Does anyone miss the old space mountain

[figmentvi]

I first rode Space Mountain in 1978 and I was 23 then (OK...now you know how old I am) and it was most definitely darker then. It was almost impossible to see anything other than the asteroids (or as I called them chocolate chip cookies) and other space stuff being projected on the ceilings and the other cars.

Space Mountain is slightly more illuminated now.

I must admit though that I did like the seating at that time. You see, I went down there on Spring Break and rode SM with a very handsome young man.

 

[wdw4us2]

I, too, miss the old Space Mountain but I miss the one that was sponsored by RCA. If you want to know about that, check out this link:

http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/sm.htm

As for the darkness, it used to be darker than it is now but it was never pitch black. The old seating was more fun - we used to leave the seat belts a little loose so that we'd have more air time during the ride.

Yes, I was young and foolish but it sure was fun!

 

[Chicago526]

I never rode it as a child, so my only experiances are from 1998 and onward. But I think the ride, as it is now, is very dark! The only time I can see where I'm going is when I'm in the front car, and even then it's like a 10th of a second warning before the turn...or drop...or whatever.

I've also heard some say the ride was faster as a kid, or more wild. The only way to change the speed of the ride is to pull out the track and build a new ride. It's all gravity, the only way to slow down the ride is to make the drops less steap!

 

[Keith]

I didn't say it was pitch black, I said pretty much pitch black. I just meant it was kind of hard to see things around you along the track while riding. I do remember seeing part of the track above and the glowing strips on other cars on the track. I was worried that there may be something hanging that would hit my head.
Now you can see a little better and you can tell there is nothing to be worried about.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I didn't say it was pitch black, I said pretty much pitch black.

Is that like "pretty much" pregnant?

I didn't mean your post specifically, there are many who say that the lights have been turned up. I've looked on different SM tribute websites and actually asked CMs (only because we were waiting to board the ride and they turned the lights on) if they have changed the darkness over the years and haven't found any evidence that they have. I wish someone would post a link saying "WDW turned the lights at SM up due to....". It truly think is just a changed perception due to the passage of time. I have no problem being wrong, I'd just like to see proof, that's all.

 

[Keith]

Is that like "pretty much" pregnant?

Doesn't anyone around here have a sense of humor?

That's one thing I love about this site. Maybe we all get along so well because we have something in common. What could it be?

I love it.

 

[AJDonn]

I went to space mountain as a kid in the 70s and I do remember it being dark enough to make it difficult to see much of anything. When I went back in May of 1991, SM had been down for a bit of a winter rehab. I was curious about what was hapening because I was planning a trip.

I was told by some Disney fans that the rehab had a lot to do with a computer/controller upgrade and the installation of some new safety lighting - such as EXIT signs over doors within the coaster area itself. A few of the WDW fans that went right after the upgrade complained that there was a definate increase in the lighting (along with highly visible EXIT signs) that lit the track well enough to see the path of the coaster. Needless to say there was much griping.

When I finally went I could confirm that there was a change from the lighting when I first went on. It did take abit of the ambiance away when you're flying through space one minute and then hurtling towards a bright red EXIT sign the next.

 

[WEDWDW]

I went to WDW in 1977 and did not go back until 2003.IMHO,it DEFINITELY is not as dark as it was.I noticed it immediately.I liked it better when it was VERY dark.I really hope someone will come along with some info.

 

[my3kids]

I went and and the lights came on completely mid ride....talk about feeling differently when the lights come on! Others were screaming and I grabbed my camera to take photos....it was just so strange to see what it really looks like. And FYI, I wouldn't raise my hands if I were you.....those girders looked mightly low to me!!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

I, too, miss the old Space Mountain but I miss the one that was sponsored by RCA. If you want to know about that, check out this link:

http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/sm.htm

I miss the RCA song! I checked out the link above and was thrilled to see they had a link to listen to that song. Sadly, the link is no good. Oh well, it's still in my head... R - C- Aaaaaaaaaa! I always think of the RCA song on that long trek through space mountain to the coaster. Thanks for the memories.

Tink

 

[DisneyWisher]

I, too, miss the old Space Mountain but I miss the one that was sponsored by RCA. If you want to know about that, check out this link:

http://home.cfl.rr.com/omniluxe/sm.htm

As for the darkness, it used to be darker than it is now but it was never pitch black. The old seating was more fun - we used to leave the seat belts a little loose so that we'd have more air time during the ride.

Yes, I was young and foolish but it sure was fun!

What an awesome link. For those that remember click on the link for "If you had wings" OMG does that bring back memories. We loved that ride. It was free when you needed tickets for the other rides. LOL Running up to my parents (while they were relaxing their feet) saying "can we ride it 1 more time?"

Thanks for the link,
Shirley

 

[WDWBetsy]

This is too funny! I went in 1981 and remember sitting between my dad's legs in the front of the ride. I was sliding all over the place and was so scared. I remember it being extremely dark.

Because of this, I refused to ride on Space Mountain when the DH and I went on our first trip together. When we returned in 2003, I agreed to go on it, but was nervous waiting in line. I thought the queue was different, as I remember the futuristic displays others are talking about. Well, when we got on it, I thought the seats looked and felt different (much more secure) from what I remembered, and it was definitely not as dark (of course, I was somewhat stuffed into the front of the car, so who knows what I really remember!). The ride was fun, but I kept waiting for a big drop or something. I guess I was somewhat disappointed that my memory of this being such a scary ride was just that - a memory, and it was probably one of my first roller coaster rides back in 1981 as I was only 10. I can't wait to go on it again!

 

[kparc]

I remember going to Space Mountain the year it first opened. I don't know about it seeming darker back then but it seemed faster at the time! I hated the old seats and was glad they were changed. I rode between my mom's legs all those years ago and she squeezed me so hard with her knees I couldn't breathe!!