WDW Space Mountain to go under refurb for a year

[Nascar48]

Before I go into detail, I just want everyone to know that this is only a rumor for now. Nothing has been confirmed about this refurbisment.


Quote:
2008/2009 - Space Mountain: Mission 2 - Rumor - (10/19/07) Screamscape sources tell us that currently the planned rehab of Space Mountain is now on schedule to begin in June 2008 and will last until April or May of 2009. So you may want to get your fix of Space Mountain goodness now, because Tomorrowland is going to be a fairly boring place to be this summer.

Source: Screamscape

My guess is that we can expect some big changes to Space Mountain if this refurb does happen because this is a pretty long time to close a ride for refurbishment.

 

[mwehttam]

Actually not that long if compared to the length of time that DL Space Mountain was closed. I think that one was close to 2 years if not more. But what they did with that one was amazing. If the plans are similar for the WDW version, one year is okay in my book.

-Matt

 

[basas]

Actually not that long if compared to the length of time that DL Space Mountain was closed. I think that one was close to 2 years if not more. But what they did with that one was amazing. If the plans are similar for the WDW version, one year is okay in my book.

-Matt

Exactly. I wish it was more than one year because 1 year probably means they won't be replacing the track and we definitely won’t be getting a new single track (using the entire building which was what I was hoping for…). Oh well…hopefully they’ll do a good job with what they have.

 

[mwehttam]

Exactly. I wish it was more than one year because 1 year probably means they won't be replacing the track and we definitely won’t be getting a new single track (using the entire building which was what I was hoping for…). Oh well…hopefully they’ll do a good job with what they have.

Agree, though we can always hope they learned from the DL one and this will be more efficiently done.

-Matt

 

[EUROPACL]

Agree, though we can always hope they learned from the DL one and this will be more efficiently done.

-Matt

Efficiency had little to do with the DL rebuild...not really a rehab. You see they had kept cutting budgets so much at the parks that the DL version was falling apart. In fact they went in one day to do an inspection and found it so bad they closed the ride right then. Thats why DL got a new track the old was falling apart.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

The "new" Space Mountain at DL is fabulous. I was blown away with it. I hope WDW is planning a similar rehab.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

Well speaking as an Architect, I suspect the construction schedule to be less at WDW, especially if the specs for the "shell" are the same as at DL. Even with a interior gut and reconstruction, usually things go much quicker the second time around. You always learn the hard lessons the first time.

If rumor is true, we will all be disappointed to not ride it on our next trip during that time period (as will I, since we are planning our next trip in October of 2008). However I am all for a rehab- give WDW a truley "new attraction".

 

[DC7800]

One reason Disneyland's rehab took so long was that work didn't begin for some time after the attraction had been shut down. As Europacl noted, Space Mountain had to be closed prematurely due to the deteriorated condition of the ride.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We will miss it if the timeline it true but if they do the DL conversion or even close to it that would be great.We caught the DL one in 05 before the official opening.

I also know that the DL took longer due to the stageing of equipment and parts . Things could't be moved around during when the park was open like they could in WDW with it's much larger space.

 

[quiltymom]

This will be good news if it's true. I was amazed at just how rough the WDW ride was compared to it's counterpart in DL. I rode it once two weeks ago, and that was enough for me. But if they do fix it AND it's up to par with DL's, then I'll be on that ride multiple times!

 

[KYMickey]

Given the fact that all the design and procurement can be done prior to shutting the ride down, a year is more than enough time to completely rebuild the entire Space Mountain attraction. Weather also won't be a factor since all the work will be inside. Actually for the length of time involved I'd be surprised if it didn't include a complete replacement of the track!

Given all the hype and anticipation for this project the last thing Disney wants to do is to not meet the public's expectations. They'd be better off delaying the work than not doing it right.

 

[EUROPACL]

Given all the hype and anticipation for this project the last thing Disney wants to do is to not meet the public's expectations. They'd be better off delaying the work than not doing it right.

 

[fan of the TTA]

i think to be honest, space mountain is fine as it is. and anyway, tomorrow land will never be boring, not as long as the speed way, the buz ride, and the TTA have anything to do with it

 

[Horizons1]

I'm always torn when I hear these rumors. There's a nostalgic side of me that wishes we could just leave it alone. But in reality, it is in desperate need of an upgrade. And if Walt was still around, I'm pretty sure he'd say it needs some plussing...big time!

I would personally be down for an entirely new track, maybe some upgraded rockets, and posibbly a resolution to the end of the ride (always kind of bugged me how one second your in space, next second your in a blue room with wall to wall carpeting....kind of killed the whole space travel illusion) Some new effects would be cool along the tracks, maybe some asteroids like in the Paris version, etc. etc. And some onboard audio please! for the love of God!

Can't wait to see what happens (when/if it does)

 

[mchllevns]

I do remember that as a child, I was facinated by the exiting of Space Mountain...all the future items (remember the "music video" of The Archies?) Wonder what they'll come up with this time.

 

[mitros]

Just curious, having never been to DL, is there a WEDWAY people mover, oops, sorry, TTA going through that one as well?

 

[pouncingpluto]

Nope, no TTA/whatever.

 

[ameraumi]

*If* that rumor is true, I hope it is after our visit in June '08. It won;t be the end of the world if we do not get to ride it, but it will be depressing.

 

[Imagineer_Tech]

I have recently heard that WDW signed a deal with Vekoma a roller coaster manufactuer they built DLP's Space Mountain I half hope it is something different then theirs something more WOW!!! to make us WDWers say we have the best space mountain.

 

[KYMickey]

I have recently heard that WDW signed a deal with Vekoma a roller coaster manufactuer they built DLP's Space Mountain I half hope it is something different then theirs something more WOW!!! to make us WDWers say we have the best space mountain.

Where did you hear that Disney had signed this contract? If it is true and not just a rumor it certainly adds more credence to the idea that Space Mountain is going to getting an entire new ride system instead of just a refurb!