Are you hesitant about climbing aboard the ominous Space Mountain rollercoaster? You’re not alone, due to the indoor, dark design of this coaster the fear of the unknown can make riders apprehensive!
Our guide dives into an in-depth exploration of what makes this Disney World attraction tick, helping you discover if it is suitable for you or not!
What is Space Mountain?
Nestled in the heart of Tomorrowland inside Magic Kingdom Park, this star-studded attraction rockets us into outer space for an unforgettable journey.
The backdrop? Pitch-black darkness punctuated by vibrant stars and asteroids! The concept of our thrilling escapade is based on Walt Disney’s innovative vision of exploring space.
Expect high-speed sharp turns, sudden drops, and gravity-defying ascents – all packaged in a breath-taking dark setting to amplify the element of surprise.
Despite its popularity amongst thrill-seekers, it might not be ideal for everyone due to its intense nature.
Is Space Mountain Scary?
Space Mountain is not typically considered a scary ride. Its thrill factor comes more from its darkness and the unexpected turns and drops, which can be overwhelming for some, particularly younger riders.
The ride doesn’t feature any inversions, but its low visibility can make it feel faster than it actually is.
Age/Height Requirements
For both Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, riders must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Space Mountain. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of all guests.
In terms of age, Disneyland requires that guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a guest aged 14 or older. At Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, children must be 7 years or older to ride any attraction alone.
Target Audience
Space Mountain is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. While its height requirement allows most children around the age of 4 or 5 to ride, it’s the thrill-seekers who generally enjoy Space Mountain the most.
The coaster’s dark, fast-paced and twisty nature makes it a favorite for teenagers and adults seeking an adrenaline rush. However, it’s not just for the thrill-seekers – families and those who enjoy sci-fi themes also find it appealing
Space Mountain USA Stats
| Statistic | Disneyland (California) | Magic Kingdom (Florida) |
| Ride Style | Indoor Roller Coaster | Indoor Roller Coaster |
| Height | 100 feet | 183 feet |
| Top Speed | 35.2 mph | 28 mph |
| Length | 3,459 feet | 3,196 feet (Alpha track), 3,186 feet (Omega track) |
| Ride Duration | Approx 2.5 minutes | Approx 2.5 minutes |
| Capacity | 6 per train | 6 per train |
Science Behind Space Mountain
The ride vehicle for Space Mountain is designed to simulate a spaceship, adding to the immersive experience.
Alpha vs Omega Tracks
Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World does have two different tracks, named Alpha and Omega. These tracks are essentially mirror images of each other, providing guests with the same thrilling experience.
They provide the same thrilling experience, with the same number of twists, turns, and drops. However, the Alpha track is about 10 feet longer than the Omega track.
This slight difference in length is due to layout purposes, but it does not significantly impact the overall ride experience.
As for preferences, we recon that Alpha has more hills and drops, while Omega has more curves and spirals. But these differences are minor and largely a matter of personal perception.
Speed and intensity
The ride accelerates through a dark setting, adding an element of mystery and adrenaline to the overall experience.
With its fast-paced movements, drops, and unexpected turns, Space Mountain guarantees an unforgettable adventure that will leave you breathless.
Space Mountain attractions at Disney’s various theme parks have slightly different speeds. However, on average, the ride reaches speeds of around 28 to 32 miles per hour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Space Mountain is a roller coaster that can definitely be considered scary for some people. The combination of the dark setting, fast speed, and unexpected drops and turns can create an adrenaline-pumping experience that may leave you gripping the edge of your seat.
However, it is important to remember that everyone’s perception of fear is different, so what might be scary for one person could be thrilling for another.
If you enjoy heart-pounding thrill rides and are not sensitive to darkness or jerky movements, then Space Mountain is definitely a must-try attraction at Disney World or any other location where it exists.
FAQs
Does Space Mountain Go Upside Down?
No, Space Mountain does not feature any inversions, loops, or corkscrews. This applies to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom versions of the ride in the United States.
Can two people sit together on Space Mountain?
Guests experience Space Mountain in rocket-shaped vehicles with individual front-to-back style seating. There are three seats per rocket with two connected rockets experiencing the ride linked together
Is Alpha or Omega better on Space Mountain?
There’s not much of a difference except for the length of the ride. The Alpha track is stretched further, so the ride lasts a little bit longer. Omega’s track is at 3,186 feet while the Alpha track is at 3,196 feet.
Is Space Mountain Pitch Black?
Space Mountain is primarily a pitch-black ride. The concept of the ride is to simulate a space journey, and to achieve this, Disney designed the ride to be in near-total darkness with only minimal lighting to mimic stars and other space elements.
However, it’s not completely dark as there are some lighting effects throughout the ride that simulate stars and asteroids.
