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Any Space Mountain or Star Tours refurb updates?

Pete C

Active Member
Original Poster
These were two of the hottest rumors flying around in 07...anyone privy to some updates on these? Can we expect any news on this in 08 or are we now looking at 09 before either of these go under the knife, if at all.
 

Buried20KLeague

Well-Known Member
I believe it was MousePlanet that had mentioned recently that the Space Mountain refurb rumors were gaining big momentum for a shutdown this summer for 18 months... They also mentioned Jungle Cruise.

So at the least I guess they're still on the radar out there.

I'm putting my money on Space though. There's just been too much talk about it for everyone to be that far off.

Then again... You could say the same thing about Imagination. :lookaroun
 

kimmychad

Member
These were two of the hottest rumors flying around in 07...anyone privy to some updates on these? Can we expect any news on this in 08 or are we now looking at 09 before either of these go under the knife, if at all.


i really hope star tours gets refurbed, its one of my favorite rides but it needs some attention
 
I believe it was MousePlanet that had mentioned recently that the Space Mountain refurb rumors were gaining big momentum for a shutdown this summer for 18 months... They also mentioned Jungle Cruise.

So at the least I guess they're still on the radar out there.

I'm putting my money on Space though. There's just been too much talk about it for everyone to be that far off.

Then again... You could say the same thing about Imagination. :lookaroun
I agree I think it would most likely be Space Mountain and I heard that they would start early May.
 

The MaD Hatter

Well-Known Member
The refurbs for SM and ST can't come soon enough. Unfortunately the May date is just a rumor at this point. You'd think if SM was going to be down for a lengthy refurb in May Disney would be making some type of announcement soon.
 

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
I know evey ride has to go down at some point and I know there's never a perfect time but having one of the biggest rides at MK closed during the summer doesn't make sense to me. But I guess if it's going to be a major refurb it's going to cross over one of the busy seasons. Now mind you I'm going in Sept. so I'm not speaking for myself here. Even if they kept it open until late summer early fall I'd still miss it. The last time I was there HM was still closed! Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that some of our favorite rides are getting some TLC. It's just a pain when it's "your" vacation that is missing a ride!!! You just can't kept us happy!?!
 
I am going to ride Space Mountain now several times during EMH during my trip this spring. I want to experience the ride as much as possible before they change it.
 

kc1296426

Active Member
Space mountain is going under refurb sometime in late 2008 or early 2009. Definitely. That attraction needs so much work on it.


...so get your last rid--, err, :zipit:!
 

Pete C

Active Member
Original Poster
I am going to ride Space Mountain now several times during EMH during my trip this spring. I want to experience the ride as much as possible before they change it.

All indications are that it won't be changed as much as enhanced. That last batch of news all pointed to the layout being kept, but parts of the ride will be re-tracked and audio will be added. This is one of Disney's most beloved attractions, so I don't think they will mess with it too much.
 

the-reason14

Well-Known Member
All indications are that it won't be changed as much as enhanced. That last batch of news all pointed to the layout being kept, but parts of the ride will be re-tracked and audio will be added. This is one of Disney's most beloved attractions, so I don't think they will mess with it too much.

Not to sure Id be thrilled with the audio, but do they plan on getting rid of the inline seating? That is one of the best rides to ride as a single rider imo, because you dont have to worry about sitting next to someone or anyone you dont want too. I like it inline also.
 

tirian

Well-Known Member
It must retain inline seating because the tracks and supports were built for that. Disneyland's Matterhorn hasn't changed its inline arrangement, either.
 

Pete C

Active Member
Original Poster
Not to sure Id be thrilled with the audio, but do they plan on getting rid of the inline seating? That is one of the best rides to ride as a single rider imo, because you dont have to worry about sitting next to someone or anyone you dont want too. I like it inline also.

Have you been on or heard the soundtrack to DL Space Mountain? The buildup as you go up the lift and into the dome is incredible. It really builds up the ride. The music during the descent is not as good to me though...it's okay, but I think it should sound more like a sci-fi horror soundtrack to make it more thrilling and scarier.
 

the-reason14

Well-Known Member
Have you been on or heard the soundtrack to DL Space Mountain? The buildup as you go up the lift and into the dome is incredible. It really builds up the ride. The music during the descent is not as good to me though...it's okay, but I think it should sound more like a sci-fi horror soundtrack to make it more thrilling and scarier.


No Ive never been on the DL one, unfortunately, but Ive heard the soundtrack. I wasnt all that interested I guess because Ive never actually been on it. I think it could be cool, as long as its not blaring loudly in your ear like rockin rollercoaster. When I hear about onboard audio for SM, I think of Rrcnc with all the noise and stuff.
 

lilclerk

Well-Known Member
No Ive never been on the DL one, unfortunately, but Ive heard the soundtrack. I wasnt all that interested I guess because Ive never actually been on it. I think it could be cool, as long as its not blaring loudly in your ear like rockin rollercoaster. When I hear about onboard audio for SM, I think of Rrcnc with all the noise and stuff.
It doesn't blare in your ear at all and I didn't find it distracting. I think it really adds to the experience.
 

Pete C

Active Member
Original Poster
Here is an update today from Screamscape, so take it with a grain of salt of course:

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 replaced, 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.
 

jt04

Well-Known Member
Here is an update today from Screamscape, so take it with a grain of salt of course:

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 replaced, 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.

Too bad, if this is true (and it's a BIG IF), they are just delaying the inevitable and it's more money down the drain of shortsightedness. :rolleyes:
 

SeanC

Member
I lived in Cali when DL's SM reopened. Moved back to FL recently. So I've ridden both ALOT. Just returned from a trip to Cali. All I can say is DL ascent is MUCH better (3 separate lift hills, each themed differently, twoare tunnels one is in the dome proper). The finale is more exciting (the light tunnel is much longer, is the brake zone, and ends the ride with a great flashing light, ride picture, and a blind-you/blackout effect, then you go immediately into unload, not back into the dome like at WDW). The soundtrack adds to the experience and is not blaring, but provides a sense of excitement and speed, and also embellishes the ascent and finale to great effect.) The new, smooth track also creates the illusion of more speed. The dome is MUCH darker and the starfield effect is very dense, you see very little of the supports and track, unlike WDW. However, I think the track layout at WDW is slightly better. Inline vs. side by side seating makes little difference, IMO, though the DL trains are a bit more comfortable.

Also...I think when planning a trip one should always expect 1-3 MAJOR rides across the 4 parks to be down.
 

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