Mission: SPACE -- no G-force testing

[JMD]

JMD, you're missing on several cylindars here. On most days, M:S has the third or fourth longest line at Epcot. Soarin' is always longest, followed by Test Track and then most often by Living with the Land.

Common mid-day wait times during this time of the year are:

Soarin' 60-90 minutes
Test Track 30-45 minutes
Living with the Land 20-30 minutes
Mission:Space 20-30 minutes

Often, even when 20 minutes is posted for Mission:Space, the attraction is actually a near walk-on. And, they have the ability to control the capacity of the attraction by shutting down centrifuges, which they often due - running only two or three. The attraction is not nearly as popular as initially expected.

At Test Track, a car leaves every 12 seconds. It runs at full capacity (unless it breaks down) all day long.

As I just posted, this was not my experience last time I was there. Its quite possible that things have changed quite a bit since the last time I went. Considering that I'm going in two weeks, I hope your right.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

As I just posted, this was not my experience last time I was there. Its quite possible that things have changed quite a bit since the last time I went. Considering that I'm going in two weeks, I hope your right.

I just went this past weekend. Mission:Space was a walk on all day.

 

[Tink's Tormentor]

If you only waited 5 minutes then you must be very lucky. Everytime I've been there it was the longest wait. I'm going back in two weeks so I hope you're right.

I'm not twisting words, your not reading the whole thread. You commented on a response I made to another poster. I can understand why Disney would test a tamer version of M:S, I've said that already. But someone mentioned that they should do it to other thrill rides so that they would appeal to a wider audience. Thats what I disagree with. Disney doesn't need a slow or tamer version for every ride in the park. Considering the recent issue with M:S, thats obviously an exception.

JMD when was the last time u were there?????

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

The problem with M:S is that your incentive to ride it on a second trip isn't all that great. I rode it twice on my trip that included a chance to but only because my seatmate on the first ride were German and didn't understand they were supposed to do anything...either that or they wanted to see what happened if you didn't press any buttons. I took the second ride because of the first and because my friend was in a conference when I went through the first time. The next trip was right after poor Daudi ...this time with friends who hadn't been to the World in years. So we rode. I won't be riding again unless some changes are made...not just because of the intensity of experience but because there isn't much to the ride for repeat riders.

They need to think along the lines of the Tower of Terror and find a way to vary the ride experience in a way that is noticeable and that would be appreciated.

 

[flatline]

it was on our local news today about the intended changes, no real details or dates, though. typical 'in the wake of recent deaths' kind of reporting. if they are going to ramp down the overall experience, there's nothing that can be done about it. 2 deaths out of 12 million bodies doesn't seem justifiable, but the PR department must be freaking out.

BTW, we were over for the Flower and Garden Festival last weekend and it was a walk-on while we were there as well.

 

[All Aboard]

2 deaths out of 12 million bodies doesn't seem justifiable.

After Daudi's death, I was saying virtually the same thing. "Freak occurance", "one in a billion", etc. But now, after two, I've significantly changed my position.

Think about it, if this proves to be the probability, Disney could be facing a death on this attraction every 12-18 months. That's scary as hell.

I'm not suggesting that it definitely is the long-run probability, but what I am suggesting is that Disney cannot take the risk of finding out the hard way that it is.

From where I sit, Disney has absolutely no choice in this matter. They tone it down and reduce the risk of fatality.

 

[Cool-Beans]

it was on our local news today about the intended changes, no real details or dates, though. typical 'in the wake of recent deaths' kind of reporting. if they are going to ramp down the overall experience, there's nothing that can be done about it. 2 deaths out of 12 million bodies doesn't seem justifiable, but the PR department must be freaking out.

BTW, we were over for the Flower and Garden Festival last weekend and it was a walk-on while we were there as well.

How many dead bodies do you need? Just kidding. But I have a point.

MS threw me for a loop. I can ride everything in the world. The spinning ride that throws you up against the wall, then the floor drops out. Roller coasters where you stand up and zoom toward the ground face-first. I'd even ride the Hulk again if it didn't hurt my teeth.

But I sat in my seat at MS fighting to stay conscious. I was having MUCHO trouble breathing (had to concentrate and force myself to breathe), and worried that if I passed out I wouldn't breathe and then my kids would hate Disney because I died there. Didn't want that, so began praying to let me die elsewhere.

Thought it was just me, then they told me "no," and explained how the ride worked while I was lying on a bench (embarrassed, but woozy.)

Then others on the internet said it made them funky, too.

Then one kid dies.

Then another person dies.

I think this ride has something to it that affects some people harshly and not others. And after 2 dead people, I think it might be affecting some a little too harshly. Since there isn't any way to tell if it will affect people or not, I'd be glad if they could fix whatever it is.

And I wasn't scared going on it. It wasn't in my head, didn't psych myself out. And I followed all the rules. Still...

(But the ride itself without the sensation would be a huge bore.)

Just my $.02.

 

[annie1995]

I would really like to see this happen! We won't ride for various reasons, but this toned down version would be great!

 

[flatline]

How many dead bodies do you need? Just kidding. But I have a point.

MS threw me for a loop. I can ride everything in the world. The spinning ride that throws you up against the wall, then the floor drops out. Roller coasters where you stand up and zoom toward the ground face-first. I'd even ride the Hulk again if it didn't hurt my teeth.

But I sat in my seat at MS fighting to stay conscious. I was having MUCHO trouble breathing (had to concentrate and force myself to breathe), and worried that if I passed out I wouldn't breathe and then my kids would hate Disney because I died there. Didn't want that, so began praying to let me die elsewhere.

