Disney Digest: Your Insider’s Guide to the Marquee Attractions At Walt Disney World – Volume One

1. History

The unmistakable white structure that sits on the most easterly portion of the Magic Kingdom is known as non-other than Space Mountain.   It is a fan favorite not just within the Magic Kingdom, but all of Walt Disney World.  It has taken over 40 years of improvements, refurbishments, name changes, and developments for Space Mountain to become the attraction it has today.  It went through a variety of name changes before deciding on its current one. Opening in 1975, Space Mountain was sponsored by RCA and then again by FedEx in the mid-90s.  Walt Disney wasn’t completely sold on thrill rides in his theme parks until he saw the popularity of Matterhorn Bobsleds in the original Disneyland Park.  Recreating the Matterhorn Mountain in Orlando wasn’t logistically possible, so Space Mountain became the “back-up” plan.  I’d say it was fairly successful.