Is Space Mountain Scary? A Ride Review

Is Space Mountain scary? We share our thoughts on this popular Disney ride, share its history and, discuss the pros and cons in this ride review.

Space Mountain is a fun ride that can be enjoyed by the whole family, however, it can be a little scary for younger children or those who aren’t a fan of faster rides.

History of Space Mountain

Space Mountain stands as a testament to the ingenuity and imagination of Disney Imagineers, captivating generations of visitors with its thrilling journey through the cosmos.

The concept of Space Mountain was born in the late 1960s, during a period of immense excitement and fascination with space exploration. Walt Disney himself had a keen interest in space travel, and the success of attractions like the “Flight to the Moon” at Disneyland fueled his desire to create a more immersive experience.

The initial idea for Space Mountain was conceived as a roller coaster set within a futuristic space station, with guests hurtling through the stars in sleek rocket-shaped vehicles. However, bringing this vision to life proved to be a daunting challenge, requiring groundbreaking technology and innovative design concepts.

After years of meticulous planning and development, Space Mountain made its grand debut on January 15, 1975, at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida.

This marked the world’s first indoor, completely enclosed roller coaster, a revolutionary concept that allowed for a thrilling experience regardless of weather conditions.

The Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain featured twin tracks, each winding through a dazzling array of cosmic scenery, illuminated by swirling galaxies and twinkling stars. The ride vehicles, designed to resemble futuristic spacecraft, soared through the darkness at exhilarating speeds, creating a sensation of interstellar travel unlike anything seen before.

The success of Space Mountain at Walt Disney World paved the way for its expansion to other Disney parks around the globe.

Disneyland in California unveiled its version of Space Mountain on May 27, 1977, featuring a single-track layout nestled within the iconic white dome of Tomorrowland.

Is Space Mountain Scary?

We love theme parks but even though I love a fast-paced ride, my husband… not so much.

If you love rollercoasters and faster rides, Space Mountain is a breeze. But, if you are a more nervous rider, there are a few things to anticipate.

Firstly, you queue indoors with echoing corridors and neon lights; which can make younger children a little nervous. The ride itself is dimly lit, with a winding track that goes fast. Although the ride itself isn’t too jerky with no extreme turns, twists, or loops, the dark labyrinth can be a little spooky.

The start of the ride is fast, you can expect a jerk forward as you are thrown into darkness, but after that, the ride sweeps and twists with less acceleration than you may expect. however, do expect punctuated drops every so often; these drops aren’t particularly big but they do happen unexpectedly.

What sets Space Mountain apart is its masterful blend of immersive theming and exhilarating thrills. The darkness, rather than inducing fear, serves to heighten the sense of adventure, obscuring the track ahead and amplifying the element of surprise.

Is Space Mountain accessible?

Moreover, Space Mountain is accessible to a wide range of riders, from thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies to families seeking a galactic escapade. Its relatively tame intensity makes it an ideal introduction to roller coasters for younger guests, while still offering plenty of excitement for seasoned enthusiasts.

What is the Weight and Height limit?

As a safety precaution, guests must meet a minimum height requirement, typically around 40 inches or taller, to experience the thrilling journey through the cosmos. Additionally, there is a weight limit enforced to ensure secure seating and harnessing within the ride vehicles.

While these specifics can vary slightly depending on the park and version of Space Mountain, they are implemented to guarantee the enjoyment and safety of all riders as they embark on this exhilarating adventure into the depths of outer space.

What is the drop like in Space Mountain?

The drop experience in Space Mountain can vary depending on the version of the ride and the specific layout of the track.

In general, Space Mountain features a series of thrilling twists, turns, and sudden drops that simulate the sensation of space travel through a darkened environment.

While there are no extreme free-fall drops like those found in some roller coasters, riders may encounter sudden changes in elevation and steep inclines followed by rapid descents, creating an exciting and dynamic ride experience.

Where can you ride Space Mountain?

Space Mountain rides are iconic attractions found at various Disney theme parks around the world:

1. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, USA: Space Mountain is located in Disneyland Park.
2. Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, USA: There are two Space Mountain attractions – one in Magic Kingdom Park and another in Tokyo Disneyland in Japan.
3. Disneyland Paris: Space Mountain is situated in Discoveryland.
4. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: Space Mountain is part of Tomorrowland.
5. Shanghai Disney Resort: The park features a unique version called “TRON Lightcycle Power Run,” which has a similar concept to Space Mountain but with a TRON theme.

Does Space Mountain go upside down?

The traditional Space Mountain attractions found at Disney theme parks typically do not feature upside-down loops or inversions.

Riders may experience moments of weightlessness and steep angles, but they remain right-side-up throughout the ride.

However, there are variations of Space Mountain-like rides, such as the “Hyperspace Mountain” overlay during certain events at Disneyland parks, which may incorporate additional effects or themed elements but still do not include upside-down sections.

In the end, the question of whether Space Mountain is scary is subjective. For some, the prospect of hurtling through the darkness at high speeds may indeed provoke trepidation. Yet, for many, myself included, the allure of Space Mountain lies not in its fright factor, but in its ability to transport riders to a realm of pure, unadulterated adventure.

So, is Space Mountain scary? Perhaps in the eyes of some, but for those willing to embark on its cosmic voyage, the only thing to fear is missing out on the thrill of a lifetime.