The Dangerous Version of Space Mountain You Never Got To Ride

[@DocDoccus]

In 1976 I got my mother to ride Space Mountain by telling her it was "a trip through space". After the ride was done, she was furious at me. "You didn't tell me it was a roller coaster!!!" RIP Mom.

[@ckbarry]

❤

[@Daniel2131-z4h]

So Sorry For Your Loss you will be prayed for Jesus Christ is with you it's okay to mourn!

[@hagerty1952]

I did the same thing with my father-in-law on our visit in 1994. I did say it was a "fast ride" but afterwards he was a little miffed at me 🙂 He's still with us, having turned 96 this month.

[@leekeyser1968]

I got my Mom on the original Gwazi, wooden rollercoaster at Busch Gardens Florida...She was white as ghost at the end, and had to be lifted out of the ride. Park management was called over to sit with her for awhile. bring her water, ect...My Son and I laughed so damn hard... Sorry, that is evil of me I know. But, She offered to ride it because, My son did not want to go with her to BG unless she would ride Gwazi. My son was around 9-10 at the time...And He already did not like my Mom much. None of my Wife's side of the family. did. Most of my family did not like my Mom much... Very difficult person to spend much time around. Sad. God took my Dad Home back in 2010. If God had taken my Mom home instead. Both of them would be at peace now. As it is, My Dad is at Peace, and my Mom, Well...not so much.

[@Sorayako62]

In January 1988, I had a similar situation with my father, but it was him, that tricked me into riding Space Mountain. (I was 25 years at the time) When we got out of the ride he was laughing hard at me. My father passed away 5 years ago.

[@w.l.6005]

Glad someone is finally addressing this! Rode space mountain when it first opened when I was 11 or 12 years old. I weighed about 75 lb . The intense jerks left and right and sudden drops were so intense riders flew out of their seats with almost nothing to hold on to. Seating was layered largest to smallest person! One seat belt to go around everyone. Most terrifying ride I ever experienced! I would not Ride it again until 1981 after changes were made. I can remember screaming from start to finish. The scariest part was seeing paramedics waiting in the wings, watching people being carried away in stretchers after Riding. Space mountain eventually became one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney world until thunder mountain came along.❤

[@gwcrispi]

I rode the early version. I hated the fact that you didn't know which way you werer going to turn so you couldn't "set up" for the next jerk. It killed my neck.

[@jcat30]

I was about the same age when I first rode the "improved" Space Mountain in 1990. I was jerked around from side to side with my grandpa in the seat with me and the contents of his pockets flew out. I had bruises from being slammed into the seat! I vowed never to ride that again. It might have something to do with an 11 or 12 years old light weight. My family went to Disney last year, first time since I was a kid in the '90's. We didn't ride Space Mountain, but we did ride the Dinosaurs ride in Animal Kingdom (I think). That had the same type of jerkiness, but less severe than what I remember Space Mountain being. I now have 2 rides I will never ride again and hate.

[@sdboutet]

Just a slight correction on the opening dates of New Tomorrowland at the MK. The StarJets opened in Nov '74, while Space Mountain and the Carousel of Progress opened January 15th, 1975. The WEDway PeopleMover opened in July of '75. Having been an "astronaut" riding the original Space Mountain since it's opening year, I can attest that even though it's still a rough-and somewhat realistic-ride through space, it WAS a more intense experience years ago. Trim brakes placed throughout the ride track have tamed some of the rougher sections of the ride and the best airtime moments have been reduced a bit, mostly to place unneeded stress on the almost 50 year old structure. I would be supportive of a full retrack AS LONG as the original layout is retained. For those that aren't too familiar with the layout, unlike it's younger siblings, it's highly unpredictable, which makes it all the more fun. Some on board audio and less braking would actually make it a far superior ride than the DL version. The single file seating, especially in the front seat, make you feeling VERY vulnerable. Love it!

[@jamesmoore2375]

He was meaning the new tomorrowland in 1967 in Disneyland. It wasn't ready for that.

[@KaiyaKramer]

Brickey, you did an amazing job with this deep dive on Space Mountain! I've been a fan of this ride for years, and you brought out so many interesting details that I never knew before. This video was so informative and entertaining, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with us and I’m looking forward to ordering a hat! Appreciate you for sharing your passion! It’s inspiring!

