Space Mountain DL versus WDW

[sk8lla]

Is the DL Space Mountain track at least a bit visible right in front of the train? You can definitely see it at WDW, but I think I remember the DL version being pitch black. Asking because I get motion sickness if I can’t make out the track. Thanks!

 

[BrianL]

Is the DL Space Mountain track at least a bit visible right in front of the train? You can definitely see it at WDW, but I think I remember the DL version being pitch black. Asking because I get motion sickness if I can’t make out the track. Thanks!

Well, they're about the same, lighting wise. DL might even be darker, though if they are running an overlay sometimes that's a little brighter. You can't really see the track in my estimation. Do note though that the DL Space Mountain is a much smoother ride with a completely different system and seating arrangement, so that may help.

 

[Steven G]

I could never see the track in Disneyland, and I can just make out the track at some points in WDW.
I think with Hyperspace mountain when it is available, it's slightly brighter in DL, but not enough for my eyes. I have never been on Ghost Galaxy.

I still find SM in WDW to be slightly scarier, just because it is more rickety, DL is quite smooth in comparison.

So as to your question, assume that you will not see the track in DL.

 

[Chickinvic]

DL's track is darker and the ride is far superior to WDW's version. I hate that you can see it at WDW. As to your issue though, I guess you wouldn't like it as much

 

[Tinkaboo]

I hate the WDW..you sit single file, higher up in the vehicle versus DL which is side by side and way lower which is why you don’t see the track immediately ahead. There are some places where it’s light enough to see the layout of the track above and around you but you never see what is coming..unless maybe you’re tall…I’m a shorty.

i always felt I was going to fall out at WDW..

 

[AstroBlasters]

I feel like the WDW version didn’t play music when we were there in 2021… I thought that was super weird.

Also, the WDW Peter Pan ride has an amazing queue, but the voices sounded like they pulled some guy off the street to do Captain Hook. At DL, I feel like they are the voices from the movie.

Indiana Jones > Dinosaur

and finally Small World at WDW is just in a square building… I can’t… I just can’t….

 

[MonocularVision]

More thoughts later but we are heading home today from our very first WDW trip ever and all I can say is that SM at WDW is a travesty and should be torn down immediately.

 

[DLgal]

Just rode Space Mountain at DL yesterday in the front row. You can't see the track ahead of you at all.

However, I ride it at least once a month if not more. I'll help you out: it's mostly right turns. There are maybe 2 left turns, but the majority is like one big corkscrew where you just keep turning right as you make your way down. If frequent turns or spinning make you sick, don't ride this.

 

[BrianL]

More thoughts later but we are heading home today from our very first WDW trip ever and all I can say is that SM at WDW is a travesty and should be torn down immediately.

I guess they should tear down the Matterhorn too? It's just Matterhorn in the dark. While I will admit that the DL one is better in some ways, the MK version has a grander feel, with the Star Tunnel and all. it's still a great ride, and there is room for both. The MK one could use a spruce up, but manitenance has been an issue all around.

 

[DLgal]

I guess they should tear down the Matterhorn too? It's just Matterhorn in the dark. While I will admit that the DL one is better in some ways, the MK version has a grander feel, with the Star Tunnel and all. it's still a great ride, and there is room for both. The MK one could use a spruce up, but manitenance has been an issue all around.

SM at WDW is not the same as the Matterhorn. I've ridden both enough times and would not compare them in any way, except for the seating in the cars (and even that is not the same).

 

[BrianL]

SM at WDW is not the same as the Matterhorn. I've ridden both enough times and would not compare them in any way, except for the seating in the cars (and even that is not the same).

They are in fact based on the same general ride system with similar tracks (not exactly the same). Both SM and Matterhorn have twin tracks with two sides that dispatch facing each other, with the same ride vehicles that seat three in a row, single-file. Other than the theming, they are very, very similar. That's the reason DL Space Mountain is different too - they didn't need to build a clone of The Matterhorn in DL, so they developed it differently with a much smaller footprint.

