Thunder Mountain/Space Mountain

[BrianL]

That's interesting because the CM at RnRC suggested we sit in the front car (DD was very scared) because the 'force' will be felt less? Maybe this year will be the year we try the middle and back.

Well, it may make a little difference on RnRC, but since it is LIM launched and does not have hills I wouldn't think it would matter too much. I suppose if the front is going up a corkscrew as the back is coming down from one. I think a lot of it might be in our heads.

 

[madchatter]

I agree about SM being rough. Particularly in the back, it will beat the crap out of you.

BTMRR is our favorite. Fast enough but easier to ride and more fun. Plus the theming is really nice. Good for all ages.

We like the back of Thunder but not Space. The back of Space is the jerkiest of all the seats.

Just avoid the front seat if you're tall. SM allows more leg room in the middle and back.

 

[steviethegreat]

Space Mountain is my favorite ride of all time. But I guess it can be rough? I thought RnRC was super rough! (Same with Rip Ride Rockit over at Universal) I got headaches from the latter two. I've never had a problem on SM. I've only ridden BTMRR twice, once during the day and once at night. It didn't feel fast at all. I think the thrill of Space Mountain is all psychological, since it's in the dark. (But I truly do being launched toward the stars and never quite knowing which way I'm turning!) I could probably ride Space Mountain forever.

I have no problems getting into the seats, getting out only takes an extra moment since we always feel rushed.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Actually all the cars move at the same speed. They have to. It's a train. However, the difference in the front and back is on which part of the track you will be on when the train reaches top speed. The front of the train is going down a hill while the back is still going up and it's the same when the front starts a climb while the rear is still coming to the bottom of the last one. If you are in the front, you will be going faster UP hills (the ones without chain-lifts anyway, so more like bumps), thus pressing you downward a bit. If you are in the back, you will be going faster DOWN hills, thus more "air time" which a lot of people like. The train's speed though is the same for every car at any given moment.

Sorry for the physics lesson. Someone can probably explain it better than I can.

Thank you for the physics lesson! Intuitively, I knew the cars had to be going the same speed (as you said, it's a TRAIN!) but I couldn't explain why it FELT so different. Much appreciated!

 

[kangaand2roos]

I can no longer ride either due to having had neck surgery, but when I could, I was fine on BTMRR, but Space made me really sick. It is slower, but it looks and feels faster.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Space Mountain is great! BTMRR is milder IMO. My mom doesn't like how jerky Space is, but now she always requests to sit in the front row. You can somewhat see the track and lean into the turns. She has found that helpful over the years! I have no problem with how jerky it is. I love it!

 

[Belle83]

Neither have drops , which mattered a lot to me as a kid Space Mountain has a little dip that fakes you out about dropping but with the lights on it's not a drop.

Space Mountain feels more intense and is jerker. It's a wild mouse coaster but in the dark. BTMRR is pretty tame relatively speaking. Both are fun!

If riding for the first time on Soace I would recommend sitting in the very front. You can sort of see what's coming ahead that way.

 

[Parker Clan]

Space scares the bejesus out of me lol
Not being able to see since it's pitch black
I'm such a baby
But Thunder is one of our all time fave rides.. Much tamer IMO.. And a bonus that its outside so it's not pitch black