Disneyland 1976-1981: Space Mountain, Big Thunder, and the Race for Thrills (Ep. 86)

Jim Hill and Len Testa continue their Disneyland chronology with the years 1976 through 1981, when Southern California’s growing competition pushed Disney toward bigger thrills. Jim follows Space Mountain from Walt’s early ideas to its Anaheim debut, then explains how Big Thunder Mountain emerged from a much larger unrealized project. The discussion also covers the Matterhorn’s transformation, Disneyland’s anniversary celebrations, and the changes that set the stage for a new Fantasyland.

Original Air Date: September 1, 2015 (estimated)
Original Title: Disneyland 1976-1981

HIGHLIGHTS

• How new experiences at Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Universal raised the stakes for Disneyland.
• Walt’s early Space Mountain concepts and the constraints that shaped the Anaheim version.
• The Jungle Cruise update and the closure of Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
• The Matterhorn’s ice caves, Abominable Snowman, and increased capacity.
• Big Thunder Mountain’s connection to Thunder Mesa and Tony Baxter’s work.
• Space Mountain’s opening-season crowds, dispatch challenges, and timely arrival alongside Star Wars.
• The authentic mining equipment, recycled scenery, and intricate rockwork of Big Thunder.
• Disneyland’s 25th anniversary, the purchase of Retlaw’s park interests, and preparations for Fantasyland’s redesign.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
View transcript here.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill: X and Instagram @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa: Bluesky @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram @len.testa | touringplans.com

FOLLOW

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• X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia
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Jim and Len explore Disneyland’s late-1970s thrill-ride boom, tracing Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and the Matterhorn’s major transformation.

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