At a Glance
Duration: 2 minutes, 30 seconds
Look Out For: high speeds, darkness, flashing lights, loud noises, twists, turns, and drops
Space Mountain has been a Magic Kingdom classic for decades now. Opening on January 15, 1975, this space-themed attraction continues to thrill park goers with its amazing theming and it’s dark indoor track. But how scary is Space Mountain? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Space Mountain has a ride duration of only 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Space Mountain has a height restriction of 44 inches. In addition, children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s also a no go for pregnant riders or those with back or neck problems.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Space Mountain ride vehicles consist of 2 cars with 3 single-file seats in each. Every seat has its own lap bar and if you’re riding with a young child who wants to sit next you or hold your hand – this layout might not be a great fit for them due to its single-file nature.
4. How does Space Mountain Work?
Space Mountain works like a standard roller coaster with lifts, turns, and drops.
5. Is Space Mountain Scary?
Space Mountain may be a bit scary to some riders. This is mostly due to its dark nature and pretty intense flashing lights at various points on the ride. However, there is no spooky imagery, and unless you or your child has a fear of outer space, the theming is actually pretty pleasant and amazing to look at.
6. How High is Space Mountain?
Space Mountain involves some mild heights. While there are a couple of indoor lifts, the indoor nature of this ride doesn’t lend itself to the sensation of being up too high. Because the coaster is inside a building, the track remains pretty close to the ground at all times.
7. How Fast is Space Mountain?
Space Mountain does go fast. This ride is fairly tame by roller coaster standards as it only reaches a top speed of 28.7 miles per hour and has no loops or upside down portions whatsoever.
8. Does Space Mountain Have Drops?
Space Mountain does have some drops. While it is certainly a roller coaster, it’s actually pretty tame as mentioned earlier. I’m linking a video of the ride with the lights on so you can see what I mean. As you can see, there are no wild movements, loops, or corkscrews – just a basic coaster track with a few dips and turns.
What does make this ride intense, though, is the fact that it takes place almost entirely in the dark. Not being able to see where your going can heighten the sensation of drops and turns, so be prepared for that. In addition, not being able to see your surroundings while zipping around in the dark can be disorienting and even anxiety-inducing for some. Not to mention that old rides like this one tend to be quite bumpy and turbulent just due to their age.
9. Does Space Mountain Cause Motion Sickness?
Space Mountain should not cause motion sickness to most riders.
10. Is Space Mountain Claustrophobic?
Space Mountain could be claustrophobic to some riders. The queue – with its lack of windows and tight quarters – as well as the ride vehicles can feel a bit confining. However, in my opinion, the short ride duration and the darkness actually help a bit with the restricted feeling.
11. Are There Animatronics on Space Mountain?
There are no animatronics on Space Mountain.
Space Mountain Queue Walkthrough
The entrance to the queue is located outside in the Tomorrowland area and takes you through a dimly lit room with dark walls and ceilings. From there, you’ll make your way through a very well-themed series of tunnels that resemble something you might find in a space station – or at least in the movies! Most of the queue is made up of these tunnels and could be claustrophobic to some due to the lines typically being long and sharing the space with a lot of other people.
The star tunnel does widen a bit at some points, but for the most part, if you aren’t made uncomfortable by the beginning of the queue, you should have no problem getting through the rest of it.
As you approach the loading station, you’ll be ushered into a large, long room and positioned to board the ride vehicles. Now, there is an exit at this point in the queue, so if you or a family member needs it or decides not to ride, that might help you get through the queue as well – just knowing that it’s there.
Space Mountain Ride Walkthrough
When you board the ride vehicle, you’ll be seated at the front, middle, or back of your car in a single-file row. After securing the lap bars, the ride will begin by turning the corner, going through a flashing light tunnel, and then climbing its first lift.
From there, the coaster takes you through a series of turns and dips as you fly through the beautiful space-themed landscape – though you might be going too fast to really take it in. There’s at least one notable drop and one more light tunnel throughout the duration of the ride – but after that, you’re back at the loading station.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Space Mountain? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out these videos from Attractions Magazine and JohnYChen:
