Mission:Disney 6/18-7/2/04 - Part #12 – First Time Attractions – Mission Space

[ehagerty]

As previously noted (Part #2), I was unable to experience Mission:Space last August (2003), even though the option (soft opening) was available. I’d already received 5 pints of blood over that preceeding months, and wasn’t interested in seeing what the gravitational forces might do to healing blood vessels. Knowing it would certainly be available in 2004, and despite its reverse-peristalsis reputation, I waited with anticipation. DS16 and DS14 both had thought it was terrific, and since I have no, known negative reactions to rides of any kind, the posted trip reports warning of motion sickness did not deter me.

First day at Epcot, I could hardly wait to get in line. The crowds were thick in this area. Test Track and Mission:Space are both stellar attractions, and they also happen to be the only two attractions open this morning on this side of town. Wonders of Life is on indefinite hiatus and Universe of Energy was down, please try again later. So, the crowds were all hovering in the street.

We picked up fast passes for TT and got into the singles line for MS. It was nice to be in a queueing area that was designed with fast pass and single riders in the mix. All three lines queued well and merged well. The Queue Masters were completely in synch with the Ride Loaders; pre-boarding and boarding were virtually seamless. More on the operational efficiency of other rides / parks later. I think our total wait was less than 15”.

The ride itself was extremely well done, the details of which have been documented extensively in other posts. I completed the ride and encouraged DH47 to give it a try, since he likes space and had prepped with a Dramamine (very vulnerable to motion issues). I noted to him that the “gravity” part is offset by a “Star Tours”-like ride through the asteroids; that it wasn't 4 minutes of non-stop spinning. I returned with him, a back-to-back ride; 2 rides within 30”.

Oooooops!!

DH47 Impressions – was glad he did it, loves spaces, BUT was in a complete, cold sweat when the ride was over and spent the next 2 hours at “Mission:Space Recovery Center” (First Aid) sleeping it off.

ME49 Impressions – thought it well done; never felt dizzy or nauseous, but I didn’t feel as well after the ride as I had before the ride. I can’t articulate fully what the “feeling” was, but my phrase was “I need a nap to reset my internal gyroscope.” And I didn’t feel the urge to go on again, and again (like I had with RnR and ToT when they were new). Most closely resembled my reaction to post-surgical morphine, not nausea, just a deep sense that something is really “off”. I prefer pain to that sensation.

Of course, I didn’t actually TAKE a nap; I had miles to go, kids to shephard – and a reservation at Al Fredos for later in the day. Kids & I went on TT while DH took a nap, then we moved on.

Summary:
- This ride is intense, unique. Wasn’t actually fun, though.
- Wouldn’t want to ride repeatedly or often.
- Next ride will be end of day, then off to bed (to reset my gyroscope…). But I WILL ride again!!!
- A "must do" - once.

Concern:

1. Hopefully, this attraction will develop enough of a core following that will insures its longevity, or at least a healthy (recoup investment) run.

2. My recommendation (in case any imagineers are listening) for developing future attractions is to balance the use of “fun factors” with intensity. After all, the bottom line isn’t whether you have a critical theming or technology success, but whether the customers want to ride (and ride, and ride) it.

P.S. I thought Mummy was rather lame for story / theming, but the ride (technology) was a blast (I.e., FUN). I know that isn’t exactly an apples:apples comparison between ride themes / technology, but it IS an orangesranges comparison of two new E-ticket attractions and one person’s reaction to them…..

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I have been following your reports - great job, BTW!

Glad you posted about M:S. It's one of the few new attractions I'll visit on my next trip, and I have been slightly concerned so I've been reading all I can.

Although most rides (roller coasters, etc.) don't bother me a lick, I really dislike "spinning" rides, I.E. tilt-a-whirl type things. I had already decided to take a dramamine on my visit, but perhaps that won't even be necessary.

Thanks for posting!

N.E.D.

 

[Minniespal]

Great report ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Glad to read that you tried Mission Space, but sorry that your husband had trouble. I first rode MS last Oct. and just loved it, wen't on it several times and never had any trouble. I can see how some people may have trouble though, it is very intense.