Space Mountain: The Truth About the Coaster of Tomorrow(land)

Facts, tidbits and history of the original Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom.
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[@waverly2468]

Read "SF Gate, what disneyland is doing to repair a crumbling matterhorn". The Matterhorn is 60 yrs old and in pretty bad shape. When it's closed for refurbishment the workers are trying to keep concrete from falling off the mountain. It can't be rebuilt because of new building codes. A new Matterhorn would have to be built like Expedition Everest, where the tracks are on a separate structure from the mountain. I recently saw "Third Man on the Mountain", which came out at the same time as the ride. Great movie about mountain climbing.

[@disfarers]

I haven't researched too deeply into the Matterhorn. That's all really interesting and gets me wanting to learn more. Thanks so much for the comment and for watching. I'll have to check out "Third Man on the Mountain" myself!

[@Dr.Pepper001]

That movie was about the fictitious way the Matterhorn was first climbed.

[@sonic23233]

Arrow Development doesn't exist anymore so I don't know

[@realestateunplugged6129]

Matterhorn exterior was in premium condition last I saw. No crumbling whatsoever. The mountain is built like a strong horse with top grade American forged steel. The thing is rock solid.

[@Boxycookiee324]

The amount of time and effort put into your content blows my mind ! The professional and intellectual yet humorous flow deserves a larger audience. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@disfarers]

That's such high praise, I barely know how to respond other than saying "Thanks so much"! I intend to keep at it. And yeah, I of course hope the audience grows too, but to be fair, I've been making these videos for a little over a year now and it's felt like I've just been making them for myself as a hobby. It's great to see people actually enjoy them.

[@tufab3494]

"And they're a great company that's still around today" Arrow: *_cries in bankrupcy_*

[@disfarers]

It's so funny that you commented on this of all times. I was just explaining to someone about my Arrow Development mistake and that since then I always make certain double check facts (I only used one source for this portion of the episode and really paid for it). So yeah, sorry for the really silly mistake. I've learned a lot from it and hope you don't hold it against the channel.

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

4:00 …actually arrow went bankrupt in 2001 (thanks to six flags lawsuit) and was bought out by S&S power (2002)…though they adopted “arrow” as a part of the name (S&S Arrow) it isn’t a successor to the company …also if we’re being picky the original “arrow development” was defunct in 1981 after Disney withdrew their partnership in the company…they were then partnered with another coaster company becoming “arrow Huss” but bought themselves back in 1986, at this point they became “arrow dynamics” which agreed to stop producing roller coasters as part of their 2001 bankruptcy filing…to be honest you could do a whole video on Arrow alone, it’s a fascinating story 👍

[@disfarers]

There was an earlier comment that also brought this to my attention and I've done more research on it since. I appreciate you pointing it out because I'm certain that Arrow will appear again in a future episode. I was misled by a website about a year ago when I did the Prince Charming Regal Carousel episode, but that's no excuse. Again, thank you. Oh and thank you for watching and listening!

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

@@disfarers hey no problem…I really enjoyed the video and as a fellow KZbinr I can certainly appreciate the effort you’re putting into your content…I learned a few new things about the attraction 👍…keep it up boss your channel is definitely going to grow …new sub for ya 🫡

[@theunKnownoriginchristianmusic]

Actually ACE DID A WHOLE DOCUMENTARY on it it’s on KZbin. You can and should look it up.

[@owlbuquerqueturkey]

Space Mountain was my first roller coaster as a kid in 1977, and therefore the standard I've always measured all other roller coasters. The retro futuristic style of Tomorrowland is still a favorite of mine. It's how I chose to decorate my house, and why Fallout is my favorite video game franchise.

[@disfarers]

Your house sounds awesome! I've always liked the aesthetic of Space Mountain too. Well put. Thanks for watching!

[@noahpartic7586]

I play Fallout too, great story lines & vintage music I never knew existed before last decade.

[@joeygassmann5595]

Great video, I learned quite a bit! One correction about Arrow, they actually went bankrupt in 2002 and their properties were acquired by S&S Sansei. I do have one question, did Arrow not have any involvement in constructing the track for WDW’s Space Mountain? I thought I’d heard that they designed it in house but wasn’t sure if they outsourced the track work to Arrow since they had a great relationship with them already. Thanks for the effort in making this video!

[@disfarers]

I looked it up and your absolutely right about S&S. Thank you for pointing it out. For that portion of the video I was running on information I used for the Disfarers Prince Charming Regal Carousel episode and apparently the site I was using for research back then led me astray. But I love learning new things. So again, thanks. I believe when Bill Watkins came on board there was no longer any teaming up with Arrow on Space Mountain for the Magic Kingdom. He was so involved in building and then tweaking the track systems that if Arrow had been involved I'm almost certain I would have ran across their involvement in all of the cross referencing. I'm so glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@wirikidor]

I can still remember the jingle "Bring the magic home, with RCA" playing on the exit out of Space Mountain from the many times I rode it as a kid.

[@disfarers]

It was such a great catchy song!

[@Ericlawless]

Do you remember the living room set with animatronics and RCA products you went past halfway down to the exit to the outside?

[@wirikidor]

@@Ericlawless Yes, and it was on a moving sidewalk on the right hand side.

[@Ericlawless]

@@wirikidor Yes sir, it was! And I loved it, though I knew (even as a grade school boy) that it was just an RCA commercial.🤔😁 To me, it was like a mini Carousel of Progress...which I also loved!

[@wirikidor]

@@Ericlawless Same man, same.

[@1D10CRACY]

What a fantastic video! It kept my attention for the full 24+ minutes. The style of editing, narrating and snippets of key videos is amazing!

[@disfarers]

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and listening!

[@richardweaver9682]

When the D-land ride opened it was dark enough NOT to see the track and the red lights at the had a screach sound of deceleration that made you hunch over in surprise. Years later in about the y2k era, the lights were on and you saw all the track and the sound at the end was gone. I belive it was better in the previous incarnation. Haven't been back since.

[@disfarers]

Your comments, along with some others, really get me fired up to make another episode focusing on Disneyland's Space Mountain. I wasn't able to ride it's first version, but all of the storing are just so interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting. It's really appreciated.

[@digitalnomad9985]

Yes, I remember absolutely not being able to see where you were going through most of the ride. I think that "light explosion" effect on the pull-up was partly to keep your eyes from adjusting to the dark, so YOU still couldn't see where you were going, but the technicians, whose eyes were adjusted to the dark, could still see everything for safety's sake. My boycott of Disney began much later for rather more serious reasons.

[@Yang31186]

Now this is what I’m into. Space mountain is one my favorite rides. I was fortunate to be able to ride it with the lights on after hours

[@disfarers]

Were you able to ride with the lights on at Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom's? Thanks for watching, by the way!

[@brandonpiazza6210]

I watch all the Disney theme park history and rumor channels. I happened upon yours by accident. I have to say you have a wonderful voice, attention to detail, and sincerity! I think slow down just a little in your speech. But the enthusiasm is infectious!. I think I know everything about Disney parks, but you taught me today! Thank you for you hard work. You’ve got another loyal subscriber!

