After a seven-month hiatus and refurbishment, Space Mountain at Walt Disney World is just about ready to be unveiled with all its exciting changes. Some lucky visitors have even had the chance to ride the attraction in what is being touted as a "soft opening." The official reopening is on November 22. Some of the changes include:

• A "darker," more atmospheric feel to the attraction
• Emphasis on a new story line
• Exterior improvements
• Enhanced queue area and experience
• Game area in the queue space
• Ride embarkment areas more enclosed, allowing ride to be obstructed from the view of those getting on and off the ride
• During takeoff, the ride vehicles head towards a blue orb, not a mirror as in the past
• Ride vehicles are more padded and glow-in-the-dark strips have been removed from the sides

Several other changes have been made, but it seems obvious that one of the main goals of the refurbishment was to make the ride much darker and more like a real space experience. It's said to be pitch black now, and feels more unpredictable and disorienting. Estimates have put the cost of the refurbishment as about $12 million.

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