Tokyo Disneyland has officially revealed the name of its next-generation Space Mountain, with Space Mountain Earthrise set to open in 2027 as part of a major transformation of Tomorrowland.
The new attraction will be far more than a refreshed version of the Space Mountain that previously occupied the site. Disney has confirmed an entirely new building, a newly developed ride system, immersive theatrical effects and onboard audio as it prepares to reinvent one of Tokyo Disneyland's most recognisable attractions.
The announcement also provides a much clearer look at the wider future of Tomorrowland, including a redesigned central plaza and new details about the previously announced Wreck-It Ralph attraction arriving nearby.
Space Mountain becomes Space Mountain Earthrise
The headline announcement is the official name - Space Mountain Earthrise.
Disney describes the attraction as an all-new indoor roller coaster experience taking guests on a journey through outer space, combining a newly developed ride system with imaginative storytelling and immersive theatrical effects inspired by the wonders of space.
The experience will begin with guests launching away from Earth and into space, before encountering lighting and sound effects designed around different cosmic phenomena.
Perhaps one of the most interesting additions is hidden inside the ride vehicles themselves. Space Mountain Earthrise will feature an onboard audio system, making it the first roller coaster at Tokyo Disney Resort to use the technology.
That should allow the soundtrack and effects to be much more closely synchronised with the experience than on the former attraction, giving Disney considerably more control over the pacing and atmosphere of the ride.
The exterior is changing just as dramatically. Rather than recreating the familiar white mountain structure, the new building features sweeping curved forms inspired by celestial bodies and shapes found in nature, including trees and flowers.
What does 'Earthrise' mean?
The new name also provides a clue to the story Disney wants the attraction to tell.
Earthrise refers to the view of Earth appearing above the Moon's horizon when seen from space - similar to the way the Sun appears to rise from Earth.
According to Tokyo Disney Resort, the name is intended to represent the beauty and preciousness of Earth when viewed as a unique presence within the wider universe.
It is also a concept created specifically for Japan, giving Tokyo Disneyland's new Space Mountain a distinct identity rather than simply becoming another version of the attraction found at Disney parks around the world.
A completely new Tomorrowland
Space Mountain Earthrise forms part of a much larger redevelopment of this section of Tokyo Disneyland.
Tomorrowland Plaza is being rebuilt around the idea of humanity and nature existing in harmony. Structures throughout the area will draw inspiration from natural elements such as fire, water, earth and wood, alongside light inspired by celestial objects including the Sun and Moon.
At night, the plaza will transform through lighting and sound, creating an experience designed to extend beyond the coaster itself.
The redevelopment represents a significant investment for Tokyo Disney Resort. When the project was originally announced, operator Oriental Land Company estimated an investment of approximately 56 billion yen, covering the new Space Mountain and facilities across the surrounding area.
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue opens in spring 2027
Space Mountain isn't the only major attraction heading for Tomorrowland.
Tokyo Disneyland has also officially named its upcoming Wreck-It Ralph attraction Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, which is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
The indoor interactive attraction will send guests into the video game world of Sugar Rush alongside Ralph and Vanellope.
The story sees the racing game threatened by glitches known as Sugar Bugs. Guests will work with the characters to transform the bugs back into colourful sweets including gummies and cupcakes, creating what Disney describes as an interactive gaming experience suitable for both children and adults.
A new shop called Pixel Prism will open next to the attraction selling merchandise including items inspired by Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, while a new popcorn location named Popping Station is also planned nearby.
More than just two new rides
The scale of the project makes this much more than a simple replacement for the old Space Mountain.
Alongside the two headline attractions, Tomorrowland will gain the redesigned plaza, new retail locations and Element Express, a new food location serving snacks and drinks.
Taken together, the changes should give one of Tokyo Disneyland's oldest themed areas a noticeably different identity when the transformation begins opening in 2027.
When will Space Mountain Earthrise open?
Tokyo Disney Resort currently lists 2027 as the opening year for Space Mountain Earthrise, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue has a slightly narrower window and is currently scheduled to debut in spring 2027.
With two major attractions, new shops and food locations and a completely redesigned plaza arriving within the same area, the project looks set to represent one of the biggest changes to Tokyo Disneyland in years.
And while Space Mountain remains at the heart of Tomorrowland, Earthrise increasingly looks like a completely new attraction carrying the famous name rather than simply a replacement for what came before.
