When did Space Mountain get dark(er)?

[tstottle]

Hi! We're going back to Disney this summer, last visit two summers ago, so 7/2013. SM is one of our favorites. Has it changed in the past two years? I've been reading how it is darker now...does that mean that they turned off the stars and stuff like that and it's just all in pitch black? When did this change take place? Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

Its pretty much that they just closed up some of the "light leaks" and re-directed some show lighting. They didn't turn off the stars or the projections.

 

[DisneyWisher]

We used to think it was lighter inside when it was nighttime but no longer...it is really dark inside. I dont think the cars glow like they use to either...like reflectors on the side.

 

[tstottle]

OK thanks! Glad to hear that they didn't just turn off everything and make it all pitch black. While that could be an interesting idea for a new ride (and maybe two tracks and you don't know which one you are on?), not for our old favorite Space Mountain.

 

[North of Mouse]

Hi! We're going back to Disney this summer, last visit two summers ago, so 7/2013. SM is one of our favorites. Has it changed in the past two years? I've been reading how it is darker now...does that mean that they turned off the stars and stuff like that and it's just all in pitch black? When did this change take place? Thanks!

Don't really think it is darker, but from the People Mover it is dark because they put 'screens' up so you can't see in as well. We rode the People Mover yesterday when SM was 'down' and the lights were on and we could see all the 'structure' through the screens. Dh rode SM but didn't see any difference.

 

[goofyernmost]

I rode SM years ago, like in the 80's and since. It has always been dark in there. I don't know how one can get darker then pitch black. That's how I always remember it.

 

[meljean]

My husband and son rode SM in November and he said that it was so dark he couldn't see. No reflectors were visible either. I also didn't like how you couldn't see the ride from the people mover. You used to see the Rockets going but it was pitch black.

 

[Tribe]

Never rode People Mover but was looking forward to riding it for the first time in April trip. What is the point of the ride going through Space Mountain without seeing anything at all?

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

OK thanks! Glad to hear that they didn't just turn off everything and make it all pitch black. While that could be an interesting idea for a new ride (and maybe two tracks and you don't know which one you are on?), not for our old favorite Space Mountain.

I rode it once with all the lights actually out...as in pitch black...clearly an electrical malfunction. It was extremely intense! It was also my then 6yo niece's first time on a real rollercoaster. Surprisingly she loved it.

 

[larryz]

I rode it once with all the lights actually out...as in pitch black...clearly an electrical malfunction. It was extremely intense! It was also my then 6yo niece's first time on a real rollercoaster. Surprisingly she loved it.

Tell her she can enjoy that experience on any roller coaster in the world -- just wear eye shades...

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Tell her she can enjoy that experience on any roller coaster in the world -- just wear eye shades...

Or just close her eyes lol. She's far surpassed her aunt when it comes to rollercoasters. About the most extreme I can handle is EE.

I've also been on SM when it has stopped and all the lights come up. It's a little unnerving how flimsy and narrow those tracks appear to be.

 

[jneal3285]

I rode it once with all the lights actually out...as in pitch black...clearly an electrical malfunction. It was extremely intense! It was also my then 6yo niece's first time on a real rollercoaster. Surprisingly she loved it.

Once rode SM with the lights on and it was definitely not as intense. Very neat to see, but not the same. Thankfully the CM let our entire car go again because they fixed the lights as we pulled in!