As excitement builds across Central Florida for the debut of Universal Epic Universe, Walt Disney World Resort continues to evolve its own experiences—though not with a fifth gate just yet. Instead, Disney Experiences recently made waves with the announcement of its first resort in the Middle East. But that doesn’t mean Walt Disney World is sitting still.
At Magic Kingdom, that means turning attention toward Tomorrowland, where changes—big and small—are unfolding. One of the more recent developments is the indefinite closure of Cool Ship, a longtime snack kiosk located near the Astro Orbiter. According to the official Walt Disney World Resort website: “Cool Ship is temporarily closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen later this year.”
Guests who’ve made Cool Ship a traditional pit stop while hopping from Space Mountain to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover will miss the grab-and-go treats like cotton candy, cinnamon nuts, popcorn, and Mickey bars.
Meanwhile, the neighboring Astro Orbiter remains closed—but good news appears to be on the horizon. With the attraction’s central post structure newly reinstalled, refurbishment work looks to be on track.
Elsewhere in Tomorrowland, one of its most popular attractions is preparing for a refresh of its own. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August 2025 to undergo an extensive update featuring interactive improvements and ride enhancements.
“As guests get ready to board the ride, they will be greeted by a robot named ‘Buddy,’ who will help prepare them for their mission,” Spectrum News 13 shared. “Buddy will also provide guests the opportunity to hone their blaster aim while checking out some of the new, interactive target features, officials said.”
Expect to see reimagined ride vehicles and upgraded targeting systems when Buzz and friends return sometime in 2026.
Zooming out from Tomorrowland, the spirit of reinvention is sweeping across the entire resort. EPCOT’s Test Track is currently in the midst of a retheme. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being re-envisioned, and Big Thunder Mountain is temporarily closed to accommodate major work in Frontierland.
And while Cool Ship’s closure might seem like a small detail amid all these transformations, it highlights how even the smallest corners of Walt Disney World are being prepped for the future.
How do you feel about the ongoing closures and updates across the resort? Let us know in the comments below!
