Spaceship Earth Renovation - Any updates?

[cindy17]

I understand that the May 25th closure date will not be holding up and it will be open when Epcot reopens, but any idea when they might close for the 2 year renovation? I have an autistic son who is obsessed with this ride and we'd love to get down there before they close it for 2 plus years. Thanks!

 

[DWillowBay]

One of my favs too, but no indication of when the closure may happen. This is only MY GUESS, not based on anything at all...but I'd be surprised if it begins before the 50th Anniversary. They're trying so hard to get everything new and sparkly and running for the 50th. I don't think they'd have there icon all torn apart. (Of course, if they closed on their original May 26th date, that's what would have happened, I guess??) That would be quite an eyesore. I'm sure people will post here, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.

 

[ToyStoryManiaMouse]

I'd agree with the above idea with one possible exception. They will want it renovated before the EPCOT anniversary. So they may have it closed for the 50th to have time to do it before the EPCOT birthday.

 

[gharter]

I would not expect to see Spaceship Earth go down for its renovation until at least the Ratatouille ride opens. They will still need rides that can handle many guests.
Wouldn't be surprised to see them wait until Guardians opens as well, then start the renovation.

 

[jaysmom4285]

I have read on several semi-official sites that the Spaceship Earth refurb has been shelved for now and that it will open as usual when Epcot opens.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think it partially depends on what the scope of the renovation will be. If they are still going forward with the major, 2-year+ Reno then I think they will wait for after the 50th to start. If due to budget they instead will do a smaller reno then it could start after Rat opens (which it think is set to be later this year)

 

[Mrtommorrow1987]

Spaceship earth refurb was canned during COVID

 

[TiggerBouncy]

rumors and rumblings are that only projects which have broken ground or have substantial work invested in them will continue at the moment. Since Spaceship Earth has not been started, it will be postponed.

That's the RUMOR. Ingest it with ample salt.

 

[CastAStone]

Spaceship earth refurb was canned during COVID

This isn’t right. The Disney Parks Blog said it will be delayed, not canned, and the ride system won’t last much longer without a refurb. It doesn’t run well as it is already. At most they can delay it perhaps a year. It’s still happening.

 

[siren0119]

This isn’t right. The Disney Parks Blog said it will be delayed, not canned, and the ride system won’t last much longer without a refurb. It doesn’t run well as it is already. At most they can delay it perhaps a year. It’s still happening.

This - they defunded the project but that didn't mean they scrapped it entirely. Projects will be re-funded once they are able to restart. I think the only TOTAL cancellation at this point has been the Reflections resort.

 

[yulilin3]

look at how long the bridge from GF has been in the works, decades, and it's now happening
No seriously, this is how misinformation starts, the project is delayed not canned

 

[Carolynleanne]

Not so secretly hoping the Spaceship Earth we know and love will still be running November 2021

 

[Marcus A. Jordan]

Spaceship earth refurb was canned during COVID

Source? (And not my friend or family member works for Disney)

 

[rteetz]

Source? (And not my friend or family member works for Disney)

Its postponed indefinitely. That was confirmed by Disney. Rumors are its being re-evaluated in how large the refurb will be.

 

[Marcus A. Jordan]

Its postponed indefinitely. That was confirmed by Disney. Rumors are its being re-evaluated in how large the refurb will be.

I’m agreeing with you, dude.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

This - they defunded the project but that didn't mean they scrapped it entirely. Projects will be re-funded once they are able to restart. I think the only TOTAL cancellation at this point has been the Reflections resort.

Don't fool yourself. Reflections is not entirely canned either - no more so than was AoA. Just like AoA, what finally gets build there will probably not be the same hotel (AoA was originally an extension of POP), but it will still be based on it. Disney has spent too much money already ripping up RC, designing buildings and filing patents. They will eventually reuse that work with modifications to whatever is hot at the time.

 

[_19disnA]

Large companies typically look to reduce capital expenses during a downturn in the economy, Disney is no exception. Doesn't surprise me that some expensive renovation plans are put on hold or reprioritized as park attendance is down due to covid restrictions. I don't consider someone's blog an official source of Disney info.

 

[gharter]

Its postponed indefinitely. That was confirmed by Disney. Rumors are its being re-evaluated in how large the refurb will be.

Makes sense. And the refurb will start when finances improve.

Don't fool yourself. Reflections is not entirely canned either

When the economy improves and their attendance is up and they need more rooms, it will be revisited. It most likely will go through some modifications.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I don't consider someone's blog an official source of Disney info.

Blogs? Certainly not. But ex-cm's, and of course the infamous bus drivers have connections with the top brass in Disney!

 

[Lumpy1106]

Not to be the nay-sayer here, but I hope this goes sooner rather than later. It was close which ride was more disappointing - TT or SSE right now. TT makes no sense without being able to design and "test" your car. Couldn't you do this on your phone? The walk through to the gift shop was downright depressing with everything closed. The ride on SSE is now noticeably jerky and some of the scenes are so dark it is hard to see anything. The on-ride photos barely work and don't project onto the globe. The rest of the post-ride area looks like they've already started demolishing it. I know that the +2 year downtime they were projecting is a real drag, but I am REALLY looking forward to the refurbished ride when they are done.

Any chance they can do something about TT in the process?