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Walt Disney World Resort guests are reporting a potential issue on Space Mountain that, if identified as a technical problem, could result in the roller coaster’s indefinite closure.
Located between TRON Lightcycle / Run and the Tomorrowland Speedway, Space Mountain is one of Magic Kingdom Park’s most popular attractions.
The indoor roller coaster was the first of its kind at any Disney park, with versions later opening at Disneyland Park, Disneyland Paris (now Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain), Tokyo Disneyland (closed for retheme until 2027), and Hong Kong Disneyland (now Hyperspace Mountain).
Credit: shaggyhill / Flickr
As each version of Space Mountain is unique, so are the issues that plague it. Walt Disney World Resort guests report an unusual “snap” sound at the end of the Magic Kingdom Park roller coaster. From Redditor u/DustyComstock:
“Every time I ride Space Mountain there is this noticeable snap sound that happens after that downward helix with the whirring sound effects, but before you enter the red re-entry tunnel.
It sounds like a whip crack or like one of those little firecrackers you throw on the ground.
I listen for it every time and it’s there every time. Rode it twice on Sunday, and there it was. Just wondering if I’m alone in hearing that or if anyone even knows what’s causing it. I’m suddenly curious. It almost sounds like something on the ride broke when it makes that snap sound.”
Many Disney Parks fans also noticed the noise. Some assumed it was the brakes or another safety mechanism.
Credit: Disney
“I feel like I’ve noticed that before too now that you mention it, I always just assumed it was brakes or something,” u/ma-doodles commented.
Others assumed it was an intentional atmospheric sound effect.
“Growing up in Florida hearing a sonic boom wasn’t uncommon thanks to the space shuttles coming back a few times a year,” u/CruisinJoe214 wrote.
“I always assumed this sound and the red tunnel was you reentering the earth’s atmosphere and causing that sonic boom. Space shuttles also used a turning maneuver as an air brake when approaching. Not sure if that was the intention, but it made sense to me.”
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
“I always just assumed it was a sound effect for you crash landing,” said u/CruisinJo214.
While it’s unclear what causes the “snap,” rest assured that Walt Disney Imagineers will shut down Space Mountain to fix anything that poses a safety risk to Disney Park cast members or guests.
Have you experienced anything unusual on a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort attraction? Let Disney Tips know in the comments.
