This past weekend marked forty years since Disneyland park guests first cleared for launch aboard Space Mountain. This Disney Parks classic first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland park began soon after. To mark its fortieth anniversary, I’d like to share some of my favorite photos of Space Mountain – which also happens to be my favorite Disneyland park attraction!

George Savvas first shared this photo, showing the 1976 construction of Space Mountain.

And here we see guests preparing to blast off not long after it opened.

This photo was shot by former Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer, who always had a knack for finding unique perspectives. And if you look closely, you may just see a bit of Paul in the photo!

And finally, I love this enchanting photo of Space Mountain looming above Tomorrowland in the starlight.

Experience this Disneyland park classic again when Space Mountain reopens June 1!