DITP Persepctive: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

"In Space, no-one can hear you scream, except the person sitting next to you."

Ghost Galaxy is back and ready to kick your tail.

For the past two years, Disneyland's Space Mountain has been cursed with a ghostly problem, and both years Days In The Park has headed out to face it!

Last year, not knowing what to expect and flying blind, we decided to check out the evil we had heard had taken over our beloved Space Mountain.  Little did we know just what terrors awaited us.  Long lines!  Attraction breakdowns!  Horrible body odor!  And before we even got on the ride!  But we get ahead of ourselves.  As soon as we hit the entrance to Tomorrowland,  we could hear the sound of what can only be described as a creature slashing at the outer wall of the mountain.  Either that, or there was an explosion taking place inside the building.  Did that stop us?  Surely you jest!  Neither did the two hour wait,  or the little girl who pulled into the space dock weeping uncontrollably.  We went forth on our mission and what we saw blew our minds.  If you thought Space Mountain was intense, try riding it with a giant space ghost chasing you.  We couldn't wait until next year.

Fast-forward one year,  and we were headed back to the park in a state of high anticipation.  Little did we know that this year Bob (or so we've heard the ghost is called) had an extra special surprise in store for us.  We had just left the station, just going up the first hill,  when all of a sudden we became stuck; trapped at the hands of Bob.  There we waited.  Seconds became minutes;  minutes became hours; hours turned into days.  Okay, maybe it wasn't that long, but it sure left us terrified and approaching stark raving madness.  Truthfully, we probably only waited twenty (long!) minutes before some cast members came to help.  They gave us some fast passes for later,  and sent us on our way.  We returned later that evening to show Bob that no matter what,  we would always have something for him.

This year was especially cool because we were able to take Michael into The Galaxy with us.  Up until a relatively short amount of time ago, Michael wasn't willing to take on the "big boy" rides.  Now, he's a daredevil who couldn't wait to get his chance to take on this iteration of one of his favorite rides.  We think he had a great time.  What do you think? 

Pre-ride:  Ready to take it on!

Oh, the horror!

Michael was kind enough to offer an interview to Days In The Park.

1. What were you most looking forward to on the ride?  Seeing the ghost
2. Were you nervous before getting on?  No, it didn't look scary
3. How does Ghost Galaxy compare to Space Mountain?  It's better than Space Mountain because there's a ghost in it.  Oh, and a surprise ending!
4. What three words best describe this ride?  Awesome; creepy; fantastic.
5. What would make this ride even better?  <blank stare>

So there you have it.  Straight from the mouth of babes.  Either he was bored to death, or just busy because Bakugan was coming on.

Ride Information and Tips

Average Wait Time:  1 hour

Approximate Ride Length:  3 minutes

Height Requirement:  40"

We like to make Ghost Galaxy the first ride of the day.  Obviously, lines will be shorter at that point.  As an added bonus, pick up a FastPass right when you get there.  That way, you can go ahead and stand in line for the first ride, and then come back later in the day for another round.

And be patient!  This ride breaks down more than a Yugo.  It comes with the territory.  Don't get frustrated; just know that when you do get on the ride, it will be well worth the wait.   
  
For those unfamiliar, Space Mountain is a roller coaster type attraction housed in Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park.  Built in 1977, closed and refurbished in 2003, and reopened in 2005 (for Disneyland's 50th anniversary), Space Mountain is unique in that the attraction is completely housed inside a building (mountain, if you will).  The coaster takes place completely in the dark, with billions (okay, a lot!) of twinkly lights flashing around you meant to simulate a flight into space.  For the past two years, during HalloweenTime, Space Mountain has received a special "horror" overlay to the ride; hence Ghost Galaxy.  Ghost Galaxy is Space Mountain redux, complete with a space ghost named Bob who chases you throughout the ride.  Bob also becomes extraordinarily cranky at night, randomly changing the colors on the outside of the mountain until, in a fit of rage, he slashes the side of the mountain with his space ghost claws.  Quite a sight to see and hear, even from a distance.

Ghost Galaxy runs from the beginning of HalloweenTime until the end, so there is a limited time to ride.  Get out there and get your ride on!