First Wreck-It Ralph ride opens at Tokyo Disneyland on its 44th birthday

Tokyo Disneyland has finally set an opening date for Ralph's first theme park attraction, and the park chose one with built-in meaning. Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue opens April 15, 2027, the same day Tokyo Disneyland marks 44 years since its 1983 debut.

A birthday opening for Ralph's first ride

The new Tomorrowland attraction will be the first ride anywhere in the world based on Walt Disney Animation Studios' Wreck-It Ralph. It moves into the space formerly occupied by Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, which closed on Oct. 31, 2024.

Tokyo Disneyland is keeping the competitive spirit of that earlier attraction. Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue uses an upgraded version of the same ride system, so guests will still aim at targets and build a score.

The story centers on King Candy, who has turned parts of the Sugar Rush racing game's candy landscape, including gummies, lollipops, bubble gum and ice cream, into Sugar Bugs. Those creatures are trying to eat the kingdom, and riders team up with Ralph and Vanellope to change them back into their cute, or kawaii, selves.

Each ride vehicle comes with built-in scanners. Guests earn points based on the type and number of Sugar Bugs they restore, and their total appears on screens at the end of the attraction. For a limited time, results will also be available in the Tokyo Disney Resort app, along with ride photos guests can purchase.

What arrives before opening day

The attraction's rollout starts months earlier. A smartphone mini-game launches Jan. 12, 2027, letting fans practice at home, with a special version also available inside the park.

Tomorrowland then gets Ralph-themed decorations and photo spots on Feb. 18. On March 18, Sugar Rush projections begin on Cinderella Castle.

Food is part of the launch too. A new Sugar-Lime popcorn flavor goes on sale March 17 at Popping Station, a new stand overlooking Tomorrowland Plaza, as well as at popcorn wagons around the park. Tokyo Disneyland restaurants will also introduce special menu items tied to the attraction's debut.

Opening day also brings Pixel Prism, a new shop in the former Planet M location next door. Disney says the store is designed like a digital marketplace, with pixel-patterned floors, fiber optic details and a glowing pixel sculpture at the entrance. Planned merchandise includes plush, candy and toys inspired by the ride's scanners.

Part of a much larger Tomorrowland rebuild

Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue is one piece of a broader Tomorrowland project at Tokyo Disney Resort. Oriental Land Co. has put the Ralph attraction's cost at about 29.5 billion yen, while the wider redevelopment, including a rebuilt Space Mountain and the surrounding area, is estimated at roughly 100 billion yen.

That replacement coaster, Space Mountain Earthrise, is also due in 2027, though it still does not have an opening date. The original Space Mountain closed in July 2024. Earthrise is set to send riders from Earth into deep space and will feature onboard audio, a first for a Tokyo Disney Resort coaster.

Both headline attractions sit around the new Tomorrowland Plaza, which uses fire, water, earth and wood motifs along with sun and moon lighting.