Rumor Spaceship Earth Redo Shelved Indefinitely

[Inspired Figment]

Wow.. talk about bad timing..
I mean, I could understand if it was maybe a couple month refurb on the pre-existing ride.. but they’re really going to do the full blown ‘revamp’ of the ride? That’s insane.. guess we’ll just have to see what happens.

 

[DoleWhipDrea]

So it sounds like the structural issues can't really wait that much longer. I imagine the project is being scaled back from what was previously announced, and the focus is going to be more on replacing the track and keeping the ride structurally sound.

@marni1971 have you heard anything about the refurb being back on?

 

[James Alucobond]

The timing would be unfortunate if true, but this is also one of the things I'm most excited about.

 

[TTA94]

The timing would be unfortunate if true, but this is also one of the things I'm most excited about.

Agreed. I hate to see this close for such a long time but it desperately needs to be done. I just hope it’s still getting the major overhaul.

 

[trainplane3]

It needs to happen. The longer they put it off, the longer the refurb will be. I'd like to see it open for the 40th but who knows how in depth (and how budget) the refurb will be.

 

[J4546]

this news makes me happy!

 

[DVCakaCarlF]

If it’s coming from that shady eye glasses guy, then I’m not holding my breath.

I remember the whole Brazil pavilion thing falling flat.

 

[Fear]

"As a part of a big anniversary, the new Epcot... the new entrance light show... were closing the ride..."

Actually, I see that happening. With its exterior a de facto attraction (it being a lightshow), they close the interior for the redo. People can still appreciate SSE without the interior attraction.

If it’s coming from that shady eye glasses guy, then I’m not holding my breath.

I'm still waiting for the confirmation that they're leveling The Land and The Seas w/ Nemo & Friends.

 

[J4546]

arent they gonna have to take down the facade of sse while they work on it?

 

[Phicinfan]

Purely from an operational capacity point, you would think they would have to have rat open before they can close Spaceship Earth.

Honestly, would have thought this would have waited until GotG opens. Not sure Rat alone covers the capacity does it?

 

[vikescaper]

Bring on Time Racers!

 

[Phicinfan]

If this is the same redo that @marni1971 mentioned, can they get it completed for EPCOT 40th if they start this year?

 

[Fear]

arent they gonna have to take down the facade of sse while they work on it?

I think it's been said elsewhere that they can without it, but it's very, very difficult. Besides, this isn't the first time they've done a big overhaul of the ride. Judy Dench is the fourth narrator, and brought with her a bunch of scene updates.

 

[TTA94]

arent they gonna have to take down the facade of sse while they work on it?

They just installed all the new “Points of Light”, so I guess that’s a no.

 

[jamos140]

I can't imagine Disney being comfortable with the Spaceship Earth being closed during the 50th anniversary busy season they are expecting. There is already an extremely limited amount of attractions at Epcot.

 

[J4546]

right? seems crazy that the most iconic ride of the land will be out of service for the 40th, but it was also down for the 25th as well. im down for the refurb though, the sooner the better.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Tom from whatever that site is called is saying he has “multiple sources” claiming SSE will finally close in the next few months for its refurb.

Tom is usually right. I hope it doesn’t spiral into a multi year closure.

 

[Bocabear]

What is the point of having these D23 Fan Rallies with everyone applauding projects that are later doomed to be value engineered or cancelled completely... They must think the public doesn't remember all the promises of amazing things that never happen... Since they are not doing this why don't they fix the Yeti already...

 

[412]

Tom is usually right. I hope it doesn’t spiral into a multi year closure.

I believe it was initially planned to be a 2 or 3-year closure.

 

[Phicinfan]

Tom is usually right. I hope it doesn’t spiral into a multi year closure.

In a sick kind of logic, it does make some sense. He reports it as they have major structural and track work that is not just wanted but needed, and I am almost positive @marni1971 stated the original update included major track work. I also think since the whole front of the park is a mess anyways, you might as well clutter it up more with moves away from SSE