[@gregebert5544]

In sharp contrast, Space Mountain in Anaheim, which opened in the fall of 1977, had all sorts of warning signs and you could hear and *slightly* see the cars in action for part of the queue. That ride was very smooth, and had none of the jerkiness and bumping that the Matterhorn Bobsleds have. Of course, the one-and-only time we went to WDW in 2009 the ride was down so I never got to compare it vs Anaheim. Definitely the best E-ticket ride...for those who remember when there were tickets, shorter lines, fewer crowds, and it was affordable for the whole family to go.

[@63Malda]

"for those who remember when there were tickets, shorter lines, fewer crowds, and it was affordable for the whole family to go." Ah yes, the good ol' days. You also didn't need a reservation, you could wake up one morning, call your friends and be at Disneyland in an hour (for those of us who lived close).

[@Kodachrome40]

It opened in May of 1977, the same weekend a new movie called Star Wars opened in theaters.

[@disneyfan8178]

I went to WDW in May of 1986 and was actually able to compare their Space Mountain to Disneyland's (their Pirates was down, however, and I really wanted to compare it to Disneyland's), and Disneyland's was far superior by a mile.

[@timothybernardi68]

To this day, I have maintained the opinion that sitting in the front seat of the WDW edition of Space Mountain is one of the best theme park experiences on (or off) the planet.

[@davidbreakspear8776]

I am not a fan of the WDW version, as it is too Jerky and rough. The Paris Disney variant has shoulder restraints and is a launch coaster with inversions that pull you into your seat,and is faster, smoother and more visually stimulating overall.

[@patrickbelville2209]

Yeah, it was a lot different back in 75 when I first rode it. Cool video. Thanks !!!

[@craigcavaliere6744]

The darkness is what makes it "thrilling." It's a relatively slow-moving coaster with very small drops.

[@briandillingham890]

Bricky, I don't know how you do it but you always find new facts and stories to cover just when I think I've heard it all. Thanks.

[@ckbarry]

💯

[@stephenCarter-g4e]

I was selected to be one of six cast members to open Space Moutain, I was driving Monorails. The six of us started in late September 1974. We worked with designers and engineers to write a SOP Standard Operating Procedures Manual. We got the training well on its way and had some "soft openings" in early December 1974. That meant the opening was not announced. We had trained 140 cast members. Yes, the attraction did shut down daily. It was an entirely new computer system. We were ready for the advertised on January 15, 1975. All went fairly well for the next six months as changes were made. For me, I left Disney in April 1978. I was working in Cash Control at the time. I began a 35-year career as a Flight Attendant, retiring in 2013. As I write this on January 5, 20215. I have been retired for 11 years. At age 70, I have NO desire to go to WDW. But I hope that all who go have a great time.

[@oldmanwood5011]

I was a monorail cast member at WDW in 1975, so I got to see the opening of Space Mountain in person. But before it was opened to the public, it was opened to cast members and their families, so we were "guinea pigs" of sorts. When it first opened, it was definitely a wild ride and unlike anything else Disney had at the time.

[@christianlopez5189]

Space Mountain is legit the scariest ride I’ve ever been on. As someone who doesn’t go to theme parks much and lives in Colorado.

[@TonyC.-kq9fh]

The darkness gave new riders zero ability to prepare in advance for any turn or dip.

[@lcins5656]

How long ago bud ?

[@christianlopez5189]

@ recent

[@JTKell]

Great video as always! So cool to see connections between WDW & DL

[@atomic-fox]

In late Dec '74 my family was in WDW for Christmas Break. Space Mountain had not opened yet, but we heard rumors that it was randomly open for "previews" to the public. By stroke of luck one day walking by, we were offered that opportunity. At 7 years old, I was fascinated by space travel and a huge fan of NASA. I'll never forget boarding a tiny rocket bucket with a simple seatbelt and my Mom' tucked behind me. The running lights going up the ramp felt like you were going at light speed, over a hump and then descending into dark chaos. Asteroids flying at your everywhere, no idea what was going to happen. As the ride progressed, I slipped down lower and lower into the front of the "bucket" because the seatbelt was pretty much useless, my mom desperately trying to hold on to me through my slippery windbreaker. One of those unforgettable moments where you are amazed and terrified at the same moment. We got to ride the mountain 4 times that week. Not sure if I can confirm this, but my Dad says staff claimed the speed of the trains could be moderately controlled and they were testing the ride at different speeds. I remember some staff asking us questions after the ride was over. I know the "official speed" of the ride was about 25 mph, Dad was told that they were running ride faster during these "previews", somewhere around 35-40mph.

