No Space Mountain in 2009

[7swans]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, I just read this on touring plans;

We've gotten word from a few good sources that the Space Mountain refurbishment is on schedule to begin the first week of January 2009 and last for 14 months. That date might shift a little in either direction, but don't expect to ride Space Mountain during 2009.

It was also stated that Woodys Cowboy Camp will end Sept. 27. :(

[DVC Mike]

According to Jim Hill:


It's a real drag to have the Magic Kingdom's best-known thrill ride down for repairs during your WDW vacation. But trust me folks, the yearlong redo will be worth it. Once work is complete in 2010, Space Mountain will feature a brand-new sound system, new lighting, and projections throughout the show building, plus a new loading area that will make this Tomorrowland favorite even easier for guests with disabilities to enjoy.

[kiapgh23e]

BOO Im going down jan 10 hopefully it swings alittle towards the middle of the month.

[I'mNoPrince]

The DL redo was a hugh hit so we can only hope that spills over to WDW.

[Kizzes424]

I'm sure it will be great once the refurb is done, but I will miss it. We are doing a big family trip next year, and I was looking forward to riding it as it is a family favorite:crymeariv.

[keenanclan6]

I just don't remember where. Here's hoping that it is later in the month rather than sooner!!!! We"ll be there on the 2nd and it looks like we will be heading there first thing. Last trip we made was the first time DD #3 was tall enough to ride it and she LOVED it. We can always wish....:genie:

[Colorado Belle]

The Disney execs must have heard me whooping it up over the DL SM....gotta tell ya that the new 'dark' version is soooooooooooooo
much better that it really will be worth the wait. (unless you've ridden the DL version since its redo, you'll just have to trust me on this)

[carolina_yankee]

:clappingh :clappingh :clappingh

If anyone has been on the Disneyland version of Space Mountain since its refurb, you will be jumping for joy. It will be sad for some who don't go as often, but in 2010, you should see results that will make you glad for the wait!!

As it is, I can ride DL SM multiple times - I can only take the WDW version once or twice - the jerkiness stirs up and slams around what few brains I have left.

Dirk

[keenanclan6]

Hubby laughs at me that I will ride Rockin' Roller Coaster over and over again but after one time on Space Mountain I was good..... and sore.:whatababy That's a good reason in itself to go ahead and plan for the 2010 trip, hopefully the world will cooperate.:fingerscr

[kiapgh23e]

Not all is lost though, Im going to DL Mar 4-7. Will ride it there.

[Colorado Belle]

Good...you are in for a treat. And don't forget multiple rides on Indie! I think I did each 4 times last trip (in one day)

[Ransom]

Yay! I hope this rumor is true. I've heard recently that it was cut back to a 6-month refurb with no changes to the track to make it smoother. I hope that instead they do the whole shebang like the did in DL.

[apurplebrat]

Will this have any affect on TTA?

[disneyfreak89]

I'm sure it will be great once the refurb is done, but I will miss it. We are doing a big family trip next year, and I was looking forward to riding it as it is a family favorite:crymeariv.

:iagree: ...so are we! We're doing a big family trip end of January.....so this will be a HUGE disappointment for them. I realize the refurb should be done, it does need it.....on the flipside, we're going in October so we'll have one last chance to ride it before it goes down! :clappingh

Will this have any affect on TTA?

I sure hope not, that is one of our favorite rides in the MK!!! Last time Space was down, TTA was still running, in fact, all the lights were on and we could see the tracks! Although, since this will be an extensive refurbishment, I can see them having to close it, if only for a short while. :tearsaref

[It's Me]

For those that have been on the refurbed DL SM, is it a smoother ride than the one at DW?

DH and I always get off the one at DW with headaches and neck pains from such a herky-jerky ride. We are only in our 30's but for some reason SM takes everything out of us. I hope this refurb makes the ride more bearable.

[Tammy]

I soo hope the rumor is not true that they are not going to redue the tracks! My husband and son love love roller coasters but once a trip is all they can take of space mountain. It gives them both headaches.

[Belle & Ariel]

How can it take 14 months? Hopefully it will be ready for us in Dec. 2009.

