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To quote one wise Disney monkey, “It is time.”
Space Mountain is a Disney Parks icon. Pioneering the roller coaster industry like the Matterhorn before it, the indoor roller coaster is an Imagineering marvel. But it is time to bring the ride of the future into the 21st century.
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On May 9, I got to experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in a special Annual Passholder preview. This next-generation indoor roller coaster had so much in common with its intergalactic predecessor, and scores of fans have already compared the two. In my opinion, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s relationship to Space Mountain is very much equal to how Expedition Everest could be called the “next-generation” sister of Disneyland’s Matterhorn.
But Disney World’s Space Mountain could use some work. Yes, it is the original, but we, as Disney Fanatics, cannot let sentiment get in the way of new levels of Imagineering magic.
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While loosely based on the Stanley Kubrick movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, Space Mountain stands as a unique Park attraction with an original story and premise, and it should be kept that way. But new elements like new projections and a new track featuring the latest technology would be a welcomed sight, at least for this reporter.
attractions at in and have received temporary overlays like and , but they are overlays on the same . Recently, we at Disney Fanatic shared the news that Tokyo Disney Resort has announced the closure and complete revamp of Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain, stating that while it will still be Space Mountain, it will essentially be a whole new attraction.
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Meanwhile, back in Central Florida, Disney World Imagineers are already planning to revamp Splash Mountain, signaling landmark Magic Kingdom attractions like the “Mountain Trifecta” are not immune to “plussing.” A new Tomorrowland roller coaster, TRON: Lightcycle Power Run, is also [finally] nearing an opening date, and it could arguably drive enough attention away from Space Mountain to afford Walt Disney Imagineers time to get going on a revamp.
In March, we reported that a construction permit was filed for Space Mountain. But sadly, there are no official plans for any such closures and revamps at The Walt Disney World Resort at this time. But after experiencing Cosmic Rewind and seeing just what Walt Disney Imagineers can do with an indoor roller coaster set in space, I am ready to say goodbye to the rickety old track that is scarier to ride with the lights on.
Credit: Disney
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens to the public on May 27 exclusively via a virtual queue. We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Parks news as more developments come to light.
