Space Mountain to close for renovations

Iconic Walt Disney World ride out of commission starting April 19

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Space Mountain at Disney World in Florida is pictured in 1979.

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updated 10:53 a.m. ET Jan. 8, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. - Space Mountain — one of Walt Disney World's most iconic attractions — will be closing this spring for a makeover.

Disney said Wednesday the ride in Orlando, Florida, will close April 19 so the 34-year-old attraction can be refurbished. Park officials expect the ride to reopen later in the year, but no date has been set.

Workers will replace the track, but the track layout won't change. A new enclosure will be added to the ride's waiting area, along with a new ceiling inside its prominent, white dome.

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The renovations are the first substantial work on the ride since September 1999.

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