Space Mountain: Disneyland vs. DisneyWorld- Which Is Better?

Space Mountain is a classic Disney attraction that has been thrilling guests for decades. You can find it at Disneyland park and Disneyworld, but which is best? This attraction is a roller coaster that takes riders on a journey through space, complete with thrilling drops, sharp turns, and futuristic scenery. In this blog post, we’ll compare Space Mountain at Disneyland and Disney World to see which offers the best ride experience.

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History of Space Mountain

Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World in 1975 and quickly became a fan favorite. The attraction was so successful that it was eventually added to other Disney parks worldwide, including Disneyland. The ride’s popularity has led to several updates and refurbishments over the years, but the basic concept has remained the same.

Overview of Space Mountain at Disneyland and Disneyworld

Space Mountain at Disneyland and Disney World both feature an indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a thrilling journey through space. The ride vehicles are designed to look like futuristic rockets, and the scenery is filled with stars, planets, and other space-related elements. However, some differences between the two versions of the ride are worth noting.

In this blog post, we’ll compare Space Mountain at Disneyland and DisneyWorld to determine which offers the best ride experience. We’ll look at the design, ride experience, special features, and more factors to determine which ride comes out on top. Whether you’re a Disneyland or Disneyworld fan, this comparison will give you a better understanding of what each park offers regarding this classic attraction.

Space Mountain at Disneyland

Design and layout

Disneyland’s Space Mountain is located in Tomorrowland and has a distinct white exterior that stands out against the other attractions in the area. The ride vehicles are designed to look like futuristic rockets and can seat up to two people side by side. Each guest has an individual lap bar. The track layout features several twists, turns, and drops, and the ride is entirely indoors.

Guests must be 40 inches to ride.

Ride experience

The ride begins with a slow ascent up the initial lift hill, which sets the stage for the rest of the journey. Once at the top, the ride picks up speed and takes guests on a thrilling journey through space. The ride features several drops and sharp turns, all accompanied by flashing lights and futuristic sound effects. The entire experience lasts around 2 minutes and will leave riders feeling exhilarated. Space Mountain at Disneyland does not go upside down.

Pros and cons

One of the biggest pros of Space Mountain at Disneyland is its classic design and layout. The ride has been thrilling guests for decades, and its timeless design has stood the test of time. However, one potential con of the ride is its relatively short length compared to other roller coasters in the park. Additionally, some guests may find the ride too intense or jarring, especially those sensitive to motion sickness.

Special features

One of the unique features of Space Mountain at Disneyland is its onboard audio system, which allows riders to listen to a custom soundtrack as they journey through space. This feature adds an extra layer of immersion to the ride and helps to make the experience even more memorable.

Usually, Space Mountain at Disneyland will change to Hyper Space Mountain sometime in May. This overlay features a Star Wars theme and is very popular with guests. Sometimes, during Halloween Time, Space Mountain will get a Halloween overlay that transforms it into Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy.

Overall, Space Mountain at Disneyland is a classic attraction that offers a thrilling ride experience in a futuristic setting. While it may not be the longest or most intense roller coaster in the park, it’s still a must-ride attraction for any Disneyland fan.

Space Mountain at Disneyworld

Design and layout

Space Mountain at Disney World is located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland and features a distinctive exterior with a space-age design. The ride vehicles are similar to those at Disneyland, with a rocket-shaped design, but riders don’t sit next to each other as they do in Disneyland’s version. They sit in a row, one in front of the other. Each guest has an individual lap bar. The track layout is slightly different, with more drops and sharper turns than Disneyland’s version. Space Mountain at Disneyworld does not go upside down. Guests must be 40 inches to ride.

Ride experience

The ride experience at Disneyworld’s Space Mountain is similar to that of the Disneyland version, with a slow ascent up the lift hill followed by a thrilling journey through space. However, Walt Disney World’s version is generally considered more intense, with sharper turns and more drops than the Disneyland version. The ride also features flashing lights and futuristic sound effects, adding to the overall immersion of the experience.

Pros and cons

One of the main pros of Space Mountain at DisneyWorld is its more intense ride experience, which will surely leave thrill-seekers satisfied. The ride’s updated track layout and futuristic design make it a must-ride attraction for any Disney World fan. However, one potential con of the ride is its popularity, which can lead to long wait times, especially during peak season.

