Problematic Roller Coasters - Space Mountain - Walt Disney World

In this video, we discuss the history, block zones, and ridiculous operations of Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom! Space Mountain is not only the world's first completely indoor steel roller coaster but also the world's first completely computer automated roller coaster!
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Channel artwork designed by Casie Jo Johnson! @blockbrakes
Closed Captions by Pineapples Foster Media Services allmylinks.com/pineapples-foster
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Background History
02:26 - Space Port
04:37 - Magic Kingdom
07:02 - The Return of Space Mountain
09:03 - Construction
13:07 - Space Mountain Opens
15:36 - Ride Vehicles
16:42 - Block Zones
21:31 - Operational Challenges
28:30 - Capacity
29:55 - Other Changes Made
31:59 - Conclusion
Video Sources:
SoCal Attractions 360 - • [4K] Space Mountain Ri...
SoCal Attractions 360 - • Space Mountain 2020 - ...
SoCal Attractions 360 - • [4K] Space Mountain - ...
Theme Park University - • Space Mountain Lights ...
ThemeParks&Me - • Space Mountain | Openi...
Mickey World Travel - • Walt Disney's Opening ...
Inside The Magic - • Vintage Disneyland Ope...
Sam's Disney Diary - • Disneyland 1959 | Walt...
Hbvideos - • Matterhorn Ride Film O...
Classic Disneyland - • RARE 1976 Matterhorn B...
01DOGG01 - • The Incredible Machine...
Disney Parks - • Walt Disney Announces ...
RetroWDW - • 1966 EPCOT Film - The ...
RetroWDW - • Home of Future Living ...
Main Street Art Corner - • The Grand Opening of W...
Bionic Disco - • RCA Color TV Commercia...
briannacherrygarcia - • Space Mountain (Broken...
wegngis - • Backstage at Disneylan...

[@KRhetor]

I lost my glasses on Space Mountain when I was seven. A month later they found them and mailed them back. I've always had huge respect for WDW and its staff ever since, nearly forty years later.

[@ncdulo]

I remember losing my wallet in WDW when i was around that same age. Nothing of real value in there. Just a couple of coins and a paper fishing license. I was still upset enough about it I had my parents bring me to the list & found but nothing had turned up. Went back home and had completely forgotten about it. Probably around a month or two later it showed up in the mail. With my $0.38 still inside! I was so excited haha. I've still got that wallet around here somewhere about 25 years after that incident.

[@robertjonez5]

How did they know they were YOUR glasses lmao

[@ncdulo]

@@robertjonez5 if you go by the lost & found but nothing was turned in, you can leave your contact information/address with them. At least that's how it was done when my wallet was lost back in the early 90's.

[@superlolgal555]

There are a lot of little things like this that has made me really respect WDW as well. I went for my 18th birthday after having gone once before at 7, and I remember expecting the experience to be not up to what I remembered, and I was going to go and try not to point out all the little details. But from the incredible Imagineering to such great service, it all made my anti-capitolist heart swoon.

[@ScientificallyStupid]

I feel like that's why people still gladly give them their money. The WDW cast members really do take it to the next level.

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

When he hits you with that block zone chart he ain't playing games anymore folks

[@bandmfanboy]

It was quite confusing and it didn't help when he put the diagram with both tracks up.

[@JMHalleyJr]

You win.

[@dindog22]

@@bandmfanboy was it a diagram or multicolored scribbling?

[@bandmfanboy]

@dindog22 It was multicolored scribbling with a lot of colors and a lot of lines.

[@URN666]

This was my first video and I thought I was having a seizure when he went into that section. I haven’t quite recovered yet.

[@jameskeefe1761]

This ride is much scarier with the lights on, when it looks like you are coming close to having your head hit that structure.

[@kipz]

i always felt that way even with the lights off

[@HeartOfAmethyst]

Got the privilege of riding it in the light once when it had issues. And I was always ducking my head in the dark. Definitely more impactful how compact the track is in the light

[@Annie_Annie__]

Yup, I rode it with the lights on when I worked at WDW and I never got on it again. It was terrifying. I already felt like I didn’t fit on it, being 6ft tall and rather broad. Riding that thing with the lights on made me feel like I was going bang my head and slam my arms/shoulders at any minute. Didn’t help that it was before the ride was upgraded and you had about a 25-50% chance of the lap bar not locking all the way and the cars just felt like they were going to rattle apart in to pieces at any moment.

[@leon6777]

@Mac seldom someone shit in your cereal?

[@alexgarcia8365]

😂😂

[@Pooglian]

My family first went to WDW in 1976 when I was 5 and Space Mountain was the big attraction with all the hype. Despite being too scared to go on the Haunted Mansion ride, I insisted I had to go on Space Mountain, so my dad agreed and took me. It was a lot more boring than I thought it would be, and I couldn't figure out what the big deal was. 17 years later we went for my second trip in 1993. On that visit I realized my dad had taken me on the PeopleMover and just told me it was Space Mountain and being 5 I'd believed him. 🤦

[@dimplesd8931]

😂😂😂

[@merriemisfit8406]

My family first rode Space Mountain the year before your first visit. My mum would have gladly traded places with you. She climbed out of the vehicle at the end of the ride, staggered like a zombie over to a bench, sat silently for quite a while, and then declared -- "NEVER. AGAIN." She wasn't going to let a Disney coaster fool her like that another time. Well, a few years later at Disneyland, she boarded Big Thunder Mountain thinking it was the tame little mine train ride through Nature's Wonderland that had been there years earlier.

