Time Machine Day: Space Mountain 1977

Space Mountain opened at Disneyland on May 27, 1977. I got to the park a few weeks later to take my initial trip into "superspace." I'd heard opinions of the ride from friends who'd gotten there first. One fellow actually swore the tracks were invisible because they were made of transparent fiberglass. Another claimed the ride ended by circling a small planet and then crashing into it.

Remember, there was no interenet. All you had for new-attraction reference were rumors, commercials, and a few paragraphs of PR in the latest issue of Disney News. I'd read everything I could find about Florida's Space Mountain (there sure wasn't much to be found in those days), and I could not wait to finally ride Disney's dark indoor coaster.

I finally arrived on a June afternoon to find a two-hour wait, with the line starting back on Main Street. Star Wars (before it was known as "Episode IV") had also opened that May, so Darth Vader t-shirts were everywhere. We inched forward past Adventure Thru Inner Space and the People Mover entry, up the speed ramp, through the upper-level switchbacks, and into the mountain itself. Immediately, things got more exciting as the air around us echoed with rumbles and distant screams.

Inside the Cavernous Radiator Springs Racers Loading Station

Cars head out into sunlight as the adventure begins

All journeys start with a single step -- or, in the case of Disney attractions, with a "remain seated" warning and a launch from a colorful boarding platform. Disneyland Resort's full of terrific loading stations; my favorites include the library of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the incredible Lafitte's Landing at Pirates of the Caribbean.

At 7:00 A.M., all's quiet and calm as the queue awaits the day's first riders

My new top favorite is the fantastic loading zone at Radiator Springs Racers. Once you've made your way through the scenic queue, you arrive at the sprawling stone entry to Comfy Caverns Motor Court, serving as your start and end point for the adventure.

All the railings and lights have been intentionally "rusted" to appear decades old!

The place is a whirlwind of colorful sights and sounds. The smiling vehicles, each one unique, roll up to the eager guests. As Cast Members efficiently direct folks to the next available row, the cavern air echoes with the ride's sounds -- a mixture of the actual vehicle noises, enhanced "revving motor" sound effects, and Sheriff's seat belt advisories.

To your left, cars return from the adventure. The ride begins and ends on a single track, splitting into two lanes for the outdoor race.

A side track leads to a customized load area for guests in wheelchairs.

As you step into your row, the excitement builds; these vehicles look amazing! Before you know it, the gate swings open and it's time to step into the car and strap on the seat belt. You have mere seconds to consider how comfortable the seats are before the engine revs, the car moves forward and Sheriff advises you to remain seated. The real fun's about to begin!

Not even the blurriness of this pic can hide the vehicles' charm!