The distinctive beams
on the exterior aren't just for decoration, they're
actually an integral part of the structure. While
the beams would have typically been covered by
the roofing material, the roof for Space Mountain
was instead applied to the underside of the beams.
Not only did this provide a flat surface for the
projected stars, comets and meteors on the inside,
it also added a decidedly futuristic look to attraction
building.
Part of the ride was
originally conceived to occur outdoors, but it
was determined that the roller coaster technology
wouldn't stand up to the Florida climate.
Space Mountain was
one of the
first major attractions to premier at the Magic
Kingdom rather than at Disneyland.
Space Mountain was
also the world's first roller coaster ride that
was completely controlled
and operated by a computer system.
