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SPACE MOUNTAIN AT Walt Disney World in Orlando is one of the most nostalgic rides in America.
Originally conceived by Walt Disney himself, the project was put on hold indefinitely after his death in 1966.
The attraction was eventually given the green light in the ’70s, and astronaut Gordon Cooper joined the creative team to help make the roller coaster seem more like an actual space flight.
Space Mountain was officially unveiled at the Magic Kingdom in 1975, and two years later at Disneyland in 1977. Today, it’s still one of the most popular rides and exists at all five Disney Parks around the world.
Imagineering Disney, a blog run by writers who used to work at Walt Disney Corporation, received images illustrating the 1974 construction of the ride from Disney and shared them with Business Insider. See how the iconic ride was constructed below.
Cinderella Castle rises in the background behind the construction site. RCA helped fund the construction and sponsored the ride for nearly 20 years.
It was built outside the park’s perimeter, and initially accessible by tunnel. Space Mountain is the oldest operating roller coaster in Florida.
The ride dome is 300 feet in diameter.
The coaster’s steepest drop is 39 degrees.
The ride was last revamped in 2009. Today it lasts 2 minutes and 35 seconds.
And today:
Courtesy of Imagineering Disney
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At the opening press conference, a reporter asked “are you sorry Walt Disney didn’t get live to see this?” , Disney responded ” You’re seeing it now because he saw it first”
Straight from the ad on newstalk…he was referring to Disney World as a whole
What was the ad on Newstalk?
Best roller coaster I have ever been on
You haven’t been on many so.
Its terrible compared to anything at seaworld,both universal parks and busch gardens!!
Is this a competition to see who’s been to the most theme parks? Cos I’ll probably win. My parents were well off too. I guess being smug about having had the chance to go to these places is cool now yeah?
Overcame my fear of roller coasters on it!
Drive past it regularly on my way to work, classic coaster.
Wow how cool is that
Fortunate enough to have holidayed twice in florida.
Of all the amazing coasters and rides down there, from the Kraken at sea world to the Incredible Hulk coaster at Islands of Adventure, Space Mountain remains my firm favourite.
Not being able to see a thing and not knowing when a turn or drop will come makes… unreal.
Worth the long queues!
Bush gardens is supposed to be better. Tbh Alton towers was more memorable for me.
Yeah I think Sheikra at Busch is the best coaster in Florida.
Front row too makes a bit of difference.liked kumba too
I’ve great memories of busch gardens and though the rollercoasters there are a bit more extreme, nothing really beats a trip to Disneyland.
No doubt busch gardens is brilliant! last time i was there there were at least 8 coasters, all pretty fantastic!
I guess for me Disney’s Magic Kingdom has a feeling you cant find in other parks. Hell i even got excited seeing some dude in a pluto costume!
Florida is just fantastic, an enormous playground with countless fun things to do
These pictures make me want to go back.
First ride we went on in July with my 4 year old ,5 year old and 9 year old ,my wife knew if they could handle that all the rest were good ,and they loved it ,I love Disney ,going for two weeks next time
Was only on this last Monday for the first time. Incredible!
I tried to overcome my fear off heights by going on a roller coaster in the UK. Never , ever again.
Disney is great but plenty more almost as good and cheaper and less queues, even in Spain and UK
It’s actually shite, live in fl and been on in numerous times.
Why do ya keep going back if it’s shite?
They see me rollin !
Was there 2 weeks ago and the fookers had it closed for maintenance. Kraken in Sea World was the best of the rest tho.
Was on it on Wednesday , class ride !
have your say