First Space Mountain Ride.....Any Advice?

[CaptiveJustin]

This August, me & my family will be going on Vacation to WDW!
(8 Days, 9 Nights - Animal Kingdom Lodge.)

-I am almost certain that I will finally ride Space Mountain.....HOPEFULLY.

Does anybody have any advice for a "First Time Rider" on Space Mounatin? I have rode very few Rollercoasters, riding this will be a BIG step in my quest to finally overcome my long time fear of Rollercoasters.
Thanks in Advance,
Justin

 

[TheAceOfAces]

The biggest thing is to keep in mind that it's very dark and somewhat jerky, but other than that not too wild or scary. It feels more like riding a wooden roller coaster than the smoother metal ones that are more common now. Also, it's over pretty quickly, so even if you get too scared while on it, it doesn't last a long time like some rides. (Even my older sister, who is scared of Splash Mountain, survived riding Space Mountain.) It has sudden starts and stops, but no huge drops, and it never goes upside down. It's pretty tame as far as roller coasters go. Have fun!

 

[DeeDeeDis]

it is like riding an old fashion wooden rollercoaster which is why i love it so much (my husband like the new smooth ones). Sit in the middle and remember because its dark you dont see the dips and turns so they seem much more steep then they actually are.

I hope you'll able to get on it this time - good luck

 

[rtravels]

I would say don't have high expectations. I waited for years to finally ride it, hearing all the hype along the way. After all that buildup--it was tame and lame.

Now, the Disneyland version? That thing is worthy of all the hype. Smooth ride, effects are great and on board audio makes a big difference. It actually felt like you were in space and not on a rickety wild mouse ride with six flags quality themeing.

 

[leeliani]

Don't sit in the back. You will really get whipped around if you do.

 

[sharonabe]

Have you ever seen or ridden a "Wild Mouse" type ride at an amusement park? That is essentially what Space Mtn is except in the dark. It's small drops with lots of turns.

 

[mmtska]

Don't stand up before they tell you to....my only bloody nose in my life came from doing that. Don't ask. I was 7

 

[si-am]

Honestly, I'm not a fan of SM. It's jerky and feels cramped (I have long legs). Definitely seemed thrilling when I was a kid but now as an adult I usually skip it.

 

[ccudmore]

If you're using a lanyard to hold your passes, tuck it in your pocket. I lost $40 and a bunch of fastpasses that flew out of my lanyard last trip while riding Space Mountain.

 

[patty57]

As others have said, it's really not too intense a ride. If it weren't dark, it would be considered very mild. My advice to a first-timer is just get in your rocket and enjoy the ride!

 

[jrtoastyman]

This August, me & my family will be going on Vacation to WDW!
(8 Days, 9 Nights - Animal Kingdom Lodge.)

-I am almost certain that I will finally ride Space Mountain.....HOPEFULLY.

Does anybody have any advice for a "First Time Rider" on Space Mounatin? I have rode very few Rollercoasters, riding this will be a BIG step in my quest to finally overcome my long time fear of Rollercoasters.
Thanks in Advance,
Justin

Here's a stat that ought to help alleviate some of your fears: top speed on Space Mountain is something like 28 mph. The fact that it's in the dark, and there are lots of twists and turns give you the illusion of speed and intensity, but the reality is that you've probably gone faster on your bike. The point is, it's a lot of fun, but the reality is that it's actually a pretty tame ride. Just keep that in mind if you start to lose your nerve -- its bark is much worse than its bite.

Have fun!

 

[LauraLap]

If you have a sore back in any way I suggest you skip it. Other than that, enjoy!

 

[dolphindan1]

Since it is in the dark it will feel faster than it really is, I do not suggest raising your arms as you ride...enjoy the moment...I really enjoy the ride...the waitng area is not what it use to be...I use to enjoy waiting in line in the loading area and watching the Chocolate chip cookie float by and see the the vehicles glowing off in the distance...BUT still the queue does get you in the mood...also dont let others hurry you out the exit....its a people mover and people like to walk with it...just stand to the side and let them pass and look at the scenes as you exit.....

also and some will disagree with me but if you can do both sides do it....they semm different to me...I prefer the right but left seems a bit smoother....

 

[KJay]

I just took my first ride a few weeks ago! I'm glad I experienced it, but I was...underwhelmed. I thought it would be intense and exciting, but really it was just rough and jerky. I did sit in the back, which I now know is the rough spot. Like a previous poster said, skip this ride if you have any back or neck issues. It's a classic, though, and I'm all for doing the classics

 

[Mama Who]

Laugh. It is hard to remain terrified if you're laughing like a maniac.

 

[2010_Bride]

As others have said, it's a pretty tame roller coaster as far as the speed and no upside downs or corkscrews. However, pp are correct that it is quite rough. DH and I rode it this past March, and we were near the back. I didn't enjoy it at all and ended up with a sore neck for the rest of the day, and still stiff the next morning. I wouldn't go on it again.

 

[RobDIS]

My advice would be to check the max speed of Space Mountain. I'm definitely a ride wimp and would not do Space Mountain as a kid, but on our trip in April I knew the max speed was 28MPH and used that knowledge to coax myself into finally giving it a go. I was still while waiting in line, but I loved the ride.