Space Mountain WDW - Any Updates Planned?

[grinningghost]

With the super overhaul of Space at DL, I'm wondering if something similar is planned for WDW. Any rumors in the pipeline?

 

[SnackyStacky]

With the super overhaul of Space at DL, I'm wondering if something similar is planned for WDW. Any rumors in the pipeline?

I don't believe so.

The super-overhaul of Disneyland's Space Mountain was sort-of a planned project. It had been scheduled to go down for it's usual month or so-refurbishment.

But upon a basic morning inspection, they found it it to have deteriorated so badly, that they had no choice but to shut it down that morning. That was some year or two ago.

I think with the management shift at DIsneyland, they decided to take it a step further and redo the queue and load areas for the 50th. But the ride itself will remain unchanged.

 

[grinningghost]

Wow - that's it? The guidebooks all make it sound as though it's going to have all new special effects including a new bigger than life soundtrack.

 

[raidermatt]

Just to clarify... the ride was scheduled to shut down that Sept. The building was to be gutted and the ride rebuilt with an identical track layout. They knew there were structural issues with the track, but thought it would last through the Summer.

The above mentioned morning inspection revealed damage that could have been fixed, but would have taken time and money, and then it could have happened again anyway. So, they shut it down about 5 months early. (which resulted in a longer overall shutdown since nobody was ready to start the work at that time)

I hadn't heard that there would be any new effects on the ride itself, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a new soundtrack when it re-opens, along with the new queue/loading areas.

I thought the new theme was posted somewhere, but I honestly don't remember what it was.

 

[grinningghost]

Directly quoted from Birnbaum's Official Guide to Disneyland 2005:

Space Mountain: FP When Space Mountain first opened in 1977, it quickly rocketed to the top of just about everyone's list of favorite attractions. It's popularity is sure to soar to new heights as the attraction is "relaunched" during Disneyland's "Happiest Celebration on Earth" fiftieth anniversary party.

While the classic facade and essence of Space Mountain remain intact, the experience is decidedly 21st century. Brave voyagers board new vehicles in a realistic launch port. After shooting through a disorienting tunnel, riders will have a close encounter with a meteorite. After that, it's all about screeching through the darkness, past spinning stars and whirling galaxies. Add to that an edgy, instrumental sound track (which is synchronized to each car) and you've got one out-of-this-world attraction.

In the evening, Space Mountain becomes even more surreal, with a classic rock sound track and psychedelic light show. Far out!

If your courage fails you, just ask an attendant to direct you to the nearest "chicken exit".

 

[raidermatt]

Yeah, I read that when I picked up the guide. Most of it is kind of vague.

While the classic facade and essence of Space Mountain remain intact, the experience is decidedly 21st century. Brave voyagers board new vehicles in a realistic launch port. After shooting through a disorienting tunnel,

Other than the vehicles could be no change, though I'm expecting changes to said launch area.

riders will have a close encounter with a meteorite.

Not sure about that. There were always those meteorites floating around, but hopefully they mean something better.

After that, it's all about screeching through the darkness, past spinning stars and whirling galaxies. Add to that an edgy, instrumental sound track (which is synchronized to each car) and you've got one out-of-this-world attraction.

Nothing different spelled out there. (Except that hopefully the sound system has less downtime than before.)

In the evening, Space Mountain becomes even more surreal, with a classic rock sound track and psychedelic light show. Far out!

That could be cool.


The only reason I wouldn't put TOO much stock in what Birnbaum says on this is that it was published back in October, and so was written well before that. Even if Disney gave them that info, things can change.

But like you, I'd be interested to hear if anybody knows anything else...

 

[Sarangel]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that they were going to model the DL ride on the Paris version, since that was the one most favorably reviewed by fans... I guess that's why they call 'em rumors.

Sarangel

 

[grinningghost]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that they were going to model the DL ride on the Paris version, since that was the one most favorably reviewed by fans... I guess that's why they call 'em rumors.

Now that would be cool. I've seen the DLP SM on TV and thought they should really do that here. Although the color scheme was a little weird.

 

[dpic]

If/when they ever do it, I hope they smooth the ride out. I love it, but after riding I have a sore neck from all the jerking around.

 

[grinningghost]

If/when they ever do it, I hope they smooth the ride out. I love it, but after riding I have a sore neck from all the jerking around.

I have to agree with you on that. My old body can't take those sharp curves very much anymore.