Spaceship Earth Closed in EPCOT: A Refurbishment, Upgrade, or Perhaps More?

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From August 25, 2025 onwards, Spaceship Earth, the popular globe-like structure in EPCOT, has temporarily shut down for a period of renovation. While it’s common for attractions at Walt Disney World to undergo routine maintenance, there’s speculation about whether this closure is just for regular upkeep or if it includes some updates and enhancements. After all, it’s the attraction that reminds us to appreciate the Phoenicians’ ingeniousness!

Currently, there’s no specific date announced yet beyond the general “later this year.” This has left many curious and questioning, “What exactly is happening on board Spaceship Earth?

The 2019 Spaceship Earth Upgrade That Never Was

At the D23 Disney Fan Expo held in 2019, one significant revelation was about the most extensive transformation ever undertaken by EPCOT. This transformation encompassed a comprehensive renovation for the famous attraction, Spaceship Earth. The revamped version was to be referred to as “Spaceship Earth: Our Shared Story,” and it would undergo a total makeover, both externally and internally. Instead of focusing solely on technology, this revised narrative would emphasize the “Story Light” and the shared human experience of storytelling.

The original plan included an exciting revamp with a fresh storyline, new music, and additional stage performances for the project. Unfortunately, this update was put on hold indefinitely in 2020 due to worldwide lockdowns, and later, due to significant budget reductions, the entire project was quietly abandoned. The only improvement made to Spaceship Earth was an exterior upgrade featuring new LED lights covering its entire surface. These lights, combined with various musical scores, now present a recurring nighttime show called Beacons of Magic.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to witness the debut of this spectacular light spectacle, timed perfectly for Walt Disney World’s momentous 50th anniversary in 2021. Now, every evening, I find myself captivated as I behold this mesmerizing display, with fresh twists added to the show throughout each season.

The Big Spaceship Earth Upgrade of 2025: Alcohol!

Although the Spaceship Earth initially didn’t receive the planned update allowing for a more inclusive experience for people of all ages and families during their vacation, without additional charges, a notable alteration has occurred in the golf ball-shaped structure – it now houses a bar.

This establishment does not cater to visitors of any age, but rather it’s exclusively for adults aged 21 or older.

Geo 82, a tribute to the geodesic sphere and its inaugural year of 1982, officially launched on June 4th, 2025. This exclusive bar emerged in an area previously reserved exclusively for corporate sponsors, situated upstairs within Spaceship Earth’s building segment that hosts “Project Tomorrow,” the exit ride attraction. Reservations are required to access this sophisticated watering hole, offering a variety of adult beverages priced from $17 up to a $49 bourbon tasting experience. This new venture by Disney Corporation marks a shift in their focus towards catering to affluent adults without children, rather than the traditional family-oriented clientele.

What’s On the Horizon for Spaceship Earth?

It seems that Disney hasn’t given any signs yet about the specific overhaul planned for EPCOT’s major renovation in 2020. Since an official reopening date has not been announced, some people suspect that there could be more to this current refurbishment than just regular upkeep, suggesting it might involve further significant changes.

There’s been buzz about potential updates, such as a revamped storyline, new music, and even elements from the initial “Our Shared Story” concept resurfacing. Additionally, there’s hope for improvements in the animatronics since some have shown signs of malfunction or non-operation recently.

The track for this ride needs some TLC, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for some fresh video elements towards the end of the journey. For now, we can only guess what might happen, hoping that this iconic EPCOT attraction stays true to its roots. Since it’s one of the original opening day rides, it preserves the blend of education and entertainment – a key characteristic of the park when Future World was envisioned as a bright and optimistic future.

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2025-09-01 18:57