Odds of a Space Mountain Refurbishment in 2021

[HauntedPirate]

The problem is, normal folks (not us), don't plan trips around a refurbished coaster track. Capitalism 101 unfortunately.

It's not about capitalism, it's about safety.

Remember that there are multiple posts around here stating that the track was spray painted where it was going to be cut for removal around 2008, and you can still spot some of the spray paint today if you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of SM with the lights on (and know where to look). But yet here we are, 11+ years since that was supposed to happen, riding the same track that was going to be removed and replaced because of safety concerns at that time. Someone said the track is "weld upon weld upon weld" in some places. Trim brakes were installed to lessen the stress on the aging track.

Say one of those welds ultimately breaks at 3pm on some Sunday, causing multiple injuries (and NO, I do NOT want that to happen in any way, shape, or form). How does that look to the general public that "doesn't plan trips around refurbished coaster track"? Sounds like a PR nightmare to me.

 

[Kamikaze]

If we're talking about anything more than a basic cleaning and sprucing up:

In 2021? 0%.

After the end of the 50th? Much higher.

 

[Surferboy567]

Is it bad to say I wish they would install speakers into the ride vehicles. Have a full soundtrack like the Disneyland version?

 

[trainplane3]

It's not about capitalism, it's about safety.

Remember that there are multiple posts around here stating that the track was spray painted where it was going to be cut for removal around 2008, and you can still spot some of the spray paint today if you're lucky enough to catch a glimpse of SM with the lights on (and know where to look). But yet here we are, 11+ years since that was supposed to happen, riding the same track that was going to be removed and replaced because of safety concerns at that time. Someone said the track is "weld upon weld upon weld" in some places. Trim brakes were installed to lessen the stress on the aging track.

Say one of those welds ultimately breaks at 3pm on some Sunday, causing multiple injuries (and NO, I do NOT want that to happen in any way, shape, or form). How does that look to the general public that "doesn't plan trips around refurbished coaster track"? Sounds like a PR nightmare to me.

I think DLs SM closed unexpectedly sooner then it was planned. Didn't people get to the park and find out it was closed and then next day they announced the refurb started? I don't think any source has ever commented on why it went into refurb sooner.

Is it bad to say I wish they would install speakers into the ride vehicles. Have a full soundtrack like the Disneyland version?

It's a realistic request. Along with all effects working. The layout is perfect. Just replace and upgrade.

I know, "just" isn't the right word at all.

 

[marni1971]

Is it bad to say I wish they would install speakers into the ride vehicles. Have a full soundtrack like the Disneyland version?

That was part of the plan

 

[marni1971]

I I don't think any source has ever commented on why it went into refurb sooner.

It had no choice but to suddenly close for two years.

 

[SplashJacket]

It had no choice but to suddenly close for two years.

Was this caused by a specific incident?

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

This is starting to sound like Expedition Everest all over again. So many people thought that once Avatar was open they would certainly take Everest down to fix the Yeti.

And Peter Pan's Flight going down for a major overhaul once Little Mermaid was open.

I'll believe this one when I see it.

 

[Surferboy567]

That was part of the plan

Does the was mean it’s not going to get a refurb?

 

[trainplane3]

It had no choice but to suddenly close for two years.

Right, I remember you saying that before but it was never specified what the cause of the sudden closure was. I could make a few guesses but obviously it's still something that shouldn't be out in the open.

Still appreciate the info!

 

[lazyboy97o]

Is it bad to say I wish they would install speakers into the ride vehicles. Have a full soundtrack like the Disneyland version?

So that it’ll finally fall apart and have to be replaced? Absolutely.

Right, I remember you saying that before but it was never specified what the cause of the sudden closure was. I could make a few guesses but obviously it's still something that shouldn't be out in the open.

Still appreciate the info!

The track had finally failed beyond repair. The attraction was undergoing intense scrutiny every night to keep patching it back together. Had the failure occurred a few hours sooner or later the coaster would have likely experienced a major failure with guests on board.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

So that it’ll finally fall apart and have to be replaced? Absolutely.

The track had finally failed beyond repair. The attraction was undergoing intense scrutiny every night to keep patching it back together. Had the failure occurred a few hours sooner or later the coaster would have likely experienced a major failure with guests on board.

Similar to the major failure at big thunder that killed guests in a horrific way.... because of a lack of maintenance.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Similar to the major failure at big thunder that killed guests in a horrific way.... because of a lack of maintenance.

Not quite. Space Mountain’s track failed while being intensely monitored due to known concerns regarding the impact of the heavier ride vehicles on the structure. While Space Mountain was no doubt neglected like everything else in the Pressler-Harris years, I’m not sure any amount of maintenance would have been able to overcome the simple fact that the coaster was carrying too much weight it was never designed to carry.

 

[Squishy]

So would this be considered the most likely attraction to die on at Bob Chapek World or are there other rides with not good upkeep?

 

[A Noble Fish]

Similar to the major failure at big thunder that killed guests in a horrific way.... because of a lack of maintenance.

Maintenance at the resorts is far and away better than Disneyland at the time, but no amount of maintenance will stop an inevitable miss. They were fortunate to have been monitoring Space Mountain closely at the time as well.

It seems like a no brainer, but my guess is they want to pair it with a pricey queue modernization. It does look dated after all, and it will be all the more apparent after TRON opens.

 

[WDW862]

Unfortunately a track can apparently go on for decades being an uncomfortable back-breaker and still pass safety ... old Gwazi at BG Tampa comes to mind.

I don't mind Space Mountain personally ... there are lots of other things they could fix, upgrade and replace that would make me happy.

I kinda enjoy Space Mountains roughness (I like old, bumpy coasters like Kumba), but I understand why others don't.

 

[ppete1975]

It's only 15 years overdue for a track replacement. I'm sure it can go another 15 years as-is. /s

We were talking abput soace mountain not the monorails

 

[A Noble Fish]

I kinda enjoy Space Mountains roughness (I like old, bumpy coasters like Kumba), but I understand why others don't.

An asteroid belt gives it charm

Not going to lie, I'm more concerned about the safety aspect over the actual ride comfort.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Maintenance at the resorts is far and away better than Disneyland at the time, but no amount of maintenance will stop an inevitable miss.

I’m not sure if your statement is accurate. I hope it is. Fortunately I never visited Disneyland during those dark years, I first saw the parks after the 50th when things got much better.

 

[Josh Hendy]

I kinda enjoy Space Mountains roughness (I like old, bumpy coasters like Kumba), but I understand why others don't.

Kumba... that's the coaster I disliked so much in Busch Gardens! Tied with Montu in 2nd place after (old) Gwazi.

I never minded the bumpiness of SM but after reading a few of the posts on here I'm getting concerned. I know they carefully inspect the track and vehicles every morning and test them empty before CMs ride them, but this stuff about welding and being on the verge of replacing the track then cancelling is a bit too lackadaisical for my taste.