As a new temporary change to Space Mountain and California Screamin' they changed the soundtrack to the respective roller coaster with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Also, Space Mountain has new lighting and graphics to match the change as well. Here is my review of Rockin' Space Mountain.
The changes made to Space Mountain changed the ride from a "Great Ride" to a "Good Ride". I'm OK with the change but it's definitely not an improvement but a step backwards. As far as music goes, I like the new soundtrack. The lighting is good inside the ride and the project graphics are OK as well, but nothing stands out as great.
I think they were going for the same effects as Rockin' Roller Coaster at Disney/MGM studios. That ride works because it is darker and the inversions make the ride exciting. You can see the track but only the part of the track directly in front of you.
The reason Space Mountain is a great ride is because you can't see the track. The ride feels faster and the drops and turns are unexpected. Even for the seasoned rider such as myself.
With lighting, you can anticipate each turn and psychologically now the ride feels slower. I'm glad this is only temporary.
Here's what I would do to make the ride better next year. Darken the ride more. Especially in lower areas of the ride. The soundtrack is good, no need to change that. Make the visual effects on the roof more exciting, it really should WOW us and stand out. If you are going to have lighting on the side of the track, make them moving lights in order to obscure the track.
Just a thought...
Alan Ng
