Space mountain refurb

[wildeoscar]

April 19th space mt will close for the massive year long re design

[mandymommy4]

yay! I am so glad they are going to improve it!

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

I was just about to post about it, you beat me too it. Well i'm happy and sad.

I'm sad because I'm arriving at WDW on April 26th so the rehab will have just started. I'm happy for the update and then it gives me a great reason to come back after the refurb is complete. Not that I have to have a reason to return to WDW :)

[exwdwcm]

so this will be the major overhaul to make it like DL? I know it has different ride vehicles- what else will they change? ......besides getting rid of the 70s mannequins or animontronic figures. :rotfl:

We are going Dec 11-20, 2009, maybe it will have soft openings by then. I can hope, right?:rotfl:

[cathie1327]

I really hope it's like the DL one....

I went to Disneyland in 2006 and 2007, then this last year finally, for the first time I went to Disneyworld. I was SO excited to go on Space Mountain because it was my fave ride at DL. Imagine my shock and disappointment when I found out it was almost a completely different ride.

I like the DL one much much much better. It's a much smoother ride. I must say from a woman's perspective, and one who has um....lots to bounce around, the WDW Space Mountain hurt lol. Too much jolting and jerking lol.

[Jennygt]

i love sm but it does geta little jerky at times, I would love to know more about sm in dL and what changes I can expect.

[hannah's dad]

I'm happy for the timing, as we go again the second week in March. I had assumed SM would have been closed for our trip, but this is a happy surprise.

[Sk8Leigh]

The DL SM has great music and light effects. It's a really great ride! I don't even ride it at WDW anymore, because it just doesn't measure up! If they make the WDW ride anywhere close to the DL ride, it'll be a great improvement, well worth the closure time. :yay:

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

After listening to the conversations they had on the podcast, I am inclined to think it's in the same vein, but not the same style. I just can't see them doing a gut of the entire structure in that short of time. I can see them replacing the track, but keeping the same style of vehicle. (not broke, don't fix it budgeting). It would be a massive budget to take the 2 track system out and they would lose a lot of their ride capacity if they cut down to a single track. The side-by-side seating vehicles are too long to put enough of them on the track at the same time (definitely a safety concern).

When we were down for 18 months, they came in an did multiple things. They did NOT change the layout or basic design of the ride.

They DID:

Replace the rickety track with new smoother tubular steel. This is what gave it it's newfound zest.
Replaced and enhanced some of the special effects.
Did a major remodel/rehab on the structure of the dome ceiling. They coated the entire surface to included sealing up any sources of light leaks and cracks that allowed additional light to brighten the massive room. This was a major undertaking.
They did a slight revamp to repair and recondition the failing audio system on the ride. It got to the point where the audio system that was installed in the last upgrade would no longer work due to the rattling and shaking of the cars on the poor track.


If all that took 18 months, can you imagine how long a complete gut and new design addition would take?

[safetymom]

The ride is only closed until late 2009. I don't know how much time they need to create the new version. Does anyone know?

[Sk8Leigh]

I don't think they need to change the track or ride vehicle design. To me that isn't what's made DL better. Just changing the track out to make it smoother and changing the lighting and music effects will be plent, IMO.

[FireDancer]

Any work on how the referb will effect TTA? I'm hoping they just cover up the Space Mountain portion and don't close the whole ride. In a perfect world they would allow the riders to see the construction as it happens, but I'm quite sure they won't do that.

[Button]

Well I love it how it is and wish the only 2 things they would change is the wait time and the dreadful long walk out at the end.

In DL Paris they have a fab ride called Mission Space 2. It's a coaster that launches you (like Rock N Rollercoaster)

Here's a site with some pics and stats.

http://www.rcdb.com/ig959.htm

[firemanx]

awsome news.

[crazytp93]

This is great!

We're going to be in WDW from April 14-18th, so this is perfect!

[cchev]

Yeah ditto...it seemed like on the rumors that it would be closed before than and I'll be there in March so this is really good :)

[auroralark]

I'm glad to hear this, too. SM has always been my least favorite "mountain", and I'm looking forward to the changes!

[BeamsofLight]

After listening to the conversations they had on the podcast, I am inclined to think it's in the same vein, but not the same style. I just can't see them doing a gut of the entire structure in that short of time. *snip*
When we were down for 18 months, they came in an did multiple things. They did NOT change the layout or basic design of the ride.

This is the first thing I thought when I heard the timing. If they're only planning to be down 8-ish months (max, since it says 'late 09' for the finish - unless this becomes like Test Track and the perpetual 'opening soon') I can't see them doing a total overhaul on the ride.

I'm kind of glad about that, really. I would like the ride to be less jerky, and it'd be cool if they could incorporate the sound system, but I like the basic layout of the ride as it is. Looking forward to seeing what they do.

