I can understand why the WDW would not want a major headliner attraction down for more than a year. The Magic Kingdom’s abysmal lack of headliner attractions is at fault. Disneyland is packed to the gills with other great attractions to satisfy guests (AP holders or otherwise). They can certianly afford to have one go down for a major rehab.

On a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom I was suprised at the lack of attractions compared to Disneyland. I’m sure this was magnified because Space Mountain was in rehab. I think WDW management has finally admited this fact and is spending money where it is more useful, like the Fantasyland expansion. I don’t think they have the luxury of spending money on major rehabs of existing popular attractions. They really just need to build more of them.

Also, I understand that the ride control system was replaced/modernized. Also, I feel that they have needed a safer load area for a long time. The new gates at the load area probably took a big portion of the rehab time and expense. The changes to the queue area will allow us to be able to enjoy the queue again- which we haven’t been able to do ever since fast pass was put in ( making long lines outside while the queue area is empty because they had to work in the fastpass folks from outside).

The rehab was necessary to refresh and update safety systems, in my opinion and I can’t wait to see it.

I’m sure that a lot of people would like to see something akin to the more modern space mountains at the other parks– or even a new attraction. This rehab is good thing.

thanks for reading and for your input here.

I must say that I am having a difficult time saying what I want to say. I have no problem with keeping it the way it was. And these changes are probably good ones as most of the recent refurb projects have yielded good results.

I initially had an issue with pouring money into this, a reported $12 million, while other areas of WDW needed to be addressed and made a better experience. Space Mountain already was, as you say, the most popular attraction in the most popular park. So why spend the cash and 7 months of downtime?

But since they decided to go ahead anyway, and I am one who missed this attraction on my last trip so I guess management didn’t care all that much, why not make it worth the time and effort? It didn’t need a 2 year makeover, but it just seems to me that reports are showing this to be good but underwhelming. Why 7 months to underwhelm?

I am still talking in circles…ugg. I guess I need to withhold anymore potentially negative comments until I get there myself.