[@Alexaklr]

I loved Space Mountain and my kids hated it. They refused to ride it ever again. So I had to go by myself - bad spine and everything else. I love roller coasters. Too bad I am now a bit up in age and too poor to return to DisneyWorld. Thanks for the history of the ride.

[@mickeylumbo8789]

Great job, Brickey. As a CM, I enjoyed the CM preview of SM and the entire new complex in May of '77. An evening that I will never forget. The open amphitheater, two story Starcade, Space Place restaurant (located where the former FastPass distribution was)... and, a truly memorable area BackGround Music Loop... where i feel in love with an instrumental version of "Whiter Shade of Pale" ... thanks, Brickey, for more "fond memories of the past"!

[@kevintamas3309]

Thank you Space Mountain is my favorite ride. I was 8 years old my time on Space Mountain back in 1980. Iam 52 now I will be there January 15th 2025 for the 50th Anniversary.

[@mommabear9985]

Brickey, you're the best. Keep moving forward, buddy

[@bobanderson1889]

I rode Space Mountain in November of 1978. I am not a roller coaster fan so you can imagine my surprise as we launched into the dark. Great video. I hope you do more from Florida as it’s where I have spent many a vacation.

[@kennethwayne6857]

That was around the time I rode it. I was a young kid and not a fan of roller coasters. Never went on it again.

[@ckbarry]

Another informative and interesting video. 👏 I LOVE this ride. A day in the parks isn’t complete without at least one ride on Space. I will say that I find Space in MK to be even rougher than the Matterhorn (which is saying a lot😂). Of course…I’ll still ride it every time I’m there. However, my back thanks me for living closer to DL.

[@troystaiger6154]

My first ride in 2001, jolted my back, the ride can be brutal

[@robertpincus6528]

I rode Space Mountain in the early 80s. I loved it.

[@SouthFloridaSound]

One thing I did not hear you touch on. The original cars you sat in each others lap which caused issues with strangers not wanting to ride in each other lap. When the cars were redesigned each person has their own seat.

[@daniellborson]

I grew up in Los Angeles, and we'd make yearly visits to Disneyland's on my father's company night. I rode Space Mountain shortly after it opened, and many times of the following 5 years. I went back and rode it again in the 1990s. They had made it darker inside, although the ride was gentler. I always loved the projections of space objects on the ride - especially the one that looked like a chocolate chip cookie spinning in space (or was it an oatmeal raisin cookie?).

[@uriadelavaro3956]

Space Mountain will forever be my favorite ride ... Disney-ride.

[@AppalachianMountaineer1863]

Can’t say this for certain but the engineers retrofitting the feather curves wasn’t for guest comfort that was 100% extending the longevity of the load bearing structure, a lot of rollercoasters work by the riders helping to lean into curves this shift of motion and momentum helps track structures and trains to smoothly transition into and out of curves and banks, this also helps to prevent rider injury. The pitch black of the ride with the sharp blind curves would cause the issues that were later addressed.

[@nikolausepp8093]

Back in the early 80s when my Grandpa was in his 70s he saw a long line, figured it must be something interesting. It was Space Mountain🤣🤣🤣. Oh man, he was going off about it😄 Security bought him a meal to calm him down. It was funny. (He was by himself, me and my cousin were somewhere else, and my Grandma was with her sister.)

[@Teletran35]

Thank you Brickey I just love these videos

[@superdave1949]

My dad and I waited 2 1/2 hours on line in April 1975 to ride Space Mountain. I was 25, had experienced a few top theme parks, and was totally freaked by the physical intensity of Space Mountain! The almost total darkness, brutally abrupt changes of direction, just far beyond what I expected. It actually put me off extreme rides for a good while. After seeing this I don't feel like such a puss now!

[@MitchellRoboto]

My dad was not a rollercoaster kind of guy and I went on every rollercoaster I was tall enough to ride. My poor dad was green when we got off Space Mountain. Same thing happened when my mom decided to go on Pirate's of the Carribean with me, she wasn't expecting the drop down to Davy Jones Locker. I loved it, she was green.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This video should have way more views. It's very very interesting. Great work.

[@Millionaire2K]

GREAT video Brickey. Amazing.

