A new video uploaded to YouTube may have just revealed the ride vehicle for the upcoming Space Mountain Earthrise attraction set to open at Tokyo Disneyland in 2027. In the video, we can see what appears to be an attraction ride vehicle, still under wraps, on the back of a truck near the attraction. While it’s exciting to see a ride vehicle, what makes this extra interesting is that it appears to be a spinning Omnicoaster, similar to the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT. Let’s take a closer look!
Spinning Omnicoaster Tech Coming to Tokyo’s Space Mountain
First announced in 2022, Tokyo Disneyland has undertaken a massive construction effort to rebuild its Space Mountain attraction in the Tomorrowland section of the theme park. The new version of the ride, rumored to be called Space Mountain Earthrise, was built behind the old version of the ride. Here’s a look at the new version of the attraction being constructed behind the old version of the ride, which was in the process of being demolished.
When the new version of Space Mountain was announced, Disney said that the new version of the ride would keep the original concept as a thrilling indoor coaster through space, but that it would include “enhanced performance and immersive special effects”.
That’s all Disney has announced up to this point, but a new video uploaded to YouTube by WD23 Studios appears to show how Disney will accomplish this “enhanced performance”.
In the screenshots below, we can see what appears to be a ride vehicle on the back of a flatbed truck behind the attraction. The vehicle looks to feature a sleek, low profile. What caught the attention of fans was that it appears to have a rotating base. This will very likely result in a controlled rotation throughout the experience, similar to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction at EPCOT.
The vehicle appears to leverage Walt Disney Imagineering’s Disney Omnicoaster, or storytelling roller coaster, technology. When talking about the Cosmic Rewind attraction, Imagineer Wyatt Winter said this about the Omnicoaster technology:
Our Disney Imagineers actually created this new technology and hold a patent as to how it is accomplished. What makes it unique is the ability to program and control that rotation to specific locations or times and allow guests to focus on the show taking place around them.
It’s really an evolution of that original Disney ride system that has been around for decades [and was patented in 1968]. We wanted the idea of having specific vistas or views while on the ride, like Haunted Mansion has, but now do it at high speeds! Good ideas never really go away at Walt Disney Imagineering, and this shows that something good just continues to evolve and become something new.
In a press release, Disney said that part of the inspiration for creating the Omnicoaster technology was to allow for the first reverse launch for a Disney roller coaster.
The storytelling Omnicoaster continues to have controlled spinning throughout the Cosmic Rewind attraction, not only directing guests’ attention, but also creating thrilling and unique ride sensations that make it one of the most popular rides at all of Walt Disney World.
Here’s a preview of the rotating capabilities of an Omnicoaster, as seen during the reveal video for the ride vehicles.
In terms of Space Mountain Earthrise, Walt Disney Imagineering has only offered a few details so far. By 2027, the new Tomorrowland area will see a newly rebuilt Space Mountain attraction, keeping the original concept as a thrilling indoor coaster that takes guests on a high-speed journey through space, but will include enhanced performance and immersive special effects. These will give guests even more thrills throughout their journey and will provide a greater connection between Earth and the universe.
According to Walt Disney Imagineering Producer Kathleen Davis, “I’m thrilled to introduce this attraction to guests. It’s not only a whole new ride experience, but the story also has so much emotion. Through the queue and then on the ride, we see our connection to our planet and gain a new perspective for how special it is in all the universe. It’s a roller coaster with both thrill and heart.”
In addition to the attraction, an all-new plaza in Tomorrowland will represent a future where humans are in harmony with nature. It will also give guests areas to rest and relax, while enjoying various icons and design elements that will create a sense of hope for the future. In the evenings, guests can enjoy lighting and sound effects that will further enhance their experience in this new area.
“With the overarching story of appreciating our home (Planet Earth), we are making this change to spread awareness of caring for our Earth and what she’s gifted us throughout time as we know it,” said Owen Yoshino, Senior Creative Director for Walt Disney Imagineering.
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