 

[DLgal]

They are in fact based on the same general ride system with similar tracks (not exactly the same). Both SM and Matterhorn have twin tracks with two sides that dispatch facing each other, with the same ride vehicles that seat three in a row, single-file. Other than the theming, they are very, very similar. That's the reason DL Space Mountain is different too - they didn't need to build a clone of The Matterhorn in DL, so they developed it differently with a much smaller footprint.

Nope, they don't FEEL anything like each other, though. The Matterhorn literally FEELS like you are sledding down a solid chute, as it was designed to feel. You bottom out numerous times, and the track is literally laid onto a concrete track underneath it. It is not in any way smooth. It is pretty slow. It is a very gradual slope downwards for the most part. Space Mountain succeeds in feeling like you are flying through space. You could not simply close your eyes on the Matterhorn and get that same feeling.

 

[BrianL]

Oha, so you're comparing SM Favorably - I am so used to DL folks just bashing the MK version. You are right in that the tracks feel a littel different, though they have the same top speed (27 MPH). SM has more small, sudden drops, while Matterhorn is more gradual. Still, they are technically very similar.

 

[DLgal]

Oha, so you're comparing SM Favorably - I am so used to DL folks just bashing the MK version. You are right in that the tracks feel a littel different, though they have the same top speed (27 MPH). SM has more small, sudden drops, while Matterhorn is more gradual. Still, they are technically very similar.

They are both miserable ride experiences, but I'd give the prize to Matterhorn for being the most painful while also not being nearly as enjoyable overall. The Matterhorn is a really nice structure on the outside, and I find it very photogenic. It provides a nice layer of themeing around Fantasyland and is, of course, iconic. I can't ride it anymore though. I can still manage Space Mountain at WDW (although OBVIOUSLY DLs Space Mtn is the better of those two).

 

[BrianL]

They are both miserable ride experiences, but I'd give the prize to Matterhorn for being the most painful while also not being nearly as enjoyable overall. The Matterhorn is a really nice structure on the outside, and I find it very photogenic. It provides a nice layer of themeing around Fantasyland and is, of course, iconic. I can't ride it anymore though. I can still manage Space Mountain at WDW (although OBVIOUSLY DLs Space Mtn is the better of those two).

Ahh, I see. I do agree that the Matterhorn is rougher and I am hesitant to ride it sometimes. I still do MK Space. I don't think they're bad rides though - certainly not miserable.

Honestly, and I can agree that DL Space is the better ride as far as being a roller-coaster goes, I think MK Space has a better presentation. I like that its' bigger and feels more substantial. It kind of leads you on a better overall esperience from a theming perspective. IT could use on-ride audio though, that's one thing DL has better. I guess if you could put the track from DL in the building at MK, that would be ideal.

 

[MonocularVision]

I love DL Space Mountain and Matterhorn and absolutely hated ML Space Mountain

Regardless of ride systems involved I didn’t like WDW SM because you can’t see what is going on, it is jerky to all heck and without any music it was really boring.

 

[DLgal]

Ahh, I see. I do agree that the Matterhorn is rougher and I am hesitant to ride it sometimes. I still do MK Space. I don't think they're bad rides though - certainly not miserable.

Honestly, and I can agree that DL Space is the better ride as far as being a roller-coaster goes, I think MK Space has a better presentation. I like that its' bigger and feels more substantial. It kind of leads you on a better overall esperience from a theming perspective. IT could use on-ride audio though, that's one thing DL has better. I guess if you could put the track from DL in the building at MK, that would be ideal.

Any ride where I have to say "ow" numerous times, I classify as a miserable ride experience. Space Mountain WDW has enough nostalgic value to me to continue riding it, but I was an adult the first time I rode Matterhorn and wasn't overly impressed with it. Even my teens don't like it. It's too rough for them too. They are taller than me so I imagine it's even worse for them.

 

[Wakey]

I think Space Mountain at DL is one of my favourite rides anywhere.
In WDW it’s in the bottom 10%.
Huge difference.

 

[senoragilbert]

Asking because I get motion sickness if I can’t make out the track.

It's quite dark...but if you close your eyes during the lighted "launch" you'll be able to see the track when you're in it. The blue lights are there to confuse your eyes!

 

[MillauFr]

Yes the WDW Space Mountain is inferior but not to the same level as Pirates. The Florida version of Pirates is a true abomination.