Classic Attraction Receives Enhancements to Favorite Elements
Our 2005 Space Mountain Review
ANAHEIM, Calif. (May 3, 2005) – As the countdown begins to May 5, 2005, and the launch of the 50th anniversary of Disneyland Park, the “Happiest Homecoming On Earth,” another countdown is now underway in Tomorrowland for the re-launch of “Space Mountain.” The anticipation has begun as one of the most popular adventures at Disneyland gets ready to blast-off into a new era of thrills!
“We’re very happy that ‘Space Mountain’ will re-open on July 15 as one of the many celebratory festivities leading to our actual 50th anniversary on July 17,” said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. “Space Mountain’ will be the classic attraction that our guests know and love but better than they anyone remembers it.”
“Space Mountain,” the high-speed interstellar adventure that has captivated Disneyland guests since the 1970s, re-opens following nearly two years of enhancements and improvements. As the signature attraction of Tomorrowland, “Space Mountain” will once again beckon guests to its gleaming white spires and ominous slopes to experience anew the intergalactic journey inside.
The attraction will return to its regular flight schedule with enhanced narrative elements and state-of-the-art special effects within the attraction and queue area, while retaining its essential theme and flight path through the dark reaches of outer space.
Ardent “Space Mountain” fans will find the attraction sporting a new generation of special effects, new rocket vehicles and a brand-new, custom composed soundtrack. Through an all-new queue and hi-tech launch port inspired by today’s era of space exploration (Mars Rover, Hubble telescope, etc.), guests will feel as if they have a first-hand look into the cosmos.
After boarding their rockets, guests will be wowed by a feeling of disorientation in the launch tunnel, hurling them towards a close encounter with a large meteorite. Following an exhilarating race through space, the experience will culminate with a new finale featuring a longer re-entry tunnel filled with spectacular lighting effects.
The initial idea for “Space Mountain” originated with Walt Disney himself back in the mid-1960s, when the concept was simply known as “Space Port” and destined to become an addition to Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The concept became a reality in 1975 when, after more than a decade of planning, the first incarnation of “Space Mountain” actually premiered in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
“Space Mountain” had its southern California debut at Disneyland two years later on May 27, 1977. The U.S. Mercury Astronauts, America’s first men in space, were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies and to christen the 118 foot tall “mountain.” Since then, the rockets of “Space Mountain” have carried over 171,600,000 would-be astronauts, covering 8.8 million miles or equal to more than 18 round trips to the moon!
The re-launch of “Space Mountain” joins an incredible array of innovative new adventures and astonishing entertainment premiering at Disneyland during its 50th anniversary “Happiest Homecoming On Earth” celebration, launching May 5, 2005. Other highlights include the fun-filled and interactive “Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters” inspired by a Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, “Toy Story 2,” in Tomorrowland, the spectacle of “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams,” “Remember . . . Dreams Come True,” (the biggest fireworks spectacular in Disneyland history), the engaging retrospective “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” and the energetic “Block Party Bash” where Disney presents the Pixar Film Pals at Disney’s California Adventure.
The 50th anniversary will also be celebrated globally via the “Happiest Celebration On Earth” (Disney’s first-ever global celebration), and will be highlighted by the introduction of spectacular new shows and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan; and Disneyland Resort Paris in France, plus the first west coast itinerary for the Disney Cruise Line and the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland (September 12, 2005).
For news media inquiries and photos regarding the 50th anniversary “Happiest Homecoming On Earth” celebration, please visit disneylandnews.com or call Disneyland Resort Press and Publicity (714) 781-4500.