Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the Disney World rides with a passion, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our critiques.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is home to amazing E-ticket attractions such as TRON Lightcycle/ Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train as well as other classic rides such as Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. In fact, we have a bone to pick — and words of warning — when it comes to the famous Disney coaster that launches you through space.
We have to admit, when we were younger, Space Mountain was an incredibly exciting and enjoyable coaster. However, as we get older, we’re finding it harder and harder to have a pleasant time on the ride.
Space Mountain
For starters, getting in and out of the ride is a pain. Boarding the low-to-the-ground ride vehicles is a killer on the knees and getting out can be just as bad. From stumbling around and sometimes tripping to struggling just to work your way up and out, riding Space Mountain isn’t as easy as it used to be.
The ride vehicles are also cramped, which isn’t as much of an issue when you’re younger and smaller.
Space Mountain on-ride photo
Another major issue with Space Mountain is its roughness. The track and ride design is based on Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction, which is notorious for being incredibly unkind on backs and knees. Like the Matterhorn, Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain throws you around, has sudden jerky motions, and is an often bumpy ride.
The Matterhorn
Back in 2005, Anaheim’s Space Mountain re-opened with a completely new track after a two-year refurbishment. The results were amazing and, to this day, Disneyland’s Space Mountain is a much smoother experience that appeals to guests of all ages. Disneyland’s version also has more comfortable and spacious 2-seat-per-row ride vehicles.
While a two-year closure wouldn’t be ideal, a refurbishment of the ride that installs a smoother track and bigger ride vehicles for Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain would undoubtedly fix many issues that plague the attraction.
Space Mountain
We still think Space Mountain is totally worth a ride, but it admittedly gets harder and harder as we get older. Who knows — maybe Disney World will surprise us with a fix on the horizon! Until then, stay tuned here at DFB for all the latest Disney news, tips, and reviews!
Space Mountain in Disneyland vs. Disney World
Do you want to see Disney World change up Space Mountain or is it fine the way it is? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
They could make it a big one-track coaster and put in on-car audio.
I have not been able to ride Space Mountain for literal years, due to back and neck problems. It’s too rough and jerky. I have no issues with GotG or Mission Space, ToT, or Slinky Dog Dash… just this one and a few others that aren’t smooth
They also need to make it more handicap accessible. I was there years ago and they used to let you bring the ECVs thru the queue. Now they won’t let you and they only have narrow wheelchairs for transfer that I won’t fit in. I tried walking the line with my cane. Getting in was bad enough, but exiting was a nightmare- all uphill and the old moving sidewalks were turned off long ago. I was almost dead by the time I got out of the building. Magic Kingdom was built so long ago and it’s infrastructure is so old it’s a nightmare if you’re handicapped.
I’m 74 years old and you “youngsters” are complaining? I haven’t ridden it in a few years, mainly because my sister won’t do it. She is on blood thinners and comes out with massive bruises. We had many years of enjoying the ride. All good things must come to an end, I guess.
Yes, Space Mountain is hard on people with back, hip, or leg problems, whether it’s getting in or out or enduring the actual ride. We used to enjoy the ride when younger and more agile, but we just think fondly of it now!
Two other rides in Tpmorrowland are now basically off the list for us. Astro Orbiter is awfully difficult in both the mount and dismount, and getting in and out of the Tomorrowland speedway vehicles is just as bad. You might have to ask for assistance…