Unpopular opinion - Space Mountain needs a new track

[maui2k5]

I have been going to WDW since the mid-70's when I was a little kid and now I have to say that Space Mountain is really showing its age in track design (rode last week). When you ride Tron right next to it then go on Space Mountain, the smoothness of the track on Tron or Guardians are noticeably much better and far less jarring. I get the nostalgic old school appeal of the current (and original) Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, but after 50 years I think it is time for a modern Space Mountain experience.

For sure there are fans that say that Space Mountain should never change and should always been old school and I get that perspective. However, from a ride enjoyment point of view, the newer rides are just more enjoyable for me now. I know, I am getting old, but I would like to see WDW do what Tokyo Disneyland is doing and starting from scratch (keep the bean counters away!). You can throw Rock n Roller Coaster into that same category while you are at it since it is being redone to the Muppets anyhow.

 

[MillauFr]

Yes the Space Mountain in California is far superior.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

It's tough to compare SM and Tron since you actually ride in two very different seated positions. But I wouldn't mind a slightly smoother SM!! They actually did make an upgrade to the original SM at MK many years ago, changing the design of the cars. The original cars had 2 people per seat, sitting one in front of the other. When I was in the back, I often felt like I was going to get my teeth smacked out by the person in front of me!! The individual seats they changed to are much better - but still a rather rough ride!

 

[Dug720]

They want us to have a Matterhorn experience in Florida.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Agreed. I can't ride SM. It gives me a headache.

 

[wdwfan94]

It seems like the track is getting worse with time. Or maybe I’m just getting older.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Unpopular opinion... DLR SM needs a new track.
Its boring and just feels like you hit a few speed bumps...

 

[thanxfornoticin]

It seems like the track is getting worse with time. Or maybe I’m just getting older.

Yea, I have trouble telling the difference these days!!

 

[MillauFr]

Unpopular opinion... DLR SM needs a new track.
Its boring and just feels like you hit a few speed bumps...

I just don't understand why they put all of the good versions of the rides in California and the Florida parks get the warmed up leftovers. Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Autotopia, Radiator Springs, Pirates, Tiki Room, etc at all far superior.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Popular Opinion I think, rebuild it and smooth that sucker out! Thing is soooo jerky it's acting like a cousin of Disneyland's Matterhorn.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Disagree with OP...
This is not an unpopular opinion.

Remember that DL SM was shut down on practically an emergency basis to re-track.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Tbh this isn't really an unpopular opinion. I feel like the real unpopular opinion is that Space Mountain is perfectly fine as is and does not need a retrack.

 

[FRANKTSJR]

IMHO it's not the track that's the problem but the cars. Too small and too low.

 

[Skippyboo]

I just don't understand why they put all of the good versions of the rides in California and the Florida parks get the warmed up leftovers. Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Autotopia, Radiator Springs, Pirates, Tiki Room, etc at all far superior.

The WDW Space Mountain came first.

 

[scrappinginontario]

A re-track would be welcomed here!! Add new cars with smoother wheels - and let's add easier entrance and exit to cars.

LOL - dreaming big!!

 

[Dug720]

IMHO it's not the track that's the problem but the cars. Too small and too low.

They raise the cars up much higher and they'll have to put a height ceiling on the ride too.

 

[Lumpy1106]

WDW SM was supposed to be the WDW version of Matterhorn. When it opened you could argue the theming was better and you could definitely say the ride smoother than the DL version. Both were built with no assistance from computer modelling - it would be unheard of to build either ride today without it. I love them both for what they are. Could they both be smoother? Yeah, but would it be worth the cost and effort or would you rather get the 2025 version (AKA Tron and Guardians)? Just like the DL Matterhorn and SM, the re-tracking becomes necessary, but a completely new, smooth ride it will never be. What they are doing in Tokyo remains to be seen of course.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Yes, we don't ever ride it any more. The grands love it, but they never experienced it in its heyday.

 

[BrianL]

Well, it is what it is. I don't think they should change it, but it may be close to needing a fresh track replacement. I think they did one back before 2010 or so. I am not sure how often they need to do that. BTMMR is getting one now - and it's the first full track replacement for that one since I've been going to the parks regularly.

 

[DisneyFive]

The chaotic, rough ride is part of what makes it Space Mountain. Always has been. Like @BrianL says, it is what it is.