This morning's watercooler talk was inexplicably about rollercoasters, specifically about Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. Folks were discussing Space Mountain with the lights on. I experienced that years ago from the WEDway PeopleMover (now the Tomorrowland Transit Authority). We admired the twisted knot of steel. In fact, it made it a little scarier.

I maintain that the after-dark Big Thunder equals in-dark Space Mountain. But does lights-on Space Mountain resemble daylight Big Thunder?

Here's a video of illuminated Space Mountain. It definitely lacks ... edge. And it seems slower than the advertised 28 mph. You be the judge

Before there was Walt Disney World, there was the Orlando Sentinel. Shocking, I know. Here at our offices on North Orange Avenue, we have a stash of photos from back in the day, and some of my favorites are wacky theme park shots.

Today the Rangers kick off a series of photos as part of a Photo Treasure Hunt. We'll begin with the early days of our major parks and then maybe move into the more wacky ones. Feel the synergy of old and new media!

After the jump: the Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain under construction. Say it with me in that breathless TV news tone: Only on Theme Park Rangers!