Did Disney change Space Mountain?

Space Mountain has undergone a number of changes since its opening, including new ride trains in 1989 and 2009, as well as incremental upgrades to incorporate modern roller coaster technology.



As of 2026, Space Mountain at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland has undergone significant "technical refreshes," though the core track layouts remain the classic, bumpy experiences fans love. In early 2026, Disneyland’s version saw a short refurbishment to prepare for the return of "Hyperspace Mountain" (the Star Wars overlay), which features updated digital projections and a more immersive sound system. At the Magic Kingdom in Florida, the ride has seen "behind-the-scenes" track maintenance and a refresh of the "Post-Show" exit area to keep it feeling "futuristic" rather than "retro-future." While there were rumors of a "TRON-style" total track replacement, Disney has opted to keep the original "wild mouse" style ride system for its historical charm. In 2026, the biggest "change" isn't the ride itself, but how you access it; it is now a top-tier selection for the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and "Early Entry" for resort guests remains the most effective way to ride without a 90-minute wait in the dark.

People Also Ask

Space Mountain is a space-themed indoor roller coaster attraction located at five of the six Disneyland-style Disney Parks. Although all five versions of the attraction are different in nature, all have a similar conical exterior façade that is a landmark for the respective park.

MORE DETAILS

We expect that this refurbishment is for general maintenance and care of the iconic Tomorrowland attraction.

MORE DETAILS

Disneyland's Space Mountain will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment next month. The closure begins September 18, 2023, and will last through mid-Fall 2023.

MORE DETAILS

Space Mountain – Disneyland (California) This is the definitive version of Space Mountain – the best ride layout, the best ride vehicles, the best queue, the best on-board audio – and the original outer-space theme to go along with all of it.

MORE DETAILS

Ahead of the Splash Mountain retheme — the Song of the South (1946) animatronics and sets will be replaced with scenes and characters from The Princess and the Frog (2009) — Disneyland Resort is now reportedly retheming another iconic “mountain,” Space Mountain.

MORE DETAILS

Even though Anaheim is well-known as the birthplace of Disney theme parks, it wasn't the first home of the attraction we now love called Space Mountain. The Disneyland Matterhorn Mountain Bobsleds inspired the creation of a more intense thrill ride lineup in the Orlando-based Walt Disney World.

MORE DETAILS

Space Mountain will be completely rebuilt, along with the entirety of the Tomorrowland section of the Park. Space Mountain will be closing in 2024 permanently, with the new version of both the ride and land expected to reopen in 2027. The massive project will cost an estimated 56 billion Yen ($438 million USD).

MORE DETAILS

Your child is welcome to ride the attraction accompanied by a 14-year-old (or older) as long as he meets the 44in (112cm) or taller requirement set for Space Mountain at Walt Disney World. Each row holds one passenger; three passengers per rocket car, so your child would be accompanied by other people.

MORE DETAILS

But not to worry, Disneyland fans. It's all made up, and Space Mountain will continue in all its dark glory.

MORE DETAILS

The ride vehicle for Space Mountain is a 3-seater rocket, with two of the rockets in each train. Seats are positioned front to back, so you'll be pretty much riding solo, which can be scary for younger kids who would prefer to sit next to a parent.

MORE DETAILS

Space Mountain Seating surface: Padded bucket seat with back. Guests are seated front to back, rather than side to side. Safety restraints: Individual pull-down lap bar for each guest.

MORE DETAILS

BTMRR is much bigger then Space Mountain. And if all were equal (darkness vs. light) BTMRR would be considered much more of a thrill ride. Being completley dark, you can't really gauge the next twist, turn or drop.

MORE DETAILS

EE has a faster top speed and more thrilling drops, and theres that backwards portion. The view from the top is great also. Space is a fun coaster in complete darkness but EE still holds more thrills for me ... even with a bad Yeti component.

MORE DETAILS

Space Mountain will be closed for refurbishment, beginning September 18, 2023, and will reopen October 27, 2023.

MORE DETAILS

Amy, Space Mountain is currently scheduled to close for refurbishment on September 18, 2023. The plan is for it to reopen mid-Fall, however, we haven't been given a specific date.

MORE DETAILS

The project took three years to complete and had an amazing launch. However, the momentum for the land is decreasing. Because of that, Disney announced they will be closing Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge permanently. Galaxy's Edge is a themed land located in both California and Florida.

MORE DETAILS