The very first time I visited and DisneyLand, and only the second time I attended any Disney theme parks I knew I had to ride Space Mountain. Whilst I was riding, Space Mountain died. Or coughed momentarily, then recovered really… but the end result was that I got an unexpected behind-the-scenes look at the inside of the roller coaster with the lights on!
Generally speaking I’m not so much of a roller coaster person when it comes to theme parks. I’m more of a walking around and looking at the beautiful sets and scenery kind of person. But I’d heard so many good things about how spectacular Space Mountain was that I had to ride it!
The scenery in the line leading up to the ride was broody and a bit cinematic, full of broody darkness with bright sci-fi screens and lighting effects dotted throughout. We had a good view down to the carriages for a lot of the line and seeing the thrilled faces of the riders getting of the ride made me more excited for my turn! Once we got onto the carriages we lowered our lap bars and we were off! Moving up the initial ramps the lighting was in full effect and made me feel like we were entering a warp drive or a black hole.
Very soon after the drop the lights flickered on and we had a view of the grey tracks as we zoomed around the curves. Suddenly we made an abrupt stop on the tracks and stayed there. It was a little surreal. The disco ball was still spinning the starlight around the ride, but the house lights were up and us riders were looking at each other in confusion.
But looking around we could see mouse ears and toys caught in the netting strung up to protect the tracks from falling objects, thick struts and cross-bars holding the tracks safely in place, and a curved wall keeping the light from outside from getting in. Instead of taking away the magic, for me it made the experience even more magical!
Eventually the attendants came and rescued us. We continued on the right in the light and a little bit slower than the ride should have been. Because the ride broke down we got a pass to cut the line on any ride we wanted to. Of course I had to go back and experience Space Mountain in all it’s glory! And it was spectacular!
I’m glad I was able to experience Space Mountain as it was intended, but I also love seeing how things work. Seeing the ride with the lights on was a special treat for me that I doubt I’ll get the opportunity to experience again.