Space Mountain closing intermittently in September

[GLaDOS]

But Paris easily trumps both.

Completely disagree there. Paris's is just as painful as WDW's. I'd put it slightly about WDW's though, but only because it actually has stuff to look at along the track as long as you can keep your eyeballs inside your skull.

DLR's is the clear winner for me.

 

[PhotoDave219]

yes, SM is getting trim brakes.. They are being inserted into the track just before 2 turns, and 1 just before the largest drop in each track profile.. They are to be used to reduce over-speeds, and the one before the large drop with be used in a dual role.. as trim, as well as a block brake in the event it is needed.

So its expected that theres no real change to the ride?

 

[matt9112]

well overspeeds must be occurring already for them to want to do that....so yes there would in theory be a change to the ride IF "the ride is going faster than intended at some points as is"

 

[Lee]

and dull.

WDW's SM bumpy ride is all part of the experience.

Whoever is standing within arm's reach of Steve right now...smack him upside the head.

MK's SM...horrible. Just a poor ride in every way, and beneath Disney's standards (or what they should be).

IMHO, of course.

Maybe the trims will make it bearable. Slow as molasses, but bearable.

 

[Timekeeper]

I still love those backbreaking moments
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see SM get some attention, but as long as its safe, I'm a fan of the bumpiness.

I agree. It's part of the experience of riding a historic attraction; part of the "charm."

 

[BryceM]

I agree with @wdwmagic in that our Space Mountain is much more fun of a ride. I like the closeness of the ride trains and the crazier layout. It makes for quite an exhilarating experience. I just wish our theming was that of Disneyland's. I do like our queue and loading area though.

 

[hokielutz]

For the longest time, I could only read the comments of those lauding the DL SM and at the same time talk down WDW's version. I only knew the WDW SM for my 30 years of experience.

Now after this past month I can safely stand up and say the following: I prefer WDW's SM over Disneyland's. Yes, finally made the trip out west with my DW.
I liked the Queue theming once it snaked inside the building. The loading area was awesome and the lift was great.... after that... there was no excitement or feel of flying through space by the seat of your pants. It was smooth, controlled, and practically every bank/turn felt expected and not surprising. The biggest disappointment was the ride did not include any drops.

SM in WDW is much improved over its pre-refurb days and the open queuing area. Yes the lift scenes are somewhat dated and corny, but its part of the history. The quick turns and the drops and the darkness really make this ride exciting. My opinion of the bumpiness is its due to some ride vehicles that are need of a tune-up with their rollers. Guide rollers will wear out faster than the track... and with oversize riders and the extra g-forces from the turns... its likely the vehicles will feel bumpy from time to time.

Looking forward to returning home to WDW next year and enjoying an exciting, although somewhat slower, SM.


ps (this one review does not mean my experience in DL was bad. On the contrary... it was fun and refreshing.)

 

[hokielutz]

If you want to talk about bumpy, then.... oh Matterhorn... you were a beast to ride.

 

[Bryner84]

Space Mountain is a guilty pleasure for me as well. I honestly don't understand all the hate. Just a good classic attraction, beautiful exterior, simple concept. It's enough for me. I don't mind the bumpiness at all, but a smoothing out of the track wouldn't be so terrible. This is one ride that I don't want "plussed" so much in that it loses its charm. It was made in the 70s, it feels like it was made in the 70s...so what? Bring on the new attractions with onboard audio and the like, but let SM be the simple enjoyable ride that it is. Don't get me wrong, the exterior paint is peeling, some more star projections would be nice, and the simplification of the queue area design in the last refurb is not ideal (although I think the further darkening of the ride enhances the experience). It needs some love, but I would call it more of a preservation/restoration of what's there rather than a re-imagining that's needed.

 

[marni1971]

I still love those backbreaking moments
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see SM get some attention, but as long as its safe, I'm a fan of the bumpiness.

I dunno.... that one moment when you straight climb, looking sideways and down onto the main lifts.... I always brace for the inevitable wince that comes at the lack of smooth crest. It's gotten worse with the age of the ride (not mine!)

Without drifting too far this could still easily be one of the best indoor coasters in the world for relatively low expenditure. Even leaving most of the existing track in place. Sadly its not. Rant over, back to the forthcoming additions. I wonder why they weren't added in 2009. And surely ops and WDI can reach a compromise over the mess of the butchered "stariophonic sounds" now?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Matterhorn is a classic but if Disney announced they were planning on making the ride smoother, I would jump for joy.

It gets to a point where your bottom and back are screaming for help. If I'm getting off the ride with a sharp pain in my lower back, it's not going to enhance the experience. I don't know how many times I screamed "Ow!" during my last Matterhorn ride. I'm all for smooth coasters. Better than whiplash and a broken back.

BTW, some of you are wrong. SM at DL has one drop, not zero.

 

[ucanfly]

I really liked that cramped feeling - very upclose and personal. But I can see why it would not appeal to all.

I love the cramped feeling as well. While riding I feel like I'm too tall for the kart, which makes me think I'm going to hit my hands or head on the overhanging track or maybe even spill out the side; this certainly adds to the thrill.

My only issue is the bumpiness.. Don't get me wrong - I love the rickety old wooden coaster/track-may-collapse-any-time feel but a few years back my first ride of my first day was SM and the ride was so bumpy that I tweaked something in my back. At this time I was still playing d1 college athletics (a contact sport for that matter), so having SM be a reason for a back injury was not what I was looking for.

Hopefully they can find a good balance and only dial down the bumpiness just a hair (although, unfortunately, I'm assuming they'll pull a M:S and go a bit too far on the tone down). I'll also make sure to get a few warm up rides in before riding sm next time!

 

[willtravel]

I agree. It's part of the experience of riding a historic attraction; part of the "charm."

Wait till you get older, you won't be saying that.

 

[pmaljr]

I dunno, we are spoiled and all but I really like DL's new version a lot better. Seemed a lot scarier with a smooth track because you didn't know what was next and we hadn't memorized it yet. Personal preference I suppose.

 

[Kev1417]

Does this mean it is going to be closed for the first halloween party on 9/10??

 

[Bocabear]

Disneyland's Space Mountain is only superior for it's on-board audio and digital projection ending.... WDW version was built larger, longer and was always a much more immersive experience. At Disneyland I feel like I am entering a maintenance corridor... Though I will admit after the refurb it looks better, still has never had the style of WDW's version. bumpy? maybe...less rattling than Disneyland Paris' version. I wish they would re-sync the sound with the re-entry tunnel too...so the sound effect doesn't go off after you have already left the tunnel. Add in an engaging post show display and I think it is still the best version out there.

 

[Sped2424]

So this means the ride would be slower at certain points then yes? Thats a bit of a shame. I mean if the ride is wearing down on the structure built from the 1970's maybe its time for a new supporting structure..turning down the speed is only gonna do so much until the inevitable has to happen.

 

[ScoutN]

I am in the minority that does not feel it bumpy. Oh how Arrow coasters near me have me used to it.

 

[MichWolv]

I am in the minority that does not feel it bumpy. Oh how Arrow coasters near me have me used to it.

I'm with you. I prefer WDW's Space Mountain. It's a wilder ride, and I like the starry-o-phonic sound better than the on board soundtrack.

 

[ScoutN]

I'm with you. I prefer WDW's Space Mountain. It's a wilder ride, and I like the starry-o-phonic sound better than the on board soundtrack.

It is a dying breed of Arrow. It sums the company up to its finest point alongside of Lochness Monster. Edge of your seat but secure, fast, quick direction changes, and unique. Last thing any place needs is these over height and over smooth coaster that take the fun of a coaster away.