Fans are literally screaming that the Magic Kingdom’s most famous attraction requires some work!
A case can be made that Space Mountain is the most famous family of attractions that Disney Imagineering has ever devised. Based on an indoor roller coaster set in a spaceport concept that was partially developed by Walt Disney himself in the 1960s, the original version of the coaster opened at the Magic Kingdom in 1975, and quickly became the park’s most popular attraction. In the five decades since, versions have been built in Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong.
While the original Disney World version of Space Mountain remains one of the resort’s most popular attractions from a wait times perspective, many fans would agree that the coaster is in serious need of a refurbishment.
The 50-year-old ride, currently the oldest operating roller coaster in the state of Florida, most recently underwent a large refurbishment in 2009. During that $12.3 million project, the ride received modernized, refurbished trains, new effects, and a redesigned loading station. However, in the 15+ years since, complaints have built that the coaster and its cars lead to a rough ride, with many jokingly (we think?) suggesting that an on-site chiropractor should be installed in the post-show area.
The ride’s reputation hasn’t been helped by the addition of the brand new to the U.S. and incredibly smooth TRON Lightcycle/Run right next door…
… as well as the year+ long refurbishment of the Magic Kingdom’s other legendary coaster — Big Thunder Mountain — that’s currently on-going.
As Space Mountain passes its 50th birthday at the Magic Kingdom, many fans of the attraction are wondering just when Disney is going to update the classic coaster again… at least so they can stop screaming in pain every time they ride. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney World’s attractions.
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What are your thoughts on the state of Space Mountain? Let us know in the comments below.
I guess jarring would be the best description. And I didn’t notice that when I was younger. I remember in the 1990’s there were TV’s in the queue area and something about flying to planets maybe?
We think Space Mountain is bumpier than it used to be, though we aren’t sure whether that is because we’re older than we used to be too….
I always enjoy it when it does go down though. We pop on the People Mover so that we can look at Space Mountain with the lights on.
Tokyo Disneyland is rebuilding their Space Mountain from scratch..
Disney should do this in all the parks..