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We ask you, our readers, to vote for your favorite food, ride, land, or activity at theme parks around the world every week. This time, we’re at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to rank the top 5 rides at the park.
I spend a couple of hours at the Magic Kingdom today and noticed a lot of things are changing, some sooner than others. Let’s take a look. [Read more…]
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority has always offered great views of Space Mountain. Now that Space Mountain under refurbishment, the TTA is allowing guests to take a peek inside and around the construction area:
This bright green sign was added on Oct. 15, 2009, the night after I shot the full video ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. It is located just as the TTA enters Space Mountain and matches the new color scheme seen outside of the Space Mountain building. It appears that Disney is removing all traces of the bright orange color associated with the attraction’s former sponsor, FedEx.
This picture was taken just after Space Mountain closed for refurbishment and is included here for comparison with the photo below.
In this recent photo, you can see that the astronauts hanging from the space ship in the center of the ride’s lift area are currently missing. But they may just be receiving a touch-up.
These walls on the right block riders on the TTA from seeing Space Mountain’s indoor queue area. It has been reported that when Space Mountain reopens, it will feature interactive queue entertainment. The walls also block much of the view of the ride’s track, though you can still get a glimpse of it with the lights on if you’re facing backwards on the TTA before you round the corner inside the building. There are no noticeable changes to be seen.
The area in front of Space Mountain is still being deconstructed. While a new bright green sign has been added near the entrance, the Fastpass area has been almost completely torn down.
To the right of the Fastpass area, a series of construction barriers have been arranged in a circle. This could indicate a new ground design or maybe something greater.
Space Mountain is officially scheduled to reopen in Winter 2009, though is expected to reopen some time in November.
Photos by Matt Roseboom
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) recently received an update at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It closed for refurbishment at the same time as Space Mountain back in April 2009. While the Space Mountain improvement is still in-progress, the TTA reopened within the last few weeks with added colorful, nighttime lighting (seen above). Shortly thereafter, the ride’s narration was completely changed to mixed fan reviews.
Here’s a video shot on the night of Oct. 14, 2009 of the entire Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride. It features specially-recorded binaural audio so watching while wearing headphones is recommended.
Many fans have praised the use of the phrase “people mover” in the new narration, a throwback to the attraction’s former name, the WEDWay PeopleMover. Others have expressed disappointment in the new narration’s removal of popular lines including, “Paging Mr.Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow. Your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring” and “Mr. Johnson in Skyview Hovercraft 1.”
Personally, I think the new narration fits the ride well, allowing more time to relax in near-silence while traveling the track. I’ve always thought of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority as the perfect ride to get off of your feet after pounding the pavement around the park all day. The old narration, while entertaining, was loud and often in-your-face. The new one is considerably quieter, played at a volume where you can easily choose to listen if you want or just ignore it and enjoy the wind in your face as you whisk around Tomorrowland.
Here’s a quick photo update from a recent evening trip to the Magic Kingdom. As you can see above and below, they have most of their Halloween decorations up already. The first of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties starts next Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Although you can’t see it here, there’s also been a crane behind the castle putting up the lights for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties, which start Nov. 10, 2009.
In addition to the Halloween decorations, this photo shows the flag flying at half-mast for Senator Ted Kennedy.
Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) ride have been closed for some time getting rehabs. Although Space Mountain will continue to be closed until later this fall, the TTA is set to open mid-September. In the photo above and below you can see some of the new lighting effects they’ve installed.
As different messages were flashing on the screen, I thought this one was most fitting. The former Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration stage is having a bit of work done to it. Rumors say the stage will be used for the upcoming holiday parties and the shows will still revolve around Stitch.
We end with a look at cast members preparing for the Fireworks Dessert Party. The dessert parties were scheduled to end but they recently announced they are extending them through Oct. 31, 2009. The price to attend this delicious party is $17.99 for those 10 and older and $9.99 for ages 3 to 9.
This Saturday, April 18, 2009 will be your last chance to ride Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) for a while, as they both will be closing until the fall.
Space Mountain’s refurbishment will include some replacement of the track, a new enclosure for the ride’s waiting line area and a new ceiling.
The TTA may be open sporadically during the rehab. The main reason for its closing is because part of the ride runs through Space Mountain. It will also undergo some routine maintenance.
The TTA is scheduled to reopen on Aug. 24, a bit sooner than Space Mountain. Space Mountain is supposed to reopen on Nov. 21.