Mission: SPACE -- no G-force testing

[wbk]

WDWMagic is reporting the following regarding Mission: SPACE--

2 May 2006: Mission: SPACE testing a "no G Force" version of the experience

Over the past few months, there have been some interesting testing sessions taking place in bay 4 over at Mission: SPACE. During quiet times and after hours, WDI and WDW Engineering have been experimenting with running the ride without any G forces from the centrifuge. This is achieved by the centrifuge not rotating during the ride. All other functions of the capsule remain as they currently are, including the movement of the actual capsule on the centrifuge arm. The aim of this testing is to check for feasibility of having the option for guests to ride either the G-Force edition of M:S, or the much tamer no G-Force edition. In this scenario, there would be 2 routes through the queue, allowing guests to choose their experience. The flexibility of the ride system would also allow a ride bay to be switched to either mode quickly, depending on the demand from either queue.

It is important to note from this that the original ride experience is not being removed, nor is it being toned down. Disney are just considering the option of providing a "no G-Force" alternative for those guests who do not meet the current ride requirements, or are afraid to ride the full force Mission: SPACE. Guests would still be able to ride the full, original version of the attraction.

The results of the testing are not yet available, and currently there is no official confirmation about the possibility of this moving ahead.

 

[pouncingpluto]

Cool... I hope they do this. It would work for all of us seasick people who love Mission Space in theory.

 

[2Xited4Disney]

This sounds like an excellent plan by the immagineers. Many guests, including myself will not ride M:S for a variety of reasons (Mine is motion sickness). Todate M:S is the ONLY attraction in WDW I have not been on, and I feel like I am missing out

 

[Mickmse2002]

Interesting concept. This sounds like a creative way to "salvage" the attraction in the eyes of a lot of guests.

 

[flatline]

so people will sit in a capsule and press buttons while watching a low-res movie? sounds like a lot of fun. the next thing will be people that get off claiming there needs to be BP monitors before the loading platforms to help them decide which version to ride.

 

[pouncingpluto]

so people will sit in a capsule and press buttons while watching a low-res movie? sounds like a lot of fun. the next thing will be people that get off claiming there needs to be BP monitors before the loading platforms to help them decide which version to ride.

This is no different than what they did in Body Wars and are still doing in Star Tours. The movie playing without the motion. While it may sound less than thrilling to you, it's a great option for those of us who would altogther miss out on the attraction.

As a healthy 28-year-old, I may not need a blood pressure check, but I certainly want to avoid anything that makes me feel sick for about two hours, like MS does.

 

[Chuck S]

If they still have the casule movement without the spinning G-force, I would think when it tips forward for the landing the over-shoulder safety bar would be very uncomfortable.

Also, it would be very easy and inexpensive to make a few copies of the passenger capsules that are stationary (they wouldn't need to be attatched to a centrifuge at all, just a simple tilt mechanism) and install them in an adjoining building or near the exit games...they then could use all 4 centifuges and not shut one down if only a handfull of folks want to ride without the spin.

 

[DC7800]

WDWMagic is reporting the following regarding Mission: SPACE--

2 May 2006: Mission: SPACE testing a "no G Force" version of the experienceThe aim of this testing is to check for feasibility of having the option for guests to ride either the G-Force edition of M:S, or the much tamer no G-Force edition. In this scenario, there would be 2 routes through the queue, allowing guests to choose their experience

This is an innovation which is long overdue, but it could (and should) be applied to attractions besides just Mission Space. There are many guests who physically are excluded from attractions such as the Tower of Terror or Space Mountain. But, there are many, many more persons who probably could ride, but who choose not to, due to the "thrill-ride" nature of the experience. A tamer, more sedate ride experience would open these attractions to (virtually) everyone, while preserving the "thrills" Disney seems to think it needs. Indeed, ToT need only (dramatically) slow the descent of the "drop" elevator to create a ride version which can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

 

[seashoreCM]

I thought that a half-chicken* line would be a no-brainer. I guess there are six capsules each holding four so after 24 people have entered the chicken coop from the on-deck circle then the next ride cycle is run more sedately.

*The complete-chicken exit leading directly to the games and gift shop area will continue to exist.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[JMD]

This is an innovation which is long overdue, but it could (and should) be applied to attractions besides just Mission Space. There are many guests who physically are excluded from attractions such as the Tower of Terror or Space Mountain. But, there are many, many more persons who probably could ride, but who choose not to, due to the "thrill-ride" nature of the experience. A tamer, more sedate ride experience would open these attractions to (virtually) everyone, while preserving the "thrills" Disney seems to think it needs. Indeed, ToT need only (dramatically) slow the descent of the "drop" elevator to create a ride version which can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

I don't understand why Disney needs to change their rides for a "wider audience". The rides should be experienced the way they were intended to be. Obviously there is a big enough demand for thrill rides that Disney feels they need to keep adding them.