[@sonomabob9043]

I first rode it in July of '75. I was 13 and my brother was 10. Neither of us thought it was intense. The hype and warnings raised our expectations. The cone was up a couple of years before the ride opened. We expected the cars to travel on that corkscrew at the top of the cone.

[@PalmBeachDog]

I have the same experience on opening week. All the hype the medical warnings are we gonna go outside the top of the mountain.

[@JamieMiles_southmainmuse]

I wrote the original Space Mountain. It had just opened. Visiting Russian cosmonauts were right in front of us. Little different security worries back then. My whole family rode it. I think it was my parents only time. They never got on it again. 😂. As a girl I remember being worried about the cosmonauts. 🤣. Thinking it was too rough for them.

[@ckbarry]

Love this story!

[@thespero]

I remember the anticipation of it opening in California and finally getting to ride it. Not sure in the timeline when it was but the day finally came and boy what a thril. We draged mom over to ride again. This time through seemed to be going faster than the first time and when we got to the end we were through the light tunnal before the light effects came on and the stop was a hard stop. We had to wait to finally get moved up to get off and it was then that we found out that the ride had been shut down due to the excessive speed of our group. We found out that the ride had been halted and the other cars were brought down one at a time till all riders had disembarked.

[@marcdich]

Yeah, I remember that version of space Mountain. I was probably eight or nine years old. I wrote that ride in the late 70s and a lot of the stuff you showed there. I remembered it. It was a rough ride they had they had two sections of it. There was the alpha in the omega andI can’t remember which one was supposed to be the “slower one but I think we ended up getting on the alpha side but anyway, yeah.

[@jamesdamiano3236]

Me and my dad got to ride it and it is one of those memories that has lasted clearly for almost 50 years.

[@BigRonRN18]

My LAST experience was rather interesting. I've heard of it happening but it was the first time it happened to me. If it were my first time, I would have been upset but thankfully I've been on it countless times and actually appreciated it. We had just reached the top of the ride and starting the first downward turn when the lights came on. We only went a bit further before our "train" came to a stop. We sat in our "train" for quite some time before cast members came. There was another train that was still climbing the main hill and was just a little higher than us. They had two cast members per train... they opened the restraints on the first car first and got the riders out. Then the second car. Once everyone got out, they escorted us up and down several different walkways. It was extremely dusty with dust bunnies everywhere. It was interesting to see some of the effects when they were stopped, such as disco balls in box of 5 sides.... only one side for light to enter/escape. We eventually made it to the cast member break room, where we could see their street clothes and lunch boxes hung from hooks on a wall. After a bit further, we exited about the same location you get off at the end of the ride. Thankfully, no one on our train had any handicaps but I asked about what happens if a guest can't walk. They said they had to call the fire department.... I'm glad that didn't have to happen that day.

[@mmrseed]

very interesting....enjoy your story telling

[@barneyevans6940]

I have ridden the Disneyland Space Mountain since about 1977 or so. When I rode it back in May, my back was very aware of the turns and dips. Still enjoyed it though.

[@wolftress2503]

Fascinating video! Thank you for doing these.

[@lindamemo5224]

1989 went to Disney world. Rand to space and it was down for refurb. I was crushed. But we became life long Disney fanatics and here we are age 64 and we bought our first wdw AP.

[@Eternyl_bliss-nj9se]

I rode Space Mountain at Disney World when it first opened - I was 7 then 1974ish. I was known they altered it after we rode it tone it down some. When I was 9 76ish we went to Disney Land and Space Mountain was really poor compared to the other. It was really slow and never kicked in. I begged my parents to take us to Magic Mountain - Revolution was a new attraction then.

[@manicplanet5223]

You had me at Edna was a person that helped Disney now I think this is why there is an Edna in the incredibles

[@TonyC.-kq9fh]

This is similar to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia,CA with the Colussus coaster when it was wood. I rode it many times but sat in the rear car as a skinny 13 year old kid and i was thrown all over the place, super fun but dangerous.

[@richardricca8012]

I'd like to add something to your comment about Space Mountain. In 1966, there was a group of high school kids from San Diego were bussed up to Disneyland meet Walt Disney Walt gave us tour of Buena Vista studios. When we came back to Disneyland, Walt gave us a one-n-one interview. In his office, there was a blueprint of a concept that he was thinking of space mountain. A container like everyone used to go to drive up banks and put your money in this suction tube. And it shoots up a tube. That's what Walt had an idea of doing, but it didn't work because you didn't know how to decompress.

