The re-imagining of Epcot is currently underway, and at D23 2019, it was announced that Spaceship Earth would be receiving an update.

Prior to that announcement we had been hearing that the attraction would close for a lengthy 2-year refurbishment. The new “update” is supposed to “remain a voyage through time” but it will transform “to reflect the power of storytelling  to unite the human experience.”

We knew it was coming sooner rather than later, and the current rumor seems to be that they will close it down after the Test Track renovations that are happening starting today, January 13 through February 26th, 2020.

This would make sense as they wouldn’t want two large capacity attractions down at once.  Since Space 220, the new space themed table service restaurant, should be opening soon as well, that could help with guest disbursement.

What is being done to Spaceship Earth?

The refurbishment is supposed to not significantly change most of the attraction, at least not until closer to the end, but it is going to add a “story light” to “give each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.”

It’s also supposed to have new narration and a new score that “will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story.”

Frankly, the journey already ties together and the big concern is that Disney is just using this as a reason to slap their characters into this ride too. The “story light” idea isn’t a bad one and I could see it enhancing the narration, but personally, I really hope they don’t put their characters and story advertisements into the ride as “storytelling,”  but with the current regime I would be more surprised if they didn’t.

Right now it is just a rumor, but it makes sense. I know that several sources have said it could be early this year that Spaceship Earth closes. If you want to ride it I would recommend you do so sooner rather than later.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!