[@easysteezy58]

HAHAHA

[@dajnor]

Lmao that's great. The TTA was one of my favorite rides at Disney World, when the narration was still all in universe. "NOW APPROACHING MICKEY'S STAR TRADERS.."

[@ZeranZeran]

I had the EXACT opposite reactions, I loved the Haunted mansion as a kid, and Space Mountain scared the heck out of me! This story made me smile, thank you.

[@prakesh2904]

#1 quote in the world: "For those of you who are unfamiliar, a block zone is a section of track that only one train may occupy. At the end of a block zone is a method to stop a train in case the block zone ahead is still occupied" I always wait for that

[@sebastianalvarado2390]

First time watching so help 👍🏼

[@ashermccready]

@@jeromebennett2175 you're just an alt account for the dude above

[@5cole]

@Clay Elliot yeah literally nobody cares

[@ScientificallyStupid]

I always imagine Ryan rolling his eyes as he says it.

[@carlsmith2641]

He’s gotta just add in the same clip to every video

[@kilroy1976]

The real attraction/innovation of Space Mountain from a rider's perspective is the air conditioning. It's a good ride, featuring many block zones, but... talk to an Orlando resident about how essential AC is to their lives. Space Mountain brought it to a park that was a brutal mess of sweat and anger for six months per year. Now every park, at least in Orlando, and probably elsewhere, takes guest comfort into account.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

Tbh it more likely wasn’t for rider comfort it was for machine comfort, my work spent a quarter million on an AC unit for the electrical cabinets and control room and left us to sweat in the plant.

[@selanryn5849]

Astroworld in Houston opened in 1968 with a massive outdoor air conditioning system. Energy efficient? Not in the slightest. Worth it? Absolutely. It made waiting in lines so much more tolerable.

[@whocares318]

I loved space mountain for the AC rather than the ride itself

[@kilroy1976]

@@selanryn5849 ​ @Niko Jurkovic The penguin thing at Sea World... You don't go to theme parks to see things slowly waddle, but if you get to see them waddle while you're packed in ice in August in a place where yellow fever is still a thing... "oooh, look, the penguin did a thing, and maybe it'll do it again if we wait right here until 10 p.m."

[@ScottShedd]

"Sweat and Anger" good name for a song 😂

[@xbiker321]

When I was REALLY young, my Dad scared the crap out of me telling me we were actually going into space..

[@cchantal5435]

... are you my sibling?

[@triciasomogyi5431]

🤣 I did that to my kids !

[@warriormanmaxx8991]

@James Kaffka ... re: "...actually going into space..." Did Dad also tell you Santa Claus was real??

[@AmberAmber]

Yup my dad too🤣🤣

[@CHURCHISAWESUM]

My dad did this too. I was equal parts terrified and thrilled

[@philipjc1]

Great video, I worked there during the rebuild of Space Mt. for the 50th Anniversary. The ride did not open for the 50th because it was never planned to be rebuilt. The track is inspected each night as the welds break and have to be re-welded. This is very hard to do as the track has to be forced into shape creating great stress on the entire track. One night it was discovered that two main steel vertical support beams had sheared their bolts that were securing the beams into the concrete floor, shifting the beam 3 inches. The head engineer would not certify the attraction as being safe to ride. The next day the attraction was closed and work began to rebuild the entire attraction from the ground up. Every thing was cut up and hauled out of the attraction. The ground was dug up to lower the attraction another 15 feet. Then they rebuilt the entire attraction . Unfortunately they could not complete it in time for the 50th Anniversary. I worked for the DL Fire Dept and was inside the rebuild the entire time as a Fire Watch. I have pictures of the entire rebuild.

[@ross22a]

Amazing! Any chance you could share those pictures?

[@SeekerGoldstone]

If the column moved 3 inches, doesn't that mean that the original design placed the column 3 inches from where it should have been?

[@ggen3934]

@@SeekerGoldstone no, it moved 3 inches because it was unstable and threatening to fall

[@SeekerGoldstone]

@@ggen3934 Let me explain my thought process here... I understand that it was unstable and that's what caused it to move. It moved because the forces were pushing it with enough force to overcome the bonding hardware. Imagine a glass atop a bookcase. In the event of unbalanced forces, it is likely to fall off of the case, and may theoretically land on the sofa. From the sofa, it is theoretically possible for it to fall further to the floor. But if you were to place it on the floor rather than the bookcase, it cannot possibly fall onto the sofa because the sofa is not along the path to its ultimate resting state. Set on the ground, you can destabilize it and knock it over... but from there, it's impossible for the glass to fall any further. By the nature of how it behaves under unstable forces, we can observe that the most stable configuration of a glass is on its side as low as it can be... because that's where it falls. By standing a single book standing up on a table, you'll very quickly realize that it's more stable if you push it over. The same can be said about a spoon in your kitchen sink or grains of sand in the desert... if you throw it in the air, it will fall but if you put it exactly where it fell, it cannot fall further... if it does, you havent found it's most stable configuration. An object will fall forever until it can no longer fall. We can extrapolated that the original design was off of the ideal by approximately 3 inches because that's where the objects defaulted toward when under unbalance forces, like we observed in the book. Put very simply: when stuff falls, it tends toward an orientation and position that is more stable than before it fell... so wherever it landed is more stable than where it fell from... so if we put it there in the first place, it would be less likely to move at all.

