A Classic Disney Attraction is Closing for a Three-Year Refurbishment

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A Classic Disney Attraction is Closing for a Three-Year Refurbishment

Highlights

  • Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain to undergo massive renovation costing $353 million USD for new track, exterior, and queue updates.
  • Ride closure planned from July 31, 2024, for three-year overhaul of Tomorrowland area to match new astrofuturist Space Mountain aesthetic.
  • Tokyo Disney Resort’s Oriental Land Company investing in major project to combat “Tomorrowland problem”, unlike other Disney parks facing similar challenges.

As a long-time gamer and theme park enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing many iconic attractions throughout my life. Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain holds a special place in my heart, having been one of the first major roller coasters I rode as a child. So, when I heard that the classic attraction would be undergoing a massive renovation starting in 2024, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sadness.

On July 31, 2024, Tokyo Disneyland will undergo a significant makeover for its Space Mountain attraction as part of the company’s widespread initiative for major refurbishments. The classic ride will receive a multimillion-dollar facelift to keep it an essential feature in the park and up-to-date for visitors.

In the year 2022, Oriental Land Company, which manages Tokyo Disney Resort, unveiled their intentions to thoroughly refurbish a beloved roller coaster situated in Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland. The transformation process commenced behind the scenes in early 2023, marking the start of this significant makeover.

Changes To Be Made To Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain

The Tokyo Space Mountain coaster, scheduled to shut down on July 31, 2024, requires urgent refurbishment. This thrilling ride debuted at Tokyo Disneyland on April 15, 1983, and is a clone of the California version. As the third of five Space Mountain rides globally, it’s starting to show its age. Much like its counterpart in Walt Disney World, this steel-tracked attraction was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, which explains why it needs to be closed for renovations.

Arrow Dynamics utilized hand-bent tubular steel tracks, which are now considered an antiquated form of ride manufacturing. Tubular steel tracks are known to be a source of discomfort for riders once the tracks are about 15 years old, but Tokyo’s Space Mountain hasn’t been retracked in its over 40 years of operation. The last update the ride received was in 2006, and it was for purely aesthetic reasons.

Tokyo Disney Resort has unveiled a new expansive area named Fantasy Springs at its secondary park, Tokyo DisneySea. This major expansion may have been initiated to correspond with the substantial 560 billion yen, or around 3.5 billion U.S. dollars, spent on enhancing the other park. Space Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland is set for a significant upgrade, costing approximately 56 billion Japanese yen. Consequently, the ride’s exterior will receive a unique makeover for the Japanese resort, along with an overhauled track system and new ride experience. The queue will undergo extensive modifications to manage the attraction’s considerable popularity, as it presently features a lengthy outdoor line and an escalator leading to the interior queue. Despite its age, Space Mountain remains one of Tokyo Disneyland’s most frequented rides.

In addition to giving Space Mountain a brand-new look, Tomorrowland will undergo renovations to align with its planned futuristic theme. Other rides in the vicinity, including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, may need to be temporarily shut down at some point for exterior makeovers. This measure is necessary to tackle the “Tomorrowland issue” prevalent in Disney parks worldwide by opting for a classic sci-fi design.

As a dedicated gamer and Disneyland Paris enthusiast, I used to adore Discoveryland – Tomorrowland’s former identity. Its steampunk aesthetic, inspired by Jules Verne’s visionary works, captivated me like no other land in the park. However, as more attractions were crammed into this once visually harmonious area, the sense of immersion was shattered.

How Other Space Mountain Attractions Are Faring

Only a few Space Mountain roller coasters have undergone extensive makeovers instead of simple track adjustments. Before Tokyo Disneyland opened, the only significant track replacement occurred at California’s Disneyland in 2003. All other refurbishments globally were for cosmetic improvements or, in Disneyland Paris’ case, to swap out the original Jules Verne theme for a new Star Wars overlay.

In Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, the classic Space Mountain rides have been significantly altered with a Star Wars overlay. This transformation simplified complex elements like the cannon launch sequence and visual effects during the journey from Earth to the Moon, as well as eliminated the entire queue interior. Instead, guests are met with projected backdrops and Star Wars music. Initially intended as a temporary change, this overhaul has remained in place since 2017 without any signs of reversal. Manufactured by Vekoma, these coasters have been renamed Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain. The Star Wars theming that supplanted the original retro sci-fi atmosphere is now a lasting feature at both parks. However, responses to this makeover have been mixed, as it has stripped away what originally made these attractions popular with fans.

The Disney company would face a significant financial burden if they decided to restore the Hyperspace Mountains in their original forms. This predicament applies equally to Space Mountain in Florida, which requires substantial upgrades to its outdated tracking system and antiquated ride machinery. This particular Space Mountain was history-making when it opened on January 15, 1975, as the first roller coaster to operate using computers daily. However, the aging computer system now struggles to function properly or carry out accurate calculations, resulting in extended periods of downtime each day.

In addition to the financial considerations, Space Mountain’s closure in Tokyo is part of a three-year plan to revitalize the area. The website suggests alternatives to help visitors navigate this shutdown. Tokyo Disneyland, the most visited theme park globally, has lower revenues than Magic Kingdom, Paris, and Hong Kong parks. Given the high attendance and funding constraints, extensive renovations like these are not feasible for all Disney parks at once. As an independent entity, Oriental Land Company can focus on one significant project at a time for Tokyo Disneyland. Meanwhile, Disney’s extensive portfolio limits its ability to dedicate resources to numerous projects and investments simultaneously. Although it’s great that the “Tomorrowland issue” is addressed in Tokyo, similar improvements may not occur in other parks right away.

Starting from July 31, 2024, I’ll be part of the team bringing Tokyo Disneyland back to life. This thrilling three-year project includes a major overhaul of Tomorrowland, with the grand unveiling scheduled for some time in 2027.

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2024-07-17 08:24