Space Mountain: A Thrilling Cosmic Adventure at the Happiest Place on Earth
As you approach the iconic cone-shaped structure in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, there's an unmistakable sense of wonder and anticipation. Space Mountain, which has been blasting guests into the outer reaches since 1977, isn't just a roller coaster - it's an interstellar voyage like no other. Brace yourself for a true E-ticket thrill ride that has solidified its legacy as one of Disney's most beloved and enduring attractions.
As you approach the iconic cone-shaped structure in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, there's an unmistakable sense of wonder and anticipation. Space Mountain, which has been blasting guests into the outer reaches since 1977, isn't just a roller coaster - it's an interstellar voyage like no other. Brace yourself for a true E-ticket thrill ride that has solidified its legacy as one of Disney's most beloved and enduring attractions.
The Magic's in the Queue
Even before boarding your rocket ship, the immersive queue does an incredible job of transporting you straight to the cosmos. You'll meander through dimly-lit, futuristic corridors filled with illuminated displays of planets, galaxies, and starfields. Glance around and you'll spot support bays where animatronic droids service rocket vehicles. The atmospheric sci-fi soundtrack and computer-voiced launch instructions heighten the illusion that you're preparing for legitimate space travel.
First launched in 1975 with versions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Space Mountain was a true marvel of Imagineering. It was one of the first roller coasters designed to operate completely seamlessly in the dark - an ambitious feat for the time. The original Disneyland version in particular, with its sleek outdoor racing-red track design, became an instant icon and a staple of Disney park iconography.
A Cosmic Thrill Ride Like No Other
Finally, after snaking through the elaborate show building queue, it's time to board the ride itself. As the rocket ship vehicles are dispatched from the station and plunge through the dark tunnel, you're greeted with a spectacular sight. Thousands upon thousands of compact fiber-optic lights arranged across a vast nebula canopy create the illusion of rocketing through the galaxy at speeds faster than light.
What follows is a breakneck roller coaster experience packed with rapid fire turns, surprise dips, rapid launches, and a constant flow of twists and maneuvers that will have you questioning which way is up. The intense high-speed dark ride thrill is amplified by synchronized lighting effects, ethereal space-themed audio, and state-of-the-art projection screens that simulate StarTours warpspeed.
Just as soon as the wild cosmic ride kicks into high gear, an announcement from mission control signals your rocket ship's return home to Tomorrowland. You'll glide into the station building in a dazzling tunnel of racing lights before disembarking back into the park.
An Iconic Thrillseeker's Rite of Passage
For over 45 years and counting, Space Mountain has wowed legions of Disneyland guests with its perfect convergence of theming, technology, and thrills. The original version has undergone refurbishments and upgrades over the decades to keep it feeling fresh and out-of-this-world, including a major 2005 overhaul. Between the ride's historical significance as a groundbreaking indoor coaster and its persisting reputation as one of the wettest tickets at Disneyland, Space Mountain has solidified its place as a bonafide must-ride.
There's a reason why this enduring attraction remains a rite of passage and a badge of honor for generations of thrillseekers. Whether riding for the first time or revisiting an old cosmic friend, get ready to "brace for high-velocity multiplane intersections" and prepare to be launched into the stratosphere of theme park greatness. Space Mountain is a masterpiece of Imagineering that hasn't just stood the test of time - it's blasted straight through it at warp speed.
Indiana Jones Adventure: A Timeless Thrill Ride for the Ages
Indiana Jones Adventure: A Timeless Thrill Ride for the Ages
Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure has been sending guests on a rip-roaring expedition into the ruins of the Forbidden Eye temple since 1995. Even nearly 30 years later, this classic ride holds up as one of the park's most immersive and exciting attractions.
Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure has been sending guests on a rip-roaring expedition into the ruins of the Forbidden Eye temple since 1995. Even nearly 30 years later, this classic ride holds up as one of the park's most immersive and exciting attractions.
The queue does an amazing job of setting the tone, winding through detailed tropic scenery and crumbling temple artifacts. Once inside the chamber of the Forbidden Eye, the story ramps up quickly with an up-close look at the infamous fertility idol. After being warned of the temple's supernatural dangers by a projected Indy himself, you board your rugged troop transport vehicle.
