This week saw the 50th anniversary of the original Space Mountain’s opening. Walt Disney World Ambassadors Shannon Conrad-Smith and Serena Arvizu joined several Disney characters to commemorate the occasion in the video above, which also features several actors and industry insiders reflecting on their favorite memories of the iconic coaster. The original concept for Space Mountain’s design was dreamt up by Walt Disney himself for Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland during the 1960’s, and the coaster itself was manufactured by Arrow Dynamics. Space Mountain’s grand opening at Magic Kingdom Park took place on January 15, 1975, and the attraction sparked a galactic trend, inspiring versions at Disney Parks around the world—each with its own unique twist.
See also: Disney Imagineer and themed experience veteran releasing new book, ‘Creating Memorable Worlds’