Summary
Is Space Mountain still at Disneyland? You bet! The indoor roller coaster with an outer space theme was built in 1977, re-engineered in 2005, and re-themed in 2015. Its name changes once in a while to Hyperspace Mountain, and that’s why the confusion sets in.
Is Space Mountain scary? That depends on what scares you. This ride is almost entirely dark except for small lights that simulate stars. It’s like flying through outer space. It doesn’t go upside down, but it does go around corners fast.
Star Wars effects include an intergalactic battle, but the best part is the Star Wars theme music playing as the ride takes off. Moreover, some people believe it seems like it goes faster than it did before – but that could be their imagination.
What You Need to Know About Space Mountain
- Location: Space Mountain is in Tomorrowland.
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Restrictions: Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall. Regardless of height, children under age seven years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
- Ride Time: 2 minutes, 45 seconds
- Recommended for: Families with teens, anyone who enjoys fast rides, and especially Star Wars fans.
- Fun Factor: High. In fact, Space Mountain is one of the best rides at Disneyland.
- Wait Factor: High. If poor planning puts you in line without a Fastpass, you could wait more than 90 minutes.
- Fear Factor: Medium, but it’s more exciting than it is frightening.
- Herky-Jerky Factor: Although it doesn’t look like it from outside, Space Mountain is a roller coaster. It’s fast, dark, and goes around curves with plenty of force. It’s not suitable for anyone with neck or back issues, heart problems, and is not recommended for expectant mothers.
- Nausea Factor: Prone to motion sickness? Some riders report regretting Space Mountain immediately after eating, while others have no problems at all.
- Seating: Space Mountain is one of the few rides at Disneyland where body size may be an issue. For safety, riders must be able to lock the lap bar. Individuals up to 6’4” and over 300 pounds have managed to fit, though they note it’s somewhat uncomfortable. Fit may vary significantly depending on body shape.
- Accessibility: Ask any Cast Member for instructions to get to the boarding area. You will need to exit your ECV or wheelchair and navigate steps when boarding and exiting the Space Mountain ride vehicle.
How to Have More Fun on Space Mountain
- When you suddenly stop near the end of the ride, put on your best smile. That’s when they take the ride photo.
- Put away your glasses and hat, or you may lose them, at least temporarily until they end up at Lost and Found.
- If the ride breaks down, the lights come on. It’s safer that way, but it also gives a rare chance to see what the track looks like, an experience some say strips away too much of the magic.
- If you crave more roller coaster-style thrills, consider exploring nearby attractions.
Fun Facts About Space Mountain
The original Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World in 1975, following a decade of planning. The California ride opened in 1977, with six U.S. Mercury astronauts and the widow of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom present.
Space Mountain begins at Station 77, where riders board their “rocket.” Space Mountain stands 118 feet tall and is 200 feet wide, with its foundation buried two stories below ground to maintain scale with other Tomorrowland attractions.
Is It Different than Space Mountain in Florida?
Even if you enjoyed this ride in Florida, Space Mountain is worth another spin in California, where the boarding queue is significantly more entertaining. Once on the ride, you’ll notice it’s darker, providing a more immersive feeling of flying through space. Additionally, the seating configuration is different, accommodating two people per row, which enhances the thrill of hearing your friends scream and enjoying the jostling back and forth.
During Halloween season, Space Mountain transforms into Ghost Galaxy in California, as creepy ghosts appear at every turn, with another trying to break through the roof.
