Disneyland flipped its most iconic roller coaster into a Star Wars experience today, and the guests who know about it have approximately six weeks to take advantage before it disappears. Hyperspace Mountain, the annual Star Wars overlay that transforms Space Mountain into a Rebel fleet engagement against Imperial forces, officially returned to Disneyland on April 28, and based on permit filings, the window runs through approximately June 1. That is a specific and limited timeline that makes today’s opening the start of a countdown rather than a casual seasonal announcement.
What Changed Today
The physical ride infrastructure of Space Mountain remains unchanged, with its speed, darkness, and turns intact. However, the Hyperspace Mountain overlay transforms the experience by replacing the typical cosmic visuals and audio with a Star Wars battle sequence featuring Rebel forces and the Empire. Guests encounter TIE fighters, Star Destroyers, and a cinematic soundtrack from the Star Wars universe, creating a significantly different experience—even for those who have ridden Space Mountain many times.
The overlay has developed a devoted following specifically because it is available only during a limited window each year, which gives it a sense of occasion that most repeat rides cannot match. Today is the beginning of that window, and the energy around its return reflects the specific enthusiasm that comes with an offering guests know is temporary.
The Six Week Window
Permit filings from Disneyland show the temporary marquee signage for Hyperspace Mountain is approved through June 1, which puts the 2026 run at roughly six weeks from today through the end of May. Guests who want the Star Wars overlay rather than the standard Space Mountain experience need to plan their visit accordingly. The window closes as May turns to June, and the permit timeline provides no indication of an extension beyond that date.
What Else Is Happening at Disneyland This Spring
Hyperspace Mountain returning today is one piece of a significantly larger Star Wars programming picture being built at Disneyland throughout the spring. On May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will debut an entirely new mission inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu, replacing the Hondo Ohnaka cargo-running storyline that has been the foundation of the attraction since Galaxy’s Edge opened. The May 22 date aligns with a new Star Wars theatrical release hitting theaters the same weekend, creating a deliberate moment of cross-platform Star Wars energy between the parks and the franchise.
The new Smugglers Run mission is set to introduce significant changes to the queue, audio, in-flight programming, and mission roles. This update promises to be a genuine enhancement rather than just a superficial refresh. For those who have ridden the existing Smugglers Run mission multiple times and know every detail of the experience, the Mandalorian-inspired update offers a compelling reason to experience it again.
Season of the Force, the Disneyland celebration that traditionally encompasses the May the 4th window, spans the entire spring period, adding additional programming and atmosphere across the resort throughout the Hyperspace Mountain run.
Why the Next Six Weeks Matter at Disneyland
Space Mountain at Disneyland, which opened on May 27, 1977, is nearing its 49th birthday. Currently, guests can experience Hyperspace Mountain, a Star Wars-themed version, but this will end around June 1. With the new Smugglers Run mission, Season of the Force, and a theatrical Star Wars release all happening soon, this spring presents one of the busiest Star Wars periods at Disneyland. For those flexible with travel, visiting before the end of May is an appealing option.
