Space Mountain News

[ChrisFL]

I havent been to DL since I was itty bitty and I am now 28, what is the or was the difference between SM at WDW and SM at DL?

They're almost completely different...WDW has 2 tracks, DL has 1, DL's seats 2 across and has on-board audio and a ton of effects now. WDW, we'll see, but it still will not be anything like DL's when it's completed.

 

[SteamboatStevie]

I hope they add a little more light to the queue area. I know they want to have a "going into deep space" ambience, but I always feel like I'm going to trip on something walking through that long dark tunnel-- especially in the FastPass line since I can walk through most of that at full speed.

I cannot tell you how many times I've barreled right into the person in front of me. But I take solace in the fact that I've been plowed into just as many times. It's a good way to make friends (or get cussed out, depending on the person).

 

[wishdisney]

walls are down.

 

[ChrisFL]

Official Disney blog update!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I havent been to DL since I was itty bitty and I am now 28, what is the or was the difference between SM at WDW and SM at DL?

SM in DL benefits from a more recent rehab - a complete rehab for the 50th celebration at DL.

There are speakers in each seat so the music is an important part of the ride, they managed to create an environment which is much more dark and star-filled so you really do feel like you are flying through the stars.

The ride is much more comfortable - you know how jerky and rough coasters become when it's time for a thorough rehab ---- kind of like the Matterhorn is now at DL.

The seats in the cars are far more comfortable to ride in and to enter and exit.

For those who want to experience the ride but are challenged by mobility, SM in DL has a handicapped access spot. A car is actually removed from the line and pulled off to the side. Everyone can get into the car easily and not slow down the loading and unloading of other guests.

When ready, the car is simply slipped onto the tracks and they are off. We watched it on our last visit and I wll be using it in 18 days when we leave (just had knee surgery - I can move....but not fast).

The ride is SOOOOO much better but there is one thing I miss.....the giant Chocolate Chip Cookies flying through the air of the WDW Space Mountain!!!

 

[AlienBrain]

As expected, the ride will include more interactive experiences such as games.

Here are the pics from the Disney Blog:

 

[wishdisney]

The ride is SOOOOO much better but there is one thing I miss.....the giant Chocolate Chip Cookies flying through the air of the WDW Space Mountain!!!

the cookies are still there saw them from TTA today.

 

[jnwings]

As expected, the ride will include more interactive experiences such as games.

Here are the pics from the Disney Blog:

The Disney Blog pics don't do much justice...

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

the cookies are still there saw them from TTA today.

YEA! I would truly be sad if they had changed that part of the ride!

Thank you for the great news.

 

[AlienBrain]

More news:

This small blurb about the Space Mountain attraction on the official Walt Disney World website just showed up today:

Launch past the flashing lights of your space station into the soaring darkness of space! This classic Dark Ride dips and swerves as it rockets through the blackest reaches of the galaxy. Check the monitors as you exit for a glimpse of yourself in flight!

This (as well as inside sources) confirms the addition of on-ride photographs to the attraction during the on-going refurbishment. While we’re not sure where the photo preview and purchasing areas will be, we can guess that you will be able to buy your on-ride photo inside the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. at the exit of the attraction. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information as we get loser to the re-launch of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.

pulled from wdwnewstoday.com

 

[ChrisFL]

"Tomorrowland Light & Power Co." aka the Arcade? I never knew it was called that

 

[ConcKahuna]

Went on the TTA tonight during MVMCP, and the walls were down inside and the lights were on. It was pretty cool to see the track in the light (although I have no clue what may have changed). You could also see the new exit "scenes" and the new cars.

The new cars are pretty smooth looking, and are a cool blue color instead of the old silver.

 

[jnwings]

My girlfriend and I were the first ones in Space Mountain today, when they let guests in for test rides...It was awesome...

 

[mommy2allgirls]

My girlfriend and I were the first ones in Space Mountain today, when they let guests in for test rides...It was awesome...

How cool! I havent gone on it for over 6 years due to pregnancy and now I have to use a cane to walk, would it fit in the car?

 

[jnwings]

How cool! I havent gone on it for over 6 years due to pregnancy and now I have to use a cane to walk, would it fit in the car?

No need to worry about the cane. Space Mountain has a designated cast member position to help guests with canes, wheelchairs, and other assisting devices. Standard canes usually fit in the ride, if not a cast member can bring it down for you. Also, these cast members will not be carrying bags or anything for guests, just canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. Don't worry if you take a little longer to get in the ride, as this is taken care of as well. Hopefully you get to ride soon.

 

[UKMark]

We got to ride today. It's much smoother than it used to be. The light effect before the lift hill is really cool as is the on-ride photo. It would be better if them put the photo's onto Photopass, but I suppose they need the money

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

No need to worry about the cane. Space Mountain has a designated cast member position to help guests with canes, wheelchairs, and other assisting devices. Standard canes usually fit in the ride, if not a cast member can bring it down for you. Also, these cast members will not be carrying bags or anything for guests, just canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. Don't worry if you take a little longer to get in the ride, as this is taken care of as well. Hopefully you get to ride soon.

Is it like the boarding area at SM in DL?

They actually pull a car off the line so you can enter the car at your own speed and not worry about stopping the loading for everyone else. When you are ready - they just slide the car back onto the track and poof - you are off.

I got a chance to watch it load on our last trip - very comfortable for the handicapped person. Now THIS time I'll be the one in an ECV because of knee surgery. I'm happy I can still ride and I'm even MORE happy that I will not slow down loading and unloading for everyone else.

GREAT design!!!

 

[jnwings]

Is it like the boarding area at SM in DL?

They actually pull a car off the line so you can enter the car at your own speed and not worry about stopping the loading for everyone else. When you are ready - they just slide the car back onto the track and poof - you are off.

I got a chance to watch it load on our last trip - very comfortable for the handicapped person. Now THIS time I'll be the one in an ECV because of knee surgery. I'm happy I can still ride and I'm even MORE happy that I will not slow down loading and unloading for everyone else.

GREAT design!!!

The load area is not like the DL one, but the computer tracks how long it takes guests to get on and off, and adjusts departure times accordingly. I don't believe there is enough room at the DW SM to have the DL load and unload stations.

 

[jnwings]

It would be better if them put the photo's onto Photopass

It would be more convenient, but I believe photopass on attractions has been a pain, from what I have heard. Either way, still neat to have photos on this ride.

 

[anthony2k7]

It would be more convenient, but I believe photopass on attractions has been a pain, from what I have heard. Either way, still neat to have photos on this ride.

why would it be a pain? I'd have thought they could manage it with less CMs too - one assisting guests scanning their card (or handing out new cards) rather however many is needed in the normal photo purchasing scenario (2 or 3 at any one time?).

The only reason I can see it being a pain is I bet they make far less sales that way - I'd imagine people scan the card wander out of the ride and often forget to go buy the photo later - or have no idea where they're supposed to go to buy it. OR they've already bought or going to buy a CD anyway - so no additional sale to be made.

So I guess that means the end of on ride photopass pics if new attractions arent getting it? I wonder if next time TT has a major refurb they'll take it away from there as well?