The original concept for what would become Space Mountain had four tracks weaving in and out of each other and through a large mountain similar to the Matterhorn track layout. The big ...

Space Mountain, the roller coaster that launched Walt Disney World into a new era, turns 50 years old this month. The ride, a key part of Magic Kingdom’s first major expansion, ...

When the ride opened on Jan. 15, 1975, an Apollo moonwalker was its first passenger, NASA's insignia was on display and Space Mountain was dedicated to opening the new frontier. "We astronauts are ...

A deep dive into the half-century history of Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, including its design and original concept. For fifty years now, guests to Magic Kingdom have had the chance to travel ...

That’s because, as Hench said in 1971 as Disney World was finalizing the design, Space Mountain “evokes such ideas as the mystery of outer space, the excitement of setting out on a journey ...

The coaster design prompted another wave of interest to the resort and put thrills into the mix. The attraction has become a cultural touchstone. The words Space Mountain can indicate scary ...

Note: This story first published in 2015, for the ride’s 40th anniversary. Compared to today’s mega thrill rides, Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain is a simple spin. No upside-down loops. No 3D ...