Shoot for the Moon – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Space Mountain Paris
In 1995, BBC2 debuted Shoot for the Moon, a captivating 45-minute documentary chronicling the creation of Disneyland Paris’ Space Mountain attraction. Filmed in 1994 during the intense development phase, the special offers a rare glimpse at how Disney Imagineers transformed a Jules Verne novel into a one-of-a-kind theme park thrill ride.
From Jules Verne’s Pages to Tomorrowland
Inspired by Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon, the Disneyland Paris version of Space Mountain broke new ground in storytelling and engineering. The documentary details how Imagineers used the steampunk aesthetic and literary tone of Verne’s world to craft something unique among Space Mountains around the globe.
Project Manager Tim Delany leads the charge, taking viewers through the attraction’s design, construction, and opening-day readiness efforts. Along the way, we see the creative vision taking shape—blending artistry with technical innovation.
A Tribute to Walt Disney and Disney Legends
Shoot for the Moon includes appearances by Disney Legends, including Ward Kimball, who reflect on how the attraction’s retro-futuristic vibe connects to Walt Disney’s own fascination with space travel. These moments give the documentary historical depth and emphasize the continuity between Walt’s vision and modern-day Imagineering.
Music, Motion, and Challenges
The film also highlights the musical and technical elements of the ride. Composers and sound designers show how they developed a score that amplified the ride’s emotional arc and reinforced its bold, adventurous tone.
Troubleshooting the attraction before opening day presented another key challenge. Engineers and artists worked side-by-side to ensure the coaster’s effects, launch sequences, and synchronized music ran flawlessly. Seeing those last-minute fixes adds a compelling, human layer to the story of Space Mountain’s launch.
A Historic Launch for Disneyland Paris
Shoot for the Moon offers more than just a documentary—it captures a milestone moment in Disney Parks history. Disneyland Paris’ Space Mountain opened as one of the most ambitious Disney roller coasters ever created, blending rich storytelling with high-tech thrills.
You might like Welcome to the World from 1975.Grand Opening of Euro Disneyland. Inside Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris Memories. 10 things to know before you go to Disneyland Paris 2008.