[@eloscuro704]

This was a real interesting deep dive of a part of Space Mountain that I had no clue of. But the timelines all seemed off. My first roller coaster was The Revolution at Magic Mountain in 1976 a few weeks after it opened. I remember Space Mountain opening afterwards. When I went on it, I was disappointed. Not at the ride, which was a mild coaster I would expect from Disney, made more intense by being in the dark. But the effects were really cheesy - the "stars" were just lights with shadows that looked fake. I was expecting something like the projection theater at nearby Griffith Observatory and in the Space Mountain commercials. Now *that* would have been totally cool. It wasn't until the end of the video that I realized it was about Space Mountain at Disney World, not Space Mountain at Disneyland.

[@nzjonty]

Slam Mountain! This was so great Brickey!

[@championgolfer]

My first trip to WDW was in 74 before the ride opened. First ride was in 77. That ride always beat you up! Still does today… IMO. Disneyland version is smother ride.

[@sarkispoyrazian4245]

Rode space mountain in 1980! Loved it then, love it now!

[@reneejones7807]

I was down from Vegas and at the park this past Sunday, waiting for my chance to spot you and tell Hey Brickey! lol. It was not to be. I did get to check out the souvenir barn. Looks like they added something to the base to fill the gaps with the ground. Still not up to par. I first rode Space Mountain when in the mid 70's and my mom had us brace ourselves and hang on for dear life. Now I see why she was concerned. Thanks for the great video. Vibes over rides is the only way to visit the park. We hit the rides we wanted and just enjoyed the vibes.

[@katherinegrice1801]

I'd like to see the history of Disneys Coasters from the first to the last. It could include pros, cons, construction, etc.

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

cuz this heerz the wildest ride in the etherfulness i love that sweatshirt

[@danasandoval624]

I love Space Mountain and I don’t really like roller coasters that much, perhaps it’s because it’s in darkness. It’s just a wonderful ride!

[@leekeyser1968]

Some of the stories regarding S Mountain, that were floating around in the late 70's and early 80's about Space Mountain were pretty damn gruesome. Supposedly, a Lady with really long hair, got her hair caught in tracks above in one of those areas, were the tracks pass close under each other. (which happens several time, even with the modern rework) And the story was that her hair got ripped out, and she returned to the station, screaming incoherently.

[@LostLifetimes]

In 2013 i broke my iPod Touch on space mountain (the rest of me was fine though). It was already slightly cracked (the real problem), but I forgot it was in my back pocket (fake front pocket girl pants). Took it out and the screen was obliterated, still semi functional but spiderweb cracks all over 💀

[@loribelknap8101]

Last year was the last time I’m ever riding space mountain. Not because it scary or thrilling, but because it is too rough. I feel like I got beat up on it. I get that it’s a iconic ride, but they need to put in a new track. Once you ride a smooth ride like VelociCoaster at universal , I don’t want to ride a old rough ride like space anymore.

[@LuckyPierre789]

Planning a trip to So. Cal in Feb and I think my Walt hoodie will be perfect! ;)

[@southofhollywood4199]

Back when I first rode Space Mountain at Disneyland, I was sure I would hit my head on one of the girders.

[@glenmurra3856]

I got to ride space Mountain at Disney World. After right after it opened and it was wild to say the least. The funny part of it was , I didn't think it was wild enough, because I remember the second time I rode it, I rode it with my eyes closed. I also rode space mountain at Disneyland after it opened, and there was a huge difference in the rides. Epcot also had a similar problem with the mission to Mars ride in the beginning. That was a very wild ride. That was tamed down a lot. After problems with guess and one guess that I know all that even passed away.

[@rojopo65]

The problem with space mountain is that it is in the dark and you cannot anticipate the upcoming moves of the train. I am 63 years old and have ridden the ride many times, but I don’t ride it anymore for that very reason. It is the same problem that you have with the rock ‘n’ roll roller coaster over at Hollywood Studios, you just can’t see what’s coming up next and it thrashes you around and you’re ultimately going to hurt something.

[@jetsons101]

Just think if those "Early" Space Mountain riders went on Ghostrider at Knott's Berry Farm.

[@tkemp2]

I went on space mountain with a stiff neck from sleeping wrong. By the end of the ride my neck was in perfect shape and completely pain free.

