Disney Shares Early 1970s Photos of Space Mountain's Construction and Opening at Walt Disney World

Jan 13, 2025 in "Space Mountain"

Gallery / 4 Photos
Space Mountain Historical Construction Images

Posted: Monday January 13, 2025 1:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has released a collection of rarely seen historical images highlighting Space Mountain's construction and grand opening at Magic Kingdom. The photos, taken in the early 1970s, offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of one of the most iconic attractions at Walt Disney World.

1973 Space Mountain Construction

Space Mountain, which officially opened on January 15, 1975, was a groundbreaking achievement as the world's first indoor roller coaster. The newly released images showcase key moments from the attraction's development, including construction of the mountain's exterior and the opening day ceremony.

1975 Space Mountain Grand Opening

With the 50th anniversary of Space Mountain approaching this week, these historical photos offer a nostalgic look back at how Disney's innovation helped shape the future of theme park design.

Space Mountain in 1975

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MK-fan30 days ago

Happy 50th anniversary to Space Mountain!!!! I’m kind of jealous that you guys have the OG Space Mountain but we’re kinda spoiled in that dept because we have the OG everything else lol. There are many reasons as to why Space Mountain didn’t appear at Disneyland in the late 60’s first. Space Mountain was originally supposed to debut with the New Tomorrowland in 1967 with the Flying Saucers located directly under it. The reasons why we this didn’t end up happening were various ones. One being that the technology just wasn’t there, another was because the company had too much on it’s plate with other projects and WDW, another was because Walt passed on and they chose not to pursue it until later on in the future. I attached a photo that shows a Fall/Winter Disneyland map from 1966 only a couple of months before Walt died which shows a plan to open the new Tomorrowland in two phases with the 2nd phase opening in 1968 with Space Mountain. I think Walt’s passing was primarily the reason why the company didn’t go forward but it’s crazy to think Disneyland could’ve gotten a Space Mountain as early as 1968.

wdwmagic31 days ago

Space Mountain Soundscape Video Celebrates 50th Anniversary Across Disney Parks https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/space-mountain/news/21jan2025-space-mountain-soundscape-video-celebrates-50th-anniversary-across-disney-parks.htm

JackCHJan 17, 2025

Also, Cosmic Rewind is already sort of a “Space Mountain 2.0” with IP… makes it even less necessary on Space.

Animaniac93-98Jan 17, 2025

A Stitch retheme of Space Mountain was proposed years ago for Disneyland and more recently several other versions of Space Mountain have received Star Wars overlays, either temporarily or ongoing for years running now. I don't think WDW's Space is above that, but its unique track(s) layout and lack of tech infrastructure makes it harder to implement such things thankfully.

Tha RealestJan 17, 2025

I agree, but will they be able to help themselves?

esskayJan 17, 2025

To be clear I am only proposing retrack/repair, not a total replacement, SSE especially has a charm to it that shoudn't be touched, but it being constantly interrupted by a thud as you go over a dodgy bit of track isn't exactly great. Fix the track, slap a new narrator on it, and replace the very dated "Welcome to the future" game and call it a day for another decade. Doesn't need masses of downtime to do this, the only part that requires a short closure is the track.

RainemanJan 16, 2025

I posted this in another thread, but it fits here too.

bmr1591Jan 16, 2025

Space Mountain needs a retrack. I don't see them IPifying it. It's its own IP at this point.

Tha RealestJan 16, 2025

Agree, but counterpoint: I’d prefer the current Powers That Be leave well enough alone instead of “plussing” existing attractions. I remain firm in this view given the current state of TBA, and what they’ve done to DL Haunted Mansion so far. We’ll see what other “improvements” they’ve made to HM DL in a day or two. Flawed and janky as it is, I really done want them touching SSE.

WorldExplorerJan 16, 2025

Nowadays? You should feel special it's still there.

willtravelJan 16, 2025

When I read something like this, the only thing that comes to my thoughts is RUT ROW.......

JoeCamelJan 15, 2025

They don't want fans, fans remember how it used to be and complain about how it is. One and done with maximum extraction is the name of the game now

AndyS2992Jan 15, 2025

And here I was thinking they were going to announce a big rehab for it's 50th anniversary.. but no. It better get one soon, it's 16 years over due at this point, and then some.

esskayJan 15, 2025

2026 should be the year SM and Spaceship Earth both get a major overhaul. They're both the most due and deserving of it. Plus it would allow Disney to keep up with the trend of ensuring one major ride in both parks is down at all times.