Mouse Extra

After around a seventh month closure for refurbishment, it appears the shiny new Space Mountain had a few soft openings this weekend for testing by Magic Kingdom guests.  This much anticipated re-make should be the talk of the town for a few days as reviews begin to pop-up on the internet.

For those of you interested in getting the full scoop, along with a complete compliment of spoilers, check out the blog section Ricky Brigante’s Orlando Attractions Magazine.  He has posted photos and full descriptions of the new queue area, loading sections and post show, as well as a first-person video ride-through.

Once you reach the top of the hill and begin the ride, it’s the same Space Mountain you remember, but darker. Projections along the ceiling and walls are crisp and brighter but are mainly the same swirling cosmos and shooting stars - nothing new. Throughout the ride, the track is practically invisible due to the lowered light level, presumably as a result of enclosing the load areas. I didn’t notice any difference in the track itself. The layout was the same as I remembered and it was no more or less shaky than before the refurbishment. Some have reported that the ride is a little smoother now. I didn’t think so, but I have a high tolerance for rocky rides. The near-total darkness did enhance the thrill level a bit.

The general consensus from Brigante, as well as others I have read, is that Disney has made this classic ride a little less antiquated but not much different.  Those of us in love with Space Mountain will not be disappointed by a totally new look and feel.  Much like the recent Haunted Mansion plussing, this seems to be nothing more than an updating or refreshing. 

Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about that.  While I was one who questioned the need to do much and invest a lot of money into this incredibly popular and iconic attraction, I guess now that we have waited seven months I feel like perhaps I was expecting more.  But I will reserve judgment until I have experienced it myself.  All the reviews I have seen so far have been positive, so this appears to be a job well done by the Imagineers.