Thought it was just me, then they told me "no," and explained how the ride worked while I was lying on a bench (embarrassed, but woozy.)

Then others on the internet said it made them funky, too.

Then one kid dies.

Then another person dies.

I think this ride has something to it that affects some people harshly and not others. And after 2 dead people, I think it might be affecting some a little too harshly. Since there isn't any way to tell if it will affect people or not, I'd be glad if they could fix whatever it is.

And I wasn't scared going on it. It wasn't in my head, didn't psych myself out. And I followed all the rules. Still...

(But the ride itself without the sensation would be a huge bore.)

Just my $.02.

but you didn't die? well, you can go on the zero G version. my wife and I were talking about this at dinner last night, and she took an even more hard line view than me. essentially, tough (crap) - somethings going to kill you. the trip from MCO to WDW is a lot more dangerous than M:S.

a zero G option I support, but also toning down the original I'm against. but hey, I didn't want to lose Alien Encounter either, and Al Weiss isn't taking my phone calls.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Hey! MS not a bad ride!

 

[Cool-Beans]

but you didn't die?

No, I didn't die. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, "It didn't kill me."

Maybe that could be their next slogan. Instead of "We choose to go," they could say, "We probably won't die!"

Last time we were there, the wait for Soarin' was 110 minutes, the wait for TT was 60, and the wait for MS was 5 minutes. But it wasn't summer.

 

[flatline]

No, I didn't die. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, "It didn't kill me."

Maybe that could be their next slogan. Instead of "We choose to go," they could say, "We probably won't die!"

actually, that's a great tagline for a thrill ride. it's better than, "Now with 50% Less Fun !!!" (please visit the gift shop after exiting)

 

[Cool-Beans]

actually, that's a great tagline for a thrill ride. it's better than, "Now with 50% Less Fun !!!" (please visit the gift shop after exiting)

Whatever! I'm not getting back on.

But I don't see the purpose to riding without the "experience," either. Yawn.

And don't get me started on the cheesy gift-shop exits.

 

[DancingBear]

but you didn't die? well, you can go on the zero G version. my wife and I were talking about this at dinner last night, and she took an even more hard line view than me. essentially, tough (crap) - somethings going to kill you.

So you're okay with the changes to the Lights Motors Action show--you know, now that guests will be driving the vehicles?

 

[ktulu]

I posted this on another thread, but since people are reading this one

News from WDW:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 2, 2006) -- By the beginning of summer, Epcot guests will have two options when it comes to riding Mission: SPACE -- the original thrill attraction and a new version for those who prefer a milder ride experience.

The new version, which is created by turning off the spinning centrifuge, may be more suited for some guests, such as those who are prone to motion sickness or have other conditions. Both versions will offer an exciting astronaut training experience through a dramatic story that invites guests to explore a new world.

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

Signs posted in the queue area of Mission: SPACE will outline the difference between the two adventures and provide health advisories appropriate for each experience.

"Providing a choice between two ride options will help to further encourage all guests to carefully consider posted health advisories when making their decision," added Weiss.

Mission: SPACE opened in August 2003. Since that time, 11.8 million rides have been given on the attraction, which simulates the launch, approach and landing of a futuristic spacecraft on Mars. The attraction is made up of four separate ride systems, each with its own centrifuge and programmable simulators.

 

[patsal]

I don't get the negative posts? I just dont' see how offering an option can be a bad thing? I think it is never a bad thing when people can make a choice between what they feel like--it is better than excluding people who are just unsure fi they can handle it after they read the warnings. No one is taking your "thrill ride" away just allowing non-thrill riders to enjoy an experience as well.

 

[FigNewton]

I don't get the negative posts? I just dont' see how offering an option can be a bad thing? I think it is never a bad thing when people can make a choice between what they feel like--it is better than excluding people who are just unsure fi they can handle it after they read the warnings. No one is taking your "thrill ride" away just allowing non-thrill riders to enjoy an experience as well.

Heh, that's ironic. You don't get the negative posts... and yet the "negative" posters don't get the point of even riding a Mission:Space without the G-Forces.

Love it.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I don't get the negative posts? I just dont' see how offering an option can be a bad thing? I think it is never a bad thing when people can make a choice between what they feel like--it is better than excluding people who are just unsure fi they can handle it after they read the warnings. No one is taking your "thrill ride" away just allowing non-thrill riders to enjoy an experience as well.

I think they just mean that there isn't any point to riding it without the sensation. The sensation IS the ride. Without it, there is no purpose to going on. Nothing else happens, except watching a cheesy video on a small screen.

 

[Firebug]

Some should take sometime to get facts. The first death was due to the person having a congenital medical defect and in reality could have died on the monorail just as easily. That does not make for good sensational news. In other words, doesn’t make a corporation look bad so it is not going to sell newspapers or television ratings. It is way too early for the cause of the second death to have been determined and made public. With that being said, Disney, of course, is worried about public perception. Even in this thread, I did not see even one person suggest that these deaths could have had other medical reasons other then riding the ride. Of course not, because by time that is determined, the public’s short attention span has moved onto something else. So this means Disney has to deal with the perception that the ride does or could harm people regardless if it is true or not. That is world we live in now and sometimes it is very sad.

FB

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Even in this thread, I did not see even one person suggest that these deaths could have had other medical reasons other then riding the ride.
FB

Only because there have been numerous threads in the past with that debate.