This week, Walt Disney World Resort removed and replaced parts of the original Spaceship Earth structure at EPCOT. The changes come weeks ahead of a lengthy attraction refurbishment beginning later this month. Credit: Inside the MagicSpaceship Earth, lovingly known as the “EPCOT ball” among many Walt Disney World Resort guests, opened alongside the Central Florida Disney park on October 1, 1982. For over 40 years, the slow-moving ride has taken guests on a journey through historical human innovation and invited them to imagine what the future might look like. Spaceship Earth was supposed to undergo a modernization as part of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary, but the project was indefinitely put on hold following the COVID-19 pandemic. This summer, Walt Disney World Resort announced that Spaceship Earth would close for an indefinite refurbishment beginning August 25, 2025. Disney also filed construction permits for the ride last month, but hasn’t shared an exact reopening date. Still, the World Celebration attraction is expected to reopen by the end of 2025.Credit: DisneyIt looks like Walt Disney World Resort is kick-starting the refurbishment of Spaceship Earth while the ride is still open. On Wednesday, August 6, WDWNT reported that some large panels on the side of the Project Tomorrow building (attached to Spaceship Earth) had been refurbished. The panels, which used to be white, are now a shiny silver. They appear much cleaner than the older panels, which are dirty from years of Central Florida weather. It’s unclear whether Disney replaced the old panels entirely or cleaned and refinished them. Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic Crews will likely continue replacing the Project Tomorrow building panels until they have the same silver, shiny finish. Walt Disney World Resort has not shared a timeline or made any public statements about this project. What should Walt Disney World Resort focus on during the upcoming Spaceship Earth refurbishment? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments!The post EPCOT Removes and Replaces Original Spaceship Earth Structure appeared first on Inside the Magic.