[@avi8r66]

I was just a little too young/short when it first opened, but I rode it pretty close to that early launch. I remember by first time waiting in line for it. I saw the ride leave full of people, I heard screams from the darkness above, and I saw the cars return empty. I was kinda terrified.

[@kassie2k4]

makes me so sad ill never ride it again, i have multiple spine fractures and osteoporosis in my 30s due to prednisone because insurance in my 20s wouldn't cover expensive specialty medication for my ulceratiive colitis, so i had to fail other meds first and constantly had bleeding and the steroids given to stop it every time i was in the hospital, led to my spine fractures that ill suffer with the rest of my life i hope everyone else gets to enjoy it though, it was always the most special ride to me, i used to listen to the soundtrack because it just had such a fun energy about it

[@Snow_owl1966]

First time in so many years since I've been at Disney a long time ago many times I got a chance to ride Space Mountain rocket it was awesome. Except when you come towards the black hole it was dark. It wasn't the actual where you experience going inside the black hole

[@Kodachrome40]

Is that Gordon Cooper warning film still available? Any KZbin links?

[@RichardWelty]

how do you spell the last name of the David whose books you cite? having a little trouble finding them.

[@robertkerley]

Found it: Koenig

[@RichardWelty]

@@robertkerley extremely helpful. i'm working on building historical maps of Disneyland and WDW on the OpenHistoricalMap project and reliable references are really important.

[@kennethwayne6857]

@@RichardWelty I'm looking forward to seeing them.

[@RichardWelty]

@@kennethwayne6857 was going to post links, but there's a bug in the time slider so some of the dates are not being honored. ideally you move the slider and stuff appears and disappears.

[@RichardWelty]

OHM Is based on OpenStreetMap, mostly just adding the time element. i will post links anyway with a caution that the slider's not quit right at the moment. it is a work in progress, we do this stuff in full public view.

[@apersonofinterest]

I wish they would put the Rock n Rollercoaster inside Space Mountain. We need some loops. I rode both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom versions and I prefer the Toboggan style seating in MK better.

[@P-_-S]

Does anyone know if the Disneyland Space Mountain model (like the one featured several times in this, but for California's layout) is still on display anywhere in Disneyland? In the late 90s/early 2000s, it could be seen at the art gallery above the entrance to Pirates and the bread bowl gumbo restaurant. The gallery was a nice little side attraction almost no one knew about, and the model of Space Mountain was the center piece. A friend was going to the park recently, so I looked it up before directing them there and I saw on their website that the gallery is no longer open. Hoping they still have it somewhere to see in the park, because it was really awesome.

[@slax99]

Where did you get your sunglasses?! 😍🤌🏼

[@GeoTactics]

I rode it back then. It's always had the feeling of "unsafe" even though it was and still is a beloved ride. Perhaps because it was a "rollercoaster" ride that added to the park ride excitement, but it just always felt too fast, too jerky and was one ride you didn't want to put your hands up on.

[@kennethwayne6857]

I think the one in Paris goes upside down. They'll never get me on that one!

[@GeoTactics]

@@kennethwayne6857 I went on opening in 1992, but this was not built in D-Paris until 1995. I also would not ride it if it goes upside down. :)

[@hazelleblanc8969]

I rode Space Mountain one week after it opened when I was a kid. I was terrified! During WDW's 25th anniversary, my husband and I were in line, and I struck up a conversation with another woman who had gone on a month after it opened. We were chatting about do you remember this, and how much they had to slow it down, and I was watching the expressions on her friends' faces. You could tell they were thinking "Oh my God! She was telling us the truth." The story I heard was that they had to slow it down 10 separate times, because people were not only losing their hats and their glasses, but also their false teeth. Any truth to this that you know of?

[@johnalonzo9945]

Hey Brickey, I didn't know this stuff, thanks for sharing. 🙂 Just wondering, you mentioned you've used the 'chicken ramp', on which attractions and when? I'm curious. 🤔

[@shauntympanick4502]

My mom injured her back on Space Mountain during her honeymoon. Worst part was driving back to the northeast with her injury.

[@magiccheeseball]

I got a lot of stories about Space Mountain from opening until the early 80s some I can't put on a public comment section

[@Farley5927]

I rode in 1976 and it was terrifying. There was no seat belt and my lap bar came undone mid ride. I held on for my life as the lap bar went full forward and I was coming up out of my seat on the dips. Didn’t ride it again for 35 years.