[@JuTseT11]

Thank you for this video. Space Mountain was my first coaster ever. I remember trembling in fear as a 9 year old in the queue when it first opened. Fearing I would fall out, I gripped the metal hand bars on the sides with all my strength while my older sister sitting behind me held me in a bear hug. The restraints at the time were seatbelts. It was a fun and wild ride. Today I ride hypers and gigas and all sorts of crazy inversions, but still hold Space Mountain as one of my favorites.

[@disfarers]

Wow that's such a great story with you and your sister! Thank you so much for sharing! And for watching and commenting too, of course. I kind of had a similar experience with holding on impossibly tight after going to Knottsberry Farm. Spaceship Mountain is one of my favorites too!

[@jonhenning]

Once again great writing and a great video. A little encouragement from your neighborhood plumber 👍

[@disfarers]

LOL Hey, I greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much for the encouragement!

[@toddcohick8970]

In 81 my brother and I rode space mountain 13 times in a row in our only time going to Disney as teenagers from NY with our parents. Thanks for the great video.

[@disfarers]

That story about you and your brother sounds amazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video too. Thanks for watching and listening.

[@AbandonedMines11]

KZbin recommended this video to me, and I’m glad I watched it! You did a very thorough job presenting all the facts about Space Mountain at Disney World. Nice job! I never knew that it was originally designed to have four tracks instead of only two. I’ve ridden the Space Mountain at Disneyland twice but never at Disney World even though I’ve been there two times. Both times at Disney World the attraction was closed.

[@disfarers]

It's so great to hear you enjoyed the episode and got to learn some fun stuff! I had a blast making it. Thanks for watching!

[@hughnelson7492]

My Pops loves telling the story of when he was apprenticing as a surveyor. He was loaned to his bosses friend to work on Disneyland's space mounting. So laid helped lay out the ground it was built on. He was a 60-70s Bus driving long hair hippie. Disney and Employees gave him dirty looks as they couldn't have long hair and he was still eating at employee food/ break spots.

[@disfarers]

That's astounding! Your Pops was a trailblazer and got to be a part of history!

[@GeorgeWMays]

I would swear that when I first rode Space Mountain in 1977 the interior was much darker than it is today. I had the sense that you could barely see your hand in front of your face. Is that just me?

[@disfarers]

I don't know if you're referring to Disneyland's or the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain, but I do know that the Magic Kingdom's is now darker than it ever was since they added a canopy over the loading stations. This blocked out more light to the overall attraction.

[@Ericlawless]

As a grade school boy I rode Th Magic Kingdom Space Mountain and I'd swear the same thing!😂

[@Badger1776]

I went last year and it was pitch black. No lights.

[@bradleybergeron1740]

Another fantastic video, man! Growing up with Space Mountain in roughly the state it is today naturally precluded me from seeing what the old attraction was like, so this breakdown really helped me get a feel for the Space Mountain of old! And your discussion of the rides construction and the breakthroughs it made really helped capture just how important the ride is to theme park history! Your editing is really sharp now and your transitions are clean! The voice overs are also REALLY good now, I think you've completely settled into the right tone and pace for your videos! Really the biggest shame of the video is that there weren't more space-related clips from Disney works. Though I don't imagine there are too many more than the ones you used. The clips used to illustrate your points were great though and hit the mood you were trying to set right on the head! And they didn't feel intrusive/ like there were too many of them! Last big thing I'll hit on is your brief discussion of the individuals involved in the project; you did a great job of introducing them and providing just enough info to let us understand who they were and the contributions they made while ALSO leaving the door open for more in-depth videos on them in the future! Freakin' great work man! It may have taken a while to release, but I think it was WELL worth the wait! Can't wait for the next one!

[@disfarers]

I really appreciate the feedback, Bradley. Always like hearing the good and the bad so episodes can be improved.

[@boatbyrd]

You’re being over the top dude. Most of those vids are way after 1980. Not much history info before that. I rode it in ‘74 and then in ‘80. It was much less modern in appearance of course!

[@coastaleddie5017]

On May 10th 1995 while working as a Union Electrician remodeling the disembarking area at the end of the ride I fell severely injuring my spine. The accident was the result of blatant Disney negligence. A whole room full of attorneys told me that Disney was Too Big To Sue and that the best I could do was to file a Work Comp. Case against my Union Contractor Employer. I received an insulting ridiculously low amount of money for an injury that ended a nearly thirty year career. Almost 28 years later I am in constant pain. I can bearly walk. Disneyland isn't exactly "The Happiest Place On Earth".

[@JBass33]

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier would have been overjoyed if you had been successful in winning a negligence action against Disneyland because it would have gotten back some or all of the money that it paid to you in your workers’ compensation claim. And you would have been awarded monetary damages for your loss of income, pain, suffering, etc. far in excess of what you received in your workers’ compensation claim. Unfortunately, Orange County juries have been notoriously sympathetic to Disneyland in lawsuits and they have rarely found Disneyland to have been negligent regardless of the circumstances. That limited you to workers’ compensation where you don’t have to prove negligence, but which pays far less money. And that lesser amount of money is even more egregious for high wage earners such as yourself because of statutory caps on the amount of money an insurance carrier has to pay for temporary disability. And the compensation for permanent disability is just as bad and always has been.

[@miloclaire6689]

Rad video!!!! Would love a video on the our Space Mountain here in California! Nonetheless, thank your for all the cool info provided in this video!

[@disfarers]

Thanks for watching! I'm so glad you enjoyed the episode. I wanted to cover Disneyland's Space Mountain but I didn't want the episode to run too long. I figure I'd put some time toward other episodes before rolling back over to Disneyland's. But I did learn a lot about the number of differences between Disneyland's and the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountains during research. Solid idea! Thanks for commenting.

[@manipicturessrudios]

Please make more vids about this attractions, great vide, keep it going 😊

[@disfarers]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it! The next episode will about a certain Disney animator. But after that will be another great attraction episode.

[@theenlightenedexchange4817]

Backyard kiddie coaster yes!

[@MrXiphoid1]

Oldest ride, longest line… Wooo!!!

[@disfarers]

I didn't understand your "Wooo!!!" until someone else mentioned Ric Flair.

[@lindaterrell5535]

It was really a Wild Mouse in the dark. I never enjoyed the ride. I got tossed about in the cab.

[@disfarers]

I used to think of it as a mouse ride myself until sometime in the 2010's when I saw the inside with the lights all on. A typical mouse attraction uses gravity, but Space Mountain has mechanisms to push you forward and brake. Not even mentioning the intricacies of the computer systems. Thanks for watching!

[@proprietary1]

I remember when "the black hole" Disney movie came out, they featured it while you were waiting in line at space mountain showing it on monitors and lots of items in the gift shop

[@disfarers]

I wish I had known that while making the episode. I definitely would have found a way to mention it. Thanks for sharing and commenting!

