[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

This has been in a state of flux for a while now. For the last five years the rumor has been for it to go down for at least a while and get gates at the load area and then get cleaned up some. Due to budget reasons and other major rides getting bumped ahead of it (HM, Splash last year) it is due to go down this year. I've heard that if it does go down early next year (January or so) that it'll only be down for a few weeks to change some things at the load and unload stations with adding gates and safety things, however during that time they're going to do internal work to pave the way for the overhaul and longer term refurb. I'd suspect that it will take well over a year and the summer of next year fits as Disney will use it to combat Universal opening the Harry Potter section of the Islands of Adventure park. Likely they will make it only one ride w/o the two sides and a pretty serious redo of the interior for only one track (mostly to cut the staffing needs almost in half).

__________________

Lanyards are hidden hidden. Turn them on in your options

Go Noles! Ryan

[Winkster]

Originally Posted by Shadow Jedi Rhy

Disney will use it to combat Universal opening the Harry Potter section of the Islands of Adventure park.

I hope not!

Combatting an entire brand new section of a park with one ride refurb would surely not be a good idea?

Although Disney is never quick of the mark combatting Universal developments (look at IoA, The Mummy, The Simpsons, The Universal hotel developments etc.) they always seem to come out in front.

Surely there's only so long they can ride their luck? If Universal ever manage to replicate the "Disney magic", WDW may find they have some really serious competition!

[friendofigment]

I say bring it on! bring out the old track and lets start new, Keep the double track system and the small ride cars but other than that and especially the queue (sorry dmand) I have always said it is the worst line in disney, very clausterphopic and sleepy music. I can't wait to find out more!

[Phoenix746]

I recently got back from WDW from doing my tour as a Disney College Program participant and I worked in Tomorrowland. From what the managers told me is that there is going to be a BIG change to Space Mountain but I can not tell you due to complete respect for Disney. I am really excited by it though.

Space Mountain is still running off of the original computer system from when it was first installed. I was allowed to see it a few times and boy was I impressed that it was still working. Just a little F.Y.I.

[AreWeThereYet]

i don't mind the idea of updating the ride and i agree the waiting line area is incredibly poorly designed, but who cares we always fastpass this ride anyway. but please keep it a tame rollercoaster, it is a great 1st coaster for younger kids, it has been my sons favorite ride since he was 5 years old, and i think my 1st roller coaster i enjoyed. the darkness gives it the extra feeling of unknown you need.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Originally Posted by Phoenix746

Space Mountain is still running off of the original computer system from when it was first installed. I was allowed to see it a few times and boy was I impressed that it was still working. Just a little F.Y.I.

They've done some work to it in regards to cameras and with some of the sensors, but ironically many of even the newer Disney rides run off a similar ride system. The funniest is Primeval Whirl at AK runs off a system that's actually older.

[Kristibo42]

I haven't heard anything. But it is looking old. Needs to have facelift.
Kristibo42

[dmand13]

Originally Posted by AreWeThereYet

i don't mind the idea of updating the ride and i agree the waiting line area is incredibly poorly designed, but who cares we always fastpass this ride anyway...

I guess I'm the only one who likes the queue? lol

[Curious Alice]

Originally Posted by AreWeThereYet

but please keep it a tame rollercoaster, it is a great 1st coaster for younger kids, it has been my sons favorite ride since he was 5 years old, and i think my 1st roller coaster i enjoyed. the darkness gives it the extra feeling of unknown you need.

I agree. I hope they don't turn it into a hardcore thrill ride. It would be nice if they made the ride smoother and updated the special effects (but leave the neon tunnels!). But I'd hate for it to have loops and corkscrews. Then I wouldn't go on it anymore.

Hey, there are two tracks, why not do two versions, like at Mission Space? There's an idea!

[Ryan C.]

Originally Posted by dmand13

I guess I'm the only one who likes the queue? lol

Your not the only one! LOL I love the queue here. Yea it's long and sleepy music but there is something about it i really like.

O yea it's AIR CONDITIONED.

[Winkster]

Originally Posted by Curious Alice

Hey, there are two tracks, why not do two versions, like at Mission Space? There's an idea!

Great idea! You should be an imagineer.

[Curious Alice]

Originally Posted by Winkster

Great idea! You should be an imagineer.

Okay. Sounds good to me. When do I start?

[MonorailGuy]

Originally Posted by dmand13

I guess I'm the only one who likes the queue? lol

I love the queue. It is kinda sleepy, I always feel like I am actually in space. Actually, I have a hard time on the ride because of things I've mentioned before on other threads (namely, that I feel like I am going to hit my head). Actually, I spend the entire time trying to get my entire 270 lb. body below the (low) backrest. I am sure if they had onboard cameras, they would get a huge kick out of watching me.

Originally Posted by Curious Alice

...It would be nice if they made the ride smoother and updated the special effects (but leave the neon tunnels!)... But I'd hate for it to have loops and corkscrews... Why not do two versions, like at Mission Space?

I would love that. Keep the tunnels for sure, they have an awesome retro effect that can't really be replicated properly anywhere else. But... what if there were two versions... the "Green" ride (much as it is now), and the "Orange" where you do go upside down, etc?. Alice, you've just started the Imagineering process. Now, someone build off my idea. Who knows, we might say enough that the corporate types see this thread and take notes. Now is the time!

Originally Posted by Winkster

If Universal ever manage to replicate the "Disney magic", WDW may find they have some really serious competition!

I think you are correct there. Walt said it best when he said (paraphrasing) that the coolest place on earth is nothing without the people. Actually, that brings up a thought I've had, and now I am off to start another thread.

[freya3]

"Yay!" to updating Space Mountain. It does need it. I heard this rumor also regarding the on-board soundtack etc. That should be awesome!

[SaveDisney2004]

yay maybe now i won't have to credit disneyland so much for having a superior space mountain