[@ggen3934]

@@SeekerGoldstone I know what you mean, but in this case, the cup is not only just sitting there. It’s much like putting liquid in the cup. While the cup has potential to fall down, it’s not guaranteed to spill its contents. However, if the cup is on its side, it can’t hold anything. These support beams don’t just have to hold themselves up, they have to hold multiple trains that hold up to hundreds of pounds each, over and over, every summer, for years. The cup analogy is actually pretty inaccurate. It’s more like having a piece of cardboard across two cups. If one of them moves or falls, that individual cup might be stable, but it now has failed its main function and the other parts can’t work right.

[@Feelthefelt]

For those of you who are just here for the money shot, Block Zone coverage starts at 16:45

[@bojanglespoonan8419]

Wow you're a beautiful young lady

[@Feelthefelt]

@@bojanglespoonan8419 Yes, and your point is?????

[@bojanglespoonan8419]

@@Feelthefelt just kidding bro, you do not pass at all

[@spasticbrit]

@@bojanglespoonan8419 hahahah lmao

[@mechanicallycreative9788]

@@bojanglespoonan8419 10/10. What a setup.

[@ColinHuth]

Not even married life could keep the *Patron Saint of Block Zones* from blessing us with another epic history for long.

[@hobog]

That hagrid's ride and op's video of it are a block zone masterpiece

[@mikethewhizz5085]

He might as well start working for Intamin. That way they might actually produce some correct capacity figures

[@SrulDog]

For those who don't know what a block zone is, a block zone is...

[@BassGal92]

@@mikethewhizz5085 Well Ryan is an engineer for his day job.

[@origamisteve]

I remember them pulling us into the storage area one time at the Disneyland space mountain. I think it had something to do with an unknown error coming up for the vehicle and the ride operators playing it safe. They had to bring a small set of metal stairs to the side to let each person off. They let us right back on the ride in another vehicle and gave each person a front of the line pass for any ride for the "inconvenience." I honestly thought it was just cool to see the storage area.

[@mayowankenobi]

Yep, I’ve had this experience as well. Kinda fun to experience errors at Disney parks.

[@Kattywampus]

That's a very rare thing that happened!

[@jasonj8470]

We would “store” trains to prevent intrusions. Sometimes there would be delays in the load area and we (unload workers)would know that because we could hear the lower lift motor stop. Trains would still be rolling in to the unload area and if we didn’t attempt to make room by storing we would run the risk of a cascade. Typically we would have to act by the time three trains were stopped in unload area. Back then the rules were very strict and if the unload cast members were to allow a cascade stop it could result in a serious safety reprimand or termination. The same also applied if the tower person failed to sandbag.(Don’t ask how I know lol)

[@Kattywampus]

@@jasonj8470 I know how you know, LOL. XD I have juggled many a preventative train into storage back in the day. This new system seems so much easier.

[@olileoli2788]

From a video of it happening, i have heard that it happens when the train is over the weight capacity

[@mikethewhizz5085]

Even to this day Space Mountain feels like a much more modern coaster than it is. Believe it or not I'd also say it's one of the best front row rides I've ever had

[@patrickfraleyjr2819]

@Mike the Whizz I totally agree with you. Space Mountain is honestly such a good ride, and Disney should keep up with maintenance to keep the ride running.

[@DryEyeBuilds]

The block section speech is my second favorite part of the videos now. My new favorite part is the windows XP error sound when a train gets to the end of an occupied block section!

[@Colaholiker]

I think he kind of overdid it with that sound this time. But that's just a matter of personal taste I guess. Overall, the video is great!

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

The best part is definitely the "Warning: Some viewers may be too lame to enjoy the following information."

[@phillymcboi6555]

"Honey wake up! Ryan's talking about Block Zones!"

[@tismejaytee]

😂

[@brandonpadilla5402]

Did you know that Disney partnered with students from university of central Florida for the lap bars for space mountain due to the fact that they couldn’t figure out how to keep the crash test dummies from flying out. They now have one of the train cars hanging in the university.

[@jasonj8470]

Did you know when the restraints were u shaped we had a gentleman by the name of Shaquille O’Neil request the front seat? His legs were so long that the bar wouldn’t even move because his legs were already against it. He was a little concerned but I told him about a test the engineers would perform by placing a basketball in a seat with a video camera and no restraint and the ball didn’t even move. I told him if that basketball didn’t move then he certainly wasn’t going anywhere.🤭

[@brandonpadilla5402]

@@jasonj8470 lmfao that’s funny as shit

[@ChibiDreamweaver]

This is actually true. It's in the cafeteria or something when I was walking around the university while I was helping my little brother move into the dorms a few years ago pre-covid. Neat to lay eyes on disney history!

