For Walt Disney World Resort’s most dedicated fans, Tomorrowland isn’t just home to Space Mountain or TRON Lightcycle / Run—it’s also where you’d find one of the park’s most unusual and beloved figures. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, a quick-service spot known for its basic burgers and chaotic crowds, has long been a must-visit for fans for one very specific reason: Sonny Eclipse. But now, the fan-favorite animatronic has suddenly vanished.
The End of an Era at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe?
Sonny Eclipse has been part of Tomorrowland’s atmosphere since 1994. The lounge-singing alien from the planet Zork, with his glowing Astro-Organ and jazzy, space-themed tunes, has been entertaining guests for decades. His 27-minute set, voiced by jazz musician Kal David – who sadly passed away in 2022 – blends humor with nostalgia, making him a cult favorite among Disney loyalists.
Unlike the high-tech animatronics seen in newer areas like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sonny is a relic of another era—one where quirky, offbeat entertainment was a key part of the Disney experience. Fans of his lounge act appreciate the weirdness, the low-key charm, and the fact that he’s one of the few remnants of a more eccentric Tomorrowland.
Now, however, he’s gone—at least for the time being.
Disney Removes Sonny Eclipse—But Why?
Sonny’s disappearance was first reported by Blog Mickey, with images showing his usual stage now occupied by a temporary events setup. Cosmic Ray’s frequently hosts seasonal entertainment for events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but with no such festivities happening right now, his removal raises questions.
The most likely explanation is that Sonny Eclipse is currently undergoing maintenance. His stage is designed to be retractable, allowing Disney to raise his stage into the ceiling for upkeep. The animatronic previously went missing for refurbishment in early 2023 before returning a few months later.
Still, the timing of his latest removal is notable, as it coincides with Disney’s broader plans for Magic Kingdom and its other Florida parks.
Disney’s $60 Billion Expansion and What It Means for Magic Kingdom
In 2023, Disney announced an unprecedented $60 billion investment in its theme parks and cruise line over the next decade. Walt Disney World is set to receive a $17 billion chunk of that, fueling major changes across the resort.
Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is on the verge of a massive overhaul, with Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America closing to make way for a Cars-themed expansion. Villains Land—one of the most anticipated additions—is also in development, bringing Disney’s most infamous antagonists together in a dark, immersive environment.
Elsewhere, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is replacing Muppet*Vision 3D with a Monsters, Inc. (2001) land (boo, hiss), including the company’s first-ever suspended coaster. Animal Kingdom, meanwhile, is reworking DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas, already shutting down attractions like It’s Tough to be a Bug! to make way for new experiences.
Amid all these updates, Tomorrowland’s future remains unclear. Some fans argue the land is overdue for a refresh, especially given the outdated aesthetic that clashes with Disney’s newer, more immersive lands.
Would you like to see some changes at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland?
The most obvious item in Tomorrowland that DESPERATELY needs an overhaul is the Speedway- which has only had its name updated since it opened with the park in 1971. It is a sad, clunky relic, still running its plastic shelled cars with noisy, stinking lawnmower engines. At the very least, they need to convert the cars to a clean, silent electric version.