Disney Files Permit for Spaceship Earth Refurbishment at EPCOT Beginning August 25

Posted: Wednesday July 2, 2025 7:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement ahead of the upcoming refurbishment of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, set to begin August 25, 2025.

Spaceship Earth overview

The permit names Engineering Design Services, LLC as the contractor, with the scope listed simply as “General Construction.” According to the firm’s website, it focuses on structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering for themed entertainment projects - suggesting some of the work is possibly related to ride system maintenance and behind-the-scenes infrastructure.

While Disney has not officially announced any show changes, there have been recent indications that the in-vehicle video display screens may be updated during this closure. The current displays, used for the interactive descent experience, have remained largely unchanged since their introduction during the 2008 refurbishment.

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is expected to reopen later this year, though a specific return date has not been released. No major changes to narration or storyline are expected as part of this round of work.

EPCOT World Celebration

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James Alucobond5 days ago

They were beyond the point of cleaning returning them to that state.

Corylancaster5 days ago

Wonder if they are replacing, or just cleaning them?

tparris6 days ago

No more panels have been replaced since my last update, but here’s a quick comparison between the west and east sides of the building. The new panels really make a difference. The bottom row of panels still has not had any new panels installed in the second photo.

Gusey10 days ago

It's closing August 25th, with no return date yet, although its supposed to reopen in 2025. I'm not sure if it will reopen in time for your September trip though https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/spaceship-earth/news/02jul2025-disney-files-permit-for-spaceship-earth-refurbishment-at-epcot-beginning-august-25.htm

graphite132610 days ago

I haven't heard anything

Gusey10 days ago

It's supposed to at least be until the end of the year, right?

graphite132611 days ago

That's what I want to know. I'm going in September.

Chef idea Mickey`=11 days ago

Any attraction that you can easily go without having to focus or worry about how long you'd have to wait to ride and experience it. A ride that doesn't consume time waiting in a long line. Yep. Thank you

larryz12 days ago

Based on the context with comparison to LLs I'd say they mean "walk-on attractions." IOW, without need for reservations or long waits in line.

tparris13 days ago

The entire top row of panels has now been replaced.

Tha Realest16 days ago

If you don’t pay for LL every attraction is a walkable attraction (2 hours in queue, 5 min ride experience)

Picasso24316 days ago

Something like Moana's Journey of Water.

Bocabear16 days ago

what is a walkable attraction?

Chef idea Mickey`=16 days ago

The thing is Epcot and every park needs to maintain have walkable attractions. Coco will absolutely not be one. If there's no easy walkable rides then the park is no more fun and lightning lane rides everywhere would simply be greedy and using people.