We have been anxiously awaiting a final date for when Spaceship Earth would close for a long refurbishment.

Today we learned it will be May 26, 2020.

This overhaul is thought to take two years or more.

Here’s the Disney Parks Blog statement:

“This means Spaceship Earth in its current form will close for a time starting that day, and the ideas we are working on inside that geosphere will be well worth the wait. As we shared at last year’s D23 Expo, 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.”

We already knew that the update would focus on our “shared story.” Many are worried it means Disney is going to add tons of IP to the attraction.

The Disney Parks Blog did offer one new detail that we can expect.

“You’ll visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.”

Of course there will be a new narration and with it comes the “story light” that will direct the viewer through “our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together.”

This goes along with the rumors that a lot of the attraction’s main scenes will remain up until the Industrial Revolution.

I was worried about the lighting effects, but by the concept art it really does look nice!

This is not the first time that Spaceship Earth has received a major overhaul, it happened back in 1994 and 2007 as well. I’m sure it needs it, but change is always hard.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: Disney Parks Blog