Space Mountain has never been the kind of attraction that simply stands still. For decades, Disney Imagineers have found new ways to send guests hurtling into the darkness — swapping soundtracks, stories, effects, and even entire ride identities. Now, one of the attraction's most beloved features is preparing to come back to life after more than 17 years sitting stationary.
A Ride That Never Stops Evolving
Long before Disney was building massive coaster experiences around Marvel and Star Wars, Space Mountain proved that an indoor roller coaster could become one of a theme park's signature attractions. The original opened at Magic Kingdom in 1975. Disneyland followed with its own version in 1977, Tokyo Disneyland introduced Space Mountain in 1983, Disneyland Paris opened Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune in 1995, and Hong Kong Disneyland joined the lineup in 2005.
Sharing the Space Mountain name, however, has never meant every version stays identical. Disneyland has seen temporary transformations including Rockin' Space Mountain, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, and Hyperspace Mountain. Hong Kong Disneyland also transformed its attraction into a Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Mountain experience.
Disneyland Paris has undergone some of the biggest changes of all. Its original attraction drew heavily from Jules Verne's vision of space travel. Disney eventually replaced that experience with Space Mountain: Mission 2 in 2005, sending riders beyond the Moon and farther into the cosmos. Years later, another transformation brought Star Wars into the mix through Hyperspace Mountain. After years of moving forward, Disneyland Paris is now preparing to look backward.
Disney Is Bringing Back a Piece of History
During D23 earlier this month, Disney confirmed that the current Hyperspace Mountain will eventually make way for a new interpretation of Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune. The project will revive the Jules Verne inspiration that defined the attraction when it first opened in 1995, restoring its original musical score while introducing updated effects, scenic details, queue elements, and modern technology. Hyperspace Mountain is currently scheduled to close at the end of 2027 before undergoing a several-month refurbishment.
One returning element could be especially noticeable for longtime fans. Imagineers confirmed that the 22-meter-long Columbiad Cannon will once again become an active part of the experience.
In the original storyline, the Baltimore Gun Club created the enormous cannon to launch "moontrains" toward the Moon. The elaborate structure features the Baltimore Gun Club logo, an archer, colorful decorations, and smiling sun designs. The cannon hasn't operated as intended since 2009, after repeated breakdowns left it stationary — meaning guests haven't experienced the working effect in approximately 17 years.
Disney now intends to change that. Once restored, the cannon will anchor the attraction's dramatic launch sequence, with riders accelerating from zero to 44 mph in less than two seconds. Disney has also teased new effects that will enhance the blast sequence.
Another Piece of the Attraction Is Returning Soon
Fans won't have to wait for the full ride transformation to get their hands on something connected to the Columbiad Cannon. A limited-edition replica figure of the Space Mountain feature is returning to Disneyland Paris, going on sale on September 4 while supplies last. Guests can find it at Deco by Disney in Disney Village and at Harrington's Fine China & Porcelain on Main Street, U.S.A.
The timing makes the merchandise return particularly meaningful — Disney announced the collectible shortly after confirming plans to restore the real Columbiad Cannon. What was once a piece of Space Mountain history is preparing to become part of the active attraction once more.
Another Space Mountain Is Heading Into the Future
Disneyland Paris isn't the only Disney destination with a major Space Mountain project on the horizon. Tokyo Disneyland is preparing to introduce Space Mountain Earthrise in 2027, and it's heading in almost the opposite direction.
Despite retaining the Space Mountain name, Earthrise won't simply be a refresh of the former attraction. Disney is developing a new indoor roller coaster with a different architecture, a new ride system, theatrical effects, and an entirely new storyline. Guests will launch away from Earth and travel deeper into the cosmos as lighting and audio effects recreate different space phenomena around them. For the first time on a Tokyo Disney Resort roller coaster, the ride vehicles will also feature onboard audio.
The term "Earthrise" refers to the sight of Earth appearing over the Moon's horizon when viewed from space. Disney says the attraction will use that idea to emphasize Earth's beauty and its place within the universe. The familiar Space Mountain spirit will survive, but nearly everything surrounding it is being rebuilt for a new generation.
Space Mountain's Past and Future Are Colliding
Disney's latest plans show just how differently the company can approach one of its most famous attractions. Tokyo Disneyland is rebuilding Space Mountain around a new ride system and story. Disneyland Paris, meanwhile, is rediscovering the Jules Verne identity that made its version stand apart in the first place.
For Disneyland Paris guests, that includes something they haven't seen working since 2009. After roughly 17 years sitting stationary, the Columbiad Cannon is preparing to fire again — and send a new generation of Space Mountain riders toward the Moon.