The multiyear EPCOT transformation brought a lot of new things to a park that needed some updating.
We got a brand new ride in France, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a brand new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed ride, a new Moana-themed attraction, some new festival spaces, a new shop, new restaurants, and more. However, there was something that was initially announced as part of the transformation that never happened: an update to Spaceship Earth. Disney decided to abandon the project, though some Disney fans believe it is a mistake.
Spaceship Earth is a nice relaxing ride through the history of communications, which is VERY EPCOT. Not to mention, it’s INSIDE EPCOT’s park icon, a giant geodesic sphere. However, this ride, which was an opening day attraction for EPCOT, hasn’t been updated since 2007 — and that’s a problem.
Although the history of communications is fascinating (thank the Phoenicians), the final scene depicted is from the late 1970s, showing a man building one of the first home computers. But, as we know, this is only the BEGINNING of the modern era of communication where we now have tiny computers that fit in our pockets that are also occasionally phones. In other words, Spaceship Earth is incredibly outdated. Even Dame Judi Dench’s narration feels stale and old right now (no offense to Dame Judi Dench, though).
A recent AllEars review summed it up perfectly: “I really love this ride! However, it is extremely outdated and desperately needs an update! They need to fulfill their promise of updating this ride!”
Other reviewers refer to the ride as boring, and yes, we all joke about having taken a nap on it (we’re as guilty as anyone else). It needs a refresh to appeal to modern audiences, but it also needs to have its history updated to reflect modern times. We get that this is difficult, considering how fast technology advances now, but we could at least add in a scene about mobile phones, right?
The technology inside the ride could use a little love, too, and the ending could be better (one of our reviewers called it “embarrassing.”) We’re sure the ride STUNNED audiences when EPCOT first opened in 1982, but in 2024, it’s anything but impressive. That’s why so many of us were excited when the update was announced — and disappointed when we realized that Disney had decided to skip that part of the EPCOT transformation.
Spaceship Earth DID get some fancy new exterior lighting with the transformation, and maybe that’s why it feels even more disappointing that the inside of the ride isn’t quite as advanced as the outside.
We’re still holding out hope, though, that the update is still coming. We’re even hoping that maybe it’s one of the big announcements we get at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. But for now, many of us will just hop on Spaceship Earth when for the a/c and a little snooze.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
I Was in the WRONG Place at 9PM in EPCOT. Please Learn From My Mistake.
Join the AllEars.net Newsletter to stay on top of ALL the breaking Disney News! You'll also get access to AllEars tips, reviews, trivia, and MORE! Click here to Subscribe!
What do you think? Does Spaceship Earth need an update? Let us know in the comments!
The last three times I rode Spaceship Earth it broke down. The last time was at the very top and after 15 minutes the lights came on and we all had to walk down to get out. I haven’t gone on it since.