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

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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JackCH2 days ago

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

Animaniac93-982 days ago

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 Realest2 days ago

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

esskay2 days ago

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.

Raineman3 days ago

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

bmr15913 days ago

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

Tha Realest3 days ago

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.

WorldExplorer3 days ago

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

willtravel3 days ago

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

JoeCamel3 days ago

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

AndyS29924 days ago

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.

esskay4 days ago

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.