Space Mountain

[sbkline]

For older Disney veterans out there, do you know if Space Mountain has been slowed down over the years? I will be 31 this September. I remember visiting the Magic Kingdom for the first time back in 1987 or so, and riding Space Mountain and being totally freaked out. I went back in 2000 and then, and every time since, the ride is fun, but not really all that intense. Nothing like a regular roller coaster. Have they modified it since then to make it more kid friendly, or was I just a wussy 12 year old who was scared over a ride that wasn't really that scary? It just seemed like it was alot faster back in 1987 than it is now.

 

[marni1971]

I believe it still reaches an amazing... 28 miles an hour. Same as always.

I know what you mean though; I went 11 years between rides.

BTW; welcome :wave:

 

[sbkline]

Thank ya. Glad to be here.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Yeah perception of speed and intensity changes as you get older. Being desensitized to the idea of what fast should be plays a major role in this.

As a kid, 28MPH seems really fast, but after driving a car for 15+ years at an average 70+MPH on the freeway, going 28MPH seems a bit lackluster.

 

[kcnole]

It's the exact same as it's always been. There's several issues, you're older so it doesn't seem as big and crazy. I remember thinking that building was towering when I was a kid, now I realize it's not that big. There's also the fact that roller coasters keep getting crazier and crazier. This was once a crazy coaster, now it's fairly tame.

BTW, my wife still think's it's too rough. I guess it's just cause it's in the dark because she liked Primevial whirl which I think is actually a rougher coaster.

 

[erasure fan1]

I think if you have been on any other coasters they are so much faster and most are not as rough, Space mountain just seems ok. Its fun because of what you remember but in reality its just average. This ride could use some big time refurbishment to get it back to icon status.

 

[Hoop Raeb]

Don't they blast you with air to make the ride seem faster? I think I read that somewhere.

Just found the site and my brain is in overload with all the info I've read lately. :veryconfu

 

[sbkline]

Thanks for the replies. I guess it is all just in the different perceptions of a 12 year old vs a 30 year old. I could have sworn that ride had slowed down, but I guess I didn't realize how much faster it may seem to a first time rider that is only 12 or so years old.:slurp:

 

[brkgnews]

Don't they blast you with air to make the ride seem faster? I think I read that somewhere.

Just found the site and my brain is in overload with all the info I've read lately. :veryconfu

That's what I was thinking. If so, maybe the fans have died?

 

[se8472]

That's what I was thinking. If so, maybe the fans have died?

omg no lol, No fans or blast of air.

But you know. I love the kids that experience the loop.

 

[THECARISMINE]

I love the kids that experience the loop.

They are the best kids in the park lol

 

[CHAPPS]

I think if you have been on any other coasters they are so much faster and most are not as rough, Space mountain just seems ok. Its fun because of what you remember but in reality its just average. This ride could use some big time refurbishment to get it back to icon status.

That's being way too kind. In truth, Space Mountain's only redeeming quality is that it's a "classic" and brings back fond memories for many people. By 1975 standards, Space Mountain was cutting edge. Now it's pretty much a joke. Space Mountain is WAY overdue for an update.

 

[jmvd20]

That's being way too kind. In truth, Space Mountain's only redeeming quality is that it's a "classic" and brings back fond memories for many people. By 1975 standards, Space Mountain was cutting edge. Now it's pretty much a joke. Space Mountain is WAY overdue for an update.

I will agree that Space is definitely overdue for a refurb but in no way would I consider it a joke. Maybe, as others have said it is just due to memories but I still love the ride as it currently is. I actually get more butterflies before riding space than I do for millenium or top thrill at cedar point. Maybe I'm just afraid of the dark :lookaroun

 

[The Mak]

Space still offers 2 pretty nice pops of airtime in the middle of the ride. Along with the lateral forces and constant headchopper effect from the low-bridge style supports, space is always a fun ride in my book.

 

[brkgnews]

omg no lol, No fans or blast of air.

I could have sworn I heard about fans being in there from some "official" source. Must just be one of those urban legends that "becomes" fact. (Of course, that's a pretty lame urban legend to start -- "hey, there are fans in that ride!")

 

[EpcoTim]

I was on the DisneyLand version earlier this year, it didn't impress me at all. At least the WDW version has a couple of good drops and the turns are pretty sharp and not super rough.

 

[Skippy]

I'd like the ride without any 'Classic' status. There's something about not knowing where you're going in the dark. and waiting for that one breathless drop. And also feeling like you're going to hit the tops of some structure. (Which makes no sense because I'm quite short). Maybe that has to do with getting older also, and growing taller.

 

[righttrack]

SM is really a great ride. In light of the space theme, yes, its outdated, but its fun and re-rideability exceeds that of many similar small coasters. Being in the dark, still keeps the element of surprise intact. Look at it this way, how many years has it been around? And how long is the wait to get on? Its a people's favorite. Sure, update its themeing a bit, but don't change much.

 

[mattfz]

Here is a question---

The ride's speed has not changed over time, we know that...but what about the quality of the ride? It seems quite rough for a steel roller coaster. Do coasters become rougher with age?

 

[LPK]

I think most of it is to do with age. I remember when i was about 3 and going on a log flume at Alton Towers. I thought it was huge! I went back about 3 years ago, and i thought it was pathetic. : Sounds like the same has happened to you.