Source: Mickey Mouse Park
July 1955 – February 1960
LOCATION
Tomorrowland – Space Station X-1 hovered near the entrance to Tomorrowland, on the left side if you were facing the land from Main Street. Today, this space is part of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters.
BACKGROUND
When Disneyland first opened, Walt didn’t quite have enough cash to fully flesh out the park the way he envisioned. Areas in Fantasyland and Frontierland remained largely underdeveloped, and Tomorrowland included many sponsored attractions until the park was able to finance further development projects. As part of this frugal beginning, Disney developed a low cost attraction near the front of Tomorrowland, allowing guests to travel above the earth without requiring animatronics or fancy special effects. Space Station X-1 was an original opening day attraction, welcoming its first visitors July 17, 1955.
EXPERIENCE
Space Station X-1 was a walkthrough attraction, so there was no official run time – but seeing the entire experience took about three minutes. Guests stepped into the space station (a large rounded room), traveling across the United States from sunrise on the east coast to sunset on the west coast.
Source: Mickey Mouse Park
CLOSURE
Unsurprisingly, this attraction was never super popular. There were just too many thrilling and more technologically advanced experiences all over the park, not just in Tomorrowland. To drum up new excitement for the attraction alongside late 50’s satellite launches, the attraction changed its name to “Satellite View of America”. But the brand update didn’t have much impact, and the space station stopped orbiting in 1960. The space then became the Art of Animation.
TRIVIA
Space Station X-1 achieved its effect with a massive painting by Disney Legends Claude Coats and Peter Ellenshaw. At the time, no photos had ever been taken in outer space.
The view from the space station represented a vehicle orbiting 90 miles above the United States at a speed of approximately 60,000 miles per hour.
This was an “A” ticket attraction in the ticket books.
Source: Daveland Web
I visited Disneyland twice in 1955; My brother Ronald worked there from day 1, as part of the Mark Twain crew. I first went August 25th, 55, my Mom’s birthday, and in October 1955, my Dad’s birthday. I remember going on Space Station X-1. It was not very popular as mentioned, but I found it fascinating. I love miniatures, and this was a view of earth from outer space, as it moved slowly past. I wanted to stay longer, but others wanted excitement.
When I returned to the park a few years later it was the View of America. I believe it was sponsored by Chevron Oil, as there was a presentation of how oil was drilled, extracted and refined. That part was boring for a 10 yr old, but the View of America was really cool. It was a walk-through. You could stop and view an area of the planet, and the upgrade to the “ride” included more frequent day/night views. One could stand over a city and the sun light faded as the lights of the city began to glow. It was really an experience rather than a ride and should have been advertised that way. Of course, most go to Disneyland to be thrilled, not to experience. For me over my 300 plus trips in 68 years, I’ve enjoyed the thrills and the experience. I think that’s what make Disneyland magic.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I can see how it would be fascinating – and I’m with you on valuing both trills and experiences. 🙂