| Walt Disney World
Public Relations Press Release, May 2, 2006
Choice of Two Mission:
SPACE Adventures Begins Summer 2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 2, 2006) -- By the beginning of
summer, Epcot guests will have two options when it comes to
riding Mission: SPACE -- the original thrill attraction and a
new version for those who prefer a milder ride experience.
The new version, which is created by turning off the
spinning centrifuge, may be more suited for some guests, such
as those who are prone to motion sickness or have other
conditions. Both versions will offer an exciting astronaut
training experience through a dramatic story that invites
guests to explore a new world.
"By offering a second adventure, we hope to broaden
the appeal of Mission: SPACE and enable even more guests to
experience the attraction," said Al Weiss, president of
Walt Disney World Resort.
Signs posted in the queue area of Mission: SPACE will
outline the difference between the two adventures and provide
health advisories appropriate for each experience.
"Providing a choice between two ride options will help
to further encourage all guests to carefully consider posted
health advisories when making their decision," added
Weiss.
Mission: SPACE opened in August 2003. Since that time, 11.8
million rides have been given on the attraction, which
simulates the launch, approach and landing of a futuristic
spacecraft on Mars. The attraction is made up of four separate
ride systems, each with its own centrifuge and programmable
simulators.
-------------------------
Mission: SPACE
Okay. Let me be honest. I can't handle the Tea Cups in the
Magic Kingdom. Many moons ago, when I was young(er), I could
handle all that spinning, but middle-age has brought an end to
all that.
With that said, however, I have to admit that I love
Mission: SPACE. And it spins. It spins fast. In fact, this
attraction is an honest-to-goodness centrifuge, similar to the
kind used to train NASA astronauts. The difference is that the
effects in the training module never let you feel as though
you're spinning insanely. (Add to that the fact that the ride
mechanism does some tilting as well, so your cognitive sensors
haven't a clue what's going on.)
Here's how it works. You're pressed into a command module
with three other people. Each of you is assigned a role:
commander, engineer, navigator and pilot. Throughout your
flight to Mars, each of you has a task to accomplish, as
described in a timely manner by actor Gary Sinise. A screen is
positioned pretty close to your face, and you experience
lift-off, leaving the Earth's atmosphere with the requisite
G-forces, executing a slingshot so you can make it to Mars,
landing on Mars, and then almost encountering a disaster once
you get there. This attraction won the industry's technology
award last year, and once you experience it, you'll understand
why.
Please note, however, that you should adhere to Disney's
warnings. They're no joke. I rode when I was very, very tired
one evening, and it took me almost an hour to get over a
queasy feeling. Now that I know better, I always make sure I'm
relaxed, and I have no problem at all.
In all fairness, that's not always the case--hence, the
reason Disney installs "barf bags" in the module
(the only Disney thrill ride to take such a step). Several
friends rode it once, say they're glad they rode it--once--and
swear they will never ride it again.
Still, it's a superb experience that honors America's
accomplishments in outer space. And even if you decide to
bypass the thrill ride, there are four other post-show
experiences you can enjoy.
Guests must be at least 44 inches tall to experience
Mission: SPACE.
I attended the WDW Press Event to cover the
opening of Mission: Space back in October of 2003. Check out these
pages to see my coverage of the opening of this
attraction!
|
