Space Mountain at Disneyland closed until 2005

[sandar]

From mousesavers.com:

Beginning Thursday, April 10, Disneyland's Space Mountain was abruptly shut down. It will not reopen until mid-2005. Reportedly, a safety inspection on Wednesday, April 9 revealed that major structural repairs were needed, so a planned major rehab project for the attraction was rushed into place ahead of schedule.

Disney's official announcement reads:

"Space Mountain will be redesigned and relaunched in conjunction with the Disneyland 50th Anniversary in 2005. Construction will begin immediately and additions such as new special effects, digital technology, an integrated audio sound system and a completely revamped queue will provide a new level of excitement to Space Mountain."

[AliciaG]

Wow, I'm sorry is has to close unexpectedly, but it's great that they caught the problems. Sounds like an awesome new ride is instore for those who visit Disneyland.

[BetsyAnn]

I am completely bummed that it will be closed for sooo long -- but I am completely excited that it will open all better in 2005!

[Esmerelda]

I hope the Space Mountain in WDW doesn't have the same problem! Are they the exact same ride?

[BetsyAnn]

Esmerelda,

I'm not a ride expert when it comes to the works of Space Mtn but I think the rides are similar in design. Space Mtn in WDW is newer and hopefully that would make a difference in the structure problems

Hopefully someone with the Tech. knowledge will come in and let us all know! :wink:

[MissBianca]

And don't forget that the areas where the two Space Mountains are built are entirely different from a geological standpoint.

Lots of small (and some large) earthquakes in Southern California have no doubt put quite a bit of strain on the ride there! :shock:

Of course, building heavy things so they don't sink into the ground in Florida must be a headache of a different kind.

[Jasonsmom]

Well, this news makes it easier to plan when to visit my brother*S* We've been planning on going to CA and see San Fran (where my brother lives), LA and DisneyLand but hadn't picked a time. Since I forced myself onto Space Mountain this past Dec at WDW and loved it, I'll wait until the DL one is fixed before making definites dates.

Paula