[I'mNoPrince]

For those that have been on the refurbed DL SM, is it a smoother ride than the one at DW?

DH and I always get off the one at DW with headaches and neck pains from such a herky-jerky ride. We are only in our 30's but for some reason SM takes everything out of us. I hope this refurb makes the ride more bearable.

Yes I have been on the DL before and after the Refurb and it's as different as night and day. Just a smooth fun ride.

I just wonder if they will go with a Longer single track or stay with the 2 tracks. I hope they put the Single riders line in as well.

I hope they keep the @ tracks and keep the single file cars as well but either way will be great.

[TikiTwinsDad]

I've read a couple of times - and the Jim Hill article somewhat backs this up - that it is NOT a complete re-do like DL. The layout is supposed to remain basically the same, but it will be completely refurbished, upgraded and updated and will have new lighting and effects. We're going in May and December 2009 (the second trip will be our first with grandparents), so I'll hope they are ahead of schedule.

I had also read that this was supposed to start this year, but was pushed back so they could come up with a way to keep the Wedway Peoplemover open (I don't call it TTA often). I think there was supposed to be a brief time when it's down so they can block out the work with a temporary solution. However, others say that TTA will also get a re-do during this time. It may be in need of its own updates. :)

These are much older rumors from Screamscape.com

2009 - Space Mountain: Mission 2 - Rumor - (2/18/08) The latest update to the Space Mountain rehab saga is that anyone planning a vacation in 2008 is now safe. From what I’ve been told the new timeline will close Space Mountain from January 2009 to September 2009. The bad news is that apparently they are not planning a complete track replacement, though numerous sections will be replaces, the goal is apparently to keep the ride’s layout the same as it always has been. The good news however is that the plan is to finally add an onboard audio system as well as numerous new special effects and props to bring the aging ride more inline with its California sibling. Of course, if they’re going to bump the project back... why screw up another entire summer season? I still don’t get why they don’t just close it this September and reopen it by June 2009.
(1/11/08) Screamscape sources tell us that while the lengthy planned rehab of Space Mountain is still on the way, there is a good chance right now that they will wait until after Toy Story Mania opens before shutting Space Mountain down. Since we’re talking about a very length shutdown, anywhere from 12-18 months, this has a large number of people concerned and very anxious because it could mean that Space Mountain would be down not only for Summer 2008, but could possibly be down for some or all of Summer 2009. From the sound of things, Imagineering is ready to go and would like to begin work as soon as possible, but Disney World management is the troublesome one dragging their feet, as they don’t believe it to be a priority.

There's also some discussion here:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=338558

[snookies]

For those that have been on the refurbed DL SM, is it a smoother ride than the one at DW?

DH and I always get off the one at DW with headaches and neck pains from such a herky-jerky ride. We are only in our 30's but for some reason SM takes everything out of us. I hope this refurb makes the ride more bearable.

It is a much smoother ride. The refurbed DL SM and the existing WDW SM are similar in name only. I have friends that love the new DL SM, but refuse to ride the WDW SM for the same reasons you mentioned.

[NorweJenNY]

I'm so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who can't ride SM anymore because of how jerky it is... and I'm still in my 20s!

Like someone else mentioned, I can ride Aerosmith over and over (if given the chance... harder with young children along). A smooth ride makes all the difference!

So on the one hand, I don't care about not being able to ride SM in 2009, because I didn't even make an attempt to ride it in 2008, even when it had less than a 30-min wait... I do, however, hold out hope that it does become a smoother ride so that our family will all be able to ride it together in the future, myself included.

If it weren't for the aches and pains it causes me, SM would be one of my favorite rides.

[D C]

Wow. That stinks! We're going down Jan 24-Feb 1 Love to ride SM!

Where can I get info on any other rides being refurbed? Anything going on at Epcot (like refurbing Test Track)? THAT would really suck!

[carolina_yankee]

I'm so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who can't ride SM anymore because of how jerky it is... and I'm still in my 20s!

Like someone else mentioned, I can ride Aerosmith over and over (if given the chance... harder with young children along). A smooth ride makes all the difference!