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

RCA! (leads the way, leads the way) I miss the goodyear moving walkway on the way out.

[@disfarers]

I miss it too! Thanks for watching.

[@skatee99]

As both a Film & Video grad major with an I.T. minor (Columbia College Chicago), you are 100% "spot on" in all your observations. Great work.

[@disfarers]

Whoah! Thanks for the boost there! And thank you for watching and commenting!

[@realestateunplugged6129]

I sure wasn't thinking Space is "exceedingly simple". That thing is SUPER IMPRESSIVE! Even today, Space is a multi-train double mirrored track indoor dark ride coaster, most coasters are like 1-2 train outdoor loops. Cool video!

[@disfarers]

It is "super impressive", but yet it's still only 1/3 of how expansive Walt initially envisioned it. I can't thank you enough for your kind words. Thanks so much for watching!

[@noahpartic7586]

I was 14 & in 8th grade when I rode Space Mountain in '87. Riding in that semi-dark tunnel alone was well worth it. I also remember RCA sponsored the ride at the time, decent display. I remember I love their dog mascot in front of the victrola depicted on their record label...that's actually based on a real dog doing that in the 19th century...wiki that. Thanks for the nostalgia.

[@disfarers]

So glad to hear you got something out of the episode. I wanted to add more about that dog in this episode but I didn't want to stray too far from the main topic. I'll dig deeper about it one day though. RCA was a pretty interesting company for its day. Thanks for watching.

[@alk3myst]

The first gen space mountain cars freaked me out when I was in front with the horizontal handles and the canvas lap belt. The new cars make you feel more secure.

[@disfarers]

I completely agree.

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

In 1976, I was in 3rd grade... We were Po! Couldn’t afford the last two letters... Po! Lol Anyways we had hand me down gifts for a Christmas then. Through my two big brothers’ high school band winning state competition, we got a trip to Disneyworld as my Mom was a chaperone. The park blew my wee mind, but riding Space Mountain made me want to fly. Star Wars came out the next year. That ride changed my life and showed me the universe. Thanks for this ride. Haven’t been able to visit since, but remember that magic.

[@disfarers]

Thanks for sharing your story! I've run across a lot of different stories since I posted this video. It's amazing how much this ride has touched so many lives in so many different ways.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Brilliant, fun and very interesting. Thank you so much, I’m hooked on your channel now.

[@disfarers]

Hey, thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying the episodes. And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@skeller61]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane, with new insights! Our family moved to Orlando in 1970, the year before Disney World opened. I worked at Mickey’s Mart in Tomorrowland in 1979, while in high school. To me, the wildest thing in the RCA home of the future given that 33 1/3 vinyl albums were in their heyday, was a transparent disc player in which the disc was spinning extremely fast. We thought this was just weird and silly, until a few years later when CDs, Laserdics, and then DVDs came out, all spinning extremely fast. Also, I don’t remember the arcade, probably because I was more of a pinball fan and didn’t like the new computer games like Space Invaders and Asteroids. 7:38 Correction, the moon landing was 2, not 3 years before Magic Kingdom opened (July 1969 and October 1971, respectfully). You might also have mentioned that Cape Kennedy (Canaveral), where Apollo 11 launched from, is less than 100 miles east of DW, and with the relative dearth of major attractions in the early years, a large number of tourists visited both. By the way, I always thought the coasters in Space Mountain were kind of lame, as coasters go, with the darkness and lights trying to distract you from that fact. Thanks again!

[@disfarers]

I'm so glad were able to enjoy the episode given your feelings about Space Mountain! And your "spinning disc" story is so cool! I had never noticed it in the videos and I don't at all recall it from my trips in the 80s. Other commenters have brought up the moon landing year correction. And you're absolutely right. I knew the dates, but I thought most people would have thought of the timeframe in terms of 69, 70, 71 (1, 2, 3 years) and didn't want people running math in their heads while watching, so that's why I stated it that way. In hindsight, I should have just said "a little more than two years". Great comment! Thanks so much for watching and listening!

[@skeller61]

@@disfarers If I recall correctly, on the moving walkway, you just moved from right to left. I think the skiing to a tele-screen was in the same room. From the audience perspective, I want to say it was in the front left of the room, so definitely out of the shot in your video. I may be wrong about these points, but that’s the best of my recollection. That was very strange and seemed comical, but both it and interactive video games (the indoor skiing on big screen) have come to pass. Also, it’s not that I dislike Space Mountain as a ride, it’s just that as a roller coaster, I was comparing it to Six Flags over Georgia’s biggest coaster, which is why I found the SM coaster pretty tame. Thanks again.

[@JF-lt5zc]

Ahhh the memories. I rode it in 80' as a pre-teen. It was epic. In later years, I even got to play the TRON disc arcade game. Very fun times! Now I wouldn't go to Disneyland for anything. The company is lost, the parks are super overcrowded, and the experience would just tarnish my good memories from the 80s and early 90s.

[@toddyeager2352]

Great video. Good job!

[@disfarers]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobwarzin5492]

i am positive that Space Mountain opened in either Feb or Jan 1974. We were there the week it opened and were part of the tv special with Luci Arnez (they filmed us riding the turnpike}.

[@ryano913]

Nope 75. All records back that up too

[@mattgonzalez4457]

I love that you are using the music in the queue

[@disfarers]

That's so nice to hear! This was the first episode I used any music at all. A friend suggested more sounds and music. I'm really glad to hear it's appreciated.

[@georgeh.7238]

Waited several hours in line when it first opened in 1977. So when we finally got on and started to go into the dark tunnel our car did not go to the right and up the incline, but to the left into a side room. Turned out there was some kind of a safety issue regarding the weight of the car. We were able to see another area of the ride behind the scenes and they led us through several hallways back to get on another car. Really cool experience when I was 11 years old.

[@disfarers]

That's really interesting and an amazing experience, let alone for an 11 year old! I only learned about the track layouts for the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain. Now I want to learn about Disneyland's. I'll definitely be adding that when I make a Disneyland Space Mountain episode. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@georgeh.7238]

@@disfarers Really appreciate you doing these videos. The line was so long it wrapped around out of Tomorrow Land onto Main St. Crazy long wait. I think it was a 4-6 hour long line.

[@StrokerStevens]

The last time I rode on space mountain, wife and I were riding it when the lights came on, all the lights. I’m 6’2” and with how tightly the tracks are and how barely above my head the other tracks were, initially scared the crap out of me.

[@disfarers]

That's crazy about the tracks overhead! I can only imagine. Thanks for watching!

[@Kodachrome40]

I rode Space Mountain in the late 70’s at Disney World. As you entered the line there was a film of Gordon Cooper explaining what you were going to experience. That film would be a good find today.

[@disfarers]

I totally agree. It would be really neat to watch.

