Mission Space: Is it REALLY that bad?

[MrRomance]

So, the only ride I haven't done at the world (well, the rides that were there as of my last trip in 2008) is Mission Space. For some reason, we missed it back in 2008 but after hearing the horror stories, I don't know if I'm actually that keen now!

Here's my dilemma...

I have a serious phobia about sickness. I'm not so concerned about being sick myself, because I don't tend to get ill and I usually take motion sickness pills just in case (I'm a bit of an "in case" type person) but I'm terrified that someone else will throw up and I'll go into full scale panic mode!

So here is my question...

Is it really that bad? Do a lot of people get sick?

I'd love to hear people's experience on both sides because DW and I are now debating it!

 

[MouseEarsForAll]

I believe there is a thread about motion sickness here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2822450
It definitely discusses Mission: Space.

HIH

 

[BuzzLiteyear]

If your worried about others getting sick, I don't think that's too big of an issue. I've never seen anyone get physically I'll myself. Not saying it doesn't happen. If you are worried for yourself, you may want to stay away then.

 

[Huff]

Because many people have gotten sick on Mission Space, Disney created two versions. Theres the original ride (orange) and an optional green tamer version. The original ride is on a centrifuge which spins you to simulate g-forces and weightlessness. You don't realize you're spinning but your stomach might!

The green side does not spin at all. It still tilts you front and back as well as side to side although it does so slowly (nothing rapid), you can't tell whats happening as you have no outside views. Just the screen in front of you.

On our first ride several years ago they only had the spinning version. My wife and I felt whoozy after and it took about an hour before our stomachs settled. Since then we've rode the non-spinning version numerous times without issue. Its a fun ride and a great simulation ride.

 

[shells4]

We have ridden MS well over 30 times and I have never seen anyone get sick on it. The first time I rode it I felt a bit queezy but that was when the ride first opened, they have made adjustments to it since then. I myself get motion sickness easily and that was the only time I ever felt a little bit strange. Look straight ahead during the ride, it helps prevent motion sickness. I have ridden it twice back to back without any problem, I would hesitate to do it three times in a row, I think that would be too much for me. If you are concerned, ride the "milder" version of the ride first and see how you feel. I'm confident you won't have any problems and it is a GREAT ride--not to be missed.

Have you ever tried the motion sickness bands? I have used them for years and like them much better than the medication. They are very effective and you don't get the "cloudy"/tired feeling that comes with the pills.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

So, the only ride I haven't done at the world (well, the rides that were there as of my last trip in 2008) is Mission Space. For some reason, we missed it back in 2008 but after hearing the horror stories, I don't know if I'm actually that keen now!

Here's my dilemma...

I have a serious phobia about sickness. I'm not so concerned about being sick myself, because I don't tend to get ill and I usually take motion sickness pills just in case (I'm a bit of an "in case" type person) but I'm terrified that someone else will throw up and I'll go into full scale panic mode!

So here is my question...

Is it really that bad? Do a lot of people get sick?

I'd love to hear people's experience on both sides because DW and I are now debating it!

I heard that Mission Space has been scaled down since those unfortunate incidents. I rode MS ORANGE for the first time this summer and lived to tell -- so it couldn't be that bad. I will say that it is quite INTENSE - unlike anything I've ever felt. I really thought we were going to the moon and it was AWESOME! We felt a little disoriented afterwards but that was it! I despise the Tea Cups but love Mission Space.

***sigh*** When I think of all the years wasted on GREEN -- I get really bummed. Anyway, it's very important to keep your head pressed firmly against the headrest and your eyes focused on the screen. The video that's shown before the ride is actually scarier than the ride itself, IMHO. That video terrified me so much that I almost walked and there was a guy in our room who chose to leave after the video. Obviously, I don't know his circumstances so it probably was a wise choice for him.

Have fun!

 

[stenmarks]

I have done the easy side with no ill effects. Same trip I was too scared to do Tower of Terror and EE, so that should give you some indication of my fear level lol.

This time I want to do ToT, EE, and the orange level of Mission Space .

 

[wyonative78]

I was terrified of Mission Space when we visited WDW the first time. But, DH convinced me and I rode the orange version with him. I LOVED it!

We rode the orange version again a few years later, and it wasn't nearly as intense as I remembered it. I was actually surprised when the ride was over because it didn't feel at all like what I had experienced the first time. It was still fun, but not quite as fun as I had remembered. It may have just been the "thrill" of the first time that I was missing!

I agree with the others - if you have any worries about illness, ride the green first. If you like that and feel fine, you can try the orange. Good luck and have fun! It really is a cool ride!

