Space Mountain

This Article Was Contributed by Curt

Location: Tomorrowland

Walt Disney himself dreamed up the concept behind Space Mountain in the 1960s. He wanted an attraction that reflected the ever-growing space age. After two years of construction, SM (Space Mountain ) opened in 1975 to rousing reviews.

Sitting at 3 feet above sea level, the 300-foot diameter building reaches a dizzying height of 180-feet at its topmost spire. Its size rivals many of Florida's natural mountains. The white concrete and steel building has become an icon associated with the Magic Kingdom almost as much as the castle itself. 

Ready for the ride?... LET'S GO!

Pre-Launch: As you approach the entrance to SM, to your left will be the FastPass machines. If you're wanting a FastPass, a Cast Member will assist you in obtaining your FastPass and another will make sure you measure up to the 44" ride requirement. Children under 7 are asked to be accompanied by an adult. There is also a sign which gives a guide to who perhaps should not ride this attraction due to things like a history of back problems for example.

Now you begin your journey through a twisting corridor which gives you the feel that you are walking down a corridor of a space station. Along this corridor you will find windows which give you a glimpse out into the universe. The twisting and turning suddenly ends, and before you is the Space Mountain Control Tower. To your left is the Alpha track and to your right is the Omega track. Which one to choose? Simply choose the one with the shortest line. Except for about 10 feet of track, they are identical in ride experience measuring 3,186 feet in length of thrills.

While waiting for your turn to go in outer space, make sure to take a look above you. Stars shine and meteors (or is that a giant chocolate chip cookie) whiz by. The excitement builds as you are able to hear the screams of others already soaring through space. To help pass the time in line, there are TV monitors showing PNN (Planetary News Network). Some of the characters you see on PNN may be familiar. Look closely. 

Blast Off

Now it's your turn. You step up to the loading platform and a Cast Member will instruct you where to stand. Six people capacity rockets approach and leave the platform. Each of the rockets are numbered. In total there are 31 such rockets available for use, 15 for each track, although only an average of 12 are used at a given time. What is that you say? Fifteen and fifteen equal 30 not 31. You're right! There isn't a #13 rocket.

Now that you're comfortably seated in your rocket its time to blast off. After a quick turn around a corner you begin the countdown to your adventure. At zero your zooming through space. This ride is in the dark of course since its dark in space. Only faint outlines of the track around you and the stars above you are visible. Space Mountain rockets have the capacity to run at 40mph, but the average speed is around 27mph. For 2 minutes and 30 seconds you're whisked through space on a journey you'll never forget!!

As you exit your rocket you head toward a moving sidewalk which parades you past an interesting exhibit presented by Federal Express. FedEx is the current sponsor of Space Mountain. 

Now you exit and wonder where to go from here... why back in line for another thrill ride on Space Mountain of course! If you dare!

Check out our visitor reviews for this attraction!

Last Updated: May 18, 2009