Space Mountain at Disneyland: Things You Need to Know

Is Space Mountain still at Disneyland? You bet! The indoor roller coaster with an outer space theme was built in 1977, re-engineered in 2005, and re-themed in 2015. Its name changes once in a while to Hyperspace Mountain, and that's why the confusion sets in.

Is Space Mountain scary? That depends on what scares you. This ride is almost entirely dark except for small lights that simulate stars. It's like flying through outer space. It doesn't go upside down, but it does go around corners fast.

Star Wars effects include an intergalactic battle, but the best part is the Star Wars theme music playing as the ride takes off. And some people say it seems like it goes faster than it did before - but that could be their imagination.

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What You Need to Know About Space Mountain

Space Mountain at Disneyland — Betsy Malloy Photography

Location: Space Mountain is in Tomorrowland.
Rating: ★★★★★
Restrictions: Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall. Regardless of height, children under age seven years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
Ride Time: 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Recommended for: Families with teens, anyone who likes fast rides. And especially Star Wars fans.
Fun Factor: High. In fact, Space Mountain is one of the best rides at Disneyland.
Wait Factor: High. If poor planning puts you in line without a Fastpass, you could wait more than 90 minutes. Learn how to use a Fastpass to shorten your time in line
Fear Factor: Medium, but it's more exciting than it is creepy scary.
Herky-Jerky Factor: It doesn't look like it from outside, but Space Mountain is a roller coaster. It's fast, dark, and goes around curves with lots of force. It's not for anyone with neck or back trouble, heart problems, and is not recommended for expectant mothers.
Nausea Factor: Prone to motion sickness? Some people say they regret riding Space Mountain immediately after eating, while others have no problem.
Seating: Space Mountain is one of the few rides at Disneyland where body size may be an issue. For your safety, they won't let you ride if the lap bar can’t lock. Riders as large as 6’4” and weighing more than 300 pounds have reported that they can fit in, although they say it's a little uncomfortable. Whether you can fit depends a lot on your body shape.
Accessibility: Ask any Cast Member for instructions to get to the boarding area. You will have to get out of your ECV or wheelchair and navigate steps when boarding and getting out of the Space Mountain ride vehicle. More about visiting Disneyland in a wheelchair or ECV.

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How to Have More Fun on Space Mountain

Boarding Area at Space Mountain — Norm Lanier/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0

When you suddenly stop near the end of the ride, put on your best smile. That's when they take the ride photo.
Put away your glasses and hat, or you may lose them. At least temporarily until they end up at Lost and Found.
If the ride breaks down, the lights come on. It's safer that way, but it also gives a rare chance to see what the track looks like, an experience some people say strips away too much of the magic.
If you crave more roller coaster-style thrills, you'll find them in the guide to Disneyland roller coasters.

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Fun Facts About Space Mountain

Disneyland's Space Mountain — Matthew Simmons / Getty Images

The original Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World in 1975, after a decade of planning. The California ride opened in 1977, with six U S. Mercury astronauts and the widow of Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom in attendance.

Space Mountain begins at Station 77, where riders board their "rocket." Space Mountain is 118 feet tall and 200 feet wide, and its foundation is buried two stories below ground to keep it in scale with the other Tomorrowland attractions.

Is It Different than Space Mountain in Florida?

Even if you enjoyed this ride in Florida, Space Mountain is worth another spin in California, where the boarding queue is much more entertaining. Once on the ride, you’ll find it darker and with more a feeling of flying through space. Seating is also different, with two people per row. It’s a configuration that's better if you like to hear your pals screaming and enjoy the jostling back and forth.

During Halloween season, Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy in California. A cadre of creepy ghosts show up at every turn and outside, another one tries to break out through the roof.

Next Disneyland Ride: Star Tours