 

[Jacie]

No. I felt like RnR coaster was more thrilling than M:S. I wasn't nervous until it kept warning us over and over while waiting to board. Both DH and I got off and were like, "All that for that? Mmmkay."

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

I would try the green version. It's the same ride experience without the intensity of the orange version. We have ridden it several times and have never witnessed anyone getting sick because of it. I think a bigger issue would be claustrophobia.

 

[larryz]

Is it really that bad? Do a lot of people get sick?

No and no.

Remember that those who post here are not in the majority of people who visit WDW every year. What you're getting is a sample of those who are most inclined to say, "Yes, I got sick."

So, physically, if you don't have any skeletal injuries or vulnerabilities, and you aren't prone to motion sickness, you should do fine. Read and heed the warning signs at the entrance to the ride, the end of the first section of the queue, the end of the second section of the queue, and the pre-ride instruction video.

Psychologically, if you think you're going to panic on a 4 minute simulated space flight complete with positive and minor negative G's, then you should probably avoid the ride.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I'm not going on it because 2 ppl in the past have gotten off of it and dropped dead. Turned out they had underlying heart conditions that they didn't know they had. But imagine how many ppl out there may have a heart condition and not know it?!? No ride is worth dying over. I'm not going to encourage my kids to go on it either.

 

[tinkerbesh]

In a word... YES!

I'm not prone to motion sickness. I love roller coasters & all the other thrill rides that Disney has to offer. Love the weightlessness during the drops at Tower of Terror, the terrifying take-off of Rockin Roller Coaster, the wild hills in Space Mountain and BTMRR... We even try to make the most thrilling loops in the claustrophobic Sum of All Thrills ride.

So when we saw the warnings for Mission Space (orange), we thought- bring it on - we love this stuff! But we were so wrong... It was horribly uncomfortable the minute the rocket "took off." I was sure I was about to pass out, throw up, or worse. The entire time. And what a horrible feeling to know that you have to keep looking at the screen - have to keep your eyes open - have to keep your head against the seat (otherwise it's even worse)... So there was no escaping the awful awful nausea and dizziness.

It was so bad it ruined us for most of the rest of the day. We had to go back to the hotel and rest for hours until we felt like ourselves again. Even then, we had to ride the tame kiddie rides the rest of the evening & next morning.

So in sum, we'll never ride that particular ride again. Too scared to even try the green version!

I know every person is different, and who knows- you might do just fine. But I wanted you to know how unexpectedly bad it was for us.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm not prone to motion sickness. I have rode ToT 2 or 3 times in a row, followed by RnR 2 or 3 times with no problem. I have rode EE 3 times in a row (single rider). But Mission Space Orange left me disoriented for a couple hours, never again, never felt that before. I did do green with no problem.

 

[brerdawg]

The Green ride is not bad at all. The orange ride uses a centrifuge and does get people sick.

 

[duffy]

There is only one way to find out.

 

[vermi3127]

My family has been on it quite a few times. I also took my 65y/o mother on the orange and she had no issues. I would assume if you tend to get car sick then it might be an issue but its more of a vibration than anything. Hope this helps.

 

[belle0216]

I would be cautious about going on the orange. I am definitely not prone to motion sickness and will ride any ride at any amusement park except for this one. Everyone else in my group loved it but during the ride I felt more nauseous than I have ever felt and didn't feel normal for a few hours afterward. If you feel comfortable taking a risk go for it, I really don't think I am in the majority, but just know that if you do tend to feel motion sick you should stay off the orange!

 

[kohlby]

I stick to green and am fine. I stay away from the teacups. I feel sick on the carosel. But can easily handle costers and other thrill rides - just no spinning. I get carsick unless I look out the front. I get sea sick. I easily get motion sickness on spinny rides. My husband did orange and felt a little quesy, not like he was going to throw up, but a little off. He usually has to do the teacups with the kids up to three times, and that's his limit.

 

[ppony]

I've only ridden it once and that was when it opened, before they had a "milder" version. Actually, they were just hosing off the floor before we went in because yes, someone got sick. But my DH and DS11 love it. I won't go on again because I'm very claustrophobic and it was almost unbearable for me to make it though. I missed some of my "ques" of things I was supposed to do because I was so preoccupied w/ being trapped. It wasn't the sensation of increased weight per se that bothered me either, but I approached the black-out stage where my vision faded to gray. I'm not keen on that feeling either. I get that on some roller coasters too that pull Gs in turns. I bet since the mild version was introduced, the incidents of illness has gone way down. If you want to try it OP, start low and work your way up. The only way to know, is to go.