[@StephenCarter-k7l]

As one of the six first trainers and leads, we started in September 1974. Opening Day, January 15, 1975. THE BLOCK ZONES ARE EACH 17 SECONDS LONG. The actual length or number of feet in each zone differs because the cars travel at different speeds. In the load and unload positions, it is 17 seconds. While the load zone may have four cars, the car only stay 17 seconds in each spot. Also, as you approach the person telling you where to stand and await your time to board, you must be aware of the size/weight of the eight people in each car. If one care had, for example, four adults and four small children, the "grouper" assigning seats must eyeball those people approaching and pull one or two people and reassign them to another car. The goal was to "balance" the weight so each car could enter a zone on the track and exit within 17 seconds. Everyone working the ride had to hold information in their head and keep adjusting the situation every 17 seconds.

[@disfarers]

That sounds really crazy and a heck of mental workout! It's so awesome that you worked there during such an incredible time. Do you have any neat stories? Thanks so much for watching and listening.

[@thedrunkenfish5855]

Yes, yes & yes !

[@disfarers]

I'm not sure what you're saying "yes" about but I absolutely love the enthusiasm!

[@davidmoss2372]

Top speed was 28mph? When I rode it back in the late 70's as a mid-30-year old, it seemed a whole lot faster than that! Great video, keep up the good work!

[@disfarers]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@danieldaniels7571]

My favorite part about Space Mountain is the projection of the giant chocolate chip cookie on the inside.

[@disfarers]

There was someone who just referred to it as an oatmeal cookie yesterday. I think there's some debate floating around there. Thanks for watching!

[@M5guitar1]

I miss the giant rotating Oatmeal cookie at the top of the track. Outside of the LA smog, the 70s were great.

[@disfarers]

I never got to ride Disneyland's Space Mountain in the 70s. What is this Oatmeal cookie?!

[@nascarmadman]

I was at Disneyland in the mid 70s and we looked at the Space Mountain building and wondered what it was. So I thought SURELY DisneyLAND had the first one. But no.

[@disfarers]

Given that Disneyland has been the first to get rides case practically every time throughout Disney's history, it was a fair assumption. Thanks so much for watching!

[@iamcoreilly]

I rode with my 5 yr old in 1984, injured my neck with no headrest or knowledge of which way I would be jerked next. I tried to cling to my purse and child at the same time. I hear they've improved the cars but I believe we were upsidedown when my son said I want to get off now and tried to stand up. He was too traumatized to ride much else after that, not trusting getting thrown around again. He still remembers almost falling out.

[@disfarers]

That sounds terrifying! It was a very jostling ride in its early years to the tune of quite a number of injuries. However, Space Mountain was made a much smoother ride after a big adjustment and ride update that took place in the 90's. They also fixed the seating, belting in issues twice since your incident in 1984. And as far as I know there are no such injuries taking place these days. The ride never went upside down in its history, the mechanics system never had the power to pull that off but I'm sure it must have felt that way. However, I will say that if you ever get the chance, Disneyland's Space Mountain is hailed as being an extremely smooth experience. Especially when compared to the Magic Kingdom's. Thanks for watching, listening and commenting.

[@redbaron474]

I think disney should build a "new" park somewhere in the middle of the country to feature the rides and attractions they've retired (such as country bears, etc). Who agrees?

[@disfarers]

I almost built one in Virginia celebrating America. Not exactly you're idea but I thought you might be interested. Thanks for watching.

[@nairbvel]

I remember riding back in...um... I think 1976... with my mother, my sister, and a cousin. we spent much of the ride with me leaning forward to hold my sister down in her seat & Mom leaning forward to hold my cousin down in her seat because they kept levitating up out of it. Apparently the restraint system was locked, but not quite positioned properly.

[@disfarers]

That sounds horrifying!

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

I've only been to the Magic Kingdom twice and managed to not get on Space Mountain both times. I want to go again sooner than later just to finally experience the ride. I know it's way dated now but I feel like it's something I should do.

[@disfarers]

It's totally something you should one day do! And it's a classic attraction. I feel there's a difference between classic and dated. There's a reason it still has as much staying power as it does and is a fixture to Disney parks.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

@@disfarers Great way to put that, there is a difference between classic and dated.

[@philrabe910]

Great show! Wish I could attach a picture: Me and older sibs in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle and the Matterhorn circa 1963 and another about 15 yrs later after a move to Florida on the people mover w/ SM in the back.

[@disfarers]

Thanks for watching! And that's such a great contrast between the parks and years with your siblings! Those deserve to be on a mantle!

[@GlampReview]

Another interesting watch and learn my friend! So much nostalgia in Space Mountain no matter how dated it appears. The datedness of it adds this classic ride into my hall of fame. This is another ride that should never be updated. Hope the Disney heads don’t mess this up. I must state the datedness makes this attraction a classic that everyone can appreciate and love. I have waited in line for an hour for this ride and never regretted it even though I have rode it 100’s of times. As I walk the queue it’s like time traveling back in time to the. 70’s! The computer science you mentioned in the control of the ride amazes me. Such a high tech feature in such a dated ride. Awaiting for the next new ride video from you! Love learning the ins, the outs, the how’s, the whys, and the history of Disney rides. Love your delivery of these, keep them coming!

[@disfarers]

Thanks so much for commenting again! I love hearing what you have to say. I don't imagine or have heard Disney talk about changing the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain (though they've played with all of the others). I agree, it has an awesome 70s/yet modern feel that makes you want to go on again and again. The tech amazed me too. My next video in a week or two is unfortunately not covering a ride, but there's several attraction episodes coming up this year. Thanks so much for watching!

[@GlampReview]

@@disfarers Awesome! I’ll be tuning in on your next video regardless. I’m just all about rides! My wife said I’m here husband and only child 😂. Ever thought about doing a history documentary about fort wilderness? I would eat that one up! ✌️

[@disfarers]

I have some pre-work done on Fort Wilderness as well as the Wilderness Lodge Resort. Both aren't in my lineup for this year though. Probably Wilderness Lodge in 2025. I already caught some footage for it last month.

[@GlampReview]

@@disfarers That sounds awesome! I love the Wilderness Lodge that would be highly loved by me as well! That was one of the first resorts as a teen my way older sister and brother n law that lived in that area took us to frequently for the Wilderness Café when ever we visited. Today that's a staple restaurant we visit every visit Tonya and I make to Disney. We did story book once but, one and done for that, the café is up on my to do list every time. Its spectacular Christmas tree at Christmas is the best! I can't wait to see that one.

[@GlampReview]

@@disfarers Looking forward to this!!!

[@kenjett2434]

I remember it well as I was lucky enough to go on this ride as others there during the huge Bi-Centenial Celebration The week of July 4th Independence Day. I was a member of one of the Bands chosen to perform that week and for our participation we got to ride everything for free. That was my greatest lifetime memory outside of the birth of my 3 kids.

[@disfarers]

WOW! I could only imagine what that was like! You're literally a part of Disney history!!!

