Mission: SPACE is a motion simulator ride at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World. This attraction is very popular, especially with teens and young adults. Riders must be 44 inches tall. It’s the next best thing to space travel without leaving planet Earth. Be sure to visit early in the day or use a FastPass to avoid a wait. If you have ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut, this ride is for you! It accurately depicts what astronauts experience on a trip to Mars.
As you enter the building, you’re given a choice and issued a ticket: Green Team or Orange Team. The Orange Team is more intense and includes spinning and tilting. The Green Team gives you a less intense adventure, and not likely to give you motion sickness but still offers quite a thrill.
In the pre-show, actor Gary Sinise prepares you for your mission to Mars on the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle at the International Space Training Center. You’ll be broken into groups of 4 for flight training and given a role, Navigator, Engineer, Pilot and Commander. During the flight, each person is responsible for initiating duties to accomplish the Mission. There are plenty of opportunities to opt out if you don’t feel ready for the flight.
Once you board the 4 person capsule and lower the harness, be prepared to blast off! There’s a screen that shows a very realistic film of the journey. The 4 minute ride really makes you feel like you’re part of the actual NASA crew! You’ll be subjected to intense, sustained G-forces as the “rocket” takes you to the Red Planet. The mission includes some surprising situations that add to the excitement of your flight.
When your trip to Mars is finished (and you catch your breath!), be sure to stop at the Mission: SPACE Advanced Training Lab for some post ride fun. It’s a great waiting area for non-riders featuring a place for little ones to enjoy a space themed play area. There’s also a great gift shop, some fun games and a place to email free video Postcards from Space.
Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel. Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.