Top 10 Space Mountain Trivia

Walt Disney originally envisioned the idea for Space Mountain (originally referred to as “Space Port” or “Space Voyage”) in 1964 to be built at Disneyland. However, Disneyland’s version did not open until 1977, two years after the opening of Disney World’s Space Mountain).

Space Mountain construction began on December 15, 1972, and cost approximately $20 million. Disney partnered with Arrow Development Company, the same company that had helped design the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the world’s first tubular steel track coaster, at Disneyland in 1959.

Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin took the first ride during the grand opening of RCA’s Space Mountain on January 15, 1975 (Disneyland’s version actually opened two years later in 1977).

“A Journey Through Time and Space” – Between 1975 and 1993, Space Mountain was sponsored by RCA, followed by FedEx (1994-2004).

At 183 feet tall, Space Mountain is the second tallest structure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Cinderella is first at 189 feet tall).

Space Mountain features two tracks: Alpha on the left-hand side and Omega on the right-hand side. The tracks are nearly mirror images of each other. The top speed of Space Mountain is only 28 miles per hour and ride takes two minutes and 47 seconds.

Space Mountain is the oldest operating roller coaster in Florida (that distinction previously went to The Starliner, which was built in 1963 and last resided at the now-defunct Cypress Gardens).

Part of a major refurbishment in 2009, Space Mountain now features the addition of “Starry-O-Phonic Sound” – “Space was once a silent voice, but now, every twist and turn on your galactic journey will be accompanied by a zippy musical track, the whoosh of passing asteroids, and the rush of interstellar traffic, making your space voyage an all-encompassing cosmic joy-ride.”

The original Space Mountain post-show featured RCA’s “Home of Future Living,” which was replaced in 1985 by “RVCA-1: Dream of a New World.”

According to an old urban legend, a Disney World guest was decapitated after standing up while riding Space Mountain. There is no truth to this rumor. In fact, according to some reports, it was actually a “test dummy” that had its head severed during testing (the test dummy was placed standing up in order to test clearance) by Disney Imagineers before Space Mountain was opened to the public.

Top 10 Ways to Save Money at Disney World in 2013

If possible, plan your Walt Disney World Resort trip during the off-season and you will usually discover significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney Area, or hiking through the Disney Wilderness Preserve.

Take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World property such as Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa or Sizzler.

Look for free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain a multitude of discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops.

Check out comprehensive online guides to Disney World such as orlando-florida.net for in-depth information on finding the best deals on Disney World tickets, accommodations and vacation packages.

For larger families, reunions or any other get-together at Disney World, it may make better financial sense to look into renting a spacious villa.

If you are visiting one of the Disney World theme parks with young children, don’t forget to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes.

Instead of spending a fortune at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to Town Square at Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

Choose the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo things – you will want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.

Purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at Disney World, since prices at the theme parks are more expensive for such items.

 

 

 

Top 10 Closed Disney World Attractions

1. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Despite an extensive “Save the Toad” campaign, Disney’s Magic Kingdom replaced Mr. Toad with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 1998 (see Mr. Toad video above).

2. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, 20,000 Leagues closed in 1994.

3. If You Had Wings: Sponsored by Eastern Airlines, If You Had Wings was one of the few rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that rarely drew a line. It was replaced by If You Could Fly in 1987 and now Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin stands on the site.

4. Horizons: This Epcot ride made its debut in 1983 and closed in 1999 to make way for Mission: SPACE. It has developed somewhat of a cult following over the years.

5. ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter: This thrilling attraction opened at the site of the former Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland in 1995. ExtraTERRORestrial gained a cult following but has since been replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape.

6. World of Motion: Sponsored by General Motors, World of Motion was one of Epcot’s original attractions. The ride offered a humorous look at the history of transportation and closed in 1996 to make way for Test Track.

7. Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It!: Based on the hit ABC TV show, this Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction closed in 2006 along Mickey Avenue. A new, yet-unnamed attraction is scheduled to occupy the soundstage in the near future.

