Space Mountain opened at Disneyland May 27, 1977, so yesterday was its 37th anniversary. This is one of my favorite rides at Disneyland, behind Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I find it interesting that it actually opened in the Magic Kingdom (1975) before it opened at Disneyland. It had been thought up in the 60s but there too many other projects in production so it was postponed. If you compare the two rides you’ll notice that the one in the Magic Kingdom seems to dominate the skyline where the one at Disneyland is much less imposing. This is because the one at Magic Kingdom is all above ground because of the water table, while the one at Disneyland is mostly underground. I like Disneyland’s version better because it is darker and thus feels faster.
As most rides at Disneyland do, Space Mountain has changed through the years. They added a soundtrack, the first burst of speed was increased, and now they have a Ghost Galaxy overlay during the Fall. Except for the technology changes I haven’t cared for the improvements they made. I finally experienced Ghost Galaxy last September and I was not impressed. What does impress me is that no matter what they do to this attraction it is still a thrilling ride through the dark that makes me scream with delight. At its core it is an awesome roller coaster.
And now it is time for my confession. I love the chocolate chip cookie that spins through the ride. I look for it every time. I know it is not a chocolate chip cookie but it really looks like one and I hope they never change it. It just wouldn’t be Space Mountain without it. Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: Disneyland does not have Fastpass+ but you can Fastpass Space Mountain. If I enter the park at opening I try to ride this attraction first so I don’t have to stand in line. Otherwise I would Fastpass it because the lines can get long. But don’t wait too long to get your Fastpass or else they may all be used up.
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Expedition Everest-Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, the biggest thrill ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened today in 2006. This attraction is the reason I never miss this park. I do like seeing the animals and the other attractions and shows but Expedition Everest is something special. First, it is themed so well that I feel I have jumped continents even before I get to the line. Secondly, the initial climb takes you so high you can see the other parks. I swear I can see my house from up there. Third, you go backwards which is something you don’t experience on many rides.
Expedition Everest is also an engineering marvel which I appreciate. Here are some fun facts to celebrate eight years of Yeti yells.
Five fun facts about Expedition Everest:
- The mountain is almost 200 feet tall making it the tallest of all the Disney mountains. In contrast, Disneyland’s Matterhorn is only 147 feet tall.
- The entire attraction takes up 6.2 acres and the mountain itself covers 1 acre. No wonder I feel like I walked all the way to Asia by the time I get there.
- The mountain is not Mt. Everest. It is a forbidden mountain, part of the story created by the Imagineers, meaning it is representative of mountains like Mt. Everest but it is not the famed mountain itself. Mt. Everest is actually in the background on the far right. It is the peak with no snow.
- More than 1,800 tons of steel were used to build the mountain. I am speechless.
- It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive roller coaster in the world. Cool.
I always make a bee-line to Expedition Everest when I visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is so much fun. Close your eyes if you have to but don’t miss this thrill ride through the land of the yeti. You’ll be sure to see me there. Happiness squared.
Goofy Tip: I haven’t talked about FastPass+ yet because it is still having the kinks worked out of it and there are a ton of Disney websites providing first hand information about this new program. But, if you are using the Magic Bands and FastPass+ consider choosing Expedition Everest as one of your passes. Then you can just wander the park when it opens and not hurry over to Asia.
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More magical than meeting Mickey Mouse?
Imagine you are in line to get your picture taken with your favorite Disney Princess (mine would be Sleeping Beauty). As you approach her she holds out her hand to you and calls you by your name. Wouldn’t that be magical? Your favorite princess knows you personally. If only this could happen.
Well, it can. If you sign up for the new MyMagic+ program you receive a wrist band in the mail that you wear in the parks. It is your room key, your park ticket, your fastpass access, and so much more. Because it has your personal information on it, whenever you walk by a sensor you get service specialized to you. Instead of Walt Disney World I could call it Jennifer World, or you could call it by your name, too.
MyMagic+ is a brand new program so there will be some glitches and some complaints. That is typical. My hope is that they keep it around long enough to fix the glitches and for Guests to get used to a new way of doing things. In the future this may not be magic, it may just be normal. I feel that anything that makes my trip more personalized makes my trip better. I can’t wait to plan a trip and get my own bracelet. Sleeping Beauty, here I come. Happiness squared.
Goofy Question: On Friday I will be explaining more about the MyMagic+ program. Have you heard of this program? What do you think of it? Do you have questions? Leave a comment by clicking on one of the icons below and I’ll answer any questions in the next post.
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