The Experience
Introduction
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain: Rebel Mission is a 1995 custom looping coaster from Vekoma at Disneyland Park Paris in France. This, together with Big Thunder Mountain, was the coaster we were looking forward to the most, as this is a truly ambitious coaster built inside a massive structure. It looks truly impressive but welcoming when entering Discoveryland, but it must also be a bit of a shock for the unknowing to discover that there is actually a major looping thrill coaster hidden inside it.
We're very grateful that Disneyland Paris decided to go all out on their Space Mountain and it paid off as we crowned this the best coaster at the resort!
We're very grateful that Disneyland Paris decided to go all out on their Space Mountain and it paid off as we crowned this the best coaster at the resort!
A Aifferent Kind of Mountain
Space Mountain is a staple at most Disney parks around the world and always a highlight attraction, though this one stands out for several reasons.
Firstly, its theming and overall presentation are different from all the other ones, with its complex Jules Verne theming and colorful facade, which contrasts the completely white exterior of its sister coasters.
Secondly, while all the other Space Mountains are big family coasters of varying degrees of intensity, Hyperspace Mountain is the only true thrill coaster and the only one to feature inversions.
It really is the centerpiece at Discoveryland, being equally mysterious and hidden but also intriguing and inviting.
Firstly, its theming and overall presentation are different from all the other ones, with its complex Jules Verne theming and colorful facade, which contrasts the completely white exterior of its sister coasters.
Secondly, while all the other Space Mountains are big family coasters of varying degrees of intensity, Hyperspace Mountain is the only true thrill coaster and the only one to feature inversions.
It really is the centerpiece at Discoveryland, being equally mysterious and hidden but also intriguing and inviting.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Or actually, just inside Disneyland Park's Discoveryland, dwells this beast inside its enormous building. Truly impressive it is to look at, and thankfully, it has a ride experience to match.
One of the biggest - and most controversial - changes the ride has undergone was its 2017 refurbishment, which saw the ride get new trains from Vekoma as well as a major rebranding away from the Jules Verne universe, into the universe of Star Wars. It had previously had a refurbishment and name change, though that was more of an extension and modification of its existing theme, whereas the 2017 one was an attempt to capitalize on the success of one of Disney's biggest IPs.
Given how Hyperspace was already a sci-fi-based, space-themed ride, it does make perfect sense that they would do this, though the general consensus is that its original theme was much more interesting and beloved.
One of the biggest - and most controversial - changes the ride has undergone was its 2017 refurbishment, which saw the ride get new trains from Vekoma as well as a major rebranding away from the Jules Verne universe, into the universe of Star Wars. It had previously had a refurbishment and name change, though that was more of an extension and modification of its existing theme, whereas the 2017 one was an attempt to capitalize on the success of one of Disney's biggest IPs.
Given how Hyperspace was already a sci-fi-based, space-themed ride, it does make perfect sense that they would do this, though the general consensus is that its original theme was much more interesting and beloved.
Load the Columbiad Cannon!
One of the most iconic characteristics of Hyperspace Mountain is the Columbiad Cannon, which works both as an impressive thematic centerpiece and as the coaster's actual launch pad, using an electric winch launch system to quickly pull riders up an incline and into the main spaghetti-section of the layout.
This is a great spectacle, though it used to be even more impressive back in its original version, as the cannon would physically "reload" for the next riders, with impressive lights and smoke effects as the launch happened.
This is probably a good time to talk about the Star Wars theme and how it's utilized. The initial part where it blasts the iconic Star Wars score works very well and really gets you excited, but once you're actually on the ride, there is barely anything to remind you that you're in an epic Star Wars battle starring TIE fighters and laser cannons. There are a couple of screens zooming by in the darkness and some lights and sounds.
For all the things Hyperspace Mountain does well, representing its IP is not really one of them, and you should definitely take a ride on Star Tours if you're looking specifically for a good Star Wars ride.
This is a great spectacle, though it used to be even more impressive back in its original version, as the cannon would physically "reload" for the next riders, with impressive lights and smoke effects as the launch happened.
This is probably a good time to talk about the Star Wars theme and how it's utilized. The initial part where it blasts the iconic Star Wars score works very well and really gets you excited, but once you're actually on the ride, there is barely anything to remind you that you're in an epic Star Wars battle starring TIE fighters and laser cannons. There are a couple of screens zooming by in the darkness and some lights and sounds.
For all the things Hyperspace Mountain does well, representing its IP is not really one of them, and you should definitely take a ride on Star Tours if you're looking specifically for a good Star Wars ride.
Spaghetti in the Dark
As far as the ride experience itself goes, it starts off in the super cool dual station that is actually outside, which is interesting for a ride that has most of its queue and the entire ride inside.
You dispatch and hit the before-mentioned launch section where you launch up an incline before twisting down into the darkness, where you will stay for the rest of the layout. I couldn't give you a detailed rundown of the order of elements no matter how hard I tried. All I can say is, you hit several large dips and traverse three whippy inversions and some forceful turns, while music plays and light effects go off in the background. The darkness really does add a lot to the ride.
What could've spoiled the fun - and perhaps handed the crown to Big Thunder - would have been roughness from the original trains. Thankfully, this ride has new-age Vekoma trains that not only look amazing but also feature vest restraints to eliminate any headbanging that could have occurred.
You dispatch and hit the before-mentioned launch section where you launch up an incline before twisting down into the darkness, where you will stay for the rest of the layout. I couldn't give you a detailed rundown of the order of elements no matter how hard I tried. All I can say is, you hit several large dips and traverse three whippy inversions and some forceful turns, while music plays and light effects go off in the background. The darkness really does add a lot to the ride.
What could've spoiled the fun - and perhaps handed the crown to Big Thunder - would have been roughness from the original trains. Thankfully, this ride has new-age Vekoma trains that not only look amazing but also feature vest restraints to eliminate any headbanging that could have occurred.
Conclusion
When all is said and done, this version of Space Mountain is an odd choice for a Disney park, but one that we really appreciate, as it's a great thrill coaster. Hyperspace uses the darkness to its advantage while combining an intriguing and impressive facade with cool, unique theming and an exciting ride experience. The pace is good, the inversions are whippy, and the many turns are forceful, while the onboard soundtrack and special effects further elevate an already good experience. It's a damn good ride, that's for sure.
Gallery
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain Gallery
Loading images...
Strengths & Weaknesses
| We love a fully enclosed coaster | |
| Impressive facade and theming | |
| Pretty intense | |
| Onboard sound & Special effects | |
| A few jarring transitions |
Information
NameStar Wars Hyperspace Mountain
Year1995
ParkLoading...
ManufacturerVekoma
ModelCustom Coaster
ScaleThrill
Ride Count2
Technical Specs
Specifications
Sit DownLaunchedSpaghetti BowlCustomFully EnclosedOnboard SoundDual Station
TypeSteel
Length2509,8 ft
Height105,0 ft
Speed44,0 mph
Inversions3
G-Force5,0 G
Duration125 sec