Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Space Mountain, a Disneyland Park icon since its 1977 debut, left guests stranded earlier this month after an unexpected malfunction. The beloved Tomorrowland roller coaster temporarily ceased operations, forcing Disney cast members to restrict access and evacuate guests. Multiple Disney Park visitors shared their experiences in videos on social media.
Space Mountain: A Legacy of Thrills
Credit: Disney
Space Mountain opened at Disneyland Park two years after its counterpart at Magic Kingdom Park. Both quickly became some of the most celebrated attractions at Disney Parks worldwide. While most versions retain the classic sci-fi aesthetic, some—like Disneyland Paris’s Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain—have been reimagined to reflect newer franchises. Tokyo Disney Resort recently closed its Space Mountain permanently to make way for a brand-new version set to open in 2027.
Though Space Mountain continues to enchant millions of guests annually, the ride’s popularity comes with inevitable wear and tear. Like any ride servicing thousands daily, it occasionally experiences technical issues requiring temporary closures.
Disneyland Park Guests Share Their Stories
Credit: Disney
On December 17, TikTok users shared their experiences of being stuck on the Disneyland Park version of Space Mountain during a recent malfunction.
In one video, TikTok user @itsqueentaty recounted the roller coaster abruptly stopping mid-ride. To the guest’s surprise, Disney cast members restarted the attraction and allowed them to ride again—with the lights on.
@itsqueentaty such a crazy experience & yes we did get to go again! #disneyland #disneyparks #californiaadventure #spacemountain #spacemountainwithlightson #holidays #christmastime
“Such a crazy experience,” the guest wrote.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Another TikTok user, @giubezelli, found themselves stuck in one of Space Mountain’s tunnels. Their video showed the overhead announcement instructing riders to remain seated as Disney cast members slowly maneuvered the iconic rocket-shaped vehicles toward the exit platform.
@giubizelli So we got stuck at Space Mountain @Disney!
Disneyland Resort rarely discloses the specific reasons for attraction malfunctions or closures, and this instance was no exception. After the breakdown, Space Mountain reopened and resumed normal operations.
It’s unclear whether the evacuated guests were allowed to ride again or received any compensation, but some Disney Parks fans have previously reported being granted Lightning Lane passes in similar situations.
Have you ever been on Space Mountain or another Disney Park attraction with the lights on? Share your memories with Disney Tips in the comments!
