Is Space Mountain Scary? All You Need to Know [2024]
From the Author: I live in Los Angeles, but my family drove to Walt Disney World in Florida every year when I was little from the northeast.
Is Space Mountain Scary?
No, as an adult, I don’t find Space Mountain scary. As a six-year-old, I found it terrifying.
Space Mountain in Disney is a roller coaster ride in pitch black in the dark; that is what I found scariest about the ride as my six-year-old self. As an adult, I find it jerky, rickety, and bouncy, and you can’t see where you’re going.
I guess that’s why people like it?
IS SPACE MOUNTAIN SCARY
What is Space Mountain?
Space Mountain is an indoor ride. The entire ride takes place in darkness, mimicking an outer space vibe.
It speeds through the dark night sky, making sharp, quick turns, and has several drops.
Space Mountain first opened at Disney World Resort in 1975 and quickly became a hit. It’s located in the Magic Theme Park, in Tomorrowland. Just take a right at Cinderella’s castle.
Most won’t find Space Mountain intimidating because it is a relatively slow rollercoaster with speeds of 28mph.
But since it is in complete darkness, it can be unnerving. And it’s jerky and doesn’t have the smoothness of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Dwarfs Mine Train.
A long time ago, in a Magical Kingdom far, far away, a six-year-old got onto Space Mountain because her overzealous father convinced the Disney attendant to let the little girl on the ride after he told her to stand on her tippy toes to reach the height requirement.
That little girl was me.
I was way too small for Space Mountain at the time.
On the first drop, my butt left the seat and rose about a foot in the air. I was so little that the lap bar didn’t hold me in during the largest drop.
Had my dad not been holding me, I would have fallen out.
I still vividly remember that day, like it happened just yesterday. Obey the height restrictions and listen to your children if they tell you they do not want to go on a ride.
Age and height requirements to get on Space Mountain?
The height requirements to ride Space Mountain can vary depending on the Disneyland or Disney World theme park you’re visiting.
However, as a general rule, most Disney parks require riders to be at least 44 inches (113 cm) tall to ride Space Mountain.
Space Mountain Speed: Although Space Mountain creates the illusion of traveling at high speeds through space, its actual top speed is only 28mph.
The ride’s speed may feel faster due to the darkness and the twisting track, which adds to the thrilling experience.
What to Expect
Space Mountain is a roller coaster ride that includes rapid turns, sudden drops, and a few jolts throughout the experience. Despite its initial appearance, the ride’s relatively moderate speed makes it an excellent option for first-time roller coaster riders.
In comparison to some of the other roller coasters at Disney World, Space Mountain is much less intense, providing a more comfortable ride. Thus, those who are apprehensive about being frightened can still delight in this ride.
Ride Vehicle
Space Mountain, one of the most popular rides at Disney World, features a single rocket car with three seats that take guests on a thrilling journey through space. Two rockets are coupled together, allowing up to six people to ride together. It’s worth noting that each person has their own seat, so be mindful of young riders accompanying you.
As you board the ride, pull the t-shaped lap bar towards you and make sure to keep any bags on top of the bar, not under it.
Related Content: Age for Disney Tickets – Everything You Need to Know About Age Requirements for Disney 2023
The Track
At Disney World, Space Mountain comprises two distinct tracks, Alpha and Omega, which intersect with each other throughout the journey. Due to the darkness, riders are only able to hear the sound of other vehicles whizzing past them, making for an immersive experience.
Space Mountain’s Queue – What to Expect
When you walk up to most Disney rides, the end of the line can seem miles back. Expect this when you have your heart set on riding Space Mountain; it’s one of the most popular rides at Disney and often has long lines. The morning lines won’t be as long as the afternoon lines.
IS SPACE MOUNTAIN SCARY
Space Mountain Disneyland Park vs. Space Mountain Disney World
Two years after the opening of Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Resort in California replicated its success by introducing the same ride.
Because of space limitations, there are several differences between Space Mountain Disney Park and Space Mountain Disney World.
- The height limit is lower at 40 inches tall (102 cm)
- Only one track exists at Disneyland CA, not two
- Rocket cars sit two people across instead of a single seater. This allows more people to ride it simultaneously since building two tracks didn’t work due to a lack of space
- This track is 15 seconds longer than either Alpha or Omega at Disney World
- These rockets speed at 35 mph, 7 miles an hour faster than their counterpart in Florida, making it the 3rd fastest ride at Disneyland.
🌟Did you know the fastest ride is actually at Disney California Adventure? For thrill-seekers, California Adventure Park is where it’s at.
Similar Space Mountain Type Rides: Disneyland Paris Hyperspace Mountain
Hyperspace Mountain Paris has three inversions within this dark ride. So, the seats are equipped with a shoulder harness. And two people sit across, not one.
