Guests Demand Changes to Space Mountain

Walt Disney World Resort is home to the most iconic rides of all time. Even people who have never visited the theme park resort have at least heard of its famous attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Haunted Mansion.

Related: Disney Guest Jumps off Space Mountain

Disney rides have become engrained so much in pop culture that their name is synonymous with quality, innovation, and timeless Americana charm.

Or so was the case up until about five minutes ago.

Related: Study Confirms: Disney Is Making Its Rides and Shows Shorter

In recent years, Disney has taken it upon themselves to change a number of iconic rides, attractions, and even park greetings as not to offend guests.

These changes have resulted in changes to the Jungle Cruise, the removal of “Ladies and gentlemen…boys and girls” during announcements, and most famously, the complete overhaul of Splash Mountain.

But in addition to these many changes due to social concerns, Disney may have to begin making updates over safety concerns. Enter…Space Mountain.

Space Mountain

Even with the recent addition of TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain maintains its lead as the most popular roller coaster in Magic Kingdom Park.

“Blast off on a rip-roaring rocket into the furthest reaches of outer space on this roller-coaster ride in the dark,” Walt Disney World Resort writes about the ride. “Dip and careen into the inky blackness as a futuristic soundtrack echoes all around you. Fly past shooting stars and celestial satellites. Roar past streaking orbs of light, wayward comets and migrant meteors. Feel the pull of gravity as you’re drawn into a swirling wormhole!”

However, one guest recently called on Walt Disney World Resort to change Space Mountain after observing what they called a “danger” on the ride.

Safety Concerns

On Tuesday last week (November 14), a recent Walt Disney World guest shared concerns about the Space Mountain roller coaster on Reddit.

“During the launch I put my hands up in the air as I do on a lot of roller coasters,” the guest began. “To my surprise and it kind of freaked me out, was that I was able to touch the ceiling in the launch tunnel. At this point you are going at a decent speed.”

“How is this not an issue and safety problem?” the park guest wrote. “I am taller than average but only 6 ft tall. How is this even allowed? Has anyone ever been hurt before? Why are they able to have it that low?”

Some commenters on the thread agreed.

“That has happened to my dad as well,” u/fischy333 wrote.

But other on the site blamed the guest for not adhering to Walt Disney World Resort’s safety rules.

Related: Here’s Why You Teach Your Children About Disney’s Safety Rules

“Did you not hear the part where they told you to keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle?” u/fishofhappiness asked. “This is why.”

Space Mountain Injuries

This has been a common concern of guests for some time. Many have been fearful of raising their hands in the indoor coaster for fear that they could suffer injuries. Although there have not been any official injuries caused by ceiling or track height on Space Mountain ever reported.

One of the few instances of guest injuries on Space Mountain was in 1998. But that involved a guest being struck on the head by a falling object. As a result of the injury, he suffered short-term memory loss and paralyzation of his left arm.

Related: What Group Is Ruining Disney? Hint…It’s Not Disney Adults or Influencers

Guest uproar online in a reddit post is one thing. But if the company and the theme park resort as a whole is being scrutinized by the Florida government, especially with Gov. Ron DeSantis and the new district… strict safety guidelines and ride overhauls could be put in to place in the near future.

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on personal Disney Parks guest experiences. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Inside the Magic’s personal views on Disney Park operations.