After operating throughout the summer, on September 1, 1996, the Universe of Energy attraction finally closed for good <ref name= "Martin"/>. Subsequently, on September 15th 1996, Ellen's Energy Crisis had its first soft opening <ref name= "book"/>. A few weeks later, On October 1, 1996, the attraction's name was changed to Ellen’s Energy Adventure, and its official Grand Opening was held<ref name= "book"/>. On hand for the festivities were attraction stars Alex Trebeck and Bill Nye the Science Guy <ref name= "Progress"> http://progresscityusa.com/energy/rehab.htm </ref>.
Following Ellen's Energy Adventure's opening, the attraction experienced a relatively few number of changes. In 2001, Exxon and Mobil merged, and thus ExxonMobil became the sponsor of the attraction <ref name= "Martin"/>. This sponsorship was short-lived however, because in 2004 the company chose not to renew <ref name= "book"/>. Next, in In 2009 the attraction's ride and sound system was upgraded <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/ellens-energy-adventure/news/20nov2008-ellen's-energy-adventure-refurbishment-in-2009.htm </ref>.
On July 15, 2017, Disney announced that Ellen's Energy Adventure (and the Universe of Energy pavilion as a whole) would be closing on August 13, 2017 to make way for a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction <ref> http://themeparkuniversity.com/disney/universe-energy-closing-august-13th-2017/ </ref>.