Pending an official release of the exact dates, Spaceship Earth will close for refurbishment for a substantial portion of this year.
The information providied from various sources in Disney state "Summer" for the closure and then "Late November" for the reopening. This means for the months of August, September, and October the ride will be certainly be closed.
However, the exact start and end dates are still fuzzy and unconfirmed. It could close as early as late May (somewhat unlikely) or anytime in June, but some sources suggest July to try and keep the ride open for the busy 4th of July period. Late November for a reopening most likely means they will have the attraction open to handle Thanksgiving weekend crowds.
The new postshow portion of the attraction (opening later this month) will be open to explore during the refurbishment.
It's being refurbed in phases so it won't be closed all of the time. It's now has a new sponsor (Siemens) and they are updating some of the scenes to show off new technology. Plus they're adding a new post show and improving lighting, soundtrack, costumes etc.
The information providied from various sources in Disney state "Summer" for the closure and then "Late November" for the reopening. This means for the months of August, September, and October the ride will be certainly be closed.
Oh what a shame my dw loves this ride & as we will be there in september she is going to really miss this ride
So glad it will be open at Christmas, one of our party will be on her first trip and this is probably one of the only rides that she will actually go on! She doesn't like fast or scary!