Here at DFB we get asked A LOT about the differences between Disney World and Disneyland — how are they different, and which one might be the best one for your family?

Both of these parks have a lot in common, and even many attractions in common, but that doesn’t mean they’re identical! Today we’re going to do a deep dive into the nuances of Space Mountain at both Disney World and Disneyland.

History & Background of Space Mountain

Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World in 1975 and quickly became one of the park’s most popular attractions. The attraction was so successful that it was eventually added to other Disney parks worldwide, including Disneyland in 1977. The ride’s popularity has led to several updates and refurbishments over the years, but the basic concept has remained the same.

Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a thrilling journey through space. The ride vehicles are designed to look like space rockets, and the scenery projected on the interior of the darkened canopy features stars, planets, comets, and other galactic visions.

Space Mountain is completely indoors and set almost entirely in the dark! It’s thrilling, but has no inversions and feels much faster than it is (it’s hard to imagine the top speed is only about 30 miles per hour).

Design & Layout

Both attractions live in the Tomorrowland of their respective parks, but Disney World’s Space Mountain is a bit easier to locate, having a clearly marked queue directly across from the main Tomorrowland walkway. Disneyland’s Space Mountain is tucked away in its own space behind Star Tours. And once you find it, you’re not really even at its entrance but must trek through ascending and descending walkways to get to the queue itself.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain has only one track, but Disney World has two: Alpha and Omega. Most guests may not even know this since most of the ride is in the dark; but if they were to look over when their rocket is making that steep climb up the hill towards the start of the ride, they will see another rocket filled with guests also making the climb to launch.

Disney World requires guests to be at least 44 inches tall to ride Space Mountain. If your little one is just hovering under the requirement, they have a better chance at Disneyland, where guests only have to be at least 40 inches tall.

Both queues immerse you in almost complete darkness as you stroll along in line. The halls seem to be a bit more illuminated in the Disneyland version than what you find at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. The biggest difference between the two is at the loading area. At Disneyland, you’ll find yourself on the second floor and eye to eye with a suspended spacecraft before they can descend downstairs to board their rockets, a very different set-up than what you find at Disney World.

Ride Experience

Both Space Mountains are known for making guests feel as if they are going much faster than they actually are. However, the two stateside versions do differ in average speeds, but not by much. Disneyland’s Space Mountain rockets guests through space at 32 mph, while Disney World only does so at 30 mph.

In Disneyland, Space Mountain transforms into Hyper Space Mountain each May. This overlay features Star Wars theme and music and ties in with the Star Wars celebrations all throughout the month. During Halloween time, Space Mountain becomes Ghost Galaxy and projects ghouls and ghosts throughout the dark coaster ride for that added festive thrill.

But Disneyland isn’t the only park having fun with the Space Mountain theme. At Disney World, Space Mountain receives some special attention for Halloween and around Christmas. Because what’s more festive than blasting through the dark abyss with the villains at Halloween or jingling your way through the galaxy at Christmas?

Ride Vehicles

Disneyland’s rockets seat two guests side by side, while Disney World’s seat guests in single file, toboggan style. The seats themselves are different as well. For example, Disney World’s rockets require guests to sit low with their feet stretched out or around the seat in front of them. They’re not very comfortable or easy to get in and out of.

Disneyland’s rockets are much more comfortable and more like sitting in an actual seat. Plus, they have built-in speakers! Lastly, Disney World’s rockets have 2 cars per vehicle and can seat 6 guests; while Disneyland’s rockets also have 2 cars per vehicle, and they can seat 12 guests!

Disneyland vs Disney World — A Complete Breakdown

Have you ridden both Space Mountain attractions? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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