[sanapunk]

Kim Does Not Like Change! O_o

[quietgirll]

im glad they are finally doing it....now im trying to convince dgf we should go before april to get "one last ride"...lol...of course, when we went in sept, AND dec, we went thinking- this could be our last ride before the refurb!

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Oh well I didnt get one last ride before it closes my trip starts the 27th of April. Will TTA still be open that is my sons favorite ride. Anyone know?

[Joshua_me]

It's hard to say....

If it's going to be shutdown for a full year, then I'm imagining that they are going to rip out the old track and start from scratch.

Considering there hasn't been an upgrade since the 70's, it's much needed...

I'd expect new 'side by side' vehicles, a new surround audio system like they've done in the HM. (amazing, btw) And special visual effects the likes of which we can't imagine....

It's gonna be a cruel, cruel summer in Tomorrowland, but it'll be worth it..

:goodvibes

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

It's hard to say....

If it's going to be shutdown for a full year, then I'm imagining that they are going to rip out the old track and start from scratch.

Considering there hasn't been an upgrade since the 70's, it's much needed...

I'd expect new 'side by side' vehicles, a new surround audio system like they've done in the HM. (amazing, btw) And special visual effects the likes of which we can't imagine....


It's a nice wish, but trust me - after 18 months downtime at DL for just track replacement and building refurb - they don't have enough time to do that massive of an overhaul - you would be looking at downtime of over 2-3 years - the time it takes to build a completely new attraction - and it doesn't make financial sense for them. They would have to rip out the TTC track and redo it - not happening. Tha building is designed for 2 tracks with single seating. It would be too costly to go side by side - especially in this economy, when they are cutting everything else.

If you want more proof of that logic - look at the amount of time that hall of Presidents is down this year - just for building refurb and show "tune-up".

[Hewolf]

I am a bit upset about the closure myself. I am going to DW on May 25th for a week on my honeymoon. Obviously the ride will be closed during my trip. I have only been on SM a couple times when I was at DW a few years back. It was definetly one of my favorite rides. I understand that the ride may need its updates, but I don't go to DW often due to a lack of funds. It is sad for me to know that one of my favorite rides will be closed during one of the few times I will be at DW.

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I guess my theory is that I would rather see a ride closed for necessary maintenance and repair, rather than to read in the paper, or God forbid - experience it myself, that there were injuries due to maintenance issues due to lack of needed upkeep. I don't think people look at it from that stance.

I know it's not much consolation, if your heart is set with a "make or break my vacation" thought, but try this...

With all of the thousands of experiences waiting for you at WDW, it may be a minor disappointment, but the hour you might have spent waiting there, could create the memory of a lifetime somewhere else!

[SpaceMtnFan]

Im glad that Space Mountain will be rehabed. It needs to be refurb. I will be comming back to WDW in 2010 so I will be looking forward to riding the Refurbed Space Mountain next year. Question: Will the TTA be running through Space Mountain durring the Rehab so guest will get to see the rehab in progress?:thumbsup2

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I can't see them closing the TTA. I also can't see them letting you watch the construction - takes away from the magic.

I'm betting they do the usual Disney thing and putting a construction wall up or even boxing in the TTA track, so nothing falls on guest heads. Just an educated guess based on past experiences. We don't have a Peoplemover anymore, or the Rocket Rods, so that wasn't an issue here in DL.

[SoScary'09]

It probably won't be finished by Halloween, but I'm defenitely glad to hear about the rehab.

[nenner1]

It has been posted that the TTA will be closed during the rehab.

I'm so glad they are finally getting around to it, SM really needs some TLC.
While I don't expect (or necessarily want) a DL clone, there are plenty of little things they can do to update our version.

The purist in me hopes the follwing:

1. While new asteroid projectors are pretty much necessary, please leave us one "chocolate chip cookie". Just one.

2. No in ride audio unless it is the same cool ambient space sound that plays in the queue. I don't like the DL music. This isn't RNRC, its SPACE....kwim?

3. I know they are sooooooo cheesy 70's but leave one of those 3-D planet convex window things in the star tunnel area of the queue.

4. Leave the conveyor. Please update the dioramas and do something else in the camera area..but the conveyor belt is classic. I don't even mind if people stand and ride it, instead of walking it. (I DO mind when they do it at Universal).

:thumbsup2

[auroralark]

It has been posted that the TTA will be closed during the rehab.



Nooo! Now I'm sad. That's one of my favorites. Oh well.

[safetymom]

In the past when they did work they put up screening so you couldn't see them working. Hopefully they will do that this time.

[UrsulasShadow]

I'm glad it's going for refurb. Last time I went on it, it jerked me around so bad I couldn't walk afterwards. My whole side spasmed. Should have seen me hobbling around Tomorrowland, creeping onto the TTA to recover....

[Joshua_me]

It's a nice wish, but trust me - after 18 months downtime at DL for just track replacement and building refurb - they don't have enough time to do that massive of an overhaul - you would be looking at downtime of over 2-3 years - the time it takes to build a completely new attraction - and it doesn't make financial sense for them.