8. Plaza Swan Boats: Opened in 1973, the D-ticket Plaza Swan Boats embarked from two Magic Kingdom loading docks: one near the entrance to Tomorrowland and the other near the Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza Swan Boats stopped running in 1983.

9. Mickey Mouse Revue: One of the Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, Mickey Mouse Revue opened in Fantasyland in 1971 and featured an audio-animatronic orchestra of popular Disney characters singing such classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee.” The Mickey Mouse Revue closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now occupies the site.

10. Flight to the Moon: Hosted by Mr. Tom Morrow, this “state-of-the-art” Tomorrowland attraction opened on Christmas Eve, 1971 and became hopelessly outdated by 1975 when it was replaced by Mission to Mars. Stitch’s Great Escape now occupies the site.

Top 10 Florida Roadside Attractions Trivia

Started in 1957, the Gatorama “alligator & crocodile adventure” in Palmdale is one of the few remaining Florida roadside attractions.

Jungle Island in Miami first opened in 1936 as Parrot Jungle. Winston Churchill visited the attraction in 1946.

The rather controversial St. Augustine attraction, Tragedy in U.S. History Museum, which closed its doors for good in 1998, boasted having Jayne Mansfield’s “death car” and Bonnie & Clyde’s “getaway car” in its collection.

Billed as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland features such lively shows as the world-famous Gator Jumparoo.

Established in 1946, the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada is the second oldest marine mammal facility in the world.

Built during the Great Depression as part of a Works Progress Administration program and opened in 1935, the Key West Aquarium was Key West’s first tourist attraction.

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm moved to Anastasia Island in 1920 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The bizarre masterpiece of obsessive genius Ed Leedskalnin, Coral Castle in Homestead has been referred to as “America’s Stonehenge.”

A unique outdoor museum, Dinosaur World in Plant City is billed as the “world’s largest dinosaur attraction.”

Established in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs still features its ever-popular live mermaid shows. Several movies have been filmed here over the years such as “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid” (1948) and “Neptune’s Daughter” (1949).

Top 10 Animal Kingdom Attractions

1. Expedition Everest: Expedition Everest is a high-speed train adventure that combines roller coaster-like thrills with a theme based on the folklore of the ferocious yeti or abominable snowman

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: An open-sided, 32-passenger safari jeep takes you on a fascinating adventure through the 100-acre “Harambe Reserve” in the remotest regions of Africa during Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can view some of the earth’s most incredible creatures.

3. Festival of the Lion King: Based on the extremely popular animated movie, this production features songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.

4. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a walk-through attraction that takes you through a beautiful tropical forest with many interesting animal habitats along with way.

5. Maharajah Jungle Trek: The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a walk-through attraction that winds through the ruins of an Indian temple and takes you through a variety of exotic animal habitats.

6. Kali River Rapids: Climb aboard a 12-passenger raft and prepare to get soaked as you experience the turbulent rapids of the Chakranadi River during the Kali River Rapids flume ride – an amazing whitewater adventure!

7. DINOSAUR: The DINOSAUR thrill ride allows you to travel back in time 65 million years and come face to face with a variety of menacing prehistoric creatures!

8. Primeval Whirl: A wacky roller coaster, Primeval Whirl allows you to take a spin through time and features plenty of sharp turns, curves and dips along the way!

9. It’s Tough to be a Bug!: This incredible 3-D adventure features characters such as Flik, Hopper and Princess Atta from Disney’s 1998 animated film, A Bug’s Life.

10. Tree of Life: The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life is a 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree sculpted with animal carvings by more than a dozen skilled artisans.

Top 10 Pirates of the Caribbean Trivia

Originally envisioned as a walk-through wax museum attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean was the last ride that Walt Disney (1901-66) was involved in designing and opened in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in the spring of 1967.

Written in 1967 by George Bruns & Xavier Atencio, “Yo Ho” (“A Pirate’s Life for Me”) is the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song. Atencio also provided the voice for the classic line, “Dead men tell no tales.”

One of the original “E” ticket attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean opened in Adventureland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on December 15, 1973.

Pirates of the Caribbean is eight minutes, 30 seconds long and features 125 Audio-Animatronics figures. Running 15 minutes and 30 seconds, Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean is nearly twice as long as the Disney World version.