[@UberBeavis]

That's a neat trick, because Space Mountain at WDW didn't get lapbars until 1989.

[@magiccheeseball]

In 1976 it had seatbelts and didn't have a lap bar you must be thinking of some other roller coaster

[@jackshittle]

My first time riding (I was in like between 1st & 3rd grade) the admission to the park was $6.

[@capwkidd]

Who wrote those books? How about an Amazon link?

[@eizel10]

the back hurts everytime i ride this ride..

[@sxymike12]

I don’t care if I’m not fit to ride my favorite ride in the park I’ll have no issues going out on Space Mountain

[@shashona3084]

Wild seeing the track

[@kingdoo21]

I wonder to what extent this experience informed the outdoor portion of Tron and if it is intentionally a warning to potential riders.

[@john.daniel14]

I ride every track on Space Mountain. Yes there are tracks way scarier than others. Either 4or5

[@laptop770]

Wonder if you know the back story to Space Mountain in Disneyland? It was interesting...

[@fredleggett923]

It's hard to believe that Space Mountain is basically a souped-up wild mouse, with a top speed of 28mph. People like to endlessly rag on Rip Ride Rocket at Universal due to its perceived roughness while giving Space Mountain a pass - go figure.

[@PalmBeachDog]

At what point will it be rebuilt? The structure is 50 years old.

[@eddieg6436]

…..the interior tracks were completely replaced a while ago in California.

[@jamesklatt]

What do you think the tron attraction is for?

[@glenmurra3856]

I am about 99.9 percent sure that the one in Florida at Disney World has been rebuilt at least 2 times One time for sure.

[@thorndrumheller9667]

I Rode This a Few Years Ago. In The Photo Taken at the End (Which We Didn't Buy!) I Look TERRIFIED! I Was Not. I Was Actually Thinking "Don't Throw Up! Don't Throw Up Don't Throw Up!" If The Ride Had Lasted 15 Seconds Longer, I Would Have Booted!

[@drakebunch9807]

Was the original ride worse than the matterhorn? I wonder how settlement money has been spent on that ride.

[@pinbot76]

Ah, David Koeing. How all we “vintage” Dland fans got the underground scoop on unpolished Disney history even in the pre-internet age.

[@largol33t1]

So Disney's top brass built a roller coaster and said nobody could call it a roller coaster. Injuries and lawsuits pop up. Management: surprised Pikachu faces all around, payouts in court. "Okay okay! We'll call it a roller coaster!" This is one insane story. I cannot believe this, what were they thinking when they forbade CMs from calling it a roller coaster??

[@duramaxdad]

Magic.

[@neilstern7108]

I was asked to sit in the first car seems no one wanted to be in front.

[@SteveRandall-l7d]

I rode it in 1969! I was 7

[@troublesome3607]

Hey Brickey at WDW!

[@goofyrulez7914]

Not "rollercoaster" but "high speed turbulent attraction".

[@karebear3152]

Yikes... yeah, I rode WDW's Space Mountain in 2021 when my friend and I went, and I did not like it at all... It wasn't the dark that bothered me. I didn't like the single line seat set up, too hard to get into and out of, and how rough the ride was... I was in a good amount of physical pain after getting off. It calmed down pretty quick but to me, it's not worth it. I can totally believe people breaking bones and spinal fractures caused by this attraction in its earliest days. I'm interested to see how Tokyo's completely new version turns out.

[@ckbarry]

So interested in, and excited about, Tokyo’s new version of Space Mtn!

[@Nomis-is-gone]

I loved space mountain because of how rough it was and how you didn’t know what was gonna happen next

[@DCinCali14]

It’s not in good shape now at WDW. DL is much smoother. WDW rockets’ supports are too low and the ride is rough. Used to really like it… less so now.

[@osuuma6935]

Love the SoCal and Tokyo Disneyland Space Mountain, the WDW version, not so much. Its like the Grizzly at Great America in California, not thrilling, just painful. Ride designers that think being slammed around for 2 minutes is fun have no clue as to what makes a thrill ride enjoyable.

[@JesseAdventure]

I wonder if space Mountain at MK is tall people friendly I can fit pretty comfortable on the Matterhorn but Disneyland space Mountain legroom sucks

[@unknown34415]

"let me say to you: bro you never rode this version of the ride" well guess what? neither did you so how can you explain something that youve never experienced?

[@HeyBrickey]

It’s called research, learn about it.