Space Mountain being changed?!?!?!!!!

[WaltD4Me]

Personally if they make SM a smoother ride, I am all for it! I love rollercoasters, but I just can't do SM, it is too jerky and everytime I ride it, my back kills me for the rest of the day. I don't even do it anymore. I completely understand how some people feel about changing it, but I'd love to ride it again without the pain.

 

[JenM]

The DL version of SM is much smoother. You don't get bumped around at all.

I went on the Matterhorn right after SM...now that was a bumpy ride! But I still rode it 3 times.

 

[ChrisFL]

The last one is supposed to be the near future, they've already updated it at least once

It WAS supposed to be the near future, before the end of the 20th century. I've been told that they don't plan to update it since it's now a retrospective...I mean eventually there's going to be a 60-70 year gap if they keep updating it...unless they add another scene, and really, how much has changed from the ending (besides the graphics of the video game?)

 

[linzbear]

From what I heard, the SM in DL got shut down immediately for safety reasons - they found fractures in the track. Because of the immediacy of the shutdown, it was sitting there for a year with no work done on it while they drew up the plans, got the contractors, etc, etc.

Because WDW's SM is still operating while they're planning the rehab (I hope this rumor is true!), and because they've done it before, it'll take a lot less time - even though it's twice the work!

 

[agame2323]

Understand, towards the end of September Disney starts its budgeting evaluation for its North American parks. All things are thrown into these evaluations, rehabs, new attractions, updates…etc. The reason why you hear so much talk each year about a SM rehab is because each yr they evaluate it. However, each yr. some attractions simply take priority over SM and it gets pushed back. Think of it as a waiting list. Believe me, Disney has been wanting to do this for years, but there were greater concerns.

Now again the subject has come up and for the first time it appears the timing is good. Understand, in all actuality, NOTHING is wrong with SM. Sure it could be smoother, but other than that it’s fine by industry standards (meaning safe). This “rehab would be more of an attempt on Disney’s part to stay current with the competition. The Haunted Mansion needed rehab, so did Spaceship Earth. SM still attracts many riders and on the technical side it’s hardly ever down for a long time.

So here’s what I can tell you about the rumor that’s true:
AMEC Dynamic Structures has been contacted. If you don’t know who they are…they are the company that built SM in DL. No word on has been released regarding if AMEC has won the contract. The reason why AMEC is being considered is because they (AMEC) would be able to perform the rehab much faster then any other company, being as though they built the one in DL. If Disney were to construct an entire new SM, based of an original design, this would take much longer then 12-18 months. It’s easier when the blueprint is already laid out. That’s why AMEC is in the picture.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Absolutely no comparison between WDW and DL.

If FABULOUS was water....WDW would be a puddle and DL would be the Pacific Ocean.

It is soooooooo much better than WDW - I personally cannot wait to ride the new version in WDW.

Trust those of us who have been on DL's Space Mountain...it's worth the wait.

 

[Jennasis]

As long as they don't mess with the Star Tunnel music in the queue, I'll be happy! DH was aghast at the thought of a change, but we get to ride it this December pre-rehab (which is all but assured).

 

[exwdwcm]

sure i miss the classics or old rides that are updated.....but Walt himself thought it was important that things keep growing and changing-----nothing is ever finished. So while it is hard to let go.....I get excited to see new things. I mean those poor astronauts from 1970 will probably be relieved to have a break.

but yes, i do miss my favorite- Horizons and If you had wings....but great new attractions have replaced them that offer a lot too.

It's something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing...and adding to."—Walt Disney

"Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."—Walt Disney

 

[TPCShauna]

If you guys all say it's one track, I believe you. Chalk it up to my faulty memory. Since it is just one track, I wonder how they could completely redo the current WDW tracks with the new one? Again, I don't think they changed the loading area. Did they? They'd have to completely revamp the loading area at WDW to have it the same as the one at DLR.

The rehab is not a "complete re-do" of the current SM ride. They are not changing the course of the ride AT ALL. They are simply replacing the tracks in the existing ride. There might be some rehab/updating of the ride vehicles but that has not been confirmed. The WDW SM will not be like the DL SM.

It's one track. I took this two weeks ago at DLR:

And they take your picture on it, which they don't do at WDW.

In two days I went on this 7 times. I skipped a last trip back into DCA to ride California Screamin' again (another excellent coaster) just to get a few more rides on this one.

It's faster, the track is smoother, the opening 'launch' is incredible and I love the soundtrack. And you really can't see anything during the ride except the stars spinning around.

It's soooo much better than the WDW version.

ITA with everything you said. We do SM at DL several times each day and I NEVER get tired of it. It is the BEST!!!!

From what I heard, the SM in DL got shut down immediately for safety reasons - they found fractures in the track. Because of the immediacy of the shutdown, it was sitting there for a year with no work done on it while they drew up the plans, got the contractors, etc, etc.

Because WDW's SM is still operating while they're planning the rehab (I hope this rumor is true!), and because they've done it before, it'll take a lot less time - even though it's twice the work!

Yes, DL's SM was shut down immediately upon discovery of some cracks in the steel of the ride. It was down with no work being done for 4.5 months and then took slightly over a year to completely refurb. This refurb included updating the speakers in the ride vehicles so that it was easier to hear the music being played. During this time, they also darkened the ride so that you can't see anything inside while riding.

Absolutely no comparison between WDW and DL.

If FABULOUS was water....WDW would be a puddle and DL would be the Pacific Ocean.

It is soooooooo much better than WDW - I personally cannot wait to ride the new version in WDW.

Trust those of us who have been on DL's Space Mountain...it's worth the wait.

While I agree with you completely regarding the differences between DL and MK, you'll have to continue to go to DL for their "version" of SM. There are no plans to modify the existing track structures in SM at WDW. They are simply replacing the track and will be leaving the courses the exact same.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

One especially nice thing about the DL ride is....they have managed to workin a handicapped loading area.

The entire car is removed from the track so the handicapped person and friends can take all the time they need to enter the car.

Once inside you are so completely comfortable. The seat is low, the bar is not restrictive - but keeps you very secure then there is a padded bar to hold onto. Your back and shoulders are completely secure.

I had a chance to watch the castmembers load a family and move the car onto and into line ---- very cool and wonderful that someone who may not be able to manage quick loading and unloading can now have the time to do this comfortably.