Ride closures for refurbishment or updates are pretty common in Disney World, and right now, several rides are closed. In Magic Kingdom, both Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are closed to get updates.
Spaceship Earth
Meanwhile, in EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is closed for a refurbishment. The good news is that these closure are temporary, and we now know when Spaceship Earth will reopen — on October 25th. Yes, you’ll soon be able to once again listen to Judi Dench explaining the history of communication to you while riding on what could be one of the most chill rides in Disney World.
So how do we know when Spaceship Earth will reopen? The hours for the ride on the Disney World website indicate that it will be open on October 25th. Now, that could change (and that has happened before), but this all but confirms that you’ll soon be able to ride it again.
Spaceship Earth
Now this has nothing to do with the once-promised BIG update Spaceship Earth was going to get. Back in 2019, Disney revealed plans to change the ride inside the big ball, including new narration, new scenes, and more. Anyone who’s been on Spaceship Earth recently pretty much knows that the ride is, more or less, pretty outdated, after all.
Thank the Phoenicians
BUT, of course, 2020 happened, and a lot of projects got thrown into the trash, including the plans to update Spaceship Earth. But, hey, at least the exterior lighting got a huge upgrade. So for now, though, this recent refurbishment probably consisted more of maintenance than anything.
Spaceship Earth’s lightning got upgraded
We’ll be keeping an eye out for Spaceship Earth’s reopening and will be there on October 25th to stand in line to see if anything has changed, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Why We’re Worried About Spaceship Earth in Disney World
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Am I the only one who loves the “ascent” of Spaceship Earth as is? 🙂
The “return” ride could certainly receive an update.
We love the whole thing, but the Earth scene and the interactive piece could use some enhancements. I also miss being able to send the video to an email, although at least the last two times we did it, we didn’t receive the video. I wish you could tap your magic band and get the video through photopass/memory maker the way you get your photos.
“Anyone who’s been on Spaceship Earth recently pretty much knows that the ride is, more or less, pretty outdated, after all.”
I’m with E.B. Spaceship Earth is fantastic as is….and please explain how history is “outdated!!??” Perhaps if more young people understood our history…in America and the world…we wouldn’t be reliving some of the worst parts of it now! Epcot opened as a fun, interesting and educational park and a lot of us liked it. Why does every ride have to be sickening and scary?? Our history should be ‘thrilling’ enough. There is no other planet like Earth. Can’t we be awed and enthralled by it and our beginnings?? And I love Judi Dench!!!
I agree with EB. I preferred the descent when there was something to see rather than using the screen to play “welcome to tomorrow “. I think we must have done every possible option on it now.
No, it’s a pretty awesome ascent, you are correct. However some of us old-timers would argue that previous incarnations were even better – especially the “reveal” at the top.
Last time we went on that the smell was horrendous from the fire burning. I guess it was the Indians. It actually made us nauseous so if they didn’t fix that, no. And I love that word
Spaceship Earth is to be a tremendous learning experience for the young. I can recall my young daughter commenting how the ancient phenians and the papyrus paper in early Egypt section. We need more historical references in everything Epcot.
I agree with Norma! Spaceship Earth is wonderful and so is learning history! My kids love it! Yes, it’s older, but that does not mean it’s not still good. Why does older always mean it has to be replaced or redone?! Older isn’t bad, and newer isn’t always better.
I will not complain about Spaceship Earth as it is, because recent history has shown when Disney updates a ride, it’s never the same as it was and not for the good. They’ll end up replacing our beloved animatronics with screens and do any so called “enhancements” the cheapest way possible. Dated or not, I hope they never touch it.