Attraction

The original Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland closed permanently in July 2024 after more than 40 years, making way for a completely rebuilt coaster with new ride technology, a different story, and a redesigned Tomorrowland.

By Jeanpierre Florent · FirstDrop News TeamAug 13, 20263 min read

Tokyo Disneyland has officially revealed what's replacing the version of Space Mountain that closed permanently in July 2024. After more than 40 years of operation, the classic indoor coaster is being completely rebuilt as Space Mountain Earthrise, bringing new ride technology, an updated storyline, and an entirely different surrounding area when it opens in 2027.

This isn't a refurbishment. Tokyo Disneyland is rebuilding the attraction from the ground up while keeping the Space Mountain name and the basic concept of an indoor coaster racing through outer space. Beyond that foundation, nearly everything will be different.

The new coaster will feature a newly developed ride system, upgraded show elements, and different architecture. Riders will launch away from Earth before speeding deeper into space, surrounded by lighting and audio effects inspired by cosmic phenomena. The spirit of Space Mountain remains, even as the experience itself gets completely reimagined.

Space Mountain Earthrise Arrives as Part of a Massive Tomorrowland Transformation

The new coaster is only one piece of Tokyo Disneyland's plans for Tomorrowland. The area is receiving approximately ¥100 billion in investment, with the centerpiece being Tomorrowland Plaza, a redesigned space that explores the relationship between humanity, nature, and space.

That's a noticeably broader identity than the futuristic architecture traditionally associated with Tomorrowland. The plaza will feature architecture inspired by natural elements including fire, water, earth, and wood, along with imagery and lighting inspired by celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon. After sunset, lighting and sound effects will transform the plaza even further.

Tokyo Disneyland is essentially attempting to redefine what Tomorrowland can be, rather than just adding another attraction to the existing land.

Wreck-It Ralph Is Getting Its First Theme Park Attraction

Space Mountain Earthrise won't be the only major addition arriving in 2027. Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue will introduce Wreck-It Ralph to Tokyo Disney Resort, becoming the world's first theme park attraction built around the 2012 film.

The indoor interactive attraction sends guests into the candy-covered racing game Sugar Rush, where they'll join Ralph and Vanellope on a mission involving King Candy and his Sugar Bugs. Guests will work to restore the troublesome glitches into their original candy forms, including gummy treats, cupcakes, and other sweets.

The attraction will introduce new interactive technology to the resort and is scheduled to open in spring 2027. Nearby, Pixel Prism will replace the former Planet M shop and sell merchandise connected to the attraction. A new popcorn location called Popping Station will also face Tomorrowland Plaza, replacing The Popping Pod, which closed in November 2024.

The Original Tokyo Disneyland Space Mountain Lasted More Than Four Decades

Tokyo Disneyland's version of Space Mountain opened in 1983, years after the original debuted at Magic Kingdom in 1975 and Disneyland followed with its own version in 1977. Disney created different versions of the concept internationally rather than simply copying the same coaster everywhere.

The Tokyo version became a defining part of Tomorrowland with its enormous white structure, while the indoor coaster sent riders through darkness surrounded by stars and other effects. That version survived for more than 40 years before closing permanently in July 2024, clearing the way for the current rebuild.

Could Other Space Mountain Coasters Eventually Get Replaced?

Tokyo Disneyland's decision to completely rebuild Space Mountain raises questions about the future of the other versions around the world. Disney hasn't announced plans to replace every Space Mountain, and there's currently no indication that the coasters at Disneyland or Walt Disney World will follow this same path.

Still, Tokyo's choice proves that even a decades-old Space Mountain isn't necessarily untouchable. Disney could eventually transform another version around an established franchise. Stitch could fit naturally into a chaotic space adventure, while Marvel offers characters and stories that could support a high-speed cosmic coaster, assuming Disney holds the appropriate theme park rights.

None of that has been announced. For now, the other Space Mountain attractions remain standing. But after watching Tokyo close a 40-year-old version and replace it with Space Mountain Earthrise, their futures may not feel quite as permanent as they once did.

Written by Jeanpierre Florent, part of the FirstDrop News Team

Jeanpierre is the Southern California based creator behind JPLAND21, a theme park community of more than one million subscribers across YouTube and Instagram. Our reporting is grounded in regular firsthand park visits. More about us

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