Time Frame2020-2022 |
Rumor StatusBlue Sky |
Specific Details
With changes and additions expected at Epcot, updates to Spaceship Earth may also be included. Siemens dropped sponsorship of the attraction in 2017 and it is expected that an updated version will take place as part of the larger changes to Epcot.
The attraction is rumored to close in early 2020 and reopen in the second half of 2022. Rumored updates to the attraction include:
- Track replacement and extended track layout
- New load and unload
- Replacement to the post show area
- Refreshing of all scenes up to Industrial Revolution (Printing Press)
- Wholesale changes to all scenes following the Industrial Revolution
Rumor Timeline
February 7, 2019: WDWMagic.com user marni1971 is reporting that Spaceship Earth will be undergoing a substantial refurbishment that will be grander in scale than the last two updates and may close before the end of the year.
Subsequent posts (Post 1, Post 2)indicated that the attraction is expected to be closed for most (if not all) of 2020 as well as 2021 and include changes to the queue, pre-show and post-show
October 26, 2018: ThemeParkInsider.com (Robert Niles) is reporting that Disney has ordered the installation of LED panels for the South side exterior of Spaceship Earth to be used as part of the new nighttime show at Epcot.
October 11, 2018: WDWNT.com is reporting that Spaceship Earth will undergo a 2 year refurbishment beginning in 2020. The attraction is rumored to close in early 2020 and reopen in the second half of 2022. Rumored updates to the attraction include:
- Track replacement and extended track layout
- New load and unload
- Replacement to the post show area
- Refreshing of all scenes up to Industrial Revolution (Printing Press)
- Wholesale changes to all scenes following the Industrial Revolution
The article also references the internal project name for Future World updates as "Project Gamma".
September 2, 2018: Spaceship Earth closed unexpectently today with water visiblly leaking from the exterior of the attraction near the queue. @Blog_Mickey is reporting that the leak is affecting the Greek scholars scene in the attraction.
The water began leaking from the attraction between 10:00 - 10:30 AM, prior to any rain for the day. While unconfirmed, this points to an internal issue as opposed to an issue with the attraction's gutter system.
August 28, 2018: WDWNT.com is reporting a rumor that Spaceship Earth could see updates in the near future. The article reports that scenes leading up to the Industrial Revolution will receive a "refreshing", with scenes following the Industrial Revolution receiving changes on a "grands scale". The article also indicates that the 180 degree domed top where guests currently see the Earth will receive significant projector updates. No timetable was given for these updates.
August 8, 2018: WDWMagic.com user marni1971 is reporting that a 5th version of Spaceship Earth should happen in the "next half decade or so."
August 2, 2017: WDWNT.com is reporting that Siemens has abandoned the corporate lounge inside Spaceship Earth ahead of the conclusion of their contract.
June 29, 2017: BlogMickey.com is reporting that Siemens employees have been notified that their contract with Disney will not be renewed after it expires at the end of 2017. Siemens currently sponsors Spaceship Earth and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot. It is unknown what change (if any) this will have on those attractions.