A deep dive into the half-century history of Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, including its design and original concept.

For fifty years now, guests to Magic Kingdom have had the chance to travel amongst the stars when riding Space Mountain. The iconic Tomorrowland coaster opened on January 15, 1975, redefining the thrill ride category at Disney Parks. Unlike many of Magic Kingdom’s attractions, the ride made its original debut at Walt Disney World Resort as opposed to Disneyland Resort. In fact, it wouldn’t make its West Coast entrance until two years later in May 1977.

The Beginnings of Space Mountain

Space Mountain was a ride originally dreamed up by Walt Disney. The attraction was first announced in 1972 as part of Walt Disney World’s second developmental growth phase. It would open a little less than three years later on January 15, 1975. But, it was actually years prior that Walt first approached Disney Legend John Hench about building it in 1964. The concept changed names three times, going from Space Voyage to Space Port, before finally landing on Space Mountain in 1966.

Space Mountain Artwork at Steakhouse 71. Photo by Danny Shuster

However, Walt’s dream to build an out space-themed coaster would take some time to complete. The technology simply didn’t exist in the 1960s. However, Hench didn’t forget about the idea. It was John Hench who would design the unmistakable conical shape of Space Mountain, consisting of seventy-two 74-ton beams that reach 117 feet into the sky.

In 1975, with the right technology and Imagineering know-how, Space Mountain became the world’s first roller coaster controlled by a computer. The tubular steel coaster track (adapted from the design of the Matterhorn Bobsleds track, which was the first of its kind in the world) was assembled indoors–another first! The enclosed indoor coaster concept has since been copied many times the world over, but when you ride the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain, you’re riding a piece of history.

Space Mountains Around the World

Two years after Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain debuted, Disneyland opened its own version on May 27, 1977. At the time, it was the second roller coaster at the park, after Matterhorn Bobsleds. The next Space Mountain opened in 1983 at Tokyo Disneyland.

By the 1990s, Imagineers were ready for their third Space Mountain in Disneyland Paris. While the coaster features the same conical exterior, the golden design and concept look drastically different than their counterparts in America. The ride opened in Disneyland Paris’ Discoveryland and was inspired by Jules Verne’s classic tale From the Earth to the Moon.

Photo by Brian Shih

Space Mountain: de la Terre à la Lune would shoot guests to the moon by cannon. For the attraction, Imagineers needed to develop the world’s first catapult launch system that rocketed guests from an incline. Unlike Disneyland and Disney World, this version is twice as fast, goes upside down, and features the first onboard audio system synced to attraction music. That same audio system would be implemented for the next iteration, opening in 2005 at Hong Kong Disneyland Park.

And the innovations keep coming! Tokyo Disneyland Park is currently bringing a new iteration to life. Opening in 2027, the new version will feature the same indoor coaster as the original, with enhanced performance and immersive special effects.