The making of Space Mountain

Mike Krumboltz

It's one of Disneyland's and the Magic Kingdom's most iconic thrill rides: Space Mountain. The rollercoaster, built in Florida in 1974 and in California a few years later, is not for the faint of heart or anyone afraid of the dark.

The good folks at ImagineeringDisney.com have tracked down a collection of photos that were taken during the rollercoaster's construction at the Magic Kingdom in 1974. The photos, shot inside and out of the structure, show hardworking folks building what would become one of the most exhilarating coasters ever made.

Sit down, buckle up, and hold on tight.