I honestly believe that one year is more than enough time to build a new roller coaster. I agree that the economy is 'circling the bowl' right now, but Disney knows they need to spend money to make money.

We're far from alone in our obsession for SM. If Disney does it up right, then hypes the holy heck out of it, folks will come from far and wide just to experience it again.

I hope they don't drop the ball on this one...

[Northern_Julie]

I did Dine with an Imagineer back in October. It was heavily hinted at that there would be a photopass picture at some point . Also the audio for the TTA is being redone...not sure if this is to correspond with the SM closure or reopening.

[NDM#1]

It has been posted that the TTA will be closed during the rehab.

I'm so glad they are finally getting around to it, SM really needs some TLC.
While I don't expect (or necessarily want) a DL clone, there are plenty of little things they can do to update our version.

The purist in me hopes the follwing:

1. While new asteroid projectors are pretty much necessary, please leave us one "chocolate chip cookie". Just one.

2. No in ride audio unless it is the same cool ambient space sound that plays in the queue. I don't like the DL music. This isn't RNRC, its SPACE....kwim?

3. I know they are sooooooo cheesy 70's but leave one of those 3-D planet convex window things in the star tunnel area of the queue.

4. Leave the conveyor. Please update the dioramas and do something else in the camera area..but the conveyor belt is classic. I don't even mind if people stand and ride it, instead of walking it. (I DO mind when they do it at Universal).

:thumbsup2

I am with you except I won't miss the chocolate chip cookies. I LOVE the space sounds in the queque and the convex windows. I will cry if they remove the conveyor belt, but I don't mind them changing the stuff you look at when riding it.

I want to add that while the 70s animatronics are outdated, that is practically my favorite part of the ride. If they must do something, I hope they just bring it up-to-date, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave us a space station scene with animatronics!

[drakethib]

I think it needs it.

It looks like has never changed from the orginal IMHO.

[Sk8Leigh]

2. No in ride audio unless it is the same cool ambient space sound that plays in the queue. I don't like the DL music. This isn't RNRC, its SPACE....kwim?

The music is the best part of the DL SM!

I did Dine with an Imagineer back in October. It was heavily hinted at that there would be a photopass picture at some point . Also the audio for the TTA is being redone...not sure if this is to correspond with the SM closure or reopening.

The DL SM has Photopass.

[firsttimemom]

I'm glad it's going for refurb. Last time I went on it, it jerked me around so bad I couldn't walk afterwards. My whole side spasmed. Should have seen me hobbling around Tomorrowland, creeping onto the TTA to recover....

I totally agree! I do it once and then sit out while DH takes the kids over (and over and over). Plus, I get the same feeling that John does- like the overhead bars are so low you could be decapitated. I don't get that feeling at all at DL.

[noladave]

I've only been to DL once, and that was 2 years ago - SM was so much better at DL. I hope they do the rehab/refurb right (make it like DL), and not do a spit and polish job.

[DisneyLily]

Whenever a major ride such as Space Mountain goes down for rehab there always seems to be some upset folks. I understand why, but here's a thought. No matter what time they close Space Mountain for rehab, it's going to affect people's trips because they look forward to this ride. However, think about this: If disney was to suit everyones schedule for say or such than the ride would never get rehabbed, and than it would probably crash and burn (ok not really) but still. It's not the end of the world (or not in my opinion).

I feel bad for those who are going when SM is closed and they really wanted to ride it. But im glad it's going for a rehab.

[cathie1327]

I honestly believe that one year is more than enough time to build a new roller coaster. I agree that the economy is 'circling the bowl' right now, but Disney knows they need to spend money to make money.

We're far from alone in our obsession for SM. If Disney does it up right, then hypes the holy heck out of it, folks will come from far and wide just to experience it again.

I hope they don't drop the ball on this one...

I don't think it will be closed for an entire year though, it sounds like it's from April to later this year...does anyone have an idea on the end date?

[alebisi]

I don't think it will be closed for an entire year though, it sounds like it's from April to later this year...does anyone have an idea on the end date?

on disney's site you can only see the refurbishment till july of 2009.... we'll have to wait to know....

[MerMom60_94]

We're headed down April 17th. Guess I'll have to make SM my first stop!!

[disneygrlkat]

I always come off the ride with a sore neck and shoulders, because I'm constantly shrugging or ducking down because I'm worried I'll hit my head (and I'm not even very tall!) Maybe they can do something about that?

But really, I'm excited for this update and I look forward to seeing what Disney does with it.

[hookedonears]

We'll be there from April 12-16, and everyone and there dog is going to want to come and ride SM before it closes for a year. I bet Disney even advertises for everyone to come and ride before it closes. Not that the world isn't going to be crazy crowded anyway during this date. I expect it's going to be stupid crowded now.