Everything You Need to Know About Space Mountain

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom!

What is Space Mountain?

Space Mountain is a indoor, space-themed roller coaster which takes place almost entirely in the dark.

Where is Space Mountain?

Space Mountain is located in the rear of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

What is the History of Space Mountain?

Walt Disney had the idea for a space-themed coaster in the dark in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s and with improved technology that this idea was finally realized at the Magic Kingdom January 15, 1975. Actual astronauts were invited to consult in the creation of the attraction and to attend the opening ceremony.

As we now know, Space Mountain was a huge success and its iconic structure became a symbol for Tomorrowland. It also inspired Disneyland’s own version of Space Mountain which opened in 1977.

What Do You Need to Know About the Queue for Space Mountain?

Space Mountain’s queue is a long, winding, interior hallway intended to make guests feel as if they’re in outer space. It’s surprising how dark it actually is but it does have windows looking out at the stars and planets, as well as charts or images of galaxies and the like.

The queue once offered interactive games to keep guests entertained while they wait; but now guests can play games with each other using the Play Disney Parks app.

This lengthy queue eventually opens up to the loading area where guests are directed into a line for one of the two tracks to board.

What are the Ride Vehicles Like for Space Mountain?

Guests experience Space Mountain in rocket-shaped vehicles with individual front-to-back style seating. There are three seats per rocket with two connected rockets experiencing the ride linked together.

Each individual padded bucket seat is fixed very low to the floor of the rocket with an individual lap bar. Larger guests may find the lap bar uncomfortable as it fits low and snug over a guest’s lap.

What Do You Need to Know About the Ride Experience on Space Mountain?

Space Mountain is an upgraded Wild Mouse-style coaster with quick, sharp turns and sudden drops made even more thrilling in the dark. There are two identical ride tracks both offering the attraction’s signature flashing tunnels seen in all the attraction promos. There are no loops or inversions on Space Mountain, but this old-school coaster from the future is still considered a thrilling ride falling somewhere between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Rock n’ Roller Coaster.

While Space Mountain is a classic Disney attraction and incredibly popular, guests should note that it can be a really rough and jerky ride. Also, children may be nervous about the seating configuration as they can’t ride next to or touch a parent. Some parents find that sitting behind a child and placing a hand on their shoulder helps, but it may not be enough for certain young riders.

What Do You Need to Know About Accessibility for Space Mountain?

Guests must transfer to a standard wheelchair, and then to the ride vehicle to experience Space Mountain. It’s also important to note that service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

In order to board Space Mountain’s ride vehicles, guests must step over a small wall and then step down before practically sitting down in the rocket. Because the seats are so close to the floor of the ride vehicle, guests’ legs must extend out straight and under the sides of the seat in front of them.

What Do You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories for Space Mountain?

For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Also, children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Guests with a sensitivity to flashing lights, loud noises, or sudden drops may want to sit this one out as well.

What are the Height Restrictions for Space Mountain?

Guests must be at least 44 in. to experience Space Mountain. This attraction also offers Rider Swap.

What Do You Need to Know About FastPass+ for Space Mountain?

Space Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at the Magic Kingdom. Expect it to be busy from park open to close. If Space Mountain is a priority for you and your family, I recommend making a FastPass+ reservation as soon as possible.

Does Weather Affect Space Mountain?

This attraction is completely indoors and out of the elements so weather shouldn’t be an issue. Unless the queue is extended outside of the building, guests waiting to ride will be out of the weather as well.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Ride Space Mountain?

If you don’t catch Space Mountain first thing in the morning, use Fast- Pass+ or try again during the 30 minutes before closing.

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Space Mountain when you visit on a day with a given Magic Kingdom Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Space Mountain Wait Times.

Did I answer all of your questions about Space Mountain? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.