If it weren't for the aches and pains it causes me, SM would be one of my favorite rides.

There is nothing better than being in the front seat of the front car zipping through a starfield in the darkness - but there is so much they need to do. Sunlight bleeds into that building badly, the launch sequence isn't nearly as sense-altering as Disneyland, and the track is so jerky. I'll miss it, but I'll so enjoy it's improvements.

Wow. That stinks! We're going down Jan 24-Feb 1 Love to ride SM!

Where can I get info on any other rides being refurbed? Anything going on at Epcot (like refurbing Test Track)? THAT would really suck!
Basically, check the fan sites and the calendar for each park for the month of your vacation at disneyworld.com . However, the updates there sometimes don't get added until right before a refurbishment happens.

As far as I know, Epcot should be in the clear except for minor things unless they decide to do something helpful like restore Imagination to its pristine Figmentness. Tutto Italia, the table service in Italy, may be down for a makeover into its final incarnation, but that's been rumored for over a year now.

Dirk

[handa]

From Dirk:

As far as I know, Epcot should be in the clear except for minor things unless they decide to do something helpful like restore Imagination to its pristine Figmentness. Tutto Italia, the table service in Italy, may be down for a makeover into its final incarnation, but that's been rumored for over a year now.

*AFAIK, the problem with JIYI(w/F) is that the track was significantly shortened when the whole JIYI mess was installed and that the refurb to restore the track length is both costly and may not be possible with the building now being flanked by the Soarin' show building (also rumors to expand that area) and the Millenium Village building. Memory is beginning to play tricks on me, but the big area that I reacall as "gone" is the huge curve that surrounded the Dreamfinder flying segment at the beginning of the ride. This would be the part where the scene "followed" some of the cars. Also, pieces and parts of this scene have been sold through MouseSurplus and I'm sure that they could be re-fabricated but would be very difficult to do so in this day and age.

Question about the SM refurb: I've been looking for the JHM article, and couldn't find it. Is this currently on the website, or is it in the archive from weeks back? I usually check his site on a daily basis.

I'd be bummed if we were still going to WDW once every 4-5 years, but this is worth the wait until the "next trip" if it is going to be a major overhaul including track. Coaster technology has improved by leaps and bounds since the 1970s and WDWs SM is both the oldest and in the biggest need of a refurb. The most frequent comment I hear about the "biggies" that have been built more recently (EE, RNRC, California Screamin') is that the ride is far more smooth than the typical roller coaster experience and those who experience back/neck problems on comparable coasters are more likely to ride these over similar (near-identical in the case of RNRC) rides in other parks.

Chris

[minniekissedme]

Thanks for the news...I'll be sure the mouseketeers no this is their "last ride" for a while. We were in tomorrowland last nite but didn't sneak in the ride before Wishes...going back tonite!

[kellybus]

Oh well it just means that we will have to plan another trip(such a bummer Ha Ha) in 2010 when it reopens. I will be disapointed in May:crymeariv:crymeariv , I've told my DD Hubby ( WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO ANY DISNEY PARKS!!!) so much about the world and was raving about SM. He will just have to go back with us in 2010.

[lenshanem]

I must have a Disney purist in my house. When I was talking about this over dinner my ten year old said - Oh, no! They can't mess with a Disney classic! Don't they know that will upset the fans?

[carolina_yankee]

I must have a Disney purist in my house. When I was talking about this over dinner my ten year old said - Oh, no! They can't mess with a Disney classic! Don't they know that will upset the fans?

Yep - Disney purist, or someone in shell-shock from reading fan boards! I think the fans will probably be happy with this, though - I suspect they will be restoring SM to what it's supposed to be with maybe a few tweaks here and there.

Dirk

[erikthewise]

DL version is much smoother. As a result it is no longer like the traditional "Wild Mouse" coaster, and perhaps somewhat less of a "thrill" ride as you no longer have the sudden changes of direction and quick drops. But most people like it better. It is MUCH less intense than Rock n Rollercoaster. Let's also not forget that the DL version seats two across.

The length of the refurb (12-14 months) leads me to believe they will be putting in new track and vehicles to make it (more) like the DL version.