[@kenjett2434]

@@disfarers true it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a Disney Entertainer. Things have drastically changed since 1976 most everything I experienced is gone now. Such as the sub ride 20,000 leagues and the America Beautiful circular amphitheater. That was something as it was the lower tech version of 3D immersion today. It made you literally feel like you was flying in a plane over grand canyon or on a bus. Standing on a flat stable floor people would actually fall down as the visual effects gave you the feeling of leaning left or right. It would be nice to go back again but I think it would be sad for me not being able to see the attractions that meant souch at the time.

[@xnewguyx2738]

My family went to Disney World within the first month that Space Mountain opened. Couple of things that I remember about it; on the ride in from the parking lot the announcements said come ride Space Mountain, our newest ride recommended for all ages. When we got to the gate and asked where SM was we were told it wasn’t working at the moment and they were working on it. We decided to walk by and see what it looked like, me being a 14 year all know-it-all ran up to the entrance, it was open. I was told they had just fixed it come on in so me my brother mother and father went in and got right in a car, no line! I ended up riding with my dad, what I remember is it was basically a rollercoaster in the dark and during the ride I kept slipping down inside the car. I admit that it was scary for me. When we got off there was an elderly couples sitting on the bench looking distraught, this was NOT the type of ride for them. We left and could have easily gotten right back on, but decided against it. It really is the only thing I remember from that whole trip to Disney. Thanks for the great video and the trip down memory lane.

[@disfarers]

Thanks for sharing your story! That was nicely told too. I could only imagine getting on like that when it was still brand new. I first went on in the early 80s when the seats were still the same as when it first opened, but I only remember not wanting to share a car and sit in someone's lap. I've read a lot of stories about it being to too jarring and rattly, especially before the first big update. There was even a story about someone fracturing their arm (apparently it was "mild" but did occur). Thanks for watching and I'm so glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@deboralee1623]

20:01-20:03: photo of Marc Davis pops a wheelie as it "drives away" -- 😄

[@disfarers]

He was such an amazing and creative guy!

[@neilbarembaum1094]

I would have like to see anything you could find about the model of the Discovery from 2001: A Space Odyssey inside Space Mountain. Sure, it is slightly different, with polygonal sides and a polyhedron rather than a sphere, but the influence is unmistakable.

[@disfarers]

I'm pretty sure one of the books I bought for researching this video talked about 2001 as an influence, but they were specifically speaking about Disneyland's Space Mountain. Seeing as how I intend to make an episode about Disneyland's Space Mountain I skipped forward. Nice notice! Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@Coasterlocity]

Arrow Development absolutely isn't still around today making coasters. They went out of business under the name Arrow Dynamics shortly after building X at Six Flags Magic Mountain. This, their canceled Fish hook coaster concept in Las Vegas, and their reluctancy to modernize design and fabrication techniques until late in their existence in order to keep up with products from modern competitors like B&M and Intamin, are often attributed to the demise of the company. They had already gone under by the time X was refurbished and became X2, requiring S&S to design and build the upgraded X2 trains as Arrow no longer existed.

[@disfarers]

You're right. I totally goofed on the Arrow Development section. I was told about this with two other commenters earlier on. It's a mistake I vow not to let happen again. I was led astray by a bad site and didn't cross reference. The tone of your post seriously holds a lot of weight. It's obvious you really know your stuff around coasters. Thanks for watching and thank you for the correction.

[@Coasterlocity]

@@disfarers thanks, I do love coasters. Arrow's story is truly fascinating. They changed hands so many times. They were Arrow Development, Arrow Huss, Arrow Dynamics and S&S Arrow and S&S eventually was acquired by Sansei Technologies who eventually acquired Vekoma as well, leaving no trace of Arrow. Arrow's patents belong to S&S, who built 2 more versions of X2 that are vastly superior. Arrow is a great example of how being the 1st to try something, reluctancy to evolve, and sharing intellectual property can lead to disaster. The whole industry caught up and moved past them. By the time Ron Toomer retired and Alan Schilke came on board with his innovative and modern designs it was already too late even before X. Under Ron Toomer they refused to adopt CAD design until Drachen Fire and when they used it they still used their old design style which basically lacks continuous roll. There's a name for it but i forget. It gives them that janky, classic feel. They used standard sized loops and corkscrews and stuff no matter how tall or fast the ride was, old school pipe bending techniques, and heavy use of physical test articles and prototypes for development vs computer design. Vekoma stole their track and train design after Arrow gave them access to it, and if you dont know what you're looking at, some of their older coasters are hard to tell apart. That's why Boomerangs and vekoma looping coasters strongly resemble arrow custom loopers. Even Vekoma SLCs and GIBs look like coasters with inverted Arrow looper track. There's even a hybrid Arrow Vekoma coaster at Six Flags St Louis that started life at a Canadian Expo and was started by Arrow and had to be finished by Vekoma. Disney works very closely with Vekoma actually. Tron and Everest are Vekomas. There's a good documentary about Arrow on the American coaster enthusiasts channel i believe.

[@disfarers]

Wow do you know your stuff! That's an awesome rundown of Arrow. I'm definitely checking out the documentary. Thanks for passing that info, as well as all of the rest, on to me!

[@Coasterlocity]

@@disfarers you're welcome. You can also learn about Drachen Fire and Magnum in El Toro Ryan's problematic coaster series. Those videos are very informative.

[@sam_3rror238]

Amazing video! Very informative but also very enjoyable to watch :)

[@disfarers]

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed watching and listening. I aim for informative and enjoyable!

[@adventurekitty101]

First time I rode the Magic Kingdom Space Mountain, my everything was hurting afterwards. I got tossed around so much. My knee was bruised the next day(Only injury I sustained, despite all the hurting), and the actual clip for my graduation lanyard was broken clean in half. I still have that lanyard, and I’m sad I can’t use it anymore as that was the only one my high school gave me. Matterhorn is less rough than MK Space Mountain. I probably won’t ride it again despite having fun. I’d rather not be sore for a solid hour afterwards, while still having to walk around a huge theme park in the melting hot Florida sun, and have a bruised limb the next day. Lol

[@disfarers]

I'm sorry you had such a sore experience with Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom. I personally find the Matterhorn to be less rough than MK Space Mountain, but over the past few years I haven't gone on Space Mountain too many times. Maybe the jostling has gotten worse. Or hey, maybe the jostling is the reason MK Space Mountain continually runs into short renovation shut downs. We may be on to something here!

[@allenwilson6585]

We attended Disney World in March 1975 where we rode Space Mountain. I wonder about some of these dates and if someone documented some of them incorrectly. The only attractions that were not open at the time was the people mover and the mission to mars. .

[@bbdj2779]

Fascinating story. Fills in many questions I had after riding it for the first time with my family in October. I knew little about the ride other than it was an indoor coaster before riding, and the pitch black interior was such a fun surprise. We all loved it and would easily rank it in our top 3 rides at Disney World. (It’s number one with my 9yr old daughter.) We managed to ride it 5 times during our week at Disney. We’d probably cross the Atlantic to ride it again… but perhaps try the one at Disney Paris first. Looking forward to more episodes from you.

