Space Mountain

[DeborahKlein]

Question -

We are headed to WDW in less than a week

Our DD5 is 45" so technically she is tall enough to ride Space Mountain. She did the Astro Orbitor last visit when she was not quite 4 so obviously heights are not an issue. Anything I should be worried about? I don't "do" roller coasters so to me their all horrifying, but I don't want to let my fears influence her (she went on AO with Dad and would do Space the same way). She's only five. Is it too much? Height doesn't translate to readiness, I just don't know what else to look for. It would be her 1st roller coaster, so I can't say how she reacts on others.

Thanks!

 

[pezpam]

Can you arrange the day so you try some tamer coaster first? Space Mountain isn't terrible, but having her first coaster ride be in darkness might be a bit much for her - going by the fact that you're even thinking that she might not like it.....

I don't know if this will work for you or even be necessary, but my daughter's 'gateway' into the larger coasters was Primeval Whirl over in AK. It has a few dips and turns, but isn't intimidating-looking and you can sit right next to your child - maybe doing that will give her more confidence to try the others. Once DD did PW on one trip, she tried every large ride on the next trip and there's been no looking back - she'd probably travel the country going from coaster to coaster if we could afford it.... and if she didn't have to finish 3rd grade.

Anyway, maybe PW or even Goofy's Barnstormer or another kiddie-coaster would let you gauge her reaction and let her figure out if she likes that sort of ride.

 

[DeborahKlein]

Can you arrange the day so you try some tamer coaster first? Space Mountain isn't terrible, but having her first coaster ride be in darkness might be a bit much for her - going by the fact that you're even thinking that she might not like it.....

Actually - I think she;ll like it just fine. It's me that is having doubts as to its safety as she is right at the border of the height requirement. Splash Mountain, the only roller coaster I am actually comfortable on will be closed for refurbishment, and I will NOT get on any other coaster (Goofy's Barnstormer makes me nausceous). So, if I can't be there, I can't gauge how she's doing, so I'm worried....

Just worried, that's all. She was VERY upset that she could not do Primeval Whirl last time (and can't do it this time either). Height requirement for that one is 48".

Deborah

 

[luv2nascar]

I'd try BTMRR and Goofy's Barnstormer first. Most 5 yr olds are afraid of the dark somewhat. Ride seats are so she would have to sit by herself if that matters. BTMRR Dad could sit next to her on SM he would be in front of or behind her. I like the side by side seating for kids so they could hold hands or talk or whatever. That is almost impossible on SM.

 

[auwoo]

I think if she is wanting to ride it, let her go ahead. The ride itself is very smooth and safe. I would explain to her before hand that it will be very dark and that she won't always see where the coaster is going next. The coaster itself is actually very slow, I think like 34 mph at most. Yet the darkness makes it feel faster. In the end, if she really wants to ride let her try it out. I have a DD 10 when she was six/seven we let her ride and build her way up. It's a lot easier situation than trying to convince them to get on which is what you see a lot of parents doing. In the end, if she doesn't like it you're not to blame, she'll just quit asking.

 

[beth_cam]

I don't know if this will work for you or even be necessary, but my daughter's 'gateway' into the larger coasters was Primeval Whirl over in AK. .

We were quite surprised to find Primeval Whirl has a height restriction of 48".

 

[CarKey]

My daughter is not exactly brave (at age 9) but says she'll do Space Mountain in June. I am nervous because I know she'll sit in front of me instead of beside me so I can't reach out and hold her hand. Does Space Mountain have seat belts?

 

[ujpest_doza]

I think if she is wanting to ride it, let her go ahead. The ride itself is very smooth and safe. I would explain to her before hand that it will be very dark and that she won't always see where the coaster is going next. The coaster itself is actually very slow, I think like 34 mph at most. Yet the darkness makes it feel faster. In the end, if she really wants to ride let her try it out. I have a DD 10 when she was six/seven we let her ride and build her way up. It's a lot easier situation than trying to convince them to get on which is what you see a lot of parents doing. In the end, if she doesn't like it you're not to blame, she'll just quit asking.

On my first couple of trips it seemed much faster than it has done on more recent trips. A CM told us once that Disney can increase or decrease the ferocity of the rides dependant upon public opinion eg in 2002 TOT seemed tame but in 2004 and 2005 it was more fierce again (and better).

Dad can sit right behind her and touch her shoulders so that sghe knows he is there. The cars are actually quite cramped and tight so there is absolutely no way she will fall out (i am 6' 2" and find it very cramped).

Agree also to build her up to with Goofy and Big THunder Mountain.

 

[mrzrich]

My DS who is autistic was 5 when he first rode SM, he had done BMTRR many times, as well as TOT, Mission Space, Soarin' basically any ride he was tall enough for.

The last big ride for him was SM, only because we kept skipping it for one reason or another. (We go left and start in adventureland, so by the time we get to tommorowland were pooped.)

So anyway DH and I hadn't riden SM in a long time, and had actually forgotten that unlike almost every other ride at WDW, you sit single file, three in a car, in front of one another, and that the safety bar is not something that really holds you in. (Its totally safe, speed and force and common sense like not attempting to stand up keeep you in)

We loaded in with DS between me and DH and told him to stay in his seat and hold on. DH kept his hands on DS's shoulders and I did not enjoy the ride at all because I kept looking over my shoulder saying "Is he alright?" I was terrified that he would try to stand up. Of course he was fine, he got off the ride and said "That was so awesome" which is major for him as an autistic child to say.

We decided that while he enjoyed SM we were going to wait a while before we put ourselves through that again Well, stick with rides where we sit next to each other for a while.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I brought my soon to turn 5yo on Space Dec 2004. I was nervous because of the seating and the way that the lap bar fits. I sat behind him and kept my hands on his shoulders the whole time. When we got off he told me how much he loved it and that next time I should not touch him. Next time I did keep my hands above his shoulders, but tried not to touch him...much. Worse for me than for him!

 

[blessedby3]

My dd7 did not ride this in November when we went. My ds10 rode it for the first time. He loved it, but was still nervous each time he rode. My kids like to be able to "feel" me or DH next to them and this is what made me nervous about SM. You are seated in front of each other and so you are actually riding by yourself. My dd is very tiny for her age and I dont feel comfortable yet with her riding where I cant reach her easily. I will have her wait another year or two and try it. I am just afraid she will freak and I wont be able to comfort and reassure her. She has ridden BTMR and SM (she got a bit unnerved after riding twice?) and Goofys Barnstormer and tried to ride Primevil Whirl, but wasnt tall enough. She does okay on these, but I can sit with her and they are not in the dark.