The top 10 roller coasters in Orlando: Space Mountain (#9)

A family prepares for liftoff on Space Mountain.
Photo by Joe Shlabotnik

#9 Space Mountain

Where: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort
Launched: January 15, 1975
Design: Enclosed
Top speed: 27 mph
Inversions: 0
Duration: 2:35
Height restriction: 44 inches

Source: Roller Coaster DataBase

One of Disney World's classic attractions, Space Mountain is Florida's oldest roller coaster still in operation. The coaster is located in the Tomorrowland area of the Magic Kingdom.

Although it has no upside down loops and its top speed is a mere 27 miles per hour, Space Mountain is still a top draw at Disney World, largely as a result of its concept. In fact, the concept was devised by none other than Walt Disney himself, who envisioned the ride as a high-speed attraction with a space theme.

Passengers board the rocket-themed cars at the Space Port. From there, cars slowly inch through a tunnel in pitch-black darkness until all of a sudden passengers are greeted by the overwhelming blinking of strobe lights. As the ride progresses, the vehicle twists and dips through projections of planets, stars and comets, creating a sensation emulating being in orbit.

Disney's parks in California, Paris and Tokyo also have their own Space Mountain. The Disney World incarnation is unique, however, for being the only one to have two tracks, with each one measuring about 3,200 feet rounded.

Unfortunately for visitors planning to travel to Disney World this summer, Space Mountain is closed for refurbishment and is not expected to re-open until November 21. Orlando Theme Parks Examiner Barb Nefer and Orlando Travel Examiner Larraine Stacey both offer speculation on what those changes might involve. If you absolutely must ride Space Mountain before its Disney World re-opening this November, consider planning a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

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