Redditor Shares a Terrifying Look at a Classic Disney Attraction With the Lights On

Disney Guests know to keep their hands, arms, and legs firmly inside the ride vehicle for one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic—and oldest—attractions.

Prominently placed in the heart of Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland stands a permanent fixture in Disney fans’ hearts. Visible from Disney’s Contemporary Resort and recognized worldwide, Space Mountain is a symbolic Disney ride that’s been around since 1977.

With actual astronauts weighing in (at zero gravity) on the Imagineering process behind the iconic ride, this attraction was destined to be out of this world. A thrilling, Wild Mouse-style coaster with sharp turns, sudden drops, and confining rocket ride vehicles, Space Mountain is an immersive attraction that’s also completely in the dark.

Housed by an enormous, futuristic structure, the indoor roller coaster turns up the suspense factor, leaving Guests unsure of its layout. There’s not much time to raise your arms as you would before an Expedition Everest drop, and according to Redditors—you might not want to.

Related: Disney Officially Breaks Ground on $400+ Million Attraction Set to Open in 2027

A Jarring Look Behind the Spacey Scenes

In a post on Reddit, u/r1ngx launched a discussion about the lesser-known side of Space Mountain with the lights on, stating:

Space Mountain broke so I jumped on the PM for a look.

Space Mountain broke so I jumped on the PM for a look.
by inWaltDisneyWorld

The poster referred to Magic Kingdom’s People Mover, which transports Guests through the Park and makes a pass through the typically pitch-black Space Mountain. With the ride shut down for repairs, the lights had to be on, which opened up the attraction for a view that wasn’t so, well—attractive.

In true Reddit fashion, commenters shared their loving yet critical takes on the OG ride. One comment from u/marleythebeagle rose to the top, stating:

​​’Keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the ride vehicle at all times…’ Oh don’t you worry, safety spiel. I’ve seen this thing with the lights on. I’m tucked in like a turtle.

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inWaltDisneyWorld

Another comment from ​​u/Olangotang pointed out the state of the ride’s condition:

Fun fact: the yellow markers signify track that was meant to be replaced in 2009.

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Several Disney fans like u/Zissous_hat added to the thread with comments about the terrifying appearance the Space Mountain ride has without its dark overlay:

Scared me the one time I went on the PM with the Space Mountain lights on. Idk what it is but seeing a massive room with a big metal sturcture in it is unnerving and freaked me out.

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Even after getting a view of Space Mountain without its galactic makeup, it’s safe to say die-hard Disney fans won’t be able to leave it off their Magic Kingdom itineraries.