Special features

One of the unique features of Space Mountain at Disney World is its interactive queue, which features a variety of space-themed activities and games to keep guests entertained while they wait in line. Additionally, the ride features an onboard audio system, similar to the Disneyland version, which allows riders to listen to a custom soundtrack as they journey through space.

Overall, Space Mountain at Disney World is a must-ride attraction for any Disney fan, offering a thrilling ride experience in a futuristic setting. While the ride may be more intense than the Disneyland version, it’s still accessible to most riders and will leave a lasting impression.

Comparison Of The Two Attractions

Similarities

Both Space Mountain attractions at Disneyland and Disney World share several similarities, including their overall theme of space travel and their use of rocket-shaped ride vehicles. Both rides also feature flashing lights, futuristic sound effects, and an onboard audio system allowing riders to listen to a custom soundtrack.

Differences

Despite their similarities, there are several notable differences between the two Space Mountain attractions. For one, the ride layout at Disney World is generally considered to be more intense, with more drops and sharper turns than the Disneyland version. However, the biggest difference is the ride vehicles themselves.

Another significant difference between the two attractions is their queue experience. While both feature interactive elements, the Disneyland queue is relatively straightforward, with guests moving through a series of switchbacks before boarding the ride. In contrast, the DisneyWorld queue features a variety of interactive games and activities, making the wait more enjoyable for guests.

Which one is better?

Determining which Space Mountain attraction is better ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those looking for a more intense ride experience may prefer the DisneyWorld version, while others may prefer the classic feel of the Disneyland ride. Additionally, the queue experience at Disney World may appeal more to those who enjoy interactive elements, while the straightforward queue at Disneyland may appeal more to those who want to get on the ride quickly.

Both Space Mountain attractions are must-rides for any Disney fan, offering thrilling ride experiences in a unique and immersive setting. Whether you’re a Disneyland regular or a Disney World enthusiast, both rides will leave a lasting impression and provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Other Attractions At Both Parks

Space Mountain is one of many attractions found at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Both parks have Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and more! These attractions are different from each other but overall have the same general feel. There are some attractions like Jungle Cruise that I prefer at Disneyland and others like Peter Pan’s Flight that I prefer at DisneyWorld. If you can visit both parks, do it! It’s fun to enjoy the unique experiences of the popular rides at each park and decide for yourself which park has the better ride.

Attractions Unique to Disneyland

Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park have several rides that can only be found at Disneyland. Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Radiator Springs Racers, to name a few. There are classic attractions at Disneyland, like Alice in Wonderland, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, and Pinocchio. Unique rides like WEB Slingers: A Spiderman adventure and the Incredicoaster. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is a dark ride that can only be found on one Disney property: Disneyland.

Disneyland is my favorite park because of all the unique attractions and the sense of history within this original park.

In summary, Space Mountain at Disneyland and DisneyWorld are two iconic attractions that Disney fans love worldwide. While the two rides share several similarities, they also have notable differences, including their ride layouts and queue experiences.

Determining which Space Mountain attraction is the best ultimately comes down to personal preference. The clear winner will be different for everyone. Those looking for a more intense ride experience may prefer the DisneyWorld version, while those who enjoy a classic ride experience may prefer the Disneyland version.

Whether you’re a Disneyland regular or a Disney World enthusiast, it’s worth visiting both parks to experience Space Mountain for yourself. While the two rides may have major differences, they offer thrilling and unique ride experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

So, if you haven’t already, plan a visit to Disneyland and Disney World to experience Space Mountain and all of the other incredible attractions these parks offer. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a first time visitor, these parks will surely provide memories you’ll cherish for years. What are you waiting for? It’s time to book a Disney vacation!

Disneyland Planning Help

I’ve got bunches of information on planning a Disneyland trip that will be so helpful for you! Start with my complete guide to visiting Disneyland. It’s a step-by-step guide for planning your vacation that will be helpful. Check out my top 10 Disneyland tips and my guide to when to visit Disneyland to help you pick the best time for your vacation! I’ve also got a post on rope dropping at Disneyland that’s very helpful.

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