[@BlazeSLK]

@@ChibiDreamweaverit’s in the engineering building’s main lobby/seating area.

[@sid2112]

Made my Dad get on it a half dozen times in a day. Thanks Dad. 40 years later and I still remember that.

[@robcoasters]

(checks description) "16:42 - Block Zones" *EYYYYYYYYYY*

[@CoasterHorizons]

is that a j̶o̶j̶o̶ eltororyan reference?

[@CoasterBlox]

Yup

[@thesledgehammerblog]

Disney coasters may not be the biggest, fastest or most thrilling out there, but if there's one thing they've mastered it's building for sheer capacity. That said, Disneyland's Space Mountain is still one of my favorites.

[@lisamorris9765]

That one is different, they have a block system that allows more trains to be on the track at the same. But it's just like all Rollercoasters with the block system is that depending on the weight of the guests the cars can go faster than others. So sometimes they cause problems. I worked at Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland.

[@kenrutherford1109]

I've only ridden the one at Disney World

[@patrickfraleyjr2819]

To me, the Magic Kingdom’s version is my 2nd favorite coaster made by Disney, the first being Cosmic Rewind.

[@ashtonbrown4318]

Wasn't the Disneyland one the original?

[@thesledgehammerblog]

@@ashtonbrown4318 The Magic Kingdom Space Mountain was the first, Disneyland came a couple of years later.

[@matte8441]

This is for some reason my favourite Disneyland ride. The first time I rode space mountain, I thought it was one of those slow “documentary” narration rides until it suddenly turned and dipped which caught me off guard.

[@lisamorris9765]

That one is different, the one in California is a normal block system where you can have multiple trains running. This ride is more like Matterhorn.

[@Garysmusic1964]

Always amazes me what the engineers during the 50's, 60's and 70's could accomplish with a slide rule, paper and pencil.. A bygone era.. Had to through in a lot of creative vision to accomplish all this, and everything else done in this time period.. Bravo to those in the past. Been on this ride a few times in my life (California).. Had no idea of the cost.. That's crazy.

[@pault5557]

Bob Gurr is a LEGEND! Designed all that tubular steel track on the Matterhorn with a slide rule? 😱

[@micycles1200]

Whenever Ryan starts talking about Block Zones, I just imagine a crowd of people cheering. It's like his catch phrase at this point. Like, seriously, if he were to release an episode of Problematic Coasters in a theater full of people, we'd all go wild as soon as he says the famous words: "At the end of each block zone is a method to stop a train." I wait for it every video, and this one definitely did not disappoint. One day, I hope you do California Screamin (or Incredicoaster though I refuse to say that name).

[@DryEyeBuilds]

I second the California Screamin request. (Reject modernity, embrace the original California Screamin!)

[@Clay3613]

@@DryEyeBuilds Incredicoaster is a terrible fit, bring back the wave machine.

[@slinkie423]

really, it's like frame rules in speedrunning lol

[@hobog]

That is the first inversion ride I ever rode! I like how gentle it is even with the launch

[@JamesonThomas24]

Ryan in problematic coasters is all like, “Hello, here is my linked in profile” Ryan in coaster idiots is like, “Look at my shorts as I use the restroom”

[@ElToroRyan]

Haha gotta keep it bipolar!

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

Problematic Coasters: job interview ready Coaster Idiots: edits in a meme every 15 seconds :D

[@ian8lisle572]

@@ElToroRyan Problematic Coasters = Big Brain Time

[@kylematlock7499]

@@ian8lisle572 I like problematic Coasters, but I'm sure he has quite a bit more fun being a Coaster Idiot.

[@steveo7771286]

So there’s an entire section of track, including a lift hill, that the trains traverse whilst empty of riders during normal operation? It’s like an airport luggage conveyor. A mysterious section, unseen by the riders. Fascinating.

[@QuidamByMoonlight]

Wow! 27-28 block zones per track? That’s incredible! That’s what I love about old school Disney. What it lacked in extreme thrills, it more than made up for with intricacy and innovation! Such imagination and vision, and I had no idea that NASA astronauts and engineers consulted on the ride. How cool!

[@therollercoasterdude9142]

Me: *enjoying my day* Ryan: "FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR"

[@dominik.peters]

9:55 I much appreciate the metric conversion, but do feel free to round a bit more aggressively. I lolled when you went down to hundreds of grams on a 67 ton beam 😂

[@geoffreygriffin3015]

You can never be too careful...😂

[@enfynet]

Especially because the imperial numbers are already estimates 😂

[@kkim5000]

17:25 i never knew what a block zone was until i started watching these videos, and now i can't get enough.

[@allmusic962]

The background music is the space mountain waiting line theme

[@Kattywampus]

Yessss it is called "Promising Tomorrows"

[@rvmaika5815]

As much as I’d love to see one about the other Space Mountains, the Disney coaster I really want to see you dissect is Expedition Everest.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

That's a good one :O I also want him to do X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain~ What problematic elements can he talk about Expedition Everest?

[@thesledgehammerblog]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfanAll the problems with the Yeti animatronic would probably be worth a video by themselves, but this probably isn't the channel for that.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@thesledgehammerblog He could talk about the yeti, maybe even the switch track, definitely the block zones and operations.

