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.

Space Mountain is one of my favorite rides and I like the Disneyland version better than the Magic Kingdom version because it is darker and has a more traditional feel to it. I was eager to finally experience Ghost Galaxy and I hoped it would be great. Now that I have ridden it I can say yay or nay. Sooo…yay or nay?

Well, I have to say yay and nay. It was cool and spooky, but it did not improve the attraction. I didn’t get off Space Mountain and immediately want to ride it again, which I do sometimes when the attraction has no overlay. Since I am of the opinion that an overlay should make the ride better I would be fine if Ghost Galaxy disappeared, but I would still ride the attraction with it there.

I hope I have not confused you. It was okay so I would recommend you ride Space Mountain if you want to, but don’t make special plans just to experience Ghost Galaxy. I personally missed the giant chocolate chip cookie asteroids. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: The day I went to Disneyland the lines were extremely short but I still Fastpassed Space Mountain. When my time came I was able to walk almost to the front of the line with no stopping. If you don’t want to stand in any line, even a short one, I recommend Fastpass.

What I noticed as I was out and about day and night was how different the parks looked at various times. We stayed at the Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and the sunrise coming up on the Sassagoula River transported us to a different place and time.

There had been a cold spell before we arrived, but the days got warmer throughout our stay. During the first few days the sky was clear and our pictures were crisp. I love taking pictures of the castle with a clear blue sky in the background.

Later in the trip that changed. Even though it was once again shorts weather there were some wispy gray clouds that diffused the sunlight in the parks. We felt that we had entered a golden world filled with magic.

We would never miss the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, but seeing the castle at night was a real treat. You do not want to miss out on this enchanting sight. I wished I was a princess and that I lived in that castle. That would truly be happiness squared.

So, if you’re an early bird stay out late one evening, and if your day never starts before noon set your alarm for an early morning stroll. Happiness is experiencing new things and happiness squared is experiencing the familiar in a new way.

Goofy Tip: Take lots of pictures. Take more than you think you need. Take pictures of people. Take pictures of signs. Take pictures of scenery. Take pictures of clouds. Take good pictures. Take bad pictures. You can always delete them later. No one gets home and says, “I took too many pictures.”