It was decided to build a new cutting-edge outer space-themed attraction, so the Horizons building was slowly torn down in July of 2000. The demolition of the building marked the first time in Disney history that an entire ride building had to be demolished in preparation for a new attraction.

The closure of the legendary Epcot attraction Horizons in 1999 remains one of the most debated topics in Disney history, resulting from a combination of corporate, financial, and structural factors. The primary reason was the loss of corporate sponsorship; General Electric declined to renew its contract in 1993, leaving Disney to foot the high maintenance costs for an aging, complex ride. Without a sponsor to fund a much-needed refurbishment, the attraction began to fall into disrepair. Rumors also persisted for years about a major structural flaw, specifically a sinkhole or "settling" beneath the pavilion that made the massive building increasingly unstable and expensive to fix. Disney ultimately decided that rather than investing millions into a 15-year-old ride, they would demolish the entire structure to make way for a high-thrill, modern experience: Mission: SPACE. While Horizons was beloved for its "Futureprobe" vision of undersea and space colonies, Disney's leadership at the time shifted toward "thrill rides" to attract a younger demographic, leading to the permanent loss of what many consider the "emotional heart" of Epcot Center.