Space Mountain question

[conmama]

From some pictures I've seen, it looks like space mountain doesn't sit two people side by side. I'm afraid my 8 year old son might be afraid not being able to "cuddle" up next to dh during the ride, like a roller coaster.

He's not particularly scared of things, however it's been quite a while since he's even ridden a roller coaster. I read that space mountain only actually goes 28 miles/hr, although it feels like 100 mph.

How did your younger kids do with this ride?

Thanks

conmama

 

[kimwim8]

I think your 8 yr old will be fine. You sit in front/back of each other instead of side by side. What other roller coasters has your son ridden? Space Mountain is what I consider to be a mild coaster.

ETA: My DD6 has been begging for years to try it...I think this year will be the year she's big enough.

 

[conmama]

He's never ridden a real roller coaster...just kiddie coasters and that's been awhile. He loved it though and wasn't afraid.

I'm just worried since he hasn't been on a real coaster that this will be terrifying to him. If he was able to sit next to dh or I, he would be fine. However, I'm afraid he would freak out sitting by himself. There's not way he could try to climb out, is there? Are they harnessed in?

I'm almost tempted to just let dh go on the ride with 11 year old son first, then tell us what he thinks.

I'm not going to force my kids to ride on anything that they don't want to. This trip is about THEM! It's our first time to WDW and I want it to be fantastic, not bad memories.

Thanks for the info!

conmama

 

[KimWDW]

Instead of cuddling side by side, you cuddle front and back. DH can have his legs and arms around DS from behind and he'll feel safe. It's a good idea, too, to let the 11 year old go first and see how he does.

 

[Bob P]

Conmama,

That's correct, you can not sit side-by-side. I remember the first time my seven year old son went on Space Mountain; he sat in the middle and had a great time, my wife and I were scared to death about his safety!

Don't worry about him, he'll be fine...but you may need a valium!!!!


Bob

 

[Stitch Inside]

My son was 5 last year when he rode it for the first time. That ended up being the only thing he wanted to do. I sat directly behind him, and was able to put my hands on his shoulders if needed. Your 8 your old should be fine. And no, he can't climb out.

 

[conmama]

Okay, thanks everyone, I feel so much better. At least now I know that dh can sit right behind 8 year old and have physical contact. That will make both of them feel better, I know.

The funny thing is...it's the 11 year old that hates roller coasters and feeling that sensation, but he's bound and determined to do these things.

I just wish so badly that I could go on these rides. Darn...I'm only 45 and in otherwise good shape. 5 years ago, it wouldn't have been an issue. Oh well, that's life! I guess I've had my time on rollercoasters, unfortunately never at WDW, though.

Thanks again

conmama

 

[Daxx]

We are a family of 3 and DS was nervous on SM the first few times. So, DW sat in front and could hold/pat his leg and I sat behind him and had his shoulders so he would feel secure. He loved it and, by the 3rd time, said he didn't need our "support"!

And, you can't climb out ... there is a padded bar that comes down over your lap, between your legs. Your child will be perfectly safe!

Also, you might consider a spin or two on BTMRR ... it is a bit "whippier" than SM but doesn't have any major drops. Your child could get used to a quicker roller coaster by riding this one side-by-side before you hit SM. That's how we got our DS prepared for SM.

Note: I'm glad to read that you won't force your child on the ride!

 

[tjmw2727]

As others have said it is three to a car front to back. Your dh can sit in the middle, but in back of the 8 yo and if necessary have his hands on your sons shoulders, I did this with my dd. This way your 11yo can sit in back of your dh so he can see his dad and brother as well as what is coming - my older dd's favorite place to sit.

If you can take a trip on the TTA before hand, your family can do this together and you get a glimse of SM when you go through one of the tunnels. This is not a thrill ride but a very fun relaxing ride in Tommorrow land. My girls did better when they could see a bit beforehand.

Tell your sons if they have ever done/seen a wild mouse coaster it is very much like SM except SM is indoors and has stars. FWIW it seems identical ot an oceanside mouse we ride in the summer and this made dd's much more ready to ride SM. It is the slowest coaster at WDW with a top speed of abouit 32 MPH IIRC.

TJ

 

[all4fun]

Tell your sons if they have ever done/seen a wild mouse coaster it is very much like SM except SM is indoors and has stars. FWIW it seems identical ot an oceanside mouse we ride in the summer and this made dd's much more ready to ride SM. It is the slowest coaster at WDW with a top speed of abouit 32 MPH IIRC.

TJ

We told our 8-year old nephew that it was like flying through space. Then he thought it sounded like a cool idea and couldn't wait to get on!

 

[tjmw2727]

We told our 8-year old nephew that it was like flying through space. Then he thought it sounded like a cool idea and couldn't wait to get on!

OMG - all 4 you reminded me that my then very timid 8yo pretended to be jimmy neutron - one of my least fav characters but, hey, whatever works right?? She was screaming in fear for like a half second and then screaming with joy and asking to re-ride -

Wow I really did forget that, I should do a vacation book.

TJ

 

[lindaso]

I was concerned about this too on our last trip when my DD was 6. I sat behind her and kept my hands on her shoulders but the minute she started laughing hysterically I knew she was OK and took them off.

My 5 year old wants to try it this trip. I'm going to take him on Thunder Mtn first to see how he reacts. If he's OK, then Space Mtn it is!! I know Thunder is actually faster but the single seat in the dark makes Space scarier in my book.

 

[Yardbird]

In June of last year my five-year old grandson rode SM for the first time. He sat in the middle, dh in the front, and me in the back. I was so afraid that something was going to happen to him that I couldn't enjoy the ride. (He looked so little in that seat) So, the next time DH took him by himself. After, they tell me that he rode in the front, which is the scariest place to sit IMO!