Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon is making its grand return to Disneyland Paris
For millions of visitors, the Columbiad cannon and its iconic soundtrack remain etched in memory: Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon is coming back to Disneyland Paris, this time with a full-scale renovation. Announced at the D23 Expo 2026, the project marks the end of the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain era and the rebirth of one of Discoveryland’s founding attractions.
What fans will rediscover in the renovated version
Since its opening in 1995, Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon had established a powerful retro-futurist world drawn directly from the novels of Jules Verne. The Columbiad cannon, the centrepiece of the attraction’s scenery, and the original score composed by Steve Bramson left a lasting impression on guests. After a decade spent under the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain theme, the park has confirmed that the attraction will reclaim its original identity.
In practical terms, several historic elements will be making their return. The Stellar Highway will once again feature in the queue, which is being completely redesigned. The music will not simply be reused, it will undergo a full remaster. As for the Columbiad cannon, Michel den Dulk, Portfolio Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, confirmed at the D23 Expo that it will be restored to its full glory, with its signature effects brought back.
New scenery and enhanced special effects will round out the transformation. Walt Disney Imagineering Paris has made clear that the goal is not to recreate the 1995 attraction identically, but rather to build on its legacy and deliver a renewed experience. Keith Rector, Senior Manager and Creative Art Director, noted that this new version will incorporate all the innovations and technologies introduced to the attraction over the years.
Existing technical upgrades will be kept in place
The renovation is not starting from scratch on the technical side. Disneyland Paris has confirmed that the various improvements made to the attraction in recent years will be retained. Among them, the new dome lighting unveiled in 2025 will be carried over into the renovated version.
The question of track replacement, however, remains open. A closure lasting several months raises the possibility of a retrack, a partial or complete replacement of the original rails installed in 1995. At this stage, the park has not confirmed any rail replacement. Guests will need to wait for further announcements to learn more about this specific aspect of the works.
Key dates for Disneyland Paris fans to keep in mind
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain will remain open until its planned closure at the end of 2027. Renovation work will then begin, lasting several months. The reopening date for Space Mountain: From the Earth to the Moon has not yet been announced by the park.
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain closure planned for end of 2027
- Return of the Stellar Highway in the redesigned queue
- Steve Bramson’s score fully remastered
- Columbiad cannon restored with its original effects
- 2025 dome lighting retained in the new version
This comeback is part of the New Magic programme, launched by Disneyland Paris to modernise several of the park’s historic attractions. Further details about the renovation are expected to be revealed in the coming months, according to the park. For fans of the original attraction, the wait promises to be a long one, but the announcements made so far suggest a return well worth the anticipation.
