Mission Space postponement???

[lcborn2run]

In light of the tragedy today, do you think Disney will postpone opening Mission Space? I don't know too much about the ride,but you know these things usually start out as a typical ride and then "something goes wrong" in the middle of the ride.

Just wondering if anyone else has an opinion on this....

Lisa

 

[btuftee]

Couple of thoughts on this...

First, Mission:Space is already going to be postponed, I'll bet. Rumors I've read on other sites seem to indicate the ride will not be ready until at least this summer. M:S is a highly technical ride, much like Test Track, and I'm sure its opening will be delayed.

Second, Disney could do something very nice, and dedicate this attraction to the Columbia crew, perhaps include a memorial to all those who have died in the pursuit of spaceflight (if one is not already included in the pavillion somewhere). The ride itself could easily be modified to remove any unpleasant elements, like a simulated malfunction, etc.

Third, Disney isn't in the financial position that would allow it to sit on a very expensive E-ticket ride. Epecially in Epcot, where attendance is flagging, and the so-called Project Gemini has been greenlighted in an attempt to raise the appeal of the park. You can bet that they won't delay a moment in turning this ride loose once it's ready.

 

[TreeOfLife]

I would like to see them honoring not only Columbia's astronauts but Challenger's, Apollo 1's, Mercury's and women in space such as Sally Ride, the first one, who said that flying was like going to Disney with an e-ticket...

I'd hope to see it turned into an attraction that finally cleared the doubts of those who believe the space program is useless.

I just hope it will be ready by December, when we'll be there gawd willing!

 

[Micca]

Ditto btuftee(welcome to the Dis by the way )

 

[lejaf]

When was it (is it) scheduled to bo open?

 

[kevind65]

btuftee,
what is project gemeni?

 

[#1MMFan]

I think there are better and more appropriate ways to pay your respects than delay the opening of an attraction. In actual fact, is Mission Space not more likely to highlight the space program and educate the general public. Is this not what all the brave people who have lost their lives would want?

Just some thoughts...

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I am sort of thinking out loud this morning... I wonder maybe we should email Disney and suggest that they dedicate the ride to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of space travel..

 

[goofy4tink]

Mackey Mouse...I'm sure with you on this one. I think that would be a great idea. Anyone else in favor of this??? What a wonderful tribute it would be.

 

[Pete W.]

Yeah, they can dedicate the Living Seas to those who drowned when the Titanic sunk, and Test Track could be dedicated to everyone who has been killed by drunk drivers, and Universe of Energy to marine life killed by the Exxon Valdez spill.

The Columbia loss is tragic but I think the astronauts can be better memorialized in a more solemn manner then having a theme park attraction dedicated to them.

Not that M:S shouldn't mention the hazards of space and the heroism and sacrifices made by space explorers, but I think there are more appropriate ways to honor the shuttle astronauts like a memorial in Texas where much of the debris fell, or something at mission control in Houston or the space center in Florida.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by Mackey Mouse
I am sort of thinking out loud this morning... I wonder maybe we should email Disney and suggest that they dedicate the ride to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of space travel..

Don't you think that Disney's probably already thought of this, though? It seems kind of an obvious reaction. I'm sure that the Mission : Space development and marketing teams were meeting as soon as the Columbia accident was confirmed, figuring out how best to honor the current events without seeming to take advantage of them in any way.

That said, a few letters or e-mails certainly couldn't hurt.

 

[cdpa4d]

This should have probably been posted before Saturdays tragedy. As Americans (Myself being one) I think we tend to forget tragedy. The 1986 incident was just as tragic. There should be mention of the hazards of space and space travel, but we should not forget all of the tragedies. I think having a memorial for all Astronauts who gave their life for space exploration in the pavillion would be appropriate. Anything more than that might be inappropriate. This is definately a sensative subject with a very fine line. Disney should try and play a cautious role.
ADP

 

[smjj]

I think the sponsor will have a lot of input as to any kind of lasting memorial as well as Disney. That being said, I also feel that having a theme park attraction named in honor of them would not be appropiate. There are more appropriate ways to honor the fallen. I am sure for all those who think a memorial is right there are those who would be saying Disney is trying to cash in on the tradegy. There is also the legal thought that family members may not want their loved one mentioned in an attraction at a theme park. If Disney could do it why not any business enterprize, plates with their pictures on it and all kinds of warped supposed memorials just to make a buck. No, I would not like to see that...smjj

 

[Safari Steve]

No official opening date has ever been scheduled for M:S. It does look like Summer will be the earliest at this point, though.

 

[goofy4tink]

I really have to disagree with those that say an attraction is not an appropriate place for any type of memorial. As cdpa4d mentioned, we tend to forget tragedies like this. Yes, a lot of people would go to an official memorial site in Texas or Cape Canaveral. But just think how many more would see and remember at WDW? WDW is not just about 'fun'. It is a place for learning also. Do we not ride Spaceship Earth and remember those that came before us and what they did? It is very sad to realize that most of us, myself included, can not recall the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Yes, people have dies under very tragic circumstances. The Titanic was horrible as was the Exon Valdize. However, