Spaceship Earth to Close May 26th for Extended Refurbishment at EPCOT

Walt Disney World has officially announced that Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be closing May 26, 2020 to “start implementing our new vision.”

Spaceship Earth, in its current form, will have its last day of operation on May 25th. Disney says the new version of the attraction 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.”

Along with the announcement, Disney released the concept art rendering above. It shows Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but with new figures and new lighting effects for the upcoming version.

According to Disney: “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. Walt Disney once said EPCOT ‘would always be in a state of becoming,’ and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982.”

There has not been an official timeline for this massive refurbishment released, but some believe it may take over two years to complete. By the time to updated Spaceship Earth opens it will be located in he newly branded “World Celebration” neighborhood of EPCOT, formerly known as the center of Future World. Stay tuned for more information and updates for this transformation as it happens.

If you’re thinking about booking your next trip to Walt Disney World, request your free vacation quote from our good friend Elizabeth at Destinations in Florida. She can help you get the best deals on tickets, your on-site hotel room, and more — and her services are completely free!

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Alicia Stella

Alicia Stella has been covering new attractions since 2015, with her work cited by The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, and more. She specializes in reporting on new attraction development, and always looks forward to upcoming changes to the Orlando theme parks. She is also co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.