WDW has something for everyone already. Not ALL rides are intended for ALL people. If someone doesn't like thrill rides, then its their decision to ride it or not. Should they add a roller coaster verson of "Its a Small World", so those that love thrill rides will have a more enjoyable experience on the ride?

 

[Chuck S]

I thought that a half-chicken* line would be a no-brainer. I guess there are six capsules each holding four so after 24 people have entered the chicken coop from the on-deck circle then the next ride cycle is run more sedately.

*The complete-chicken exit leading directly to the games and gift shop area will continue to exist.

Aren't there 10 capsules per centrifuge? The pre-show has 10 lines on the floor. Making it 40 guests per centrifuge per cycle.

 

[Buzz2001]

Disney to tame Epcot's Mission: Space ride
Park to offer a toned-down version of ride for visitors


Scott Powers and Beth Kassab | Sentinel Staff Writers


Less than a month after a second person died after riding Mission: Space, Walt Disney World is reworking its hazardous but popular Epcot ride to offer a Mission: Space lite for people who shouldn't or don't want to try the full experience.

Mission: Space simulates a spaceship launch, flight and landing by combining centrifugal and other motions with audio and video effects. There are four separate centrifuge systems in the building and at least one of them would be turned off so that riders experienced rocking motions and the other effects, but not the spinning.

Disney announced the new ride option would be available by "early summer" for people who chose not to ride the more intense version either because they don't want to or because they have health problems that prevent them from doing so.

Disney officials said the change is not being made because of the April 12 death of a German tourist, Hiltrud Blümel, or the death last summer of a 4-year-old boy, Daudi Bamuwamye, or because of numerous other illness complaints.

Instead, Disney is characterizing the change as an exciting new option.

"By offering a second adventure, we hope to broaden the appeal of Mission: Space and enable even more guests to experience the attraction," Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a prepared statement.

The ride has drawn 11.7 million people since it opened in the summer of 2003 and is a favorite of many. But it's also the Disney ride that draws the most complaints and serious illnesses, and is the only ride at Disney that includes motion sickness bags. Besides the two deaths, more than 130 riders have sought medical attention, including 10 reported for suffering serious health effects.

When asked if the change was being made because of recent events, Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty responded, "The answer is no.

"We are doing this for three reasons: to enable even more guests to experience the attraction; to provide an alternative that may be more suited for some guests, such as those who are prone to motion sickness or have other conditions; and to further encourage all guests to carefully consider and heed posted health warnings."

The move is being welcomed by theme park analysts and ride safety proponents.

"It sounds like a reasonable step for a self-regulated park to take," said Kathy Fackler, founder and president of SaferParks, a California-based organization crusading for independent ride safety reviews.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

This is an innovation which is long overdue, but it could (and should) be applied to attractions besides just Mission Space. There are many guests who physically are excluded from attractions such as the Tower of Terror or Space Mountain. But, there are many, many more persons who probably could ride, but who choose not to, due to the "thrill-ride" nature of the experience. A tamer, more sedate ride experience would open these attractions to (virtually) everyone, while preserving the "thrills" Disney seems to think it needs. Indeed, ToT need only (dramatically) slow the descent of the "drop" elevator to create a ride version which can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

I think this a good idea with M:S especially with the recent deaths but it is totally ridiculous to slow down ToT or SM! here is a better idea take the elevator down from the top floor of the CR at the Cali Grill and then take a trip on the monorail with your eyes closed, that is what tamer versions of ToT and SM would be like. By this logic they should add some G-force to Dumbo for bigger kids who normally would not enjoy the ride.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Disney officials said the change is not being made because of the April 12 death of a German tourist, Hiltrud Blümel, or the death last summer of a 4-year-old boy, Daudi Bamuwamye, or because of numerous other illness complaints.

Thats what they say but I think its more like: "we better see if guests like a tamer M:S because if any more people croak on this ride we're gonna have to close it otherwise"

 

[erikthewise]

I thought that a half-chicken* line would be a no-brainer. I guess there are six capsules each holding four so after 24 people have entered the chicken coop from the on-deck circle then the next ride cycle is run more sedately.

Or maybe they could call it a "chicken and shrimp" line so young children could do it too.

 

[manning]

Amazing, they come up with a simple fix to satisfy everyone and we have complainers.

 

[stemikger]

Awesome. I really hope this happens. I would love to try it, but due to high blood pressure I could not. Now for the really big question.

Does anyone know when this will become a reality.

 

[mjgruber]

Thats what they say but I think its more like: "we better see if guests like a tamer M:S because if any more people croak on this ride we're gonna have to close it otherwise"

This decision ( in my opinion ) came from Legal Headquarters in California. To say it is not connected to the deaths is ummm ridiculous, the ride was open for 3 years and now with 2 weeks after the 2nd death they change it.

I applaud them for the change and for legal reasons they Cannot say it is related to the deaths. Just don't try to feed us mind numbing reasons.

 

[crazy4wdw]

Disney plans gentler Mission: Space
Word of a less-intense version of the thrill ride follows 2 deaths and many complaints.

