Tokyo Disneyland on Wednesday closed its highly popular Space Mountain ride for renovations until 2027, its operator said, after the roller coaster traveled a total of 22.6 million kilometers since its maiden voyage in 1983, equivalent to 29 round trips between the Earth and Moon.

While its general design will not change significantly, new sound and lighting effects promise to dazzle guests even further, said Oriental Land Co., which will invest around 56 billion yen ($372 million) in the makeover.

Supplied photo shows an artistic rendition of how Space Mountain ride (back) and its surrounding area will look in 2027 after renovation. (No trimming allowed)(Kyodo)

A new plaza is also set to be built at the attraction's home in Disneyland's futuristic "Tomorrowland" zone, with an Oriental Land spokesperson saying that "space travel will be more thrilling than ever before."

Guests on the final day received commemorative stickers of the ride and were able to take photos that made them appear as if they were in outer space.


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