[@ColoradoAnimatronics]

I would be happy with any coaster. Eltororyan does a great job with making these.

[@DragonBallZKaifan2]

I believe the others are mostly the same with the exception of the (now replaced) Disneyland Paris version. The Paris version had design elements based on popular old French Sci-Fi books*. The lift hill would actually go outside the structure into a design element shaped like a giant cannon that could be seen by guests outside. Part of the cannon would open up momentarily, giving riders a nice view of the park, before closing and “firing” the cannon as the train began to accelerate over the remainder of the lift hill and back into the main structure. However, at some point the ride was shut down, outdoor design elements stripped down, then reopened as a copy of the other versions, only with 15% more “theming” with whatever recent thing Disney is pushing at the time. (Like I believe it was “Star Wars” themed at one point, but all the theme did was project a TIE Fighter or X-Wing somewhere in the ride.)

[@KackUp94]

hagrids MCMA: I'm the most advanced roller coaster in history! Space Mountain: Hold my block zone!

[@benwinegarner4797]

I was trained on Space Mountain at Disneyland Anaheim in the 90's and since that version was built after Florida we got the first weight table and automatic sandbag feature. I can still hear F.R.E.D. which was the name of the computer system saying "Rocket Heavy...sandbag" while working the "tower" position. Excellent video. Loved it.

[@theholygrass19]

Everybody gangsta till he whips out the block zone chart

[@AtarSt]

Wow you made it to 17:10 without talking about block zones. This is improvement Ryan. edit: holy fuck thats a lot of block zones

[@jameswhite6612]

After all these years, space mountain is still my favorite ride at any theme park. Sure the coaster itself is nothing special, but the atmosphere and overall experience make it the king of all rides. I just wish I could have ridden the version at euro disney.

[@Giaphaige]

Space mountain is my favorite ride too. I appreciate that its one of the few coasters to not make me feel like I have whiplash afterwards.

[@ObservationofLimits]

Yea that's one thing WDW really did well. The rides were so much more than just the physical track.

[@McSnezzly]

Definitely a cool ride. It was my first roller coaster when I was 7, and I had no idea it was a roller coaster. Scared the shit out of me back then 😂

[@CHURCHISAWESUM]

I've ridden both. They're both amazing, the French one is more like a retro steampunk ride. It's heavily inspired by very early cinema's portrayal of space flight. You know, the moon is made of cheese kind of stuff

[@kenrutherford1109]

@@McSnezzly When I rode Space Mountain at the age of 12 I was scared shitless

[@Lovefromwcu1]

I'm imagining how they have to keep operations moving while assisting disabled people and small children. It seems super stressful. Kudos to the people that keep it running smoothly.

[@mrsteve4569]

Sometimes I wonder about why I’m fascinated by coaster history, design, and operation. Then I see a video such as this one and nerd out, and I remember that this is such a flat out freaking cool hobby.

[@rfought_6902]

Guys isn’t it obvious. He adds so much detail for the money so he can go on more trips with the coaster idiots. I don’t blame you. Nah JK these are great videos, keep it up.

[@joeshmoe9302]

WOW I had 0 idea that Space Mountain was the first computer controlled coaster. This is the disney way apparently, beat everyone to the future tech 😂

[@h2ogurl1234]

I used to work in tomorrowland and I'll never forget the way space had to be closed because the bathrooms right by basically flooded and flooded the space queue too. and many power disconnects messing with the peoplemover

[@dogski2822]

I once went to Disneyland and Space Mountain was shutdown for maintenance. My family didn’t know that, so we happened to get there right as it reopened and had a 5 minute wait. It was amazing.

[@TracyA123]

I am speechless! I NEVER knew about the operations and the incredible complexity of Space Mountain. I've just always seen it as a tame roller coaster. This is near unbelievable! My God that attraction is theoretically capable of cycling over 25000 guests per day! What a people eater! And 56 total block zones?!?!?!? I have a newfound respect for the ride operators and for Disney! They did this in the 70's?!? Wow! What a great video!☺

[@jvhuggard]

Newfound respect for how often it breaks too, hopefully? :p

[@TracyA123]

@@jvhuggard Absolutely! What a crazy setup! I still can't believe 56 total block zones! What in the actual..? wow

[@methyod]

i literally cheer like im at a football game whenever i hear "now for those of you that don't know what a block zone is"

[@electriceyeslide5959]

SM was a technological marvel when it came out and in many ways still is. Amazing ride with a great safety record.

[@javaguru7141]

If I may make a suggestion, the unit conversions are awkwardly precise, especially when the original numbers are likely to be rounded off to start with. Rounding up to the next shorter-to-say number would improve the flow.

[@mdf3530]

"It's the oldest ride in the park, but it's got the longest line." -Ric Flair

[@taffysaur]

WOOOO!

[@Thor-Orion]

Maybe you could help me... i’m having some trouble... HAVING SOME TROUBLE KEEPING THESE ALLIGATORS DOWN!

[@razzledingle]

@@Thor-Orion WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@yankeeshater]

I did not know that Space Mountain was so complex. I guess I just assumed it was pretty simple because it's not a modern extreme coaster. I should've assumed that Disney would complicate things to maximize capacity.

