space mountain redo?

[tomandrobin]

The internet is buzzing from the rumors of a Space Mountain refurbishment. The plan as of right now is to close the attraction in January 2008 and reopen sometime between December 2008 and April 2009. It appears as though this will be WDW's big draw for when it opens, perhaps in response to Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The rumored changes are expansive, from new vehicles with on board audio system, to new effects never seen at any other incarnation of Space Mountain. The classic coaster will probably recieve a name change and a ton of publicity as part of the process. The new name will have a "2" in it, whether it be Mission 2 or just Space Mountain 2.0. It's great to see one of the most classic attractions of all time getting a refurbishment 6 years after it was supposed to. Well, I guess better late than never. While it is not confirmed that this refurbishment is happening, multiple sources have bolstered the claims. Expect to hear more on this very soon!!!

 

[Stitch 03]

Assuming this is a reality - any idea as to whether this will mean a new track or not. And if there is a new track will the layout be the same.

Hopefully this is a reality as I think the WDW version is kind of lame.

 

[jimmytammy]

I for one will welcome the change. Yes, it is a classic, but it is behind the times. I get a headache from all the jarring around it does, but RNR and EE doesnt leave me with any effects other than wanting to jump right back in line

 

[ChrisFL]

Im all for it, DL's is awesome...cant wait!

 

[adabob]

Sounds good

But when you say they will start redoing that is when we are there But that is ok

 

[StephaBabe50]

Thats great, I just hope they don't change it too much. I actually like it better than the DL version.

 

[VW_Guy]

I too would welcome the change. Normally, I would be against changing a ride as classic as Space Mountain, but after riding the Disneyland Paris version, I'm all for it. For those of you who have not gone Disney overseas, the Paris version uses LIMs (Linear Induction Motors) just like on Rockin' Rollercoaster that literally launch you up and out of the roof of the structure. You then curve down and around the exterior of the building and enter back at the bottom before whizzing all around the interior of the dome.

The one problem I would have with upgrading the experience is if they would alter the exterior of the building at all. That architectural icon on the Disney skyline is like nothing you will ever see anywhere else.

Unfortunately, those refurb dates are also when we are planning our next visit. Maybe this will make it worth waiting another year!

 

[javamom]

rut-roh George... my DD has never had a chance to ride it b/c it was "down" the entire night of the MVMCP last December. We are tentatively planning another trip in 08, she'll be soooooo dissappointed if there is stilll no Space for her to ride.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Im all for it, DL's is awesome...cant wait!

I so agree with you there. It just made a hugh improvment to an already great ride.

 

[Wick]

awesome!

 

[Wick]

... in agreement about the external facade, however

 

[MissSha]

rut-roh George... my DD has never had a chance to ride it b/c it was "down" the entire night of the MVMCP last December. We are tentatively planning another trip in 08, she'll be soooooo dissappointed if there is stilll no Space for her to ride.

I hope your DD gets to ride when you go back. Me, me DH and DS's are going during the Christmas season this year, too. Did you love the MVMCP?

I had to tell you how much I love your pix on the Magical Express Bus! Isn't that the greatest feeling???

 

[raidermatt]

Given the timeframe in the original post, 12-16 months, I doubt it will include a new track layout. DL tore out and rebuilt the exact same layout it had before and the attraction was closed for over 2 years. But just about anything is possible if you're willing to pay the cost.

Updated effects and such are a good thing.

 

[ChrisFL]

Given the timeframe in the original post, 12-16 months, I doubt it will include a new track layout. DL tore out and rebuilt the exact same layout it had before and the attraction was closed for over 2 years. But just about anything is possible if you're willing to pay the cost.

Updated effects and such are a good thing.

I still wonder if they can do some of the work on one track being closed while keeping the other one open

 

[Sarangel]

I still wonder if they can do some of the work on one track being closed while keeping the other one open

They weren't able to/chose not to with the DL rehab.

 

[ChrisFL]

They weren't able to/chose not to with the DL rehab.

thats obvious since DL has only 1 track, but MK has 2

 

[EUROPACL]

thats obvious since DL has only 1 track, but MK has 2

I thought it had more to do with the track falling apart around them at DL.

 

[Stevegriswold]

I hope it is just a rehab. We rode Sapce mountain twice on Saturday and I had forgotten how fun that is. The control rooms when you are going up the main ramp at the start of the ride had so much dust on the windows that you could hardly see the maniquin and flashing lights inside there. It could use some updated effects, and so animatrontic figures in the control rooms when you start the ride up the hill. The rest is pretty much in the dark and with the stars / planets. It's a fun ride since you can't see what is coming next.

I am hopefully it never gets an update to the Space Mountain at DisneyLand Paris. That ride is fun, but that is basically Rocken Roller Coaster with loops and a smooth track and lots of neon. It's cool but not something you could talk your seven year old onto, and not as cool as Space Mtn at WDW with the stars and planets.

 

[EUROPACL]

I am hopefully it never gets an update to the Space Mountain at DisneyLand Paris. That ride is fun, but that is basically Rocken Roller Coaster with loops and a smooth track and lots of neon. It's cool but not something you could talk your seven year old onto, and not as cool as Space Mtn at WDW with the stars and planets.

Just an FYI RRC has a cobra roll and a corkscrew a smooth track and neon.

Here is a pic of the same coaster in the Netherlands but without a building around it.

 

[mwehttam]

Im all for it, DL's is awesome...cant wait!

I agree 100% DL's new version is incredible. However, DL's was down for over 2 years if I remember correctly. If the OP's time line is correct, is a 1 to 1.5 years enough time to redo the track? My thoughts are if you shut her down for any length, go for broke and redo the track as well. New cars and a new sound system won't make a huge difference with old track.

-Matt