Space Mountain to Close for 18 Months
That’s the latest rumor coming from Jim Hill Media – Space Mountain will close in January 2009 for 18-months for a major overhaul.
If the rumor is true, Disney Imagineers have decided to revamp the ride to compete with Universal’s opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Islands of Adventure in late 2009 (or early 2010) as well as a new thrill ride currently being built at Sea World.
Let’s hope if this is true that Disney doesn’t ruin this classic and incredibly popular ride. Space Mountain might be simple in comparison to other thrill rides, but it’s still one of the best rollercoasters ever!
Photo Source: Flickr
Tags: Walt Disney World, Space Mountain closing, Space Mountain, Sea World, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Harry Potter theme park, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Space Mountain refurbishment, Disney rumors
9 Comments
Especially the fact that this is the only ride left that still holds on to the old character that has long been refurbed and forgotten in other parks including disney land. It’s that mid 20th century futuristic glory they’ve still kept in tact over all these years. You can feel as you enter and especially when you exit as you observe the very old style art and animitronics from the 70’s and 80’s that is still so prevelant upon exiting the ride through the corridors. It reminds me of other attractions that were such a welcome thing of the past that are now gone like Nickelodeon studios. While most long for change and the “new” they don’t realize the gems they have until they are gone.
I will embrace space mountain, because soon as with everything it will be a distant memory of when things had character and were truly original.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Joe! Your comment really hit home for me and I’m sure it reflects many, many Disney fans’ feelings.
I can and then can not agree with you. I mean yes spacemountain is the only ride left with the 80s and 70s flare. But then again they still redid it many many many more after that. I mean first you could sit with three a row then two now one. my younger sister lexis firt time on it was a little creepy bcause she couldnt go on with me or my parents so please dont make this so bad….. I mean change is always good. But i do agree and you have your right to state your mind
This is a classic and if they do change/ upgrade it I hope they won’t screw it up but look at disney’s offical site and go to calander they don’t show it closing on any of the 2009 months yet so I assume it won’t happen
It is always difficult to remain current with thrill and technology while maintaining the nostalgic feeling that defines the Magic Kingdom. I feel the best way to balance the two is to continue to add new state of the art headliner attractions while keeping those attractions that keep thousands of guests returning year after year…to relive their childhood. I have to believe that Space Mountain is, and always will be, one of those very attractions.
Closed as of April 19, 2009. Scheduled re-open date: November 21, 2009. Renovation includes new track, upgraded queue area and a new ceiling inside the mountain.
Yes, Space Mountain is closed for renovation at this time. Because of the closure there have been some slight changes to the Extra Magic Hours attractions in Magic Kingdom.
I love Space Mountain,I hope that it re-opens in time for Thanksgiving!!
The latest report is that Space Mountain is due to reopen on November 21, 2009. Hopefully, there will be no major glitches and they will stay on schedule or even open early!!