Space Mountain (history, facts, & tips)

Space Mountain is one of many thrill rides at Walt Disney World and it’s definitely a favorite at Magic Kingdom.

The coaster juts around an indoor track that’s also pitch black, except for different space elements that you can see throughout. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

Quick Facts

• Location: Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland
• Height Requirement: 44 inches
• Description: An indoor roller coaster that takes place in the dark. The ride doesn’t go upside down but has lots and lots of drops and quick turns.
• When to Visit: Typically at opening/within the first hour.
• Recommended: Yes
• Tip(s): It’s usually best to head straight to this ride when the park opens.
• Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane Selection, or Virtual Queue: During busier times of the year, Space Mountain is available with Genie+. During slower times of the year, you can purchase as an Individual Lightning Lane selection.
• Scheduled Refurbishments

Everything You Need To Know About Space Mountain

Location

You can find Space Mountain towards the back of Tomorrowland. Here’s the location on the map.

Height Requirement

The height requirement for Space Mountain is 44 inches. Be sure to check out our guides on WDW thrill rides and height requirements for attractions.

Rider Switch & Single Rider

Rider Switch is offered for Space Mountain. This is Disney’s system allowing guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

As for a Single Rider Line (meaning you’d ride alone and enter this queue, instead of the Standby Line), it is not available for Space Mountain.

History

Space Mountain first opened in Tomorrowland on Jan. 15, 1975. It was the second attraction built specifically for Magic Kingdom, with the other being Country Bear Jamboree.

With the Space Age beginning in 1957 thanks to Sputnik, the addition of not only a space-inspired land, but also an out-of-this-world ride was a must, especially to attract more teenagers.

Imagineer and legend John Hench was at the helm of the design, which celebrates the Golden Age of Rocket Travel. The attraction is all about honoring the excitement around space travel.

The construction of Space Mountain was a big deal. So much so, in 1975, original Mercury Seven astronauts Scott Carpenter and Gordon Cooper and Apollo 15 astronaut Jim Irwin all attended the opening of the roller coaster. 

There’s no denying that Space Mountain, the first mountain of Walt Disney World, remains a classic.

Queue

The Space Mountain queue is primarily indoors (there is some outdoor overflow). Between the space vibes and the music and sounds (some of the best tunes in Magic Kingdom), this line has great theming.

It’s quite a lengthy queue, which shouldn’t be surprising, since it is a popular attraction. It even has an interactive queue, in which guests can play video games. These aren’t the most exciting games, but they can help past the time if the wait is long.

As you approach the end of the line and prior to boarding, the queue splits into two. Did you know there are two different tracks? Alpha (left) and Omega (right).

They are identical to one another, but Alpha’s track has an additional 10 feet of track for layout purposes. Even though they are essentially the same, there are some guests who prefer one side over another. 

Motion Sickness

Space Mountain is an intense coaster that has many sharp twists and turns. Plus, it’s in the dark. It’s a very jerky ride, meaning motion sickness is definitely possible. We have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.

Ride Vehicles

There are two vehicles attached to one another, with each car fitting three guests. So, there is a total of six guests per each vehicle.

Every guest rides by themselves and has a lap bar to pull down for safety. You don’t sit side by side, but rather in front of, between, or behind guests.

If you have little ones, this is important to keep in mind, because you won’t be able to sit directly beside them.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Space Mountain is a thrilling ride, but it isn’t for everyone. It could be scary for kids due to the coaster being completely in the dark and all of the twists and turns.

This is a ride that even some adults aren’t a fan of. So, if you have a child that scares easily, is afraid of the dark, or doesn’t like roller coasters, they probably should avoid Space Mountain and stick to more kid-friendly coasters, like Barnstormer.

We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.

PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos 

When riding Space Mountain, your photo will be taken on the attraction.

When you ride with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement, your photo will automatically be uploaded to your My Disney Experience account. The same can be said if you’re a WDW Annual Passholder.

Be sure to read more on PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works.

At the end of the ride, there’s also a touch point for those without a MagicBand to tap their park ticket or Memory Maker card. Your photo will then be added to your account.

Since there are two separate tracks, there are two different cameras. If you go Alpha (left), the camera is at the end of the star tunnel on the left as you take that first corner.

If you go Omega (right), the camera is also at the end of the star tunnel on the right as you take the first corner.

It’s fast, so be ready!

VIDEO

Here you can take a virtual fast and dark spin on Space Mountain. 

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