Disneyland is preparing to make some enormous changes to one of its theme parks, and a classic attraction is right in the middle of the overhaul.After roughly four decades of sending guests racing through the darkness, one version of Space Mountain has officially closed for good. This isn’t a simple refresh, either. The company is rebuilding it with a new identity, new ride technology, a different story, and an entirely redesigned surrounding area.Space Mountain won’t be the same when this project is finished.And now, the theme park has revealed what will take its place.Space Mountain Has Spent Decades Sending Guests Into the DarknessSpace Mountain remains one of Disney’s most recognizable attraction concepts.The original opened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1975, giving guests an indoor roller coaster that simulated a race through outer space. Disneyland followed with its own version in 1977.Disney later expanded the concept internationally, creating different versions rather than simply copying the same coaster everywhere.One of those versions arrived at another theme park in 1983. Its enormous white structure became a defining part of Tomorrowland, while the indoor coaster sent riders through darkness surrounded by stars and other effects.That version survived for more than 40 years.Tokyo Disneyland closed the ride permanently in July 2024, clearing the way for something much more ambitious.Credit: jpellgen (@1105_jp), FlickrDisney Has Finally Revealed Space Mountain’s New IdentityTokyo Disneyland’s replacement will officially be called Space Mountain Earthrise.Although the “Space Mountain” name remains, this isn’t a simple routine refurbishment.Space Mountain Earthrise will remain an indoor roller coaster that takes riders through outer space, preserving the basic idea behind the original concept. Beyond that foundation, guests should expect a dramatically different experience.Tokyo Disneyland plans to introduce a new storyline, upgraded show elements, different architecture, and a newly developed ride system.The adventure will begin as riders launch away from Earth before speeding deeper into space. Lighting and audio effects inspired by cosmic phenomena will surround riders along the journey.The “spirit” of Space Mountain will essentially remain, even as nearly everything around it is rebuilt.Credit: DisneyThe New Coaster Is Only Part of Disney’s 2027 PlansSpace Mountain Earthrise is scheduled to open in 2027, years after the previous coaster carried its final riders.The project will also reshape the surrounding Tomorrowland.Tomorrowland Plaza is the centerpiece of the redesigned area.The plaza will explore the relationship between humanity, nature, and space, giving Tomorrowland a broader identity beyond the futuristic architecture traditionally associated with the land.That means guests aren’t just getting another Space Mountain. They’re getting an attempt to redefine Tomorrowland.Tokyo Disneyland Is Spending Big to Reinvent TomorrowlandThe transformation comes as part of a massive investment of approximately ¥100 billion.Tomorrowland Plaza will feature architecture inspired by natural elements, including fire, water, earth, and wood. It will also incorporate imagery and lighting inspired by celestial bodies such as the Sun and Moon.After sunset, lighting and sound effects will further transform the plaza.Space Mountain Earthrise won’t be the only major attraction arriving as part of Tomorrowland’s next chapter, either.An entirely different Disney IP is coming to the land.