Other than Cinderella’s Castle, can you think of anything more identifiable at Walt Disney World than Space Mountain? This ride isn’t just an attraction—it’s an out-of-this-world adventure! From its retro space-age atmosphere to its futuristic themes, Space Mountain blasts you through an unforgettable journey that’s equal parts nostalgia and next-level excitement.
Space Mountain: Iconic Walt Disney World Landmark
Since it first launched riders on Jan. 15, 1975, Space Mountain has been sending millions of Disney visitors on a wild ride through outer space! Standing at 183 feet tall, this towering landmark sets the stage for a thrilling journey into the future, where every twist, turn and sudden drop feels like you’re soaring through the stars. It’s a space adventure that’s been giving guests of all ages a magical ride for decades!
The ride is packed with special effects, technological wonder, stars, planets, solar systems and so much more! While it may not be true space travel, it’s the closest we’re going to get…and, if I may add, it’s pretty phenomenal. Plus, it’s the last ride that Walt Disney personally worked on. So, you can rest assured it’s going to be unforgettable!
Inside the 300 foot diameter dome, you will find two tracks knowns as Alpha and Omega. Each track is approximately 3,000 feet tall. The attraction reaches a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. I, for one, thought it went much faster! However, it is the darkness and special effects that lead to the exhilarating feeling of super fast space travel. As a side note, my family rode it during MIckey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. During this spooky event, you can ride Space Mountain in total darkness…EEK! It takes the experience to an entirely new level of fun.
Space Mountain was so popular, the imagineers created similar experiences at five out of six Disney resort destinations around the world.
Because Walt Disney felt very strongly about constant modernization for his parks, the Imagineers are constantly reworking and upscaling to keep up with the latest technological trends. Since my daughter is an aspiring Imagineer, I know all about these concepts. If you’re interested, there are plenty of fascinating behind-the-scenes shows on Disney+ about Imagineers and the ups and downs they experienced when creating the most iconic attractions. There is even one about Space Mountain! The series is called Behind the Attraction.
Not only is Space Mountain an example of innovation, it shows how science and magic can work together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Space Mountain Anniversary Fun Facts
For more information about Space Mountain, visit Walt Disney World.
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