[@disfarers]

5 times!!! That sounds like such an awesome trip! I'm glad you enjoyed the episode and it's so great that you got to visit the park recently.

[@ale8oneale8one22]

Wait, is that Wilma and Buck Rodgers at 1:38? If not they could be twins

[@kidwajagstang]

When mentioning the speed of Space mountain, you failed to mention that Disney also uses fans to further give the illusion of more speed..

[@disfarers]

I honestly didn't know. It didn't come up at all during my research so your comment was the first time I heard about fans being used. Thanks so much for sharing!!! Oh and for watching! Thanks for that too!

[@gargoylestories]

Another great video. But I'm surprised you didn't have the Edna Disney story on this (Roy's then widow). The Disney execs didn't want her to ride the ride, because she was around 80 years old. They were afraid she'd have a heart attack on the ride. But Edna said that she had been on every single Disney ride, and she wasn't about to stop. So Edna rode this on opening day -- and she had a great time!

[@disfarers]

I honestly had no idea about Edna!!! Thanks for sharing that! So cool. And a missed opportunity. I'll see if I can one day fit that into another episode. I have a good story about Lillian Disney and the Paddlefish Restaurant at Disney Springs I have completely no idea how to insert. One day I'll figure it out. Thanks for watching!

[@gargoylestories]

@@disfarers I believe it's at the end of the Roy O. Disney book by Bob Thomas. It's a must read for amateur Disney historians.

[@disfarers]

I'm so sorry for not responding sooner. I just saw this comment. Also, I just bought the book on your recommendation. Thanks! I've been creating a small library of Disney books over the past two years. I hadn't heard of this one. Right now I'm in the middle of The Animated Man by Michael Barrier. He's supposedly one of the top Disney historians. I can't vouch because I'm relatively new to such in depth Disney research but I'm very much enjoying The Animated Man. (The title isn't that catchy and doesn't reflect how good the actual writing and content within is.)

[@marcsarfati3291]

Error Arrow D went out of business in 2002. ** they went out of business b/c owner was old and did not want to upgrade business with computers. There last coaster was great American scream machine clone. It had up grades from the OG. These upgrades were problematic. Causing many warranty expenses, If arrow used Pc’s and not hand and models. They could of been found before the built.

[@disfarers]

Yeah, I got a lot of feedback on the Arrow mistake. I got led astray by a website and didn't cross reference. Totally my fault. Thanks for supplying me with more info on Arrow. Next time Arrow comes up I intend to make certain there are no mistakes. And thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@craigcavaliere6744]

7:42 Moon landing was July 20, 1969. Magic Kingdom opened October 1, 1971. Barely more than two years.

[@disfarers]

I wan't trying to misrepresent the facts. I just thought most people would passively view it as 69, 70, 71 (1, 2, 3 years), so I went with calling it three years. Nice notice though!

[@theunKnownoriginchristianmusic]

You said that Arrow dynamics is still around creating rides but Arrow Dynamics went Bankrupt and closed on December 3 2001. S&S Worldwide purchased part of Arrow's remaining assets on October 28, 2002, and the remainder of the company was dissolved.

[@disfarers]

Yeah, more than a few people have corrected me on the Arrow section since the episode first posted. I appreciate you noticing and bringing it up in a comment. I really goofed on the Arrow portion and have since vowed to cross reference such information from here on out. I was led astray by a website. Thanks so much for watching though and I hope you were able to enjoy the rest of the episode.

[@brandonpiazza6210]

Forget what I said before! Just watched your latest videos and you’re speed and timing are perfect! I would also say you should look into doing professional voice over. You have a talent for it!

[@disfarers]

I really appreciate your comments and feedback. The voice I do for the videos has evolved since I started, but you were absolutely correct about me being too fast at the point I made this Space Mountain episode. If you go back and watch the first episode on Snow White I was just terrible. I feel I'm still fine tuning the voice, but I can't thank you enough for your kind comments and I really appreciate the positive and negative criticism. Both help me moving forward with new episodes. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the episodes and decided to describe. Thanks for watching!

[@nohaybanda3061]

Excellent video. Such great and convicted commentary!

[@disfarers]

Hey thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@BIGDAVE5352]

I remember my mom bleeding through her Kotex on Magic Mountain back in ‘79.

[@JeffFrmJoisey]

Well done!! I’m not a fan of the 2009 refurb. I miss the long boustrophedon inside queue where corny videos played and you could see the rockets on the ride. I also miss the speed ramp on the exit. BTW - The video cams on the exit were there the 1st time I rode Space Mt in March 1978.

[@disfarers]

I caught sight of the vid cams in an old video from when Space Mountain first opened. I was blown away that they had been there for so long! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@logikx1325]

I'm 10 months late, great video.....just one correction - Arrow Development filed for bankruptcy in the early 2000's after installing a prototype roller coaster at a six flags park that ended up costing way more than they bargained for.....they are kind of still around in the sense that S&S makes parts for their rides and bought the patents etc during the bankruptcy, but they have not really been around for 20 years.

[@disfarers]

Oof. Yeah, I really messed the Arrow Development thing up in this episode. A lot of people have pointed it out. Thank you so much for being so nice in correcting me. Really, some people have not been nice at all. I ran with some information on a single website without double fact checking it elsewhere and vowed to double verify everything. And I had no idea about the Six Flags project resulting in their downfall. Thanks so much for sharing, commenting and watching. I appreciate it!

[@TheRealp455w0rd]

530 subs...somethin tells me that's gonna change pretty fast. Great vid

[@disfarers]

Hey, thanks for all of the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed watching.

[@hellacia8151]

4:16 Nope. Arrow died after spending tons of money on the construction of X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, followed by a lawsuit from the park as well.

[@disfarers]

Yeah, I really goofed on that one. A lot of people corrected me on this glaring inaccuracy. I vowed and have since double verified and cross referenced every source and scrap of information I use when writing these episodes. Sorry for the mistake and thanks for the correction, watching and listening!

[@chuckgrenci6404]

I don't mind the G's on Space Mountain but don't appreciate the roughness of the turns (it is hard on the neck). I would like a little more light in the attraction, and especially when riding the Skyway, it would help to create a little more interest in traversing through the 'Mountain'. Don't get me wrong, it's a wonderful attraction but there is a lot of room for embellishment without detracting from the original theme.

[@disfarers]

I didn't add this in the episode but Bill Watkins, the designer of the track had a lot to say on just what you mentioned. He lamented that the final product, particularly the lifting area that coincides with the people mover, didn't quite match his designs and layout. Apparently, imagineers get the final say on matters of decor and design. Bill also said that their may be technical reasons for lights and such that imagineers may have run into that he couldn't fathom without having the facts. When it comes to final staging there are always problems and intricacies that have to be overcome. Also, I agree that Space Mountain is pretty rough but it seems with updates it gets smoother decade by decade. Great comment! And thanks for watching and listening!

