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New Space Mountain Enhancement at Walt Disney World

Posted by: Steven Wilk July 19, 2023

Exterior of Space Mountain at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Space Mountain is one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom. That may change over time as Tron rises in popularity and the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (former Splash Mountain) debuts next year, but for now, Space Mountain is still one of the leaders.

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A Brief History of Time (and Space Mountain)

space-mountain-disney

Credit: Disney Tips

Opening in the park in 1975, the dark indoor coaster was the first roller coaster built in Walt Disney World Resort.

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Although Disneyland did have the Matterhorn, it wouldn’t fit within the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland (at the time). The best real estate in the theme park to hold a new roller coaster was Tomorrowland. Despite its thrilling experience, the ride only hits a top speed of 30 mph, about half the speed of Test Track or the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s launch. Through the years, Space Mountain has seen a variety of sponsors, including RCA and FedEx, but the spirit and the ride itself has remained mostly unchanged (not counting basic refurbishments and minor tweaks).

space-mountain

Credit: Disney Tips

Ride Photo Changes

Among one of the signature elements of Space Mountain is the on-ride photo snapped near the beginning of the ride. It would capture the three riders in each car and add a space background with the Space Mountain logo and labels such as “Active Spacecraft: Interstellar” and “STATUS: Mission Complete.” However, Disney Photopass is offering a new enhancement to the ride photo. Guests will now see themselves surrounded by a motion blur that mirrors the tunnel on the actual ride.

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It’s also important to note that to get the ride photo without a watermark, you do have to purchase the Memory Maker, which ranges from $69-$199. There seems to be some mixed reaction among Disney Park fans. What do you think?

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About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)