A geodesic sphere has been spotted in the construction site for the new Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland. It appears to be based on the geodesic satellite that once sat in the Disneyland version of the ride.
Space Mountain Geodesic Satellite
Source: X user @joejoemagic
X user @joejoemagic shared videos and photos of the sphere staged for installation backstage. It features translucent and silver panels, and a round base support.
User @BansheeCrooked identified the element as the geodesic satellite from Space Mountain at Disneyland. We would guess that it’s not the exact same element that was in Disneyland but a new piece based on the original design.
The Disneyland Space Mountain opened in 1977, two years after the original version at Walt Disney World. For decades, the Disneyland version featured this glowing red sphere, which guests would zoom around.
At one point, Disney added a satellite dish to the top of the sphere. However, the sphere was removed during the 2005 refurbishment of Space Mountain and replaced with an asteroid.
Rumored to be named Space Mountain: Earthrise, the new version of the coaster under construction in Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland is expected to combine a tilting track with rotating vehicles. It’s Disney’s most expensive ride ever.
Work began in 2022 and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2023. The old Space Mountain closed in July 2024 and scaffolding just recently came down in early April.
The construction also includes a new Tomorrowland plaza, as seen in concept art.
Are you excited that this new Space Mountain is apparently taking inspiration from old versions? Let us know on social media.
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AloJapan.com