Here’s something you don’t see every day: Walt Disney Imagineering is building a second Space Mountain and simultaneously demolishing the original attraction. This is part of a blockbuster ~$450 million reimagining of Tomorrowland and all-new (obviously) version of the iconic thrill ride at Tokyo Disneyland that’ll debut in 2027.
This is a project we’ve been watching take shape (literally) all year long. However, I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw the twin peaks of Space Mountain, one rising and the other falling, from the Tokyo Disney Resort monorail this Christmas. Given how unique this is–and unlikely to happen at Walt Disney World or Disneyland in California–I felt compelled to share a quick look at the massive project.
Also, if this Tomorrowland reimagining isn’t on your radar…maybe it should be. That’s true even if you’re exclusively a fan of Walt Disney World or Disneyland. That’s because, as mentioned in The Future of Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, this could be a blueprint for what’s to come at the domestic parks. Not with the second Space Mountain–that already sorta happened via TRON Lightcycle Run–but with the overall overhaul. Additionally or alternatively, it’s also possible that Magic Kingdom will inherit TDR’s hand-me-downs, which is precisely what happened the last time Tokyo undertook this type of project ~5 years ago.
According to Oriental Land Company, the owner and operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, the new Tomorrowland plaza will express the connection between Earth and the universe, representing an image of a future where humans are in harmony with nature. Guests will be able to enjoy moments of rest and relaxation in this plaza where various icons and other design elements create a sense of hope for the future.
This all-new Space Mountain will also entail a reimagined plaza that will create a reimagined area of Tomorrowland. It is expected to open in 2027 and cost approximately 56 billion yen. Normally, that would be over $500 million USD; with the current strength of the dollar and weakness of the yen, it’s closed to $450 million.
The new Space Mountain will maintain its original concept as an indoor roller coaster, but will have enhanced performance and immersive special effects that will give guests even more thrills on this exciting rocket ride. More on what that could mean in terms of the ride system below.
One thing I appreciate about this, and all, OLC projects is that it’s already pretty far along not long after starting. Oriental Land Co. held a traditional Shinto groundbreaking ceremony for the new Space Mountain attraction and its surrounding area in Tomorrowland in May 2023.
That’s over a year ago, but the original Space Mountain didn’t close until July 31, 2024. So it’s only been a few months of the project happening in earnest. Prior to the closing of the OG Space Mountain, walls went up in the old bus parking lot and construction began on the new structure.
During this May and June, we observed coaster track being installed inside the new Space Mountain. Eagle-eyed roller coaster enthusiasts identified one section as being drop track manufactured by Intamin, one of the ‘big’ roller coaster manufacturers that’s behind other Disney rides, including Raging Spirits at Tokyo DisneySea, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril at Disneyland Paris, Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure, and RC Racer in the various Toy Story Lands outside Walt Disney World.
This is noteworthy because just about everyone (including us!) had speculated that the new Space Mountain would be a twist on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, using the same track and layout but with (probably) a new theme and characters. However, that ride was made by Vekoma, meaning that Space Mountain is probably a totally original and different concept. (We’d still expect it to be a family-friendly “story” coaster, since that’s likely to appeal to Japanese audiences more than an intense thrill ride.)
Personally, I’m excited that the new Space Mountain will be an original concept, but I’m also very surprised. Imagineering loves to pitch OLC on attractions and areas that have recently opened in the United States. For example, the Cars Land replacing Rivers of America idea was originally drawn up for Tokyo Disneyland, but was rejected by OLC.
There are other, better examples of this–but most pitches do get rejected. It still behooves Disney to attempt to get OLC to bite, as cloning concepts helps spread costs over multiple parks and, in this case, helps stick a different company with part of Disney’s bill for R&D and other expenses.
Cosmic Rewind had an out-of-this-world budget, so it makes sense that Disney would’ve wanted to sell OLC on the attraction. It also would’ve made sense for OLC to buy. The intensity of the OmniCoaster seems perfect for Japanese guest sensibilities, and we saw a larger-than-normal delegation from OLC and Walt Disney Attractions Japan touring EPCOT back when Cosmic Rewind opened.
But alas, OLC chose to go with an Intamin roller coaster instead. That is, assuming internet sleuths are correct–and that’s something for which I cannot vouch. I examined the same up-close track photos they did and my only conclusion was, “yep, that’s a roller coaster, alright.”
