Posts Tagged ‘Space Mountain’

While it may not be exactly the change that many were hoping for, Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain has gone “Starry-O-Phonic” with the addition of a new audio feature.  All flights will now be enhanced by a specially-composed musical score and sound effects, playing from 60 speakers installed throughout the ride.

Because the system does not broadcast from onboard speakers, it doesn’t deliver the synchronized, immersive experience of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but riders report that it does add to the atmosphere and fun of this great attraction.

Fresh from a seven-month refurbishment, Starport Seven-Five is once again welcoming space travelers.  Changes to Space Mountain include the addition of interactive games along the queue, an onboard photo which can purchased at the end of the ride in the Tomorrowland Video Arcade, and a refreshed exit area.  Imagineers have also added a number of their special “touches” along the way.

Sadly, the glowing stripes on the sides of the ride vehicles have been removed, and the view of the “stars” once offered from the queue areas and a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority has been lost; hidden by a new dome.

Passengers will have a greater sense of flying through the dark thanks to efforts to darken the ride, and make it smoother and quieter.  Guests hoping for a screaming new experience with updated sound system and new track configuration will be disappointed.  Those who were worried that the classic and relatively tame Mountain they loved would be irrevocably changed, can relax.

Although it can be a bit jerky, Space Mountain offers a fairly gentle roller coaster ride through the dark.  Vehicles seat passengers in a single file of six for an exciting trip on one of two nearly identical tracks, Alpha (ten feet longer) and Omega.  Riders twist and turn down through the darkness after a steep climb to the top of the Mountain.  A photo taken at the beginning of the ride in a glowing blue tunnel reinforces the sense of darkness with the flash of strobes.

Space Mountain

Magic Kingdom

44″ minimum height requirement

FastPass available

Guests must transfer from ECV to available wheelchair, then from wheelchair to ride vehicle

Park admission required

Disney gives dog lovers a lot to smile about.  Great dogs are not only the stars of many animated features, but they pop up in unexpected places at every Disney destination.  We thought we’d share a few of our favorites!

The famous jailhouse dog delights us in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Everyone feels a tug of sympathy seeing the poor little emaciated pup slinking by in the gloomy graveyard of the Haunted Mansion.

Although he’s not very furry, RoboDog at Space Mountain certainly has more than his share of personality.

Visitors to Downtown Disney always enjoy seeing the wonderful Lego dogs strolling along the sidewalk.

Our top pick?  The sweet dog in the Carousel of Progress who stays by his master’s side through generations of kitchens, his head bobbing and his tail wagging softly.