[@joellenrhodes456]

My friend and I were test track dumbies after the main computer manuel reset in Anaheim California. It must have been 1986/7, it shut down and took about two hours to reboot. We kept checking back when they'd reopen the ride. They got sick of us and told us to climb on while doing a safety test. We must have riden the ride 10 times without needing to exit. Best visit to Disneyland ever!

[@karilana1152]

This is the scariest ride at Disney. I was let on the first time I went at a very young age and being a smaller size, the seatbelt was so loose I’d slide around in my seat. My dad kept yelling “SCREAM” to make sure I was still in my seat lol. Refuse to go on since. Terrifying tracks.

[@kriss.7757]

Every time I hear the space mountain space noises it brings so much nostalgia to the ride and visiting Disney.

[@tismejaytee]

Rip Ride Rockit: I have the most block zones Space Mountain: Ha! Amateur.

[@bandmfanboy]

Well, most of Space Mountain's blocks are literally one brake, so they could easily have a ton of blocks. Not to mention, the coaster is indoors, so they have to use their space well and squeeze everything right next to everything.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

The amount of blocks this ride has is absolutely crazy. The operations on this ride is even crazier .....

[@kylebetz9684]

Pretty sure Hagrids magical creatures has more

[@bandmfanboy]

@@kylebetz9684 They can do 12 trains. ETR said so in his Hagrid's episode of the series.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@kylebetz9684 Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure has 12 blocks. The station area and the waiting 2 block on that roller coaster are not blocks but are just part of the continuous moving platform. This ride technically has 28 blocks for even crazier operations. And because this ride is older than Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure, the upgrades to the blocks and the lift had to be made for the ride to run more traditionally, rather than an older Arrow Dynamics roller coaster like Magnum XL-200, so that no cascades can happen frequently like in the past.

[@literallyshaking8019]

My mom said she got to ride Space Mountain with Ric Flair. That’s so cool!

[@allisonthomas7355]

She road space mountain alright

[@kensurrency2564]

Woooo 😳

[@isaiahrosner3780]

I don't have the attention span for all of this, so I just watched the block zone part.

[@wantedwario2621]

Saying "The gravity section" is a very epic way of talking about a space themed rollercoaster

[@nelsonr12]

Everyone: Say the line! ElToroRyan: *sigh* A block zone is a section that only one train can occupy. Everyone: YAY!!

[@mikethewhizz5085]

Space Mountain absolutely nailed the theme of space travel in my opinion; surely one of the most iconic rides of all time

[@JTstratman13]

Ahhh Space Mountain, my very first credit! I was 4 and it felt like the fastest thing in the world in the dark/lights. 28 mph lol

[@quinn799]

Crazy fast at age 14 too

[@dreamtension]

I was also 4 and cried. Would have been with original cars too. Good old days...✌

[@coasterkaila]

It was my first credit too! My coaster enthusiast mom forced me on the one at Disneyland when I was 4 and too short to ride.

[@gissneric]

Space Mountain was my very first rollercoaster. Autopia/Tomorrowland Speedway was the very first time I drove a car. Haunted Mansion was my very first "horror" attractions. Disney took away my virginity in many ways.

[@TheFlowerGirl13]

I think I went in I when I was 8. My aunt went with me and was terrified. I wanted to go again

[@makyostarr515]

Ryan: mentions interstate 4 Me, a central floridian: TRAUMA TRIGGERED

[@xenxander]

Lived in central Florida basically my entire childhood life.

[@ObservationofLimits]

They don't call it Die-4 for no reason!

[@finniasmarx2438]

I'm gonna be honest I am terrified of heights and falling so, like, 99% of rollercoasters are just downright terrifying to me but I am enjoying your videos so much! not only are they super informative, but they're fun and I can enjoy the bits of the ride you show in them. I really appreciate your vids and all the work you put into them!

[@dela_v8227]

The waiting lines theme song is unforgettable, a classic

[@GreatAmericanCoaster]

My brain just exploded trying to compensate the block zone Euphoria.

[@corkscrewfoley]

I had to restart mine a few times.

[@RADZADproductions]

I never had the desire to work at Disney, and thought that rides at regional parks would be much more complicated, but this, this just proved me wrong, and now I want to work space mountain.

[@haleymj553]

The last time I went to Disney world was in 2007 or 2008, space mountain was hands down my favourite it ride, I don’t think anything will ever top this ride for me. There are some that may be more terrifying but this ride is just perfect. The light tunnels, all the glowing stars. I loved how you could see the trains zipping by above you through certain areas of the walkway to the loading zone. I had ridden it every day I was there but on our third and final night my family was watching the fireworks and I had seen them every other night so they let me run off to space mountain by myself. There was no more than 10 people in line, I must have rode it back to back 6 times or more, made friends with another girl a bit younger than me who was doing the same thing. I was also lucky/unlucky enough to ride through most of the ride with the lights on once, that was a weird experience for sure!