Scott Powers and Beth Kassab | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted May 3, 2006

Less than a month after a second person died after riding Mission: Space, Walt Disney World is reworking its hazardous but popular Epcot ride to offer a Mission: Space-lite option for some people.

The thrill ride simulates a spaceship launch, flight and landing with a combination of centrifugal and other motion forces and audio and video "virtual-reality" effects. There are four separate centrifuge systems in the ride building, each with 10 pods that can hold four riders each.

Disney announced Tuesday that it will turn off the centrifuge on at least one system, so that riders who don't want, or should not try, the spinning may still ride.

The new option would be available by early summer.

A company spokeswoman said the change is not being made because of the April 12 death of a German tourist, Hiltrud Blumel, the death last summer of a 4-year-old boy, Daudi Bamuwamye, or numerous other illness complaints.

Instead, Disney is characterizing the nonspinning ride as an exciting new option.

"By offering a second adventure, we hope to broaden the appeal of Mission: Space and enable even more guests to experience the attraction," Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a prepared statement.

Weiss was not available to be interviewed Tuesday evening. Nor were Walt Disney World Vice President of Epcot Brad Rex, or Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chief Safety Officer Greg Hale.

Mission: Space has drawn 11.8 million people since it opened in the summer of 2003 and is a favorite of many.

Kim and R.J. Maurice, a sister and brother from Jacksonville, are among them. After they rode it Tuesday, Kim Maurice, 21, said she would ride it 30 more times if she could.

But Mission: Space also draws the most complaints of serious illnesses among all Disney World rides. And it is the only one that includes motion-sickness bags. Besides the two deaths, more than 130 riders have sought medical attention, including 10 reported with serious health effects, since the ride opened.

When asked whether the change was being made because of recent events, Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty responded, "The answer is no."

"We are doing this for three reasons," Prunty said. "To enable even more guests to experience the attraction; to provide an alternative that may be more suited for some guests, such as those who are prone to motion sickness or have other conditions; and to further encourage all guests to carefully consider and heed posted health warnings."

The ride is safe as designed for people who heed the health warnings, she said. People with cardiovascular problems including hypertension, or who are prone to motion sickness, are warned away by 13 signs, plus video and audio warnings along the ride's queue.

Since the April 12 death, Mission: Space lines consistently have been far shorter than those at Epcot's two other major rides, Soarin' and Test Track. Tuesday evening, the posted wait time for Mission: Space was five minutes, compared with 40 for Soarin' and 30 for Test Track, a typical spread in recent weeks.

Without the centrifugal force -- which the military and NASA have used for decades to help simulate flight and spaceflight -- the ride would be more like Star Tours at Disney-MGM Studios or Back to the Future at Universal Studios. Both simulate flight experiences with rocking, rising and falling motions and video and audio.

Disney is still working out the operational details, Prunty said.

Other rides offer options. Many roller coasters, for example, allow riders to choose the front car. Typically, the queue splits just before the boarding area.

Prunty said Mission: Space warning signs will make the choices clear.

Many Epcot guests were considering the current warnings Tuesday, and some said they would think about riding the alternative if it were available. Kirk and Cosette Steehler of Erie, Pa., sat out the ride while two of their children rode.

They weren't worried about serious problems but said they didn't want to get sick. Kirk Steehler said he has gotten sick before on simulator rides.

"If it was toned down, I'd probably go on it," Cosette Steehler said.

Theme-park analysts and ride-safety proponents welcomed the change.

"It sounds like a reasonable step for a self-regulated park to take," said Kathy Fackler, founder and president of SaferParks, a California-based organization crusading for independent ride-safety reviews.

But some said they think Disney is reacting to the deaths and illnesses.

"I think it's because of the problems they've had with it," said Steve Baker, president of Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando-based theme-park consulting firm. "So I guess they [Disney officials] have got to, without scuttling the whole ride, try something, and make the liability less, to say, 'We've gone to great lengths to offer you a safe ride. What else are we going to do?' "

Nationally, some rides, notably The Rattler at Fiesta Texas, in San Antonio, and Son of Beast, at Kings Island, in Ohio, were changed after injury complaints.

But Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services in Cincinnati, said he knows of no park that ever offered a less-intense alternative following complaints.

Speigel said he thought the second option is a "logical extension." He said it should encourage more people with health concerns to take the warnings seriously, because they'll have more choices than just to ride or not to ride.

"I would imagine that if there was a question, and somebody realistically addressed that, they will stop and say, 'Well, maybe I will take the less intense ride,' " he said.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441. Beth Kassab can be reached at bkassab@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5448.

 

[JMD]

Amazing, they come up with a simple fix to satisfy everyone and we have complainers.

No one is complaining. And it doesn't satisfy everyone, the vast majority of people like it just the way it is now. Considering the intesity of the ride and recent issues on it, I understand if they want to test a milder version of Mission:Space. But changing other thrill rides, as someone suggested, is just absurd.