Spaceship Earth changes officially paused as Disney confirms it will reopen along with EPCOT on July 15

Gallery / 1 Photo
New Spaceship Earth concept art

Posted: Saturday June 20, 2020 1:38pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has included Spaceship Earth in EPCOT's reopening day attraction line-up, which finally confirms that the planned changes have been put on pause.

Spaceship Earth had been scheduled to close beginning May 26 2020 to begin a major refurbishment, but construction throughout Walt Disney World came to a halt due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

According to Disney, "the next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following our long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience."

Details remain scarce on what changes were to be made, but Disney had said that "Throughout the attraction, you’ll hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together." The concept art above shows the new look of the Egypt scene.

A reopening date is yet to be announced, but there is speculation that the work will take 2 to 3 years.

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larryzSep 24, 2023

...and the American Cockroach Association.

RhinocerousSep 23, 2023

Epcot82GuySep 23, 2023

And the Wall-E parking lot markers show their purpose...

The ColonelSep 22, 2023

here is the new happy ending- choose your future AI causes mass unemployment destroying economies causing widespread poverty and making the vast majority of humanity subject to the mercy of the welfare state Climate Change leads to the extinction of humanity Petty squabbling among nations results in nuclear holocaust Remnants of the human species survives the above trials but it leads to a post apocalyptic dark age But on the bright side, God is Dead, and we can all look forward to the infinite void of eternal nothingness Welcome to the future! Or should I say your future!

TheEPCOTHistorianSep 22, 2023

Over past couple days, the track has broken next to the Sculptor/Michaelangelo scene, making a horrifically loud banging noise as the cars pass over it. So loud in fact, I thought there were new sound effects for the Sculptor's chisel until the car literally jolted half a foot.

Jeff456Sep 14, 2023

Rode it 5/6 times over the last few weeks and actually felt it was in quite a good state (albeit it I hadn't been since 2017!)

Epcot82GuySep 14, 2023

I would also be ok with it if it wasn't purely on that little screen. I think it would be cool if the environment in the descent changed based on what people select. Like - seeing a future, and you can push a button on ride - and that appears in the tunnel. But, my vote would still be a restoration of Tomorrow's Child with an inspiring ending.

aladdin2007Sep 13, 2023

while I dont want the dumb screens at all, it would be fun to see those again.

PhicinfanSep 13, 2023

First issue I was standing right there, as they were looking at turntable on load. Other three while on ride called out mechanical issue, so again, it was not a loading issue.

PhicinfanSep 13, 2023

They don't call out a mechanical issue if it is a loading issue. again, I was standing right there at load when first issue hit

DemarkeSep 13, 2023

I think the only semi-popular option to keep a “choose your own future” on descent screens would be if they brought back the original three Horizons ending options and let your car pick one of them each time

WaltsTreasureChestSep 12, 2023

Or that too. Anything to improve upon

HMFSep 12, 2023

I would prefer an actual inspiring ending.

WaltsTreasureChestSep 12, 2023

The whole ride needs an update. Start off by replacing the vehicles. Update the seats for more comfortability and lessen the Omnimover noise. Next if you’re gonna have the ”Choose your Own Future” still applied, gives us some new animation and choices. Redo Project Tomorrow while you’re at it.