[carolina_yankee]

The length of the refurb (12-14 months) leads me to believe they will be putting in new track and vehicles to make it (more) like the DL version.

As I understand it, the DL version was always one trick, so it will be interesting to see if WDW keeps the same two track system. I suspect they will. I don't think they redesigned Disneyland's version - just replaced it from top to bottom with newer, better materials. The question of single or double seater cars is a good one for WDW. Whicever we get, I think music will be an important part of the experience.

WDW alsoo has more of a pre-show and post-show experience than Disneyland. Updating that would take some time and $$$. It will be nice to see a change to the robot holding the invisible Fed Ex box that disappeared after the Fed Ex sponsorship ended!!

Dirk

[burcs]

Question about the SM refurb: I've been looking for the JHM article, and couldn't find it. Is this currently on the website, or is it in the archive from weeks back? I usually check his site on a daily basis.

i too was unable to find the quote by DVC mike elsewhere on the internet. i did see it, however, in the 2009 UG. it was in one of those little blurbs he gives about each attraction.

not to stray OT, (but this doesn't seem important enough for its own thread), did the 2008 UG have the color photos in the front? i think they're great.

[7swans]

I am glad to hear of the high hopes those of you who have been to DL have for the redo.
Knowing we will be there again soon as a family gives us something to look forward to.
But for the Class of 2009 who we will be taking down in May, this will be a disappointment.

[suzyqqq27]

I am so sad to hear that they're doing a refurb in 2009. My 5-year old has been waiting 3 years to be tall enough to go on Space Mountain. We're going in October but I still think she's going to be an inch shy of the 44" height requirement. So, I told her for sure she could ride it next year!

Yikes! I'm going to have a very disappointed little girl on my hands. Getting to ride on Space Mountain is how I get her to drink milk and eat vegetables - so she'll grow big and tall to ride Space Mountain. I don't think she'll understand that it's going to be better in 2010.

Just my vent,
Suzanne

[Don13875]

I'm bummed this was going to be the first year my daughter was tall enough to ride space mountain :tearsaref

[D C]

I must have a Disney purist in my house. When I was talking about this over dinner my ten year old said - Oh, no! They can't mess with a Disney classic! Don't they know that will upset the fans?

Myself, I'm kind of torn. There's just something about the whole "This is the best we could do in 1970" ambiance to the building & ride that makes it unique. Yet the ride really needs to be brought out of yesterdayland.

[handa]

A LIM launch from about 3/4 the way up the lift hill (a la The Hulk) would do wonders...

Chris

[rowan]

Im dissapointed about the changes. I know that those who have been to the DL one say its better, and Im happy that those of you who feel it is too jerky the way it is will be able to enjoy it if it is smoother.

But for me Space is the best ride in "the world" just the way it is. I laugh like a little girl so hard the whole time. (and I will be 30 this year). To me all the corny, yesterdays ideas about tomorrow stuff is what makes it such a gem.
In my opinion if they want a faster, smoother, newer ride they can make a new one but they should leave Space alone. It is kind of like I love Lucy reruns. You watch them the way they are and love them for it or watch more modern shows, but you dont try to refilm them with a new cast.

Anyway- thats just me, I'm cleary in the minority and my opinion doesnt matter to Disney anyway. All that being said, I am happy for those of you are looking forward to it.

[HauntedPirate]

We're going to be there starting the 15th, so I hope they hold off just a bit longer on closing it. I'd love one last ride!

That being said - replace the track, the cars, etc. But don't touch the queue. :mad: Heads will roll if the Star Tunnel music and the "warp" music are removed. :tunes: :fingerscr

[handa]

We're going to be there starting the 15th, so I hope they hold off just a bit longer on closing it. I'd love one last ride!

That being said - replace the track, the cars, etc. But don't touch the queue. :mad: Heads will roll if the Star Tunnel music and the "warp" music are removed. :tunes: :fingerscr

Star Tunnel is cool. Big Ol' Archaic space on Alpha's and Omega's loading platforms is a bit boring. Usually when we're there, all of the switchbacks aren't necessary as the queue is controlled both outside and at the point where the queue splits, anyway.

