WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve has been spending a lot of time at the Magic Kingdom awaiting soft-openings for Space Mountain to begin and has a few photos from his last two attempts to share:
Monorail Teal was running on the resort loop, now taking guests
Read More about Brandon Struve’s 11/12-13/09 Magic Kingdom Update
The Disney Parks Blog posted more information on Space Mountain’s on-going refurbishment this morning:
We have more details to share about the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park as renovation work wraps up.As you know, the classic Space Mountain experience still exists — it’s just being updated with new technology and 21st century gadgetry. Inside the attraction, there’s new lighting as well as special “darkening” effects. And you’ll see updated color schemes for rocket capsules, line and load areas. Imagineers worked with Walt Disney World Facilities Asset Management for even more enhancements, including new paint, carpet, seat fabric and other décor elements.
But what caught my attention during a recent walkthrough were details about track upgrades. It’s the same track layout and overall look and feel but workers integrated new technology into the track while not changing the classic Space Mountain ride experience. “As technology evolves, it helps us enhance those elements without losing any essence of the attraction,” Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright says.You should also know that a ride photo system will capture guests during their space flights on Space Mountain. It’ll utilize Disney’s Photopass, allowing you to access, share and purchase photos during and after a visit.
Alex says he thinks you’ll be “pleasantly surprised” with the enhancements.
In an update to yesterday’s confirmation of on-ride photo being added to the attraction, it now appears Space Mountain will utilize a similar system to Test Track at Epcot, where guests insert their Photopass cards into a machine to retrieve and save their photo.
Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on Space Mountain’s imminent re-launch.
This small blurb about the Space Mountain attraction on the official Walt Disney World website just showed up today:
Launch past the flashing lights of your space station into the soaring darkness of space! This classic Dark Ride dips and swerves as it rockets through the blackest reaches of the galaxy. Check the monitors as you exit for a glimpse of yourself in flight!
This (as well as inside sources) confirms the addition of on-ride photographs to the attraction during the on-going refurbishment. While we’re not sure where the photo preview and purchasing areas will be, we can guess that you will be able to buy your on-ride photo inside the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. at the exit of the attraction. Stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information as we get loser to the re-launch of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
From the Disney Parks Blog:
When renovation work finishes on the Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, it’ll be the same classic experience with a few new surprises. And now, Walt Disney Imagineering is offering an early peek at some of those surprises and the first images from inside the attraction.
As you know, with any Imagineering project, the story comes first. And the updated Space Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World Resort is no exception. With the update, the storyline is being extended – and you’ll be able to take part.Passengers will be able to immerse themselves in unique game play as they prepare for blast off, becoming part of the space station adventure. During a recent walkthrough, we deflected asteroids to keep runways clear as part of the story.
The interactive experiences are based on duties you’d find on board a long-traveling space craft, according to Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Show Designer Alex Wright. Each game lasts about 90 seconds with a 90-second interval and the games can accommodate 86 players at one time.
As you move along on your journey, there are “insider” touches typical in projects created by Imagineers. For example, if you’re up on your Disney trivia, you’ll recognize a sign bearing the logo “H-NCH 1975″ as a tribute to late Imagineer and Disney legend John Hench. There are also other “Disneyphile” references hidden throughout the attraction.Space Mountain celebrates the Golden Age of Rocket Travel – inspired by the jet age of the early 1960s. The attraction highlights excitement around the endless possibilities regarding space travel. It did back when it opened in 1975 and I think you’ll agree it still does.
We wanted to share these images now but check back for more updates.
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve was visiting the Magic Kingdom today when he was surprised to see that the walls around the Space Mountain area had finally come down:
Guests can now walk up to the newly paved area
Read More about Brandon Struve’s 11/9/09 Tomorrowland Update
WDWNT Reporter (and campaign manager for PUSH) Banks Lee made a trip to the Magic Kingdom today and has plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us:
The astronauts are missing from the space shuttle inside Space Mountain
Read More about Banks Lee’s 11/1/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
Brandon Struve took a short trip to the Magic Kingdom on Monday to check out the new audio playing on the TTA and has some photos to share of his day in the park:
A new merchandise location shaped like the tip board has replaced the merchandise cart near the Plaza Ice Cream parlor
Read More about Brandon Struve’s 10/5/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
WDWNT’s favorite family of fans, the Leveillees, have sent us a few newsworthy pictures from their ongoing trip to Walt Disney World to share:
More construction vehicles have moved in between the Skyway station and Space Mountain
Read More about The Leveillee’s 9/24/09 WDW Photo Report (Including 2009 Food & Wine Festival)
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) re-opened on Saturday and WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve was there to see what has changed on the attraction in preparation for the re-launching of Space Mountain in November:
The new color-changing LED lights are running during the day
WDWNT Reporter Brandon Struve made a quick trip to the Magic Kingdom earlier today and has plenty of news and photos to share, so let’s get started:
Tonight was the first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Read More about Brandon Struve’s 9/4/09 Magic Kingdom Photo Report