Anyway, let’s take a look at construction and destruction of the rising and falling (for now) twin Space Mountains at Tokyo Disneyland, starting with a couple of wide views from our room at Tokyo Hilton Bay for context. The project site is on the far left side of the frame, under the cranes (new Space Mountain is left, old is right):
We had a similar room view over the summer and you could see the track being installed in new Space Mountain at the time (again, old Space Mountain was still operational then). I’d assume that’s finished at this point, and the project is proceeding similar to TRON Lightcycle Run, with the building being built around the coaster.
If the pace of this work is any indication, it has me wondering why this ride isn’t opening until 2027. That feels like a very conservative timeline for a coaster that looks like it could be ready to roll in the first half of 2026.
Here’s a look from the monorail loop, where the twin peaks are most evident:
This is so cool to see. I’m struggling to think of other times when Disney has demolished and rebuilt the same thing (more or less) on an adjacent parcel.
I’m also still somewhat surprised that they’re rebuilding Space Mountain as opposed to using the current structure as queue, pre-show and loading with an adjacent gravity building behind it. Sorta like what Walt Disney World did with Universe of Energy and Cosmic Rewind.
I’m also surprised because this is going to result in a colossal entrance plaza for the new Space Mountain. I shouldn’t be surprised since the concept art does show a swooping flyover walkway leading to the new attraction and several planters in front of that, but I guess I underestimated their scale. This should be a lovely plaza space…well, when it’s not overflowing with people waiting ~240 minutes for the new ride!
Here’s a view from inside Tokyo Disneyland, where the second Space Mountain vanishes except for a few spots on the far side of the park (too bad the treehouse still isn’t open):
Normally, Tokyo Disneyland is good about concealing construction or demolition with scrims. However, there’s no hiding this. Space Mountain looms large over Tomorrowland, and a gigantic wall around the entire thing just isn’t realistic. Fine by me, as again, I think it’s awesome to see the old ride torn down and the new one rise.
Although I neglected to get photos, it’s also worth mentioning–for the sake of those visiting in the next year or so–that the path on the right side of this photo that leads to Monsters Ride & Go Seek and World Bazaar is often closed. You can kind of make out the pull-down door in the middle of that corridor.
Alongside this Space Mountain rebuild, Tokyo Disneyland is also replacing its Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters attraction with a Wreck-It Ralph ride. That’s on the right side of the main corridor above, opposite Stitch Encounter (which should also be replaced).
Tokyo Disneyland has a clever set-up here with each project site walled off, and then a separate set of walls that block that corridor itself. I assume this is to give Imagineers and construction workers easier access to the Astro Blasters site from backstage, allowing them to remove or install props, set pieces, etc. without waiting until the park is closed. There were times throughout our visit when these walkways were closed. Other times, they were open.
Ultimately, it’ll be interesting to watch the new Space Mountain continue to rise, and the old one to fall. OLC moves fast, so you realistically probably don’t have much longer to see the twin peaks like this–I’d estimate this sight will be gone by February or March, before peaking in early January. (I feel like I’m forecasting fall colors or sakura!)
I’m also looking forward to experiencing the new attraction and seeing how it differs from the old Space Mountain, Cosmic Rewind, and other family-friendly roller coasters that Imagineering has created. Same goes for the new entrance, and overall overhaul to Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland.
My hope is that this ‘New Tomorrowland’ maintains the current entrance spires, which are timeless, and transitions from the clean mid-century modern lines into a more organic design by Space Mountain. My expectation is that it’ll be more of a wholesale overhaul, with the entire land given a fresh style that matches the biomimicry of the all-new Space Mountain and its surrounding plaza.
Honestly, if that’s what happens, we won’t complain. Sure, we’ll be saddened by the loss of the monoliths and Tony Solaroni, if either occur. However, we recognize that a distinct visual identity is important, and will be happy Tokyo Disneyland is getting something unique and custom-designed for this particular park. Projects like this are helping to distance Tokyo Disneyland from its “Bizarro Magic Kingdom” moniker and give the park its own distinct identity. That should further solidify its position as the second-best Disney theme park on the planet, right behind its next-door neighbor, Tokyo DisneySea.
Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Trip Planning Guide! For more specifics, our TDR Hotel Rankings & Reviews page covers accommodations. Our Restaurant Reviews detail where to dine & snack. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money post. Our What to Pack for Disney post takes a unique look at clever items to take. Venturing elsewhere in Japan? Consult our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan and City Guide to Tokyo, Japan.
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this twin peaks of Space Mountain as the new one rises and the old one falls? Would you like to see something similar at Disneyland or Walt Disney World, or are you pleased with the stateside Tomorrowland styles? If you’ve been to Tokyo Disneyland, did you notice similarities to past versions of Tomorrowland from Florida and California? Agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions? Share your thoughts in the comments!
