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Credit: ITMMany reports have surrounded the upcoming TRON: Lightcycle/Run, but accounts and displays are still building the attraction up to be a giant among Disney rides. However, while most reports are distracting Guests with a big, brightly lit, mass of futuristic architecture, another Disney icon might be slowly fading in its shadow.
Space Mountain is a pillar of the Walt Disney World Resort, and was one of the highlights of the Park’s early days. The bright white dome has become a Park icon as recognizable as Cinderella Castle or the Tower of Terror. Although it’s being dwarfed by it’s newer neighbor from the Game Grid, it’s still one of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom.
That all being said, a recent change in the ride’s exterior might give some longtime fans reason for worry. As TRON’s incredible glow lights up the night, Space Mountain is being given a decidedly less flattering makeover. In a land dedicated to the wonders of the future, why on earth is Disney going with a boring brown undertone for the great space coaster?
Space Mountain in process of being repainted at Magic Kingdom. Blue is original color. Tan is new color. pic.twitter.com/Wbbh3AWAKo
— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) February 24, 2023
The changes done in @AliciaStella’s tweet above might seem minor at first, but when compared to the rest of Tomorrowland, it feels highly suspicious that Disney would want to remove the blue accents. Considering most of the surrounding attractions have a blue theme, as well as characters like Buzz Lightyear and Stitch, it feels highly out of character to go this route.
Additionally, the upcoming TRON: Lightcycle/Run utilizes an overtly blue color scheme in both its exterior and its ride vehicles, which would have greatly complemented Space Mountain’s blue undertones and projections at night. So why do this?
A slightly chilling note might suggest that Disney is preparing to phase the older attraction out in favor of the new coaster. Judging by the photos in the tweet, Space Mountain is indeed showing its age, especially with that heavily damaged panel seen in the second image.
Realistically however, it might be that the ride is set to undergo a massive makeover. Since the attraction is nearly fifty years old, it’s definitely time to give the exterior a fresh coat of paint. It might even be the first steps to a major attraction refurb similar to what Disney did in 2005.
Whatever happens, fans of the original Tomorrowland rollercoaster will definitely want to keep their eyes on the Park icon. It might be nothing, but it also might change everything. Will it be able to stand side-by-side with TRON? Only time will tell.
Do you think Space Mountain might be in danger? Tell Inside the Magic what you think in the comments below!