Fun fact: aside from La Ronde in my native Montreal, my first major theme park was Disneyland! At five, I rode Space Mountain for the first time. Then, I returned 25 years later to ride it with my own five-year-old daughter! Back then, there was no internet to search “how scary is Space Mountain?” We just had to try it!
Now, we have the luxury of Googling before we get in line. We’ve been on Space Mountain at Disneyland and at Walt Disney World resort (but didn’t make it on in Japan). We’ll share what we know so you can make an informed decision!
Space Mountain at Disney
This post is a little tricky because this ride is different at every Disney park. With its futuristic design, this is a classic and a rite of passage for many young thrill-seekers. It’s like a transition from little kiddie rides to something more intense.
Unfortunately, even if little ones feel ready to hop on board, they aren’t always tall enough. That happened during our last visit with Caleb. He was pretty disappointed, so many sure you prepare kids for the possibility that they may not meet the ride height requirements. Also, please don’t try to put things in your kids’ shoes to make them seem taller. That’s so dangerous!
Is Space Mountain a Roller Coaster?
Yes, Space Mountain is a roller coaster. There are different versions at Magic Kingdom (Orlando), Disneyland (California), Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Park (Paris), and Hong Kong Disneyland.
This ride can vary so much from one location to the next. For example, in Paris and Hong Kong, it includes Star Wars theming. Also, in Paris there are three inversions and a launch! Let’s check out the ride specs for each park.
Related post: How to Overcome Fear on Roller Coasters
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom
- Opening date: January 15, 1975
- Height: 90 ft (27.4 m)
- Drop: 26 ft (7.9 m)
- Length: Alpha – 3,196 ft (974.1 m) Omega – 3,186 ft (971.1 m)
- Speed: 27 mph (43.5 km/h)
- Inversions: 0 0
- Duration: 2:30
- Height restriction: 44 in (112 cm)
- G-force: 3.7 (Alpha)
Space Mountain at Disneyland
- Opening date: May 27, 1977 (original), July 15, 2005 (reopening)
- Height: 76 ft (23 m)
- Length: 3,459 ft (1,054 m)
- Inversions: 0
- Duration: 3:00 min
- Capacity: 2,057 (11 rockets)
- 1,741: (10 rockets)
- 1,440: (9 rockets) riders per hour
- Height restriction: 40 in (102 cm)
Tokyo Disneyland
- Opening date: April 15, 1983
- Height: 85 ft (25.9 m)
- Drop: 17 ft (5.2 m)
- Length: 3,450 ft (1,051.6 m)
- Speed: 30 mph (48.3 km/h)
- Inversions: 0
- Duration: 2:45
- Height restriction: 40 in (102 cm)
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Park Paris
- Opening date: May 7, 2017
- Height: 105 ft (32 m)
- Length: 3,281 ft (1,000 m)
- Speed: 44 mph (71 km/h)
- Inversions: 3
- Duration: 2:15
- Capacity: 2400 riders per hour
- Height restriction: 47.2 in (120 cm)
Hyperspace Mountain at Hong Kong Disneyland
- Opening date:
- Height: 100 ft (30 m)
- Length: 3,773 ft (1150 m)
- Inversions: 0
- Duration: 2:30
Is Space Mountain Scary?
Space Mountain could be scary for some riders, especially smaller kids who barely meet the height requirement. That being said, for decades this ride has brought thrills to many guests. Here are some elements to consider:
Darkness
There is a fair amount of dark spots on all versions of Space Mountain. If being in the dark adds to your fears, keep this in mind.
Inversions
There are no inversions on Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland (California) or Hong Kong Disneyland. There are THREE inversions on Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris.
Drop
All of the Space Mountains are about 100 feet or less, meaning the drop is not very tall. Compared to other rides at Disney parks, though, this is a more intense ride. It’s a good option for kids who are ready for something more thrilling than the Snow White Mine Train, for example, but aren’t ready for something bigger (like the Incredicoaster).
Speed
This is not an intensely fast ride.
Restraints
There are shoulder harnesses for this ride at Disneyland Paris, but otherwise it’s some form of lap bar. This may not feel secure enough to some nervous riders.
Best Things About Space Mountain
The thing we love best about Space Mountain is that it’s so iconic. It’s relatively fun ride that you’ve got to try at least once if you’re at a Disney park. There’s usually a long wait, so plan ahead for that!
The special effects were so ahead of their time when it first opened, and they’ve done a good job of updating this classic over the years. Even if it’s a little cheesy, we always have a good time. We hope you have fun!