The waterfall near the beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean is 52 feet long and features a 14-foot drop.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was Disney’s first PG-13 rated movie.

Audio-Animatronics characters from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and his nemesis Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), as well as new special effects, were added to this classic attraction in 2006 to coincide with the release of the sequel, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest.

In a dungeon cell that can be observed in the Pirates of the Caribbean queue line, two pirate skeletons engage in an endless game of chess.

The fort at the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean – El Castillo del Morro – is based on the 16th-century fort, El Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Pirates of the Caribbean was reportedly the first Disney attraction to exit directly into a gift shop.

Top 10 Disney World Trivia

Did you know . . .

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus captured the first championship at the inaugural 1971 Walt Disney World Open Invitational?

At 199.5 feet tall, Expedition Everest is the tallest artificial mountain at Walt Disney World Resort?

Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel was originally built in 1917 and once stood at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios launches you at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds?

President Richard Nixon gave his famous “I am not a crook” speech during at convention at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in 1973?

Despite an intense “Save the Toad” campaign, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 1998?

Completed in July 1971, Cinderella Castle is 189 feet tall—more than twice the size of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland?

Walt Disney’s parents, Elias and Flora, were married on New Year’s Day, 1888 in Kismet, Florida (now a ghost town)?

Each space capsule at Mission: Space is equipped with motion sickness bags?

Approximately 10,000 guests attended the grand opening of Disney’s Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971?

For more Disney World trivia, visit the Walt Disney World Trivia Page.

Top 10 Florida Roller Coasters

Top 10 Ways to Save Time at Disney World

1. Arrive at Disney World early – at least a half hour before it officially opens – so you can get a jump on the crowds.

2. Use Disney World theme park maps and tip boards to develop a plan in order to visit as many attractions as possible.

3. Don’t follow the crowd – Many people will go to the right and move clockwise throughout Disney World’s theme park, so try going left and moving counterclockwise.

4. At Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, beat the crowds by hopping aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad, which has train stations in Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland and Fantasyland.

5. If you want to experience such immensely popular rides as Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Soarin’ at Epcot, make them your first stop since they tend to draw some of the longest lines at Disney World.

6. If you love a parade, stake out your spot early since they usually draw crowds. Also, by picking a spot toward the beginning of the parade, you will get a jump on everyone else. You will have finished the parade and made it to the most popular rides while most of the crowd is still watching the parade.

7. Take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS, a free reservation system that helps you to avoid crowds at the most popular rides and attractions.

8. Avoid driving to or from Disney World on Interstate 4 during rush hour, which usually runs from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM.

9. Eat a good breakfast before you get to Disney World. Once there, try to eat lunch a little earlier or later than usual to avoid crowds (before 12 PM or after 2 PM). Eat while the restaurants are empty and everyone else is on the rides or watching a parade.

10. If you are planning to dine at one of Disney World’s themed restaurants, make reservations well in advance if possible. Just call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Top 10 Disney World Trivia

Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel
Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel was originally built in 1917 and once stood at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Contemporary Resort
President Richard Nixon gave his famous “I am not a crook” speech during a convention at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in 1973.

Doom Buggies
The Omnimover vehicles used for the Haunted Mansion are nicknamed “Doom Buggies.”

Dummy Corporations
Using a series of dummy corporations, Walt Disney purchased the land for Disney World at a cost of just over $5 million.

Expedition Everest
At 199.5 feet tall, Expedition Everest is the tallest artificial mountain at Walt Disney World Resort.

Magic Kingdom Ticket Prices
When Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park opened its doors on October 1, 1971, adult admission cost just $3.50, a seven-ride attraction ticket book cost $4.75 and an 11-ride attraction ticket book cost only $5.75.

Mission: SPACE
Each space capsule at Epcot’s Mission: SPACE is equipped with motion sickness bags.

New York World’s Fair
It’s A Small World and the Carousel of Progress both debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios launches riders at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.

Walt Disney World Open Invitational
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus captured the first championship at the inaugural 1971 Walt Disney World Open Invitational.