Space Mountain Turns 50

All images: Disney

Can you believe Space Mountain turns 50 today? In the 1960s, Walt Disney wanted to build a roller coaster that simulated a ride through space in Disneyland. Unfortunately, the computer technology wasn't quite there yet, but when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, there was more than enough space for a new ride called Space Voyage. Imagineers were inspired by the Matterhorn ride to create a fully enclosed, fully immersive, galactic-themed roller coaster renamed Space Mountain.

Riding Space Mountain became a rite of passage for young Disney fans. With a height requirement of 44", it was something to strive for on a trip to Disney World. It was definitely a ride the kiddo looked forward to experiencing. 

Space Mountain has popped up (with a few variations) at Disney Parks around the world since it first opened in the Magic Kingdom in 1975. It opened in Disneyland in 1977 and is now home of the Season of the Force, a Star Wars overlay, from March to May. Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland are both home to Hyperspace Mountain, and Star Wars-themed adventure through the galaxy that is actually quite fun. And a new version of Space Mountain is scheduled to open at Tokyo Disneyland in 2027.

While the classic ride with its particular soundtrack will always be fun, at Disney World there are a few seasonal variations that are only available during parties. At Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, it becomes Deep Space Mountain, and you ride in complete darkness to a Halloween soundtrack. It is unexpectedly exciting because you can't see where the track is going next! At Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, it becomes Space Mountain Holiday Run, with a soundtrack of Christmas music and Christmas colored lights as well. I've also ridden once with all the lights on, and I'm honestly not sure which is more thrilling, all the lights on or all the lights off. Whichever version you ride, Space Mountain is a real blast!

Sweets and Treats at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

All images: Disney

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party kicks off Christmastime in the Magic Kingdom tonight. And there are a ton of sweets and treats to tempt your tastebuds. Which one would you try first?

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Reindeer Chow Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, pretzels, cereal, M&M’S chocolate candies, and hot fudge 🎄⛄️
• Lump of Coal in your Stocking: Cookies ‘n cream milk shake topped with whipped cream, cookies ‘n cream crumbles, and a chocolate doughnut hole 🎄

Casey’s Corner

• Candy Cane Tart: Chocolate tart filled with peppermint ganache and topped with festive meringue 🎄

Cool Ship

• Magic Holiday Tree: Coconut, pecans, and M&M’S chocolate candies on a graham cracker crust 🎄

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

• Holiday Pot Roast Melt: Slow-cooked beef on thick toast with cheddar and provolone cheese and beef gravy 🎄
• Holiday Turkey Burger: Turkey burger topped with traditional stuffing, provolone cheese, and cranberry chutney on a brioche bun 🎄
• Christmas Cookie Cake: Christmas cookie cake roll with buttercream and topped with holiday sprinkles 🎄

The Friar’s Nook

• Holiday Ham Fried Pie: Flaky pastry filled with baked ham, candied sweet potatoes, and spiced pecans served with pineapple glaze 🎄
• Italian Beef Tots: Tots covered in slow-cooked beef, cheese curds, zesty giardiniera, and pot roast gravy 🎄
• Peppermint Snowman: Chocolate brownie topped with cookies ‘n cream peppermint mousse 🎄
• Winter Milk Shake: Creamy coconut milk shake topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, cinnamon, and crisp pearls 🎄

Golden Oak Outpost

• Orange Gingerbread Shake: Orange cream slushy layered with gingerbread cookie crumbles and topped with whipped cream, gingerbread spice 🎄🧋
• Gingerbread Cake layered with cream cheese frosting and dulce de leche ganache topped with a gingerbread man chocolate piece 🎄

Main Street Bakery 

• Minnie-shaped Cinnamon Roll: Cinnamon roll topped with red icing, holiday sprinkles, and a chocolate bow ⛄️
• Letter To Santa: Flourless chocolate cake, hot cocoa mousse, and marshmallows topped with chocolate pieces 🎄

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

• Chicken Tamale served “Christmas-style” with mild red chile and green chile-pumpkin seed sauces, cilantro rice, pinto beans, and queso fresco
• Chocolate Eggnog Reindeer: Chocolate tart topped with eggnog mousse and chocolate antlers 🎄
• Orange-Cranberry Pineapple Punch with a hint of “smoke” from the fireplace 🎄🧋

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Peppermint Brownie Sundae: Peppermint ice cream, hot fudge, and candy cane sprinkles served on a brownie

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

• Holiday Waffle Sundae: House-made red velvet waffle topped with M&M’S chocolate candies, peppermint ice cream, and hot fudge 🎄
• Milk and Cookies for Santa: Brown sugar cookie cake topped with chocolate chip cookie dough mousse, milk mousse, and chocolate chip cookies 🎄

Storybook Treats

• Sugar Plum Sundae: Sugar plum soft-serve atop sugar cookie crumbs and topped with whipped cream, crisp pearls, and cotton candy 🎄

Sunshine Tree Terrace

• Santa’s Belt Buckle: Pistachio mousse with a dark chocolate truffle center and a chocolate buckle 🎄
• Cranberry Citrus Float with Orange-Vanilla Soft-serve Twist: Orange-vanilla soft-serve twist with Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and fruity boba pearls 🎄⛄️🧋

Outdoor Vending Locations Near Cinderella Castle 

• Red Velvet Wreath: Doughnut topped with buttercream and holiday sprinkles ⛄️
• Hot Cocoa Churro: Churro rolled in hot cocoa powder and topped with marshmallows and peppermint candy pieces 🎄⛄️

🎄 - New

⛄️ - Available during regular park hours

🧋 - Non-alcoholic