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Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster with versions at five Disney parks. It was the world’s first indoor coaster and is designed to simulate space flight. Each version has unique qualities, but all feature a fully immersive environment with projected images and sound effects. Recent experiments have included temporary overlay projections. The ride appears to travel at high speeds but never exceeds 30 mph. It is not recommended for young children or people with certain medical conditions. Park experts recommend riding early in the day due to its popularity.
Space Mountain is an indoor space-themed roller coaster that has versions at five Disney parks. As an innovative use of dark-ride technology, the coaster allowed designers to place riders in a fully immersive environment. Disney World’s Space Mountain was the world’s first indoor coaster and the first to take place in a mostly dark environment. Since opening, the various versions of the ride have been consistently popular with Disney park guests.
America’s burgeoning space program of the 1960s inspired Disney officials to create a roller coaster simulating space flight for Disney World in Florida. Early designs for the ride resembled the popular Disney Matterhorn Bobsleds, with tracks that ran both inside and outside the ride. Ultimately, a mountain-like design that was originally intended to be a spaceport was selected for the ride. In 1975, Disney World Space Mountain opened and proved instantly popular. Plans for a West Coast version quickly followed, and Space Mountain opened at Disneyland in 1977.
While all versions of the bike are essentially similar in design and appearance, each has unique qualities. Disney World Space Mountain features a unique post-show that incorporates a treadmill. The Tokyo Disneyland version was originally identical to the California version, but recent updates have included a total redesign of the queue area. The Paris Disneyland version, called Space Mountain: Mission 2, is the most unusual, with a completely different mountain design and corkscrew and ring components.
Within each version of the ride, guests sit in ride cars that transport them from a loading dock to the main portion of the ride. Once out of the loading area, guests are completely surrounded by images projected from the outer space. Every race car is equipped with an on-board speaker system, called a Synchronized On-Board Audio System (SOBAT) that pumps music and sound effects into the car. The roller coaster zips through a downward spiraling track, with most versions including a location near the end of the ride where a photograph is taken. Guests can view photos after exiting the ride.
Recent experiments by Disney designers have resulted in temporary overlay projections on the ride. At Disneyland in California, Space Mountain was temporarily transformed into Rockin’ Space Mountain, with new visual effects and a soundtrack by rock band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. At Hong Kong Disneyland, a similar transformation was made for the 2007 Halloween season, swapping out the spacey feel for a festive theme. Both experiments met with mixed reactions from guests, and many Disney aficionados expressed relief when the rides were returned to their usual themes.
Space Mountain appears to travel at extremely high speeds, but most versions never exceed 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). they are traveling much faster than they really are. However, this ride is not recommended for young children, as it can be frightening for some.
If you’re visiting one of the Disney parks that contain the ride, park experts recommend riding it early in the day. At most parks, the ride remains consistently popular, and daytime lines can be as long as 90 minutes. As with any thrill ride, people with neck or back injuries, pregnant women, or people with heart conditions should consult a doctor before riding. If given the all-clear by a doctor, hop aboard, fasten your seat belt, and hang on to Mickey’s ears for a wild ride through space.
