Space Mountain Question

[bornwiththeears]

Happily I see that Space Mountain will be open in time for our December trip. Does anyone know if there have been any "enhancements" made to the ride.....or was it just regular maintenance?

 

[Robo]

Happily I see that Space Mountain will be open in time for our December trip. Does anyone know if there have been any "enhancements" made to the ride.....or was it just regular maintenance?

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=416877
(The Link is now dead, but the below was copied from it, verbatim.)


14th March 2009, 01:26
WDW Insider
Just Joined
WDWMAGIC Guest
*
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 28

Space Mountain Refurbishment Info

Hello all,

I just thought it might be nice to give you some information on the Space Mountain refurbishment. We're getting closer and closer, and while I know you're going to miss a third of our triple mountain trio, I know you'll be pleased when it reopens in time for the holiday season. So, here's some of the information that I am able to provide at this time:

- New lift mechanism installation
- Audio track being added to the ride experience
- Additional sound effect speakers being installed, along with upgraded audio quality
- Light levels are being adjusted to provide a darker experience as the ride was originally intended to have
- Banked hairpin turns installed
- Sloped quick-drops installed
- Significant track and structure upgrades
- Queue line is being modified for a more efficient queue
- Queue audio is receiving a significant upgrade
- Queue effects are receiving a significant upgrade
- Queue entry room rethemed
- New safety spiel videos added
- New (and expensive) star field projector added
- Upgraded and new projection effects
- Upgraded E-Brake system
- On-ride Special Effects overhaul (lighting and audio), including possibility of new CO2 effect
- Mannequin and set refurbishment
- Upgraded ride surveillance and control booth computer system installation (specifically reducing infrared-induced issues).
- Recarpeting
- Post-show refurbishment
- Tomorrowland Arcade refurbishment (modified layout)

Sorry I can't be more specific at this time, and I'm sure many of you have already heard most of these upgrades. I think the refurbishment will make many people happy by keeping the original Space Mountain "flavor" but plussing it so that it feels very modern and futuristic. Many of the things wihch I refer to as a "refurbishment" mean that all I know is it is receiving a "refurbishment," and while that is quite generic, it's all the information I have to give. Please note that as the refurbishment takes place, PR will begin to release information as per their PR schedule. Marketing will also be taking advantage of the "New Space Mountain."

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask although I probably won't have another chance to respond until Monday.

Thanks,

- WDW Insider

 

[PoohsFan1]

Thanks Robo...sounds like there are going to be some pretty awesome stuff on the new SM....Can't wait for December to come

 

[ElementCamper]

Hi Robo,

I get an error trying to use your posted link:

Invalid Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Great info...thanks so much ... I am looking forward to its opening...

 

[bornwiththeears]

Robo - thanks so much for taking the time to answer. Just another reason to look forward to our 23rd trip.

 

[wdwislife]

thanks Robo!
wow, can't wait to try SM in February! I was a bit worried that the ride would lose some of its old-fashioned disney magic with this refurb, but it honestly just sounds cool!

 

[Robo]

Hi Robo,

I get an error trying to use your posted link:

Invalid Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator

Looks like the link is now dead, but the info in my Post #2 was copied from it, verbatim.

I have more quotes, too.

---------------------------------------
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-disney0809jan08,0,5715705.story

Disney's Space Mountain will close for a makeover
Jason Garcia | Sentinel Staff Writer
January 8, 2009

One of Walt Disney World's iconic attractions is getting a makeover.

Disney said Wednesday that it will shut down Space Mountain this spring for what the company described as a months-long "refreshment" of the 34-year-old Magic Kingdom roller coaster.

The ride will close April 19, just after the Easter holiday. It is expected to reopen late in the year, Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger said, though a specific reopening date has not been set.

The timetable means Space Mountain will be closed throughout the busy summer-travel season.

The construction work will include installing new track inside the enclosed coaster, which carries guests in the dark through a series of sudden drops and sharp turns. The layout of the track will remain the same, however.

Other upgrades will include a new enclosure for the ride's queuing area and a new ceiling inside its signature white dome, Finger said.

Finger said the renovations are the first substantial work on the ride sinceSeptember 1999. The project follows a series of other makeovers Disney has made in recent years to some of its oldest attractions, including the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth in Epcot.

Disney fans have been swapping rumors for more than a year that the company was planning a sweeping overhaul of Space Mountain. In 2005, the Walt Disney Co. completed an extensive, two-year makeover of the Space Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

But the changes to Orlando's version of the ride -- it's the original Space Mountain, having opened Jan. 15, 1975 -- are likely to be more modest.

"We're retaining many of the classic elements that made Space Mountain a rite of passage at the Magic Kingdom that's been enjoyed by generations," Finger said.




Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com
---------------------------------------

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31467870&postcount=4

042209, 11:35 AM
* #4
cardramblues
Mouseketeer
*

*
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 135

The queue will be the same, but updated with new projections and interactive games (think Soarin' but cooler).

The entire track will be replaced with new higher guaged steel, but the layout WILL NOT change - this includes new brakes and conveyors of course, and new main lift chain.

Digital projections will be placed in the ride area (there are already a few currently in place) with some new effects.

The load area will be enclosed so you cannot see the ride area, but there will be star effects on the new load ceiling.

New rocket trains with audio soundtrack will make an appearance (they will still be single seaters like the current ones).

Quick reset conveyors to help make downtimes less time consuming.

Slight re-themeing of the unload area to make you feel like you truly just pulled into a space port.
The post show area is still up for debate - it may change or stay the same....no news yet.
---------------------------------------

 

[cbg1027]

I last rode Space Mtn in late March, and will be back in the MK on Dec 15! Perfect timing for a comparison...I cannot wait...it sounds like it's going to be even better than before!!!!!

 

[joshsmom]

Wow!! THanks for that rundown!! I can't wait to see (and feel) the new stuff!! I'm sure the track will be much smoother and it will be awesome!!!

 

[DonnaDuck]

Can't wait!!

 

[WEDWDW]

I am SO glad they are making Space Mountain "super dark" once again!It makes the ride SO much better!

 

[LMO429]

wow the new space mountain sounds amazing! I cant wait to ride it

is the projected opening date towards the end of novermber

 

[Robo]

is the projected opening date towards the end of novermber

Set to open Nov. 22.

 

[pipermae]

I missed it this year, so now I have to talk myself into riding it next year. I'm a big chicken.

 

[JasonsPrincess]

So excited

 

[Chelley00]

Set to open Nov. 22.

And chant with me "Open on time, Open on time"


DD really wants to ride it before we leave for home on the 22nd. I'm not holding my breath, though.

 

[disneymomof2boyz]

Will it still be a one-seater? My kids will be tall enough, but I would only let them at their age if it turned into a side-by-side seating arrangement.

 

[GOLFDISNEY72]

any news on previews for AP holder's? We are going down nov 1-8.

 

[rlovew]

Unless they were replacing the whole track I would guess it will still be one seat.