In Space, everyone can hear you scream
You hear the words Magic Kingdom and you probably think of two things: Mickey Mouse and Space Mountain.
Space Mountain is one of the most iconic rides in the world, which opened way back in 1975! Since then, this indoor roller coaster has gone through major updates, with the original track and vehicles being completely replaced in the past decade. The charm is still there and, more importantly, this is still a very fun ride that has aged like fine wine.
So, what exactly is Space Mountain? This might very well be the first dark indoor roller coaster to ever grace planet Earth. Well, it is the most popular one at least, that’s for sure. The idea here is that your vehicle is exploring the far corners of the galaxy and challenging the unknown. You are basically the Enterprise exploring the universe. Kinda.
There are a few blinking lights from time to time which simulate distant stars. The visual effects are not as impressive as what you see in Tron Lightcycle Run, but that is fine. Maybe that’s even for the better, since you are always in the dark and have no idea where you are going. You are only guided by the screams of other guests as vehicles zip past you.
Space Mountain isn’t about sharp turns, invertions or even crazy high speeds. In fact, Space Mountain only reaches a top speed of 28.7 mph, compared to Tron’s 59 mph! This actually makes this roller coaster a great option for families. Space Mountain manages to fit that middle ground between something like Hollywood Studios’ Slinky Dog Dash and Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest. It’s a coaster that manages to be intense in some sections, but never too intense. This also means that it’s great for kids and adults alike, since there is something for every guest to enjoy here.
Another great thing about this coaster? It's almost three minutes long, with very few moments of downtime. This makes it nearly double the runtime of Tron Lightcycle Run, which is crazy for an attraction that debuted so long ago.
If there's a downside to Space Mountain, it's that the vehicles aren't very comfortable for guests with larger body sizes. The seats are small and there isn't much legroom. Some may find entering the vehicle challenging, and once inside, finding a comfortable position can be a really difficult task. If you feel skeptical about it, try out one of the vehicles near the ride entrance and see for yourself if you are good to go. Your legs will thank you later.
This is also not a new ride, even if tracks and the vehicles get replaced from time to time. Some guests online complain that Space Mountain can be bumpy or janky. This might be related to the seats feeling claustrophobic. People have reported experiencing back and neck pains after riding it, so if you already suffer from those problems, it's definitely something to consider.
If you are okay with the seats and just want to have a fun time, you will most likely have a blast here. This is a great place to laugh and scream in the dark, without ever knowing where your vehicle is heading. Just great fun.
Will Kids enjoy it?
As we said before, Space Mountain is a fan favorite, and one of the best roller coasters in Magic Kingdom. You should bring your kids here just to experience an iconic ride, but definitely keep some things in mind.
First, this ride is entirely in the dark. Space Mountain doesn’t feature any huge drops or even sharp turns, but the fact that you can’t see makes your brain trick you into thinking things are faster and more intense than normal. There are a few short drops, especially near the end, with a drop height of around 26 ft, which catches guests by surprise.
Also keep in mind that vehicles are made to look like small rockets, with guests being seated one in front of the other. What I mean by saying this is that your children won’t have anyone next to them to talk to or even hold their hands in case they get too anxious or scared. It might be a good idea for parents to sit behind the little ones, which makes it possible to at least talk to them and say that everything is fine.
Other than that, this ride is a blast. On the thrilling scale, I’d definitely put it one step above Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder, mostly because Space Mountain is set in the dark and this might be something new and unusual for our little ones.
Space Mountain FAQ
Where is Space Mountain located?
Space Mountain is located in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
What is the height requirement to ride Space Mountain?
You must be at least 44″ to ride Space Mountain.
Is Space Mountain too scary for children?
Space Mountain isn’t overly intense, but it can be a bit scary for children for two reasons: first, the ride takes place entirely in the dark, and second, you must sit in a single seat with other guests in front or behind you.
Do we recommend Space Mountain?
Yes! It’s an absolute classic at Magic Kingdom and still offers a fun experience to this day.