[@philrabe910]

Me again... Yeah I do that repeat thing "likea spicyy aMeatballa" ... Did I miss you talking about MK/SM being the first attraction built outside the Berm? It seemed like a childhood eternity while the WDW Railroad was closed (I would have been around 12 or 13), but it reality, it was just a FRACTION of the time it would be closed for Tron.

[@disfarers]

I'm not sure if the train was down for long for the construction of Space Mountain. The line goes under the tracks. It actually raises a good question of how long the train was down. Thanks for the comment!

[@adrianvarnedoe3833]

last time I was able to ride Space Mountain the cars stop, and we stuck for 15 min

[@disfarers]

That's so aggravating. I was once on the Kali River Rapids and had just got to the top of the lift when the ride stopped. I was literally looking right over the first drop for about half an hour. Sat and watched as all of the other "boats" on the lift were evacuated. My "boat" was last... but Disney did give me free popcorn, ice cream and fastpasses (they were still around at the time). So it's perhaps the most literal of a bittersweet memory.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I first rode Space Mountain in 1978 and the ride has been toned down since then.

[@disfarers]

You're the first person I've heard say that it was toned down. In what ways, if you don't mind answering? I'm very interested. Oh and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@magiccheeseball]

My childhood friend who used to work there recently rode it and said it seemed faster now but it's actually still the same as it's always been but he does weigh about a hundred more pounds than he used to maybe it did go faster because people are fatter now but the brakes regulate the speed so it's probably still the same

[@Dr.Pepper001]

@@disfarers -- If you had ridden it in 1978 like I did, you'd know what I mean by toned down. I never rode it again because when I got off the ride I was a nervous wreck and swore I'd never ride it again. My wife was on the ride, also. She, too, was about to come unglued when she got off. Many years later my son, who couldn't get enough of Space Mountain, talked my wife into going on the ride. She reluctantly did and became a fan of the ride, also. She said that the ride wasn't as fast and gut-wrenching as when she rode it in '78. I recall that the turns were so fast that I felt like I would be flung into outer space, and when I got off the rides my hands were sore from holding on so tightly. I've been on plenty of other roller-coasters but none were (at least to me) as brutal as Space Mountain.

[@JBproductions152]

Can you make a video on the history of the 20000 leagues under the sea ride at WDW? I find your vids really fascinating!

[@disfarers]

I actually came across quite a bit of fascinating information about 20,000 and started a file on the attraction! It was such a great ride and it's conception process was really amazing. It was put together by some of the greatest Disney imagineers when they were still young and experimenting at their finest. I don't know if I'll be able to put together an episode on it too soon, but it is something I intend to put out. Thanks for the kind words and thank you so much for watching and listening!

[@theenlightenedexchange4817]

It's wonderful

[@disfarers]

Thanks for watching and listening!

[@tonyfrancesco3701]

Three things no longer required in the US of A , Disney, McDonalds , Walmart………that is alll

[@markrichards6863]

I was really disappointed when I rode Space Mountain at Disney World. It was really hyped when it opened. I found it tame, and low on thrill. I get the appeal for younger kids, but I was a teenager when it opened, bought into the hype. Maybe stoned, it would have been thrilling, but I distinctly remember my mother being annoyed that my cousin Linda and I broke out into a chorus of "Is That All There Is?", when we were exiting the ride. The excessive marketing at Disney is out of control. Do we always need to exit through the gift shop.

[@disfarers]

I only know of one commercial from the time, but I don't think that it's the one you're describing. As I said in the video, it was a venture taken after Walt Disney passed away. The marketing may have been wonky because they may have leaned toward traditional advertising of the time rather than what worked for Disney in the past. Thanks for comment and for watching and listening.

[@itsHeatherKay]

Wow- great video!

[@disfarers]

I'm really glad you enjoyed watching!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Excuse me, but "Space Mountain" in Disneyland was up and running at the latest, 1973. How do I know? Well when I went there for the Senior High School in the Spring of 1973, I rode the ride atleast 4 times in a row. Oh, and "Space Mountain" is in the same place today as it was when it was first built. Also, the "Carousel Of Progress" building and it's automation is STILL at Disneyland. Since the "Carousel of Progress" ride was discontinued, the rotating building was first used next as "America Sings", using the same fixed stages in the center and with different animated characters. After "America Sings" shut down, some of the animated characters were used in "Splash Mountain". Next, the Carousel of Progress" building was used to show off current and future high technology like an autonomous robot and future homes. After that ended, it's just been sitting there.

[@disfarers]

I don't mean to be contrary, but every site across the internet says that Space Mountain opened in Disneyland on May 27th, 1977. Also, I didn't mean to imply that the Carousel of Progress's building was moved, but rather the attraction, just as they moved it from the World's Fair to Disneyland earlier on. A new structure was built to house the attraction in Florida some time in the first half of the 70's. You're absolutely correct about America Sings. That show was developed to celebrate the bicentennial and yes, some of the animatronics were later used in Splash Mountain (though what's going to happen with them due to the development of Tiana's Bayou Adventure is anyone's guess). And you're again correct with the future technology thing that was put in the building later on. It was supposed to be reflective of Epcot's Innovations. I want to thank you for watching and listening to my episode. I'm sorry to have to hold my ground on those two issues, but otherwise you really know your stuff!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@disfarers Sorry, but I rode it in the Spring of 1973 and have time-stamped photos of us riding it. As I was a Senior in high school in 1973, that is the only time I attended the Senior High-School special at Disneyland. That is when they closed the park early and kept it open until the wee hours of the morning. Maybe you are confusing Space Mountain with Star Tours. When Space Mountain opened, Star Tours was still the Monsanto's voyage through inner space.

[@ec1628]

@@automatedelectronics6062 Sorry you are mistaken. 30 year CM of Dland. Space Mountain opened in 77. Star Tours in 87. Many Space Mountain posters and merch subtlety has the number 77 in it.

[@briankast1580]

Space mountain opened at disneyland in 77, not 73.

[@DavidinSLO]

While I can’t speak to the time stamp on your photos, please check every single Disneyland and internet source: Disneyland’s Space Mountain opened May 27, 1977. There are even large ‘77 inside the ride, to commentate the year it opened.

[@TheBaldr]

The best one is at Disneyland Paris, though I prefer the original theme to the hyperspace theme.

[@disfarers]

I haven't had the chance to visit Disneyland Paris yet, but I've heard a lot of others say their Space Mountain beats the others. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@saralouisehowells1766]

Another great video! This is one of the few rides that has stairs in the queue. Why is that?

[@disfarers]

I never read anything exactly as to why, but my guess would be that they want guests to get as far down as they can so the top of the mountain doesn't exceed 200 ft. In Florida you need a red light on anything that is 200 ft tall. And I suppose because it's a roller coaster they don't need to concern themselves with guests in wheelchairs. In Disneyland, because of spacing issues, I know they have guests go below ground early in the queue because the train passes overhead. So, yeah, I'm not exactly certain why they have you go so low so quickly at the Magic Kingdom because the train wraps behind Space Mountain, but it's a really great question.

[@leslie5139]

Space mountain in Florida was the best place I ever been.... I really love Epcot. Please go to Disney Land it's better than any other Amusement Park in the USA!

[@disfarers]

The American Disney parks are awesome, but I have to admit I'm really curious about the others overseas.

[@leslie5139]

@@disfarers You look at some on KZbin. Start with " China Amusement Parks" Merry Christmas 🎄

[@RobertLocke-hn8vt]

FYI The Matterhorn opened in 1959 along with the Monorail and Submarines.

[@disfarers]

I knew that the Matterhorn opened in '59 along with the Submarine Voyage, a newly designed Skyway, Motorboat Cruise and the first Monorail. It's called the '59 Expansion or "Gala Day". Did I state that incorrectly in this episode?

[@RobertLocke-hn8vt]

I believe you misquoted the opening year for the Matterhorn, without going back and rewatching the episode.@@disfarers

[@jimt9245]

Space Mountain (DL) was the first roller coaster I rode. I would not ride the original at MK til over 30 years later. Is this the first time an attraction was first developed at MK before being copied at Disneyland? I would love to see a 4-track space mountain built, but it would probably cost prohibitive. Great video and Arrow Development was a great company that helped pioneer many rides for DIsney and other parks.

[@disfarers]

I've learned a ton about Arrow Development since making this episode. My episode in July will go over just WHY Walt became so enamored by Arrow, so please check in. It's really interesting. I would have loved to see a four track Space Mountain too. But I understand the reasoning for lack of space. It's just a shame so many other aspects weren't incorporated into it too. And I wish I could say Space Mountain was my first roller coaster. You're really lucky. Mine was the Kamikaze at a local fairground.

[@disfarers]

@disfarers And hey I forgot to add thank you so much for watching and commenting!!!

[@deboralee1623]

computer operator uses his middle finger to punch a button. tsk-tsk. (19:35-19:38)

[@deboralee1623]

?footage from _A Trip to the Moon_? !yay! (13:59-14:04)

[@disfarers]

WOW! You have an extremely critical eye. Nice catch! Yes, it was from 1902's "A Trip to the Moon".

[@binki611]

WDW Space Mountain is more like the Matterhorn at Disneyland. The Disneyland version is much better. The lap cars were the best. The weigh station will also prompt cast members to pull off guests if it exceeds the weight.

[@disfarers]

I enjoy hearing Disney opinions and the reasonings behind them. The more I hear the better the sense of overall opinion I can fashion. It also helps sharpen my own opinions. Thanks for sharing a comment and for watching!

[@incubrian]

it seems like there are a lot of errors in this, but your Moore's Law is not a "fantastic example" either.... ICs and transistors and Moore's Law in general have zero to do with spinning disks which are used in HDDs. for a long time, spinning disk storage could not keep up with Moore's Law and there was a massive performance gap between much faster processing power and storage that couldnt keep up. when they were talking about the computer, they were talking about the processing power that the machines of the day had, which they know would likely increase. but again, that has nothing to do with harddrive capacity numbers.

[@disfarers]

I think you may have misunderstood my meaning. I was using it as a way of explaining how Disney knew they were 10 years or so from being able to create the computerized ride system they wanted. Disk space wasn't exactly the problem. My example using Moore's Law was just that, an example. But what I found more intriguing was that you said there were a lot of errors other than just the computer portion. Do you mind letting me know what they were? I like hearing constructive criticism and opinions that dislike what I'm creating so I can get better and make better episodes. Thanks so much for commenting and for watching the episode. It's much appreciated.

[@PencilStash]

Awesome video! You have a new sub ❤

[@disfarers]

Really appreciate it!

[@dindog22]

Arrow went bankrupt in the early 2000's. they're not around anymore

[@disfarers]

Yeah, I totally goofed. Other commenters were quick to correct me. I was led astray by a website and have since vowed to cross reference everything I put in videos (when possible). Thanks for watching and commenting though! I really appreciate you letting me know about the mistake. I hate spreading misinformation.

[@Michael-sb8jf]

I don't want to ride it because a 3 hour wait is ridiculous

[@disfarers]

I agree that the wait times have gotten out of control. I got put in a digital queue for getting a legacy light saber for my son and then I got on line for the Tower of Terror, which ended up being three hours. However, I got a text that I had to be at Dok Ondor's Den to get on the physical queue within half an hour. So I essentially waited on line with my son for an hour and a half only to then have to leave. I even called and actually got put on with the Hollywood Studios park rep who apparently didn't see the issue until hearing my complaint. He really took about half an hour speaking with me and said he would be taking measures about fixing the issue because of how obvious the problem is. So...yeah...I hate long waits too. lol.

[@mrcontinental824]

I thought this video was going to about Ric Flair.

[@disfarers]

Ha!

[@jjaymia]

Whatever happened to the RCA lounge? What’s it used for now?

[@disfarers]

That's such a great question and I don't immediately have an answer for it. I'm going to add it to the list of things I need to look up. Thanks so much for sharing that one and for watching too! Really good question.

[@deboralee1623]

not-so-Hidden-Mickey (wall clock) at 19:18-19:22

[@alancranford3398]

I haven't forgot that Willie Ley and Werner von Braun were involved with the Man in Space trilogy and Disneyland's Tomorrowland. The Walt Disney World Monorail traffic management system was based on Space Mountain's--and it failed fatally one time on the Monorail. I was expecting Space Mountain to close after the Tron ride opened. Time will tell.

[@disfarers]

I gotta tell ya, I had to research pretty deep to learn about Willy Ley and Wernher Von Braun so I could understand what you were referencing. As well as C.S. Lewis' Man In Space trilogy. I didn't see how it was tied to Tomorrowland but I will definitely look further into it. I'm only partially familiar with the monorail systems. And even then I'm far more knowledgeable about Disney World's system than Disneylands. However, after learning about Space Mountain's computer system it's hard to understand how it could also be implemented with the monorail system. I intended to to do a monorail episode sometime later next year. You've made me push that date up. So thanks so much for piquing my interest. I'm not exactly sure if we're referencing the same monorail fatality, but I witnessed the monorail crash in...I want to say it was 2008, on the news at like 5 in the morning while I was at a gym. For some reason I always retained the news from that day and they said that the crash occurred because the operator of the monorail switched the system over to manual and that if he hadn't the system would have kicked in and slowed down the monorail to a halt. There was no way to understand why he did that of course because he unfortunately died. Seriously though, thanks again for inspiring more interest in the monorail system for me and thanks so much for watching and listening.

[@misterwhipple2870]

What, the MAPO control system? You could override it, I knew how. Harvey Triplett bashed a monorail doing it and they fired his a$$. The broadcasting module sat in front of the Contemporary Hotel under a Mary Poppins topiary statue.