What follows is a mega-thrill ride packed with one jaw-dropping stunt after another. You'll brave precarious bridgeways over bottomless pits, dodge waves of whirling blades and scorpions the size of small cars, burst through dead-ends and sheer rock faces, and come face-to-face with a massive wrought iron gate guarding the inner sanctum.
The incredible ride system allows your vehicle to pitch and shift dramatically, adding an extra layer of unease that you never know which way you'll lurch next. The special effects work is mind-blowing, especially the grand finale showdown with the Idol's magical powers. Without giving too much away, let's just say you'll want to obey the riders-switch advice!
Beyond the high-octane action sequences, it's the world-class Imagineering that makes Indy such an enduring E-ticket. From the pits filled with opulent treasures to the cries of macaws in the nearby jungle, every single detail helps fully immerse you in an Archaeological adventure fit for the movies.
So make sure to experience this landmark Disney thrill ride on your next visit. Don your best adventuring gear and prepare to enter...the Forbidden Eye!
Rise of the Resistance Review - A Jaw-Dropping Voyage to Galaxy's Edge (SPOILER WARNING)
A Jaw-Dropping Voyage to Galaxy's Edge (SPOILER WARNING)
As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I had stratospherically high expectations for Rise of the Resistance, the crown jewel of Disneyland's immersive new Galaxy's Edge land. I'm here to report that this ambitious attraction doesn't just meet those expectations - it utterly obliterates them into a million pieces.
WARNING: This review contains major spoilers for the Rise of the Resistance attraction experience. If you want to go in completely unspoiled, bookmark this for reading after your first ride!
From the moment you enter the queue, themed as a dingy Resistance hideout, the incredible attention to detail is staggering. Rubble and equipment litters the halls, apostles plead for recruits over distressed video screens, and a full-size X-wing starfighter with R2 unit sits docked. The experience has begun before you've even boarded.
Eventually, you're ushered into the main ride vehicle - a full-size Resistance transport ship with seating for around 50 people. Without spoiling too much, the journey kicks into high gear when the ship is caught in the tractor beam of a First Order Star Destroyer. From here, a dazzling and nearly half-hour long sequence unfolds that seamlessly transitions between seemingly infinite screens, fully-realized physical sets, perfectly timed practical effects like blasts and shaking floors, and mind-blowing encounters with jaw-dropping animatronic figures over 20 feet tall!
Just when you think it can't get any more epic, you're hastily evacuated to an indoor gunship programmed for a harrowing off-planet escape mission that puts you in the literal middle of a climactic Star Wars space battle. The sheer scope and scale of these ride sequences, blended with next-level tech, is something that has to be experienced in person.
In a feat of Jedi mind-trickery, Disney's Imagineers have crafted a seamless, coherent narrative that somehow transitions between ride systems that feel galaxies apart in scope and complexity and yet flows perfectly. Rise of the Resistance is a real-life version of the Star Wars films that leaves you awestruck, breathless, and craving an immediate re-ride. This is an all-timer, a masterpiece of theme park entertainment that reset the bar for what's possible. All hail Batuu!
Top 10 Must-Do Attractions at Disneyland in 2024
Are you planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth in 2024? Disneyland in Anaheim, California is always updating and adding new experiences to thrill guests of all ages. From classic dark rides to brand new cutting-edge attractions, there's something for everyone at this iconic Disney park. Here are the top 10 must-do attractions you won't want to miss on your Disneyland vacation in 2024.
Are you planning a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth in 2024? Disneyland in Anaheim, California is always updating and adding new experiences to thrill guests of all ages. From classic dark rides to brand new cutting-edge attractions, there's something for everyone at this iconic Disney park. Here are the top 10 must-do attractions you won't want to miss on your Disneyland vacation in 2024.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Indiana Jones Adventure
Space Mountain
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
Pirates of the Caribbean
Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular
Whether you're a long-time Disneyland fan or visiting for the first time, you'll want to experience all of these incredible attractions and more in 2024. From thrilling coasters to innovative dark rides to dazzling shows, there's magic around every corner at the original Disney park. Start planning your Anaheim getaway today!