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The Disneyland Report > Disney News > Space Mountain roller coaster reopens at Disneyland with ceremony featuring Neil Armstrong Disney NewsSpace Mountain roller coaster reopens at Disneyland with ceremony featuring Neil ArmstrongBy Annie Lin When guests arrived at Disneyland on Friday, July 15, 2005, they felt the excitement of a two-year wait come to a close. Popular Tomorrowland roller coaster Space Mountain was to be reopened after nearly a two-year long refurbishment. Most guests did not know, however, that space pioneer Neil Armstrong would also share the excitement.
Thirty-six years ago on July 20, 1969, United States Astronaut Commander Neil Armstrong took the first step on the lunar surface of the moon. On Friday, July 15, Armstrong led the inspiration of a special ceremony for the reopening of Space Mountain. Above: Mickey Mouse greets astronaut Neil Armstrong at a ceremony to relaunch the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disneyland following an extensive refurbishment. Photo by Annie Lin. According to a July national survey, Americans rate the high-speed Disneyland roller coaster Space Mountain as their favorite Disney theme park attraction. For several nights in early July, late-night Space Mountain soft openings allowed hopeful, Space Mountain campers to experience the ride before it opened to the public. Space Mountain rockets on to a new mission after a two-year hiatus beginning with a 10 a.m. ceremony on July 15. Space Mountain's reopening is part of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration, which has its high point on July 17, the actual birthday, though the celebration lasts through 2006. Disneyland Ambassador Rebecca Phelps kicked-off the ceremony by introducing Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. Ouimet spoke of the restored Tomorrowland attraction, which now has a variety of updated special effects, new “rockets” to transport riders through the space mission, and a new soundtrack by Michael Giacchino (who has composed music for entertainment offerings such as The Incredibles, Alias, etc.). The new Space Mountain soundtrack is a welcome addition to the roller coaster, which has been without music since the sound system stopped working on the older rockets before the refurbishment. The new Space Mountain track allows for a smoother ride in the dark, creating the feeling of flight. The new, longer Space Mountain finale is a spectacle with lighting effects. The space flight ends with an initially surprising photograph of each rocket. "Our guests will be pleased to experience the enhancements that we have made to 'Space Mountain' and happy to know that we have maintained the thrills that have made it a favorite for many years," Ouimet said. Disneyland president Matt Ouimet then invited Mickey Mouse in his state-of-the-art space exploration suit and Armstrong to come out. Astronaut Neil Armstrong, a public speaker of anecdotes who can be compared to broadcast host Art Linkletter, explained that the power of imagination is crucial in both innovations of space and Disneyland. Neil Armstrong also continued to relate to Disneyland by expressing his love for Mickey Mouse. He said that Mickey was actually two years older than him, so it was appropriate for him to “respect [his] elders.” Though the ceremony was restricted only to media and special guests, Space Mountain riders on Friday, during the 90- to 140-minute line, were able to view the special plaque presented to Neil Armstrong at the Space Mountain opening ceremony. The plaque sports the Walt Disney quote, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” It also dedicates to Armstrong, “Presented to Mr. Neil Armstrong. In tribute to his courage and adventurous spirit that continues to inspire all mankind to reach for the stars.” Return to Disney News.
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