Exit ramps: can use some work, too.

Chris

[wintergreen]

We just returned from a trip to DL and LOVED the Space Mountain there. My kid said it was better than the one at WDW.

[HauntedPirate]

Star Tunnel is cool. Big Ol' Archaic space on Alpha's and Omega's loading platforms is a bit boring. Usually when we're there, all of the switchbacks aren't necessary as the queue is controlled both outside and at the point where the queue splits, anyway.

Exit ramps: can use some work, too.

Chris

"Space shuttle, this is Flight Safety. Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle, and remain seated while in motion. You are cleared for launch."

That (old version) will never get boring to me (especially when it's not followed by a Spanish version... but that's just un-PC of me... ;) ). But you're right, the switchback area could use some modernization. Just keep that Flight Safety guy's voice! :D The speedramp needs some kind of story again, like the RYCA-1 era. A futuristic theme is easy to do, since they did it at least once before!

[It's Me]

I am very happy to read that there is a chance the track could be changed and the ride could be smoother with the refurb. DH and I thought we experienced our last SM ride on our last trip, but now, we will give it another try once the refurb. is done.

We love roller coasters, just don't like the headaches from SM. Will have to keep watch on the updates on this one.

Thanks to the OP and everyone else that has shared their info on this.

[handa]

HP,

When I posted about the loading platforms, I mean the platform area itself as opposed to the sound, track area, or even the projections on the walls. Considering the things they've done with the newer queues and the fact that they have a huge amount of empty space once the pipes are removed, the loading dock could be a very cool area.

Chris

[D C]

I'm surprised at all of the comments saying it's jerky & painful. I remember riding it several years ago after a ~20 year hiatus and the motions surprised me a little. But after that first ride I was good to go.

[cincinmouse]

From post over at wdwmagic.com

Posted back in June
Closure Jan 9th 2009 for 14 months

New preshow theme (extent unknown)

New load cosmetics

New track, same layouts

Mostly new track supports

New cars with onboard audio similar to DLC but unique to WDW

New visual effects

New unload cosmetics

Possible brand new post show, at least a retheme

Exterior enhancements

Now I have been reading all the post over there in regards to the refurb and there are a few Imagineers that post over there who are like our DC source.

There is presure coming from park management to shorten the refurb along with the budget constraints. The track is the main maintenance issues and they are trying to avoid the unplanned shutdown that took place at SM DL. The unplanned shutdown is the reason it took nearly two years to complete.

I believe things should be much clearer in the next month or so as track has to be ordered/delivered. Some say the track has already been ordered and that it would be difficult to stop that process now. But if they go over budget then some of the "show items" could be cut/ postponed and we could be looking at a SSE refurb when it opened for holiday season before it was 100% completely finished and then shut back down again to complete it. If the track and supports are being replace it would be a huge safety issue to keep the TTA open while track replacement is being done.

See youtube video from TTA while lights are on in SM also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Mj84Xzj04&feature=related

Also here are drawing of track inside SM along with TTA path. If you see how the track layout is and the fact the track must be in small pieces to be brought into the building you can understand why this is going to take so long.

TRACK
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk159/cincinmouse/spacemttracklayout.jpg

TTA
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk159/cincinmouse/TTAtrackinSM3.jpg

[BandontheRun]

Well, I love Yesterland and having been going to WDW many many times since I was 5 (I am now 36), I have that great nostalgic feeling for many of the attractions.
However, we must keep in mind, Walt's words that the park is never finished as long as there is imagination in the world. Walt certainly wouldn't want the Magic Kingdom (or any park) to become a museum.
My oldest son will ride SM for the first time this year, and it looks like my younger son will never ride "The Original". However, given the recent updates of POTC and the HM, I am optimistic that the change will be for the better.
Regardless, being nostalgic, there will always be a special place for those of us who remember how these attractions were when we first experienced them.
With a new generation of youth, they are exposed to much technology and advancements that we couldn't have imagined. In order to keep Disney to them, what is was to us in our youth, we must remain on the cutting edge of today's youth.

[dianeschlicht]

Dang, that's a whole year of trips without SM! It's still one of my favs!