Space Mountain: The History Behind the Attraction

Space Mountain is an attraction that has a rich history and is connected to the history of Disney World itself. The development of this thrill ride dates all the way back to the 1960’s. After the success of Disneyland’s Matterhorn coaster, Walt Disney began seeking new thrill rides and roller coasters to add to his parks. Space Mountain was designed and constructed by the same company that built Disneyland’s iconic Matterhorn coaster. After much planning and Imagineering, the coaster was finally constructed in Magic Kingdom in 1975.

Planning And Imagineering

The original concept of Space Mountain involved four separate tracks, however because of technological limitations at the time this was reduced down to two. Space Mountain was supposed to be for Disneyland, but because of the big ideas behind the attraction it was determined the attraction should be moved to Disney World where there was more space.

The attraction was eventually sponsored by RCA, and constructed opposite of the train tracks that surrounded the park. The attraction opened in 1975 in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, with a special broadcast to NBC.

Changes Made To The Attraction

There have been minimal changes to the attraction throughout the years. Some additional lighting and projection effects were added to the attraction throughout the years, as well as changes made to the attraction’s exit. When Space Mountain first opened, RCA utilized the exit to showcase new and upcoming technology. This has been altered and changed throughout the rides history, with the current version being various space settings with the classic moving walkway removed.

Other Versions Of The Ride

Space Mountain was an instant hit, and due to its popularity it was soon constructed in Disneyland as well. Disneyland’s version of Space Mountain only features one track, with an entirely different layout than Magic Kingdom’s. The ride vehicle slightly differs as well, with two seats side-by-side instead of single stacked seats. Tokyo Disneyland has another version of Space Mountain, and it was recently announced that Oriental Land Company, will close the attraction in July of 2024 to completely reconstruct it and remodel it with an expected opening in 2027. Disneyland Paris has a unique version of Space Mountain featuring a launch and 3 inversions, with a Star Wars theme. Hong Kong Disneyland’s Space Mountain is also themed to a Star Wars “Hyperspace Mountain” with an identical plotline and theme to Disneyland Paris’ version.

The Future Of The Attraction

There are no current plans to alter Disney World’s Space Mountain. Disneyland’s Space Mountain operates seasonally as Hyperspace Mountain, however this has not been planned to be permanent change. In April of 2024 it was announced that a Space Mountain film was in the works, with Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec as the screenwriters.

Overall, Space Mountain is a beloved attraction that has become a Disney classic. With a height requirement of 44 inches or taller, it is a great introduction to thrill rides for younger kids. What are your memories of Space Mountain? We would love to hear them in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.