Mission Space Green...talk to me about it

[BrianL]

Brian, what's the consensus on closing your eyes during the ride? I've heard parents suggest to their kids that if they feel bad, "just close your eyes".

I know CapCom tells us not to, but it isn't clear why.

(Wait, she's not Capcom, that's Lt Dan. . . . . )

So, on Green Team I would say closing your eyes would help. Sometimes the 3D screen can make people sick and Green doesn't really move that much, so closing your eyes should help (like on Soarin', though with a lot more shaking). On Orange Team, closing your eyes could be unpredictable. You are going to feel those G-forces regardless, and usually focusing on something helps. If the screen were bothering you I might just look at the console without moving my head. Moving your head down or to the side could make it a lot worse. I'd keep my head back to the head rest, then cast my eyes down at the console, maybe try to focus on one of the lights or something. You can count the 235 seconds until it's over.

 

[cigar95]

Thanks, both. I haven't had a problem myself, though I only occasionally ride Orange because of an old heart condition. I'm just wondering if I should recommend an alternative when the parents suggest the kids close their eyes.

 

[goofyernmost]

First of all, Green does not spin. It merely tilts to simulate G-forces and slowing up. The capsule does close up somewhat just before it starts up. You aren't "strapped " in. It is an over the shoulder brace. I have never been claustrophobic or had motion sickness, but, if you or they can ride other rides like Star Tours or even Test Track, the motion is not anywhere near as jolting. You have things to do during the ride (not real, but, at least you are making like it.) It is a fun experience whether in Orange or Green. It's different and fun. If you or family do not have severe problems with close space or movement I don't have any fear of recommending it. Even when closed, I don't find it that upsetting. You have all kinds of buttons and switches to look at plus the screen.

I am 68 and would still be riding Orange if I didn't have COPD. The G-forces on that side tend to compress your chest cavity making breathing more difficult if you don't remember to breath through your mouth. I found Green to be just as much fun without the breathing issue for me.

 

[Pinfeathers & Golly Fluff]

So, on Green Team I would say closing your eyes would help. Sometimes the 3D screen can make people sick and Green doesn't really move that much, so closing your eyes should help (like on Soarin', though with a lot more shaking). On Orange Team, closing your eyes could be unpredictable. You are going to feel those G-forces regardless, and usually focusing on something helps. If the screen were bothering you I might just look at the console without moving my head. Moving your head down or to the side could make it a lot worse. I'd keep my head back to the head rest, then cast my eyes down at the console, maybe try to focus on one of the lights or something. You can count the 235 seconds until it's over.

Exactly, it has to do with your brain being able to understand what the sensation is that you're feeling. The recommendation to NEVER close your eyes is because the visual of the screen jives with the motion that your body is experiencing and your brain sends correct signals to keep you cool as a cucumber (one hopes). The screen tricks you and you don't even know you're spinning if you don't know how the ride works. Close your eyes and you remove that visual cue and the brain is rapidly searching for an explanation of what's going on and BAM it knows you're spinning or more that something is out of place and that's where the trouble can start. There's no frame of reference to say "ah I can see why this feeling is happening".

We always ride Green because my husband gets horrible motion sickness with Star Tours .. he's fine with Green though. Although not anywhere near as intense, he also gets pretty thrown by Space Mountain because, again, the lack of visual cues increase disorientation.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

Thank you everyone for the detailed explanation. We have FP+ reserved so I believe we will do the Green side and then decide after if we want to try the Orange.

 

[E-ticket Princess]

It is lots of fun and a very unique and special experience. I have big claustrophobia issues and some motion sickness. I was very apprehensive riding the first time. My nephew explained that it is just 4 one minute scenes so if you hate it you just have to deal with a minute at a time and its over. The cool air really keeps you from feeling closed in. He was so right. I loved it! But you must follow the directions they give you to keep focused on the story on your screen and not the centrifuge. Have the kids do green and if they like it maybe they'll brave the orange. You should definitely do orange at least once though just to say you did.
Life is too short to miss a chance to go to Mars. Even if it is just simulated.