In 2017 for Paris Disney’s 25th anniversary, this ride was recreated into its current Star Wars theme. Another difference is part of its track is outdoors! This is the fastest Space Mountain ride at 44 mph, and therefore riders must meet the height requirement of 47 inches in height.
Hong Kong Disney’s Hyperspace Mountain
This ride combines the track of Disneyland CA’s ride with the theme of Hyperspace Mountain Paris.
Tokyo Disney’s Space Mountain
Like Walk Disney World in Florida, Tokyo Space Mountain has a futuristic vibe.
The height requirement is 40 inches, and the rocket travels at 30 mph.
It’s set to close in 2024 for an upgrade with state-of-the-art special effects and performances. And will hopefully reopen in 2027.
FAQs: Space Mountain
No, in my experience, Space Mountain isn’t the scariest ride or roller coaster. Other roller coasters at Disney, like Expedition Everest, have steeper drops. But Space Mountain is different because it’s an indoor rollercoaster.
It can be. It’s one of the classic dark rides; the intensity comes from being on a rollercoaster in darkness.
Per Disney’s Theme Park Policy, anyone not in good health, expectant mothers, those with high blood pressure or heart problems, and those who are prone to motion sickness. And, of course, those who do not like roller coasters.
I would add those with neck problems, as Space Mountain has hairpin turns that are jerky and unexpected.
The suitability of Space Mountain for small children depends on various factors, such as their height, weight, and temperament.
The ride is designed to be thrilling and exciting, but it can also be dark and have sudden drops and turns, which might be overwhelming for some young children. My 7-year-old is small and is scared on the Peter Pan ride, so Space Mountain is a hard “no” for her.
As a general guideline, the ride is recommended for children at least 44 inches (113 cm) tall, but it’s ultimately up to the parent or guardian to determine whether or not their child is comfortable and prepared to ride a jerky rollercoaster with tight turns. A good way to know if they are ready is to ask them. And listen to their answer.
They are a bit scary because you are in total darkness when riding Space Mountain. So you can’t see them coming. They are small, but out of nowhere, because it’s pitch black in Space Mountain.
No. The drops on Space Mountain are relatively small compared to other roller coasters with big drops at Disney, like Expedition Everest. The scary thing about Space Mountain is that it’s in the dark, so drops are small but unexpected unless you’ve ridden it often and know what to expect.
Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a journey through space, featuring sudden twists and turns and darkness that might be disorienting for some riders. On the other hand, Expedition Everest is an outdoor roller coaster that simulates a high-altitude mountain expedition, featuring a steep incline, sudden and steep drops, and encounters with the mythical Yeti.
Space Mountain has smaller drops than Everest but is in the dark with unexpected turns and a lot of jerkiness.
Based on my personal experience, I find Space Mountain to be scarier. A steep drop in the dark is scarier simply due to the darkness. I believe that the added element of darkness during the ride contributes to its scary nature.
Although Big Thunder Mountain reaches high speeds, it’s a much smoother ride. It has a fun theme that makes it an enjoyable experience.
Yes, but they are small. Space Mountain has sharp turns. There are no long drops or swooping hills as there are on a traditional roller coaster – only quick, unexpected turns and small drops.
The drop height on Space Mountain at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom varies throughout the ride. It ranges from approximately 26 to 39 feet (8 to 12 meters). The ride features multiple drops, twists, and turns in a completely enclosed, space-themed environment, making it a thrilling and popular attraction.
No. Space Mountain at Disney World doesn’t flip you upside down or have upside-down loops. Hyperspace Mountain, located at Disneyland in Paris, has three inversions leaving you with an intense adrenaline rush and stomach drop.
Space Mountain clocks in at around 2 minutes 40 seconds.
Space Mountain at Disney World reaches speeds of 28mph, while its counterpart in Disneyland, CA, travels a bit faster, reaching a top speed of 35mph. Both of these exhilarating rides are among the fastest attractions at their respective parks.
No. Not as of this publication on April 20, 2023. Space Mountain is expected to reopen on June 5, 2023. Space Mountain will be temporarily transformed into Hyperspace Mountain—a limited-time experience beginning May 1, 2023.
Yes, Space Mountain is a roller coaster attraction at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It’s an indoor coaster in pitch darkness that features thrilling drops, twists and turns while taking guests on a journey through space. The ride is completely enclosed in a space-themed environment, making it a unique and exciting experience.
IS SPACE MOUNTAIN SCARY
Final Thoughts: Is Space Mountain Scary?
So, now that you know more about the question, “Is Space Mountain Scary?” you can decide whether you and your little ones will enjoy the most thrilling roller coaster at Disney.
The scary ride feels from Space Mountain is the anticipation of not knowing when the drops will come because you can’t see them coming. The actual ride itself isn’t that scary.
So if you haven’t tried Space Mountain, make sure you don’t just check out Pirates of the Caribbean or the Haunted Mansion on your next trip to the Magic Kingdom, but leave time for thrill rides like Space Mountain! You will always remember it.