[@MarcLombart]

Wow, you reminded me of two important, or memorable, events of my childhood. In in1967 when I was six, in school we watched a, documentary film about the building of Disney world.. Four years later, while living in a small town in Quebec, Valcourt [famous for being where Bombardier invented the snowmobile] with my mom I flew to Miami, and spent time at Disney World. At the time I didn't realize that I was there shortly after it opened its doors. Three years later, Christmas of 1974, My mother and me drove to Miami, and visited Disney World. There we saw the new attraction being advertised, Space Mountain, and access to it was free because it was new. Remember, this was the era where you paid admission to the park, bought tickets and used them for the attractions themselves, Space Mountain was an E ticket item. Again, at the time I didn't know how new it was. We went to it, thinking it was just an exhibit of the world of tomorrow. Which is what it is at first, then we got to the roller coaster part. My mom wanted to bail, but we didn't want to make a fuss, so in we went. So, that's twice I go to see a recently opened attraction at Disney World, once the park itself, then Space Mountain. Oh, in 1980, we drove again, we saw in the distance the soon to be opened Epcott centre. However, it was another two years before it opened and this was my last trip to Disney World. Thank you for bringing up those memories.

[@Gabes1321]

When I die I want the block zones explanation to be written on my grave

[@marcussorenson3380]

I rode this ride a 2013 and it was awesome and knowing the history of this is really amazing and I gotta say this ride really is one of a kind to keep up the awesome work Ryan!

[@theembersinside1420]

I went on Space Mountain as a kid in 1991. I was wearing one of those stereotypical plastic headbands & as we sped along the dark track, I felt my headband CRACK in two straight off my head. It was something that hit close enough to my head to crack it when we were going through a tunnel! And I wasn't more than 5 ft.. so yikes 😬.. But, I'll never forget it. I told my parents what happened, but they probably didn't believe me.

[@Kattywampus]

Yeah...people think they're joking when they say 'keep your hands inside the rocket'

[@theembersinside1420]

@@Kattywampus Exactly! 🤪🤦🏻‍♀️ I can only imagine if someone taller than me, at that very moment, got hit by the same thing! They would've probably been decapitated. 😬

[@yoongiverse.]

I don’t know if Space Mountain has it, but most modern roller coasters have a minimum amount of space around the track and ride vehicle so that can’t happen.

[@yoongiverse.]

@@theembersinside1420 I didn’t say it didn’t happen nor did I say I didn’t believe you

[@jdwilliams518]

When I was 13.. My dad and I got in line, having no idea what it was.. what a trip that was...

[@codynieman3729]

Do you know how you can tell that this is a great channel? Yesterday morning before discovering this channel, I had never given a second thought to how a rollercoaster is designed and operated. Today, 4 videos later.. I am obsessed. What a fantastic channel! Thank you!

[@RandallFPS]

All the little details seriously blow my mind. Love the effort and time you take to do these, it seems like a good portfolio!

[@emmapetropoulos7546]

in 2019 I went to Disneyland and when I rode Space Mountain it had a full cascade stop where the cast members came around and pushed us like bobsleds. By the time we got to the unloading area the ride was fixed so we stayed in our seats and rode it again! It was so cool to see the roller coaster with all of the lights turned on :)

[@AdrianaKanda]

Yes please talk about the other Space Mountains! I'd be really curious to see how they differ (I think some have different rockets/seats, no?) and to hear you talk about the rebranding of the EuroDisney Space Mountain to Star Wars!

[@screamingclockplays]

I love this, I hope you do The California one pretty soon, either Space Mountain, or Matterhorn. Both of them are my favorite Roller Coasters at the Disneyland Park.

[@southjerseythrills1459]

I’m a Space Mountain fanboy and this is right up my alley, thanks for the great content Ryan!

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

Same here

[@TechCoasters]

This video says the words "block zones" more times than I've gotten 100% on any tests at school

[@SLCclimber]

Before watching the video, I'm excited to finally see behind the curtain on why this ride was always closed. My very first trip to Disney included a ride on this thing and it was phenomenal. I only went to Disney once every 5+ or so years after that, every time with anticipation that I'd get to ride it again, and every time it was closed. To this day, I only got to ride it that one, first, time.

[@bandmfanboy]

Disney did an Intamin and made Space Mountain way too overly complicated. Their operations must be perfect, cuz it nearly never cascades when I'm there.

[@indigofrost4782]

If you watch operations at space mountain it actually is pretty easy and quick for them to dispatch the trains due to them having only one person per row. They're actually able to dispatch the train at the gates to the safety check before all the lap bars are closed which saves time as well as they are theoretically able to have both load gates plus both safety checks on on both sides. Although they only ever use one safety

[@abraveastronaut]

@@indigofrost4782 I never thought about it before, but you're right--the one-across seating is a huge timesaver, especially combined with the separate load and unload stations (everyone who's going to ride a given train can hop in immediately without waiting for anyone to get out of their way, and there's no awkwardly climbing over other seats). The safety check is also a big timesaver, letting the restraint check (already much quicker than average because of the trains' low individual capacity) happen parallel to loading the next train instead of sequentially.

[@rock.doctor]

I remember when the ride first opened...it was *always* down. They said there were sensors around the track to tell the computer where the trains were and if the sensor did something weird the computer would shut down the ride. Then employees would have to walk the track checking the sensors.

