Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a theme park filled with thrilling rides, delectable food, and unforgettable experiences. One of the most popular attractions is Space Mountain, a high-speed roller coaster in the dark that takes riders on a journey through the galaxy. With its high speeds, twists, and turns, it’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers and Disney fans alike. Let’s find out more about Space Mountain at Disney World.
The History of Space Mountain
Space Mountain first opened its doors at Disneyland in California in and very quickly became a fan favorite. The Magic Kingdom version opened in 1975 and has been thrilling guests ever since. The ride takes guests on a journey through outer space, complete with stars, comets, and other celestial sights and sounds.
An Iconic Structure
The ride is housed in a large, partly cone-shaped building with a white futuristic exterior design that fits in so well in Tomorrowland. The building is an iconic structure up there with Spaceship Earth at Epcot and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios..
The interior of the building is designed to look like a high-tech space facility, with dim lighting and special effects like strobe lights and sound effects that add to the overall experience.
The Ride Experience
Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that takes riders on a high-speed journey through the galaxy. The coaster trains are designed as small spaceships, and guests will experience the thrill of liftoff, as well as some unexpected twists and turns.
The ride lasts just over two minutes, but it’s packed with thrills and excitement. This is mainly due to the ride being in the dark after your initial take off up. No matter how many times you have ridden Space Mountain the twists and turns in the dark are still very thrilling making it a classic roller coaster experience.
With the ride itself being in complete darkness, it really adds to the excitement. The soundtrack and special effects also enhance the experience, making it feel like you are truly flying through the galaxy.
Space mountain Height Requirements
Space Mountain has a height requirement of 44 inches, so be sure to check before you get in line. If you don’t meet the height requirement, there are still plenty of other attractions at the Magic Kingdom that you can enjoy.
Lightning Lanes and Standby Lines
Space Mountain is a popular ride, so wait times can be long throughout the day. However, guests can use the Disney Genie+ system to reserve a lightning lane time slot and skip the regular line.
If you prefer to ride the coaster without a reservation, you can wait in the standby line. Just be prepared for a wait, especially during busy times of the year.
Space Mountain Rider Swap
Rider Swap is available for Space Mountain, also known as Child Swap, is a program offered by Walt Disney World that allows families with small children or individuals who do not wish to ride certain attractions to take turns waiting with the non-riding member while the rest of the party rides.
Rider Swap is a convenient and efficient way for families with small children to experience popular attractions like Space Mountain without having to wait in line twice. It also allows everyone in the party to enjoy the attraction, regardless of age or height restrictions.
Rider Swap is available for most attractions at Walt Disney World, including Space Mountain. However, it is important to check with a Cast Member at the attraction entrance for specific details and restrictions.
Is Space Mountain at Disney World Scary?
Space Mountain can be considered somewhat intense or thrilling, but whether it’s considered “scary” really depends on the individual rider’s personal feelings and experiences. Some people enjoy the dark, high-speed nature of the ride and find it exciting, while others may find it a little too intense or frightening.
The ride takes place in complete darkness, which adds to the feeling of speed and height, and features sudden drops and turns that can be intense for some riders. The special effects, such as strobe lights and sound effects, can also contribute to the intensity of the experience.
It’s important to keep in mind that Space Mountain has a height requirement of 44 inches (112 cm), so it’s not recommended for very young children or those who are not comfortable with roller coasters. If you’re unsure about the ride, you can always watch other riders or ask for a Cast Member’s opinion to get a better idea of what to expect.
Tips for a Smooth Space Mountain Experience
Space Mountain is a popular attraction that can have long wait times, but with a few tips, you can make the most of your experience.
1. Arrive Early
Arriving early is one of the best ways to beat the crowds and get a chance to ride Space Mountain with minimal wait time. Try to get to the park for rope drop. This is usually when the wait time is at its shortest, and you can take advantage of this opportunity to ride Space Mountain before the crowds build up.
On our last trip we were waiting at the entrance of Tomorrowland for rope drop and when the park opened we walked straight on to Space Mountain with no wait at all. By the time we came out the wait time was already starting to build up.
2. Use a Lightning Lane
Disney Genie+ is a system that allows guests to reserve a lightning lane (time slot) for a ride and skip the regular standby line. Space Mountain is a popular ride and the wait time can be long, so using a lightning lane can save you a lot of time.
3. Go During the Parade or Fireworks
If you want to avoid long lines, try triding when the afternoon parade is taking place or during the evening fireworks.. During these times, Tomorrowland is less crowded, and you’ll have a better chance of getting a chance to ride Space Mountain with a shorter wait time.
I have done this many times in the past and the wait times really drop significantly especially for during the evening fireworks.
You can also get on Space Mountain really quickly just before Magic Kingdom closes but you will have to stay in the park quite late.
4. Prepare for the Ride
Before you get on the ride, be sure to read the safety guidelines, and make sure you are comfortable with the height and speed requirements. Space Mountain is a high-speed coaster that can be intense, so it’s important to be prepared and know what you’re getting into. This is especially the case if you have younger children in your party that might find the ride scary.
5. Enjoy the Experience
Finally, remember to enjoy the experience! Space Mountain is a thrilling ride that provides an out of this world experience. So relax, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride!
Related Posts:
- The Best Disney World Roller Coasters
- What Are the Scariest Rides at Disney World?
- Is Tower of Terror Scary?
- Rock n Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
- The Little Mermaid Ride at Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain at Disney World – A Classic Disney Coaster
Space Mountain is a classic and iconic attraction at Magic Kingdom that has thrilled millions of guests over the years. With its high-speed thrills, special effects, and outer space-themed environment, it’s easy to see why this ride remains a fan favorite. Whether you’re a roller coaster enthusiast or just looking for a fun and exciting adventure, Space Mountain is definitely a ride worth experiencing. So why not strap in, blast off, and experience the thrill of a lifetime at Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom!
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