JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELGuests exit the gift shop after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELSusi Stark and Garrick Rard (center) wait in line with other guests as they get ready to ride Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelFireworks over Space Mountain, as scene from the new California Grill at Walt Disney World, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELAlex Wright, a senior show designer with Walt Disney Imagineering (center), talks about the Space Mountain updates at the entrance to the ride during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELGuests exit the post-show after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelGuests exit the post-show after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelA guest moves past one of the video game displays in the updated queue area of Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests prepare to blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELGuests arrive in the updated queue area of Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
DENNIS WALL / SENTINEL STARAstronauts James Irwin, Gordon Cooper, and Scott Carpenter with Robert Sarnoff next to Mickey Mouse in the Lunar Rover. Pictured in the background is Space Mountain.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelGuests exit the gift shop after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelSpace Mountain, during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELAlex Wright, a senior show designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, talks about the Space Mountain updates at the entrance to the ride during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELAlex Wright, a senior show designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, talks about the Space Mountain updates after riding the attraction with guests, during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELSpace Mountain, during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelSusi Stark and Garrick Rard (center) wait in line with other guests as they get ready to ride Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelA sign indicates the soft-opening for Space Mountain during preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
GENE DUNCAN, ORLANDO SENTINELView of Space Mountain under construction at Walt Disney World.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELA robot appears to be running the post-show after guests ride Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELA guest arrives in the updated queue area of Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelThe NASA 747 ferrying the space shuttle Endeavour gains altitude to leave central Florida, as seen passing over the spires of Space Mountain at sunrise, at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Wednesday, September 19, 2012.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELSpace Mountain, during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests wait in line to blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELRiders delight in seeing their on-ride photos after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelA guest arrives in the updated queue area of Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELBlue LED lighting fills the 'Starport' as guests blast off on Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
DENNIS WALL / ORLANDO SENTINELJoy Zorn, employee at Walt disney World, on intercom at entrance to the Space Mountain ride.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelSpace Mountain, during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe Burbank, Orlando SentinelA robot appears to be running the post-show after guests ride Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel
PHELAN M. EBENHACK, ORLANDO SENTINELCrowds of people wait in line for the Space Mountain ride in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Saturday afternoon, September 22, 2001.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINELA sign indicates the soft-opening for Space Mountain during preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINEL
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Guests exit the gift shop after riding Space Mountain during a soft-opening preview at the Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, Monday, November 16, 2009. The ride, which will officially re-open Nov. 22, has been updated with new theming, queue enhancements and coaster technology improvements.
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Space Mountain was the first roller coaster at Walt Disney World. It was one of the few early attractions that came to Disney World before Disneyland. There are currently five space-themed indoor coasters at Disney Parks around the world. The original Space Mountain was a descendant of the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland, which opened in 1959.
Opened: 1975
Track: Standard steel
Designer: Walt Disney Imagineering
Duration: 2:47
Train/car capacity: 6 passengers
Top speed: 28 mph
Inversions: 0
Max height: 90 feet
Total distance: 3,196 feet
Ride Height Limit: 44 inches
Theme: Inside dark coaster with dueling tracks.
Theme Park Rangers rating: 4
More Roller Coasters:
Disney: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | Expedition Everest | Goofy’s Barnstormer | Primeval Whirl | Rock ‘n Roller Coaster | Seven Dwarfs Mine Train | Space Mountain
Universal: Dragon Challenge | Flight of the Hippogriff | Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit | Incredible Hulk | Pteranodon flyers | Revenge of the Mummy | Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse
SeaWorld: Journey to Atlantis | Kraken | Mako | Manta | Shamu Express
Legoland: Coastersaurus | Dragon | Flying School | Project-X
Busch Gardens: Air Grover | Cheetah Hunt | Cobra’s Curse | Kumba | Sand Serpent | Scorpion | SheiKra
