Space Mountain Refurbishment

[Rumors Rocks]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...ce-mountain-during-upcoming-refurbishment.htm

We reported yesterday that the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain coaster will be closing during periods of September for refurbishment and we now have a little more information on what work is expected to be done.

It appears that at least part of the work will involve trim brakes being added along the track with the aim of reducing the speed during parts of the ride. The exact reasons for this are not clear, but typically trim brakes are added for safety purposes, to reduce g-forces, or to reduce wear and tear on the track and vehicles.

The periods of closures are:

September 3 to September 5 2013
September 10 to September 12 2013
September 23 to September 26 2013

Click link for more details.

 

[Spacedog1975]

Safety good. Slowing .

I had memories of Space Mountain being a much more exciting experience when I rode in 1981 and 1991 than 2009, 2011, 2012. Some of this I'm sure was becoming an adult and riding severe rollercoasters in the meantime.

I'd hate to think there would be a noticeable slowing of the actual ride.

I don't get the impression that there had been safety issues with it anyway.

 

[Moxin]

I'm surprised they don't shut it down completely and redo it in the manner of the Rockin Rollercoaster over at DHS. A "launch" ability into a space like setting...seems entirely plausible and more than possible.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~I didn't know this. So, instead of just making Space Mountain "smoother", Disney is opting to make it go "slower." This is so exciting!!!

 

[MissPrincessKendall]

I have always loved space mountain so I hope they don't make it like Aerosmith because that's already exists. I wish it wasn't slower but safety does need to come first so I understand! I trust Disney!

 

[KYMickey]

Sounds like maybe the track isn't holding up as well as expected after the last refurbishment and they want to prolong the time until the next one. Slowing down the speeds, especially when entering corners will help reduce track wear. I'm sure there may also be safety considerations, but I'm betting they are just trying to conserve money by extending the life of the track.

 

[StephyDee]

I'm surprised they don't shut it down completely and redo it in the manner of the Rockin Rollercoaster over at DHS. A "launch" ability into a space like setting...seems entirely plausible and more than possible.

DLP has that, believe it or not. Just search "Space Mountain Disneyland Paris" in youtube and you'll see.

 

[magicbob]

DLP has that, believe it or not. Just search "Space Mountain Disneyland Paris" in youtube and you'll see.

And the DLRP version is superior to both WDW and DLR versions. Not just the launch, but the ride itself and the awesome special effects.

 

[Nature Mom]

DLP has that, believe it or not. Just search "Space Mountain Disneyland Paris" in youtube and you'll see.

I just pulled it up and watched...Wow! That looks awesome. I seriously need to get to DLRP. I have neighbors that moved to France a few years ago and they are always asking us to come visit. I think I should.

 

[DisneyDiva1976]

I just pulled it up and watched...Wow! That looks awesome. I seriously need to get to DLRP. I have neighbors that moved to France a few years ago and they are always asking us to come visit. I think I should.

I rode the DLRP version recently and was blown away. Probably one of my top 3 favorite rides by Disney anywhere. (Its hard to beat Big Thunder at WDW and rockin rollercoaster.

 

[Spacedog1975]

If the DLRP version is improved, I'm certainly open to such improvements. I find myself on the side of maintaining classic attractions, but not closed to the idea of refreshing and updating.

 

[pixidust1976]

We arrive September 2 and we were not going to go to any park that day, but we added an additional park day and will go to MK that day just to ride it one last time before it is slowed down! Thank goodness for the rumor boards so we knew!

 

[shafke]

Unfortunately slowing down a coaster is not specific to Disney it is an industry trend. My guess it is mostly cost cutting. Slower trains means less wear and tear on the track and train. Rides that have been working perfectly fine for 30 years or more all of a sudden are going too fast??? One of the worst examples of this was on Big Bad Wolf in BGW. There were trim brakes installed at the top of the big drop. You could feel the drag on the way down and it ruined the feel of the drop. Unfortunately the guest experience is not longer near the top of the list when it comes to theme parks. After the lawyers (insurance companies) and bean counter get through with things you are left with a lot of mediocre rides.

 

[csharpwv]

I am still shocked that they haven't totally changed the ride vehicles for Space Mountain!

For a ride like that now to have neck restraints/head/neck supports is a little crazy!

I LOVE coasters, and I love space mountain because it still has a very free feeling in that I don't feel like I'm being strapped into an escape capsule. I like the freedom to move around a little. RNRC at DHS is ever a little restricting for my taste!

I can't wait to ride Snow White - I know it isn't going to be a thrill ride, but the freedom of the ride vehicle movement is going to be awesome!

I really hope they don't SLOW Space Mountain down - that won't be magical at all!

 

[sbhammonds]

I'm glad the refurbishments will be done by spring 2014 when we go - my daughter just LOVES Space Mountain!

 

[DarbyD53]

If we had stuck to our plans we'd be going why it was closed (GOOD! lol) but now it will be open and I'll have to chicken out of riding it again. Rode it once, never again. Nope nope nope.

 

[Dreamer7787]

Aw man. Not again. Space Mountain is always closed for reburb when we're there. What are the odds of them actually re-opening on time so we can scoot in on the 28th for a few rides?

 

[DizCaptain]

Trim brakes ruin rides...

 

[SuperDan523]

Only the last day of my trip is impacted. I'll have to make it a point to get on the People Mover that day.

 

[theminx08]

DLPR space mountain is by far the most superior of the space mountains. I would love them to refurb it to make it like that one! If they do it would certainly not be slow.