The Space Bar was a counter-service restaurant in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, operating from July 17, 1955, to 1966. Located near Autopia and the Clock of the World, it featured a futuristic “automat” vending-machine system, offering snacks and drinks in a space-age setting. Designed by Imagineer Herb Ryman, it embodied Tomorrowland’s optimistic vision of the future and was removed during the 1967 Tomorrowland overhaul to make way for the Carousel of Progress.
Below are 10 fun facts about The Space Bar (1955–1966) at Disneyland:
- Automat Innovation: The Space Bar used an automat system, where guests selected snacks and drinks from vending-machine windows, combining futuristic automation with restaurant variety.
- Stratosnak Branding: Officially named the Tomorrowland “StratoSnak” Space Bar, it reflected a playful, space-age theme, with “Stratosnak” suggesting high-altitude, cosmic snacking.
- Herb Ryman’s Design: Conceived by Disney Imagineer Herb Ryman, the stand’s sleek, metallic look and open patio aligned with Tomorrowland’s 1955 vision of a high-tech future.
- Central Location: Positioned at the rear of Tomorrowland near Autopia, it offered views of the bustling promenade and Skyway cabins, ideal for people-watching.
- Maxwell House Coffee: From 1955 to 1957, the Space Bar served Maxwell House coffee, part of a park-wide synergy with 16 Disneyland eateries featuring the brand.
- Carnation Products: Alongside snacks, it offered Carnation Farms products, like ice cream or milk-based drinks, tying into Tomorrowland’s corporate-sponsored dining.
- Coin-Based Revenue: The automat’s vending machines generated thousands of dollars daily in coins, weighed for deposits due to high volume, as recalled by cast member Dean Penlick.
- Patio Seating: The sunny outdoor patio featured 26 metal canopies (4’x4’) on steel posts, providing shaded seating with views of Autopia’s racetrack and Tomorrowland’s spires.
- 1958 Expansion: A storage addition was built in 1958, costing $1,615.57, with contributions from contractors like Allstate Roofers, enhancing the stand’s operational capacity.
- Closure for Overhaul: The Space Bar closed in 1966 to accommodate the 1967 Tomorrowland redesign, with its space repurposed for the Carousel of Progress, reflecting Walt Disney’s evolving vision.
