Space Mountain can’t seem to keep itself out of the news this week. The other day we reported that a man was seriously injured on Space Mountain after his hands hit the track above him during the biggest drop. You can read that story here. Now Disney has announced Space Mountain Lights will remain on during the ride permanently.

Space Mountain Lights on permanently
Space Mountain will operate with lights on permanently. Photo via u/MrMaple24 Reddit.

The announcement to keep the lights on inside Space Mountain is controversial and extreme. Disney states that this is being done for “safety reasons”. The decision to keep the lights on during the ride stems from the man who was injured while riding Space Mountain the other day. Disney hopes that keeping the lights on will prevent further injuries like this.

Disney certainly doesn’t want injuries on their rides. They think that keeping the lights on in Space Mountain will help people realize how close they are to the track. This will act as an added safety measure so no more guests lose their hands on Space Mountain. This plan isn’t foolproof, but from a safety standpoint, it seems to solve a problem.

However, we think this decision is a problem. Here is a direct quote from Space Mountain. “Welcome, space travelers. Space Mountain is a thrilling, high speed, turbulent roller-coaster type ride in the dark.” Do you see the problem? Space Mountain advertises itself as a “roller-coaster type ride in the dark”. So turning the lights on would go directly against that statement.

Space Mountain lights will be on Permanently
Another stunning look at Space Mountain with the lights on. Photo via @ThemeParkReview Twitter

Space Mountain is all about space travel. Guests board a rocket and compete through the cosmos. Given that, it just makes sense that it’s dark inside Space Mountain and guests see shooting stars as they fly down the track. From a theming and practical standpoint, turning the lights on permanently in Space Mountain doesn’t make any sense.

We do however want to mention that Space Mountain with the lights on is a unique and amazing experience. We have never been lucky enough to have the lights on during the ride, but do want to experience it once. In fact, it’s the dream of many guests to ride Space Mountain with the lights on. It’s a great way to see the magic behind the Disney magic.

We don’t however want Space Mountain’s lights on all the time, and it doesn’t appear that anyone does. We did a poll and 95% of people want the lights on for one ride and that’s it. Most people want to experience it just once with the lights on and then never again. They want the classic, out of this world feeling from Space Mountain, not a lame, lights on experience.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel. We reached out to someone with inside information for more on this decision. They said that while the statement was that the lights would remain on permanently, that isn’t necessarily the case. The decision to make that statement was rushed given the PR nightmare they were dealing with regarding the injury. The decision was made out of haste and may be retracted.

Disney is investigating the injury as we speak. Our source mentioned that it’s possible when the investigation wraps up, Disney will turn the lights off again. They suggest the lights on could only last a few days depending on how the investigation goes. However, at this point Disney is too afraid to keep the lights off and risk another serious injury.

Our internal source also mentioned another possible route. Disney may retheme Space Mountain to something else, where it makes sense to have the lights on. Given that the serious injury on the ride happened earlier this week, there are no specific details on what the new ride would be yet. That’s only a starting thought and potential option.

We certainly don’t want to see something replace Space Mountain. There’s just something perfect about that attraction. The combination of the amazing appearance, with the futuristic music is just right. Disney certainly nailed Space Mountain and did it right. Anything replacing it would be a great shame.

What do you think of Space Mountain keeping the lights on permanently? Let us know in the comments below!

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