Disney Announces Reimagining of EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth

Overview

• Disney Imagineer Ali Rubinstein unveiled the reimagining at D23, saying the attraction will expand from a story of human communication to one of human connection that reaches into the internet age.
• The company confirmed the creative direction but has not said when Spaceship Earth will close for work, how long the project will take, or when the updated ride will reopen.
• Fans reacted with mixed emotions on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with many expressing frustration about visible, ongoing construction at EPCOT and wearying repeated closures.
• Recent history deepens that skepticism: Disney promised a major overhaul at D23 in 2019 and the ride saw only a modest refurbishment that reopened in October 2025 without new scenes or narration.
• The operational stakes are high because Spaceship Earth is EPCOT’s visual landmark, so Disney’s next announcements on scope and timing will determine how much the park’s guest experience is disrupted.