Last Updated on January 16, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
For Millennial adults, Disney World holds a special place in their hearts. I grew up going to Disney World with my parents, and it’s a treasured time capsule. From that first photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle to your first ears, the sense of nostalgia is something that Disney Adults are yearning to pass down to their kids. Walt Disney World celebrates the magic of milestones and knows how to create that spark of joy when you pass on a piece of your childhood to your children. Space Mountain has been delighting guests with a thrilling adventure through the cosmos since its grand opening in 1975. This year marks the attraction’s 50th anniversary.
I remember the excitement of my first ride on Space Mountain and the adrenaline rush as I soared through the stars. The thrilling ride has been a beacon that towers over Tomorrowland in The Magic Kingdom. When I grew up, we ran towards Space Mountain at rope drop. The unexpected twists and high-speed turns, set in the dark of the night, always left my heart pounding with adrenaline.
Space Mountain is a milestone ride from my childhood, but it was also a milestone for Disney Parks. It was one of the last attractions Walt Disney personally worked on with his Imagineers, and its use of groundbreaking technology and innovation have been hallmarks of Disney attractions ever since. It was the world’s first indoor roller coaster in the dark, air-conditioned (which I appreciate as an adult now), and completely controlled by computer.
With its twin tracks, Alpha and Omega, Space Mountain has launched unforgettable memories for millions of guests around the globe. The popularity of the original Space Mountain led to the ride being built in five out of six Disney resort destinations worldwide. It is truly a cultural icon.
Riding Space Mountain has become a rite of passage for many. It’s one of the Disney attractions that families use to measure their child’s growth, counting down to their Walt Disney World vacation. There’s a little gulp of nerves when you’re officially tall enough to ride, but there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of conquering your first coaster.
As a mom of three, with my youngest being a four-year-old, we’re celebrating that rite of passage this year. I’m a Disney Adult who is sharing the magic of milestones with my kids. I’ll hold my youngest’s hand as he conquers Space Mountain for the first time, knowing it’s provided three generations of memories, for my family, since 1975.
It’s a beautiful cycle—one of nostalgia, love, and a sense of timelessness that only Disney can provide.
Come celebrate the magic of milestones with your family, whether you’re zooming through the stars together or watching with joy as your little ones grow, eagerly counting down the days until they’re tall enough for their first thrilling ride.
Every step, every moment, is part of the adventure as a Disney Adult—an unforgettable journey that you can pass down to the next generation.