Mission: Oh My Gosh, We're Flying to Space!

[Safari Steve]

There is nothing... and I mean NOTHING to compare this attraction to, other than actual astronaut training or riding in a space shuttle.

I meant 48 years. "Flight to the Moon, presented by TWA" opened in Tomorrowland at Disneyland in 1955. The plot of M:S is similar, but the technology is light-years beyond that original Disney Space-travel experience.

The cabin you are in does not spin like Primeval Whirl... rater, 10 cabins like the one you are in are mounted on a giant centrofuge that revolves at a high rate of speed. You do not feel the revolution. You will feel the added gravity associated with launch, the lower gravity associated with a low-earth orbit, and the returning gravity associated with re-entering a planet's atmosphere. The attraction may make you a bit dizzy or woozy, but you will not be conscious of the actual motion.

Oh, hey!
I nearly forgot!
They have many, many styles of hats, shirts, etc for sale. The hat I purchased was an adjustable (velcro in back) baseball-style cap. It's red/orange with a crater design (think Mars) and the attraction logo on the front. The Epcot logo is on the back.

They also sell Astronaut food (strawberries, double-chocolate ice cream saucer, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate), mylar "space blankets", "ID Badges", model X-2 shuttles, die-cast toys, astronaut/NASA merchandise, license plates, and assorted other stuff.

Oh, and before anyone asks, there is no on-ride photo, which -coupled with the fact that you can't really see anyone else in your cabin- should make load/unload much more efficient than Test Track.

 

[cinmell]

Thanks for the info, it sounds awesome! I can't wait to try it!

 

[Tulip]

Looks like a blast. Can't wait!

 

[CJK]

Thanks sooooo much for the info Steve! I really liked your postcard! I've always looked for you on our trips, but never got the pleasure of finding you! We just got back from Disney last month so I highly doubt dh will let me go back mid August. I'm turning the dreaded 3-0 this fall and I think riding Mission Space would be the perfect birthday gift for me!

 

[wdwobsessed]

One question .....

OK .. I have a HUGE butt! LOL. Are the seats nice and roomy like RRC? I'm just hoping I can ride and not be uncomforatable as I am very big.

wdwo

 

[erikthewise]

This ride would make a great physics final exam question!

How must the ride be constructed so that you don't feel the circular motion?

If you were seated in the direction of motion, you would feel yourself pushed toward or against the outside wall (centrifugal force), and you could easily tell you were moving in a circle.

If you were seated around the outside wall, perpendicular to the direction of motion, then there's no way to produce the weightless sensation, and you might be able to feel the circular motion as the ride starts up.

Therefore you must be seated at just the right angle, at each moment matching the angle of the acceleration vector, so that it always feels like linear motion. So each module must be able to pivot during the ride. Now where did I put those equations?

Hey, I just figured out how to deduct our WDW trip as a professional expense!

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanks so much Steve for the "sneak preview" for all us Dis'ers!!!! It sounds sooooo cool! We'll be there in October to fly to Mars!

The little video was cute too. Thanks for showing us who you are!!!

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Thanks Steve, this is awesome.

"To the moon Alice" or should we say "MARS".
168 days until we can experience the Mission.

 

[Safari Steve]

Actually, I don't believe that the cabins turn to be at a right angle to the motion, they do pivot backwards and forwards, but for the most part face the center of the mechanism. You are indeed pushed back into your seat, but that gives the impression that you are moving forward at a high rate of speed.

 

[*Robin*]

Oh man, oh man, oh man!! My neighbor came out and told me you were spilling the beans...thanks so much!!!

I only hope I can go on with DS and DH. Can you tell me this Steve? I get super, super, don't look at me because you may get a faceful, sick when I'm in those theaters that show motion, like your flying or driving or whatever. It's definetly a visual thing with me. Is the inside totally stationary? You said you do not see outside, so even if it's spinning, I may be able to do it...

Thank you!! (I'm soooo excited!!!)

 

[Safari Steve]

you can see where you are "going" and the visuals (as well as the sensations) can be quite turbulent.