Disneyland Two years after Walt Disney World's Space Mountain opened with much success, Disneyland's version opened in 1977. However, it was not a copy by any means. Walt Disney World's version was meant to provide Florida guests with a Matterhorn-like experience with many unexpected sharp turns. Since Disneyland had the actual Matterhorn itself, there was no reason to make another similar ride. Instead, Disneyland's Space Mountain was based on speed and flying through space. Disneyland SM Concept Art © Walt Disney Co. Opening under sponsorship of the Disneyland Aeronautics and Space Administration (DASA, not real), Space Mountain offered Disneyland guests a new thrill. This one-track coaster sends guests across 3450 feet of space at a maximum of 30.2 miles per hour for an average of 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Like Walt Disney World's coaster, ride times and speed are largely based on the time of day and the weight of the car. There are 13 cars in Disneyland's Space Mountain, each capable of seating 12 passengers, 2 side-by-side. One must be 40 inches tall to ride this attraction. The building housing Space Mountain is 117 feet above ground (including the spire), 17 feet below, and 200 feet in diameter. Space Mountain's largest drop is 15 feet long. Music was added to this version of the attraction in 1996, largely due to the success of music featured in Disneyland Paris' Space Mountain. The bulding itself was repainted in 1997/98 to match the rest of the rehabbed Tomorrowland. Join in the Discussion at our: Disneyland Forum