[@lelandunruh7896]

My brother, father, and I were on Space Mountain at Disneyland one time when the lights went on. It was absolutely fascinating seeing all the tracks and how there were mere feet of clearance at all the passes. At the end of the ride the attendant apologized and sent us on again! That was a great Disney visit.

[@araasis3239]

Space Mountain is still my number one favorite Disney ride, even after riding the new Guardians ride. It's somehow managed to age very well and as a kid who dreamed of going to space, the themeing still makes me smile. Thank you for the awesome video! Also, thank you for allowing me to explain "block zones" to all of my friends who are willing to listen lol.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

That block zone diagram freaked me out ngl xD Space Mountain has technically 28 blocks on one track. And that was in the 1970s. You see most roller coasters with 3 trains, it has 5 times less block zones. That's crazy.

[@kdderosa]

The block zones diagram looks absolutely insane and I have way more appreciation of this coaster now. Also, I could never get a clear answer of which manufacturer built Space Mountain before watching this video. Thanks for clarifying this fact!

[@lapicker1010]

I first rode space mountain back in the seventies when it was new. The biggest impression i came away with was how very smooth it was. You really did get the impression you were flying. I more recently (2018) rode it again for the second time and was shocked at how bumpy and rickety it was. Seems the old girl is showing her age.

[@yaelhoefs4791]

Can I just thank you. Talking about meters en kilo’s makes everything so much clearer (European here) so keep doing that!

[@SimplyAmazed88]

Amazing video! Serious amount of research went into this. You have such a respect and passion for coasters and their parks! Looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@shakabrah94]

This series is amazing and just gets better with every single episode! Keep up the excellent work Ryan!

[@ashleybagwell2445]

What a memory! I rode Space Mountain at the age of 7 in the Summer of 1975. My favorite part was the future world exhibit after the ride. **They had cordless telephones on which you could see the person you are talking to, machines that you could order products from video pictures that would be delivered to your door the same day, and meals that were prepared in under a minute by sticking them a box and pushing a button** Yep, that was my future!

[@mdf3530]

I gotta say I love the Space Mountain queue music. It’s so relaxing. Sometimes I’ll put on a ten hour loop of it on KZbin and go to sleep listening to it.

[@danielrauch5526]

Clicking on the video waiting for Ryan to say “A block zone is a section of track that only one train may occupy”

[@mrbomis]

Always love to see an eltororyan upload

[@rohinkartik-narayan7535]

I'm terrified of roller coasters yet for some reason I find these videos endlessly interesting

[@dannymiller7187]

I been on this coaster with the lights on and it was horrifying. It feels like you’re going to smash your head in to the tracks above you.

[@bwc1976]

That's the same reason I stopped riding Big Thunder Mountain.

[@andrewswope8735]

That double block zone map is so hot it has my questioning my orientation.

[@tufab3494]

WOW I was NOT expecting this, U've just made my night Ryan, tks so much for the great content and much luv from Brazil ❤👊🇧🇷🇧🇷 Btw already rode the oG Space Mountain, but hands down Space Mountain 2 smashes it 🚫🧢

[@ocanaldubiel-hgpvpemuitoma9600]

fr Space Mountain 2 is way better cuz of the inversions, it has a dive loop and a corkscrew if im not mistaken

[@tufab3494]

@@ocanaldubiel-hgpvpemuitoma9600 ye i think it is it, you get into a half cobra roll kinda loop and some time afterwards you pass trough a corkscrew. The most thrilling of 'em all for sure. Btw r u brazilian too mate?

[@ocanaldubiel-hgpvpemuitoma9600]

@@tufab3494 ye man, I am. Where r u from? I'm from SC

[@samueld92]

I LOVE that you have the old queue music playing in the background. Brings back truly fun memories of being a kid. Thank you

[@discodog4582]

I absolutely hate rollercoasters because crippling anxiety, but these videos are nice because I can live vicariously through them without feeling immense dread like I would if I was on any of these irl. So thanks, I guess

[@pocketheart1450]

Roller coasters are safer than driving or even crossing a street. I know anxiety doesn't work that way, but it's something to keep in mind.

[@bangtanluver]

I hate roller coasters too bc they gut feeling of falling but space mountain is so FUN! I strongly suggest trying it out and big thunder they are so fun and not scary

[@JimmytLeafy]

Love the video, you had me at "immensefully"! Keep the great content going, it's always a good day when a problematic roller coasters comes out.

[@stinguerz3818]

The Hyperspace Mountain in Paris is one hell of a ride. I hope to see a video on the European Disney Park one day. Great video as usual.

[@bri972]

Hey, I wanted to say that your videos are fascinating. I don’t do too well on roller coasters, I get physically overwhelmed very easily, but I love learning about them this way and you’re honestly making them so fun and interesting to me. I might be lame, but I definitely enjoy this information!

[@knowledgeapplied]

The most thorough, in-depth, and comprehensive commentary about this ride/attraction ever published to KZbin.... Nice job!.. :)

[@mhtube01]

It's amazing that they were able to make a ride this complicated back in 1975! Space Mountain has always been a favorite of mine at WDW. The theming really makes the ride and it's funny how much faster it feels than 28 mph. I would like to ride it with the lights on one day just to see what it looks like in person. Great video Ryan!