Showing posts with label Space Mountain. Show all posts
Space Mountain - Bringing 40 Years Of Thrills To Disney World
The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort welcomed its first thrill ride called Space Mountain on January 15, 1975. Now 40 years later it still is one of the famed Disney World Mountains and guest favorite attraction.
STARPORT SEVEN-FIVE
There are several references to the 1975 start for this iconic attraction. As you make your way through the queue you will encounter this sign that says "Welcome Space Travelers STARPORT SEVEN-FIVE Your Gateway To The Galaxy"
Again as you are preparing to board your rocket you will see the reference to Startport Seven-Five. By the way, in case you didn't know the two sides of the track are referred to as ALPHA and OMEGA.
You can even see a nod to Starport Seven-Five while you are riding the Peoplemover (aka Tomorrowland Transportation Authority).
Racing Rockets
Back when Space Mountain debuted it was certainly the first of its kind. Originally inspired by the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland, Space Mountain needed to fit into the Tomorrowland theme. Placing a roller coaster inside a darkened building was never done before, but aided in making the sharp turning roller coaster feel much faster than it actually was and greatly enhanced the "thrill" of the ride.The ride vehicle is shaped and styled to look like a rocket for you to enjoy your trip into space. The tight fitting, single wide, rocket transports you only up to speeds of 27 mph, but you will swear it is much faster.
Here is a rare picture that captures some of the track while the lights were on. This 2 minute and 35 second ride is non-stop excitement that uses the dark combined with quick turns and elevation changes to provide a great experience for all who dare to ride.
Space Mountain - Disney World Mountain
Disney World's first mountain still provides the iconic shape that is recognized all over the world. After the original was created for Florida, 4 other Space Mountains have been erected in Disney parks all over the world, giving us five in all.Forty years seems like a long time, but this iconic Disney Attraction continues to be one of the most popular Rides in the Magic Kingdom and thrills guests of all ages!
Disney World's First Mountain: Space Mountain
Disney World got its first mountain 35 years ago as Space Mountain opened to the public in the Magic Kingdom on January 15th, 1975.
Birth of Space Mountain
Although it was not actually built until several years after his death, Walt Disney initiated the concept of having a roller coaster type attraction that operated in the dark. He also had envisioned projecting images on the inside walls to enhance the experience.
John Hench had drawn the earliest sketches of what was then called Space Port in 1965. It ended up being very close to what was eventually built in the Magic Kingdom, the first of five Space Mountains to be built in Disney Parks all over the world.
The Space Mountain Experience
The experience of the Space Mountain attraction starts as soon as you enter the 180 foot tall and 300 feet in diameter building. You quickly come to see the sign pictured below welcoming you (the Space Traveler) to Starport Seven-Five "Your Gateway To The Galaxy."
Whether you realized it or not, when you reached this sign, you are no longer in Tomorrowland any more. You are now on a Starport, a sort of space station for space travelers, located somewhere in outer space.
Take close notice as you look at all of the props located in the queue area and you will realize that you "are" on a Starport.
The seven-five designation is a tribute to the date that the attraction opened.
If you have not had a chance to ride Space Mountain since its recent renovations in 2009, you will notice dramatic differences in the ride queue. The most noticeable difference is the addition of the interactive games that line the latter portion of the queue. Now you will have the opportunity to play games while you wait. The games are set up for short interactive sessions to allow you to play without holding up the line. This is certainly a welcomed addition.
The neon blue of the staging area is also a noticeable difference. It gives the area a totally different look than it had previously. While you are waiting make sure that you look around and notice all of the details that surround you, including the ceiling.
Once you have been loaded into your rocket, it is time to blast off for your trip back to Tomorrowland and the Magic Kingdom. This is what you have been waiting for.
It doesn't matter if you have gotten in the Alpha or the Omega side of the queue. The two tracks are virtually identical mirror images of each other.
Rocket Into Space
The thrill of Space Mountain is the fact that the ride is dark and you cannot see where you are going next. This is even more true after the 2009 upgrade, as the ride is definitely darker. The ride is also smoother now, which definitely makes for a better ride experience.
Although you never get above 30 mph, this roller coaster feels much faster due to the quick turns and the thrill of the unexpected as you race along. This classic Disney attraction is still a hit and a must do.
Tomorrowland Station MK-1
At the end of the ride you have safely reached your destination, Tomorrowland Station, MK-1. You have returned to the Magic Kingdom from your thrilling journey in outer space.
The scenes in the post ride have been updated as well. Take the time to notice the details as you are making your way back to the exit of Space Mountain.
Space Mountain Is 35 Years Young and Still Thrilling
Even after being the Magic Kingdom's signature attraction for 35 years, Space Mountain is still a thrilling ride. It isn't the fastest roller coaster, but the unique Disney combination of great storytelling combined with the technical ability to create a true "dark ride" make this trip through space one that Disney Guests always look forward to.
The 2009 improvements to the ride queue, adding interactive games, and the improvements to the ride itself, darker and smoother ride, keep Space Mountain as a highly recommended attraction and a must do for all Magic Kingdom visitors.
A Glimpse Inside Disney World's Space Mountain With The Lights On
The thrill of Space Mountain is the unknown. With the cloak of darkness covering the tracks, you rocket though the mountain not knowing what comes next. This certainly heightens the experience.
Although I wouldn't want to ride Space Mountain with the lights on, I have always wanted a better look at the track and how it is configured.
Recently, while riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) I had my opportunity. Space Mountain was experiencing some technical difficulties, so the inside lights were turned on, exposing the seldom seen tracks to lucky passersby.
I apologize for the photo quality, but I had only one chance to get these pictures from the moving TTA vehicle. The gleaming track still shines of the newness from the recently completed renovation.
For those of you that have always wanted a glimpse inside the contraption that brings all of those wonderful thrills, enjoy!
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Space Mountain
Disney World's Favorite Mountain - Space Mountain Will Soon Be Better Than Ever
The many months of refurbishment for Space Mountain are almost over. As any Disney World fan knows Space Mountain is the king of the fabled Disney Mountains and the Magic Kingdom hasn't been the same since it shut down for an extensive refurbishment.
The official Disney Blog shared some glimpes of what the "new" Space Mountain will look like inside and how things are changed.
The first picture is a look at how the line queue looks when you are in the final waiting stage, just before you board the roller coaster. The lighting looks incredible.
One of the key changes is how you will wait in line. They are adding interactive games to help you pass the time and get more out of the "Space Mountain Experience".
Here is what they said at the official Disney Blog:
These improvements, along with a new track (same path just replaced the old track) are finishing up and Space Mountain is scheduled to fully re-open on November 21st.
Conclusion - Can't Wait!
I am really looking forward to being able to check out the new and improved Space Mountain during my next visit. It sounds like the classic attraction is intact with additional features, like the interactive games in the queue, that should make the experience better than ever.
The official Disney Blog shared some glimpes of what the "new" Space Mountain will look like inside and how things are changed.
The first picture is a look at how the line queue looks when you are in the final waiting stage, just before you board the roller coaster. The lighting looks incredible.
Here is what they said at the official Disney Blog:
Passengers will be able to immerse themselves in unique game play as they prepare for blast off, becoming part of the space station adventure. During a recent walkthrough, we deflected asteroids to keep runways clear as part of the story.
The interactive experiences are based on duties you’d find on board a long-traveling space craft, according to Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright. Each game lasts about 90 seconds with a 90-second interval and the games can accommodate 86 players at one time.
As you move along on your journey, there are “insider” touches typical in projects created by Imagineers. For example, if you’re up on your Disney trivia, you’ll recognize a sign bearing the logo “H-NCH 1975″ as a tribute to late Imagineer and Disney legend John Hench. There are also other “Disneyphile” references hidden throughout the attraction.
Space Mountain celebrates the Golden Age of Rocket Travel – inspired by the jet age of the early 1960s. The attraction highlights excitement around the endless possibilities regarding space travel. It did back when it opened in 1975 and I think you’ll agree it still does.
These improvements, along with a new track (same path just replaced the old track) are finishing up and Space Mountain is scheduled to fully re-open on November 21st.
Conclusion - Can't Wait!
I am really looking forward to being able to check out the new and improved Space Mountain during my next visit. It sounds like the classic attraction is intact with additional features, like the interactive games in the queue, that should make the experience better than ever.
Construction Photos From Outside Space Mountain - The Refurbishment Is Almost Completed!
Walking through Tomorrowland without the anticipation of riding the Magic Kingdom's signature roller coaster doesn't quite have the same feel. It definitely feels like something is missing.
The long refurbishment of Space Mountain is nearly over and it anticipated to be completed on November 21st just in time for the holiday crowds.
You can now ride the TTA (Tomorrowland Transit Authority) through Space Mountain with the lights on. Sadly, they have put up screens to prevent you from seeing the new track, but you are teased nonetheless. It does look like there will be an expanded viewing of Space Mountain from the TTA when all of the screens are removed. That should be a great addition.
Outside Space Mountain changes are coming also. Here are some pictures showing the construction going on at the entrance.
You can notice the new Fastpass location that is on the left and will be in front of the exit of the ride.
The large area in front of Space Mountain appears to be prepared to receive some sort of structure or maybe a fountain.
The last picture is of the area that formerly held the long abandoned Tomorrowland Skyway station. It too is being refurbished. I do not have official confimation of what will be going there, although there have been rumors about another restaurant.Hopefully the construction will be completed smoothly and we can have our Space Mountain back in another 3 weeks!
