Disney’s Iconic Space Mountain Attraction To Close in California This Month
More operational changes are quietly rolling through Disneyland Resort, even if guests may not immediately spot them.
Space Mountain at Disneyland Park is preparing for a brief pause, with a newly confirmed refurbishment window showing that even longtime headliners require regular upkeep. While this isn’t a large-scale reimagining, it’s another reminder that behind-the-scenes work never really stops at The Happiest Place On Earth.
Beginning February 23, Space Mountain will temporarily close to guests, with a reopening currently scheduled for February 27. The short duration points to standard maintenance rather than creative updates, but the timing is still significant for an attraction that has anchored Tomorrowland for decades.
Refurbishment details shared by WDWNT reveal that the work includes replacing suspended-ceiling light fixtures, updating door frames, and removing older steel anchor points from the floor. These are not changes most riders will notice once the attraction reopens, but they are critical to maintaining daily operations for a coaster that first debuted in 1977. For an attraction approaching its 50th anniversary, routine infrastructure work is a necessary part of keeping it running safely and consistently.
Space Mountain’s closure is not happening in isolation. Disneyland Resort routinely schedules maintenance during this time of year, and Disney California Adventure is also preparing for a temporary attraction shutdown. Golden Zephyr is slated to close from March 9 through March 18, with the downtime appearing focused on maintenance rather than any redesign.
Taken together, these refurbishments show how Disney balances guest access with the long-term care of attractions that define each park. Even short closures play a role in extending the lifespan of rides that see heavy daily use.
Space Mountain’s legacy at Disneyland is substantial. As the first version of the attraction ever built, it became the blueprint for Space Mountains around the globe. While other parks have introduced variations with different ride systems and updated visuals, Anaheim’s version continues to draw fans thanks to its familiar layout, striking exterior, and central place in Tomorrowland. Periodic closures like this help ensure that experience stays consistent year after year.
While Anaheim’s Space Mountain is receiving light maintenance, the attraction’s story looks very different overseas. At Tokyo Disneyland, Space Mountain permanently closed on July 31, 2024, ending a run that began with the park’s opening in 1983. Unlike the temporary closure in California, Tokyo’s version has been completely demolished as part of a large-scale Tomorrowland overhaul.
The Oriental Land Company has committed to a brand-new Space Mountain experience set to open in 2027. Plans include an all-new coaster, a redesigned show building, and a refreshed surrounding plaza. Construction is already underway, with the original structure fully removed, highlighting the scale of the project.
The contrast between the two resorts is hard to miss. Disneyland is preserving a classic through careful maintenance, while Tokyo Disneyland is starting fresh with a ground-up rebuild meant to shape Tomorrowland’s future. Different strategies, same conclusion: Space Mountain remains one of Disney’s most important attractions worldwide.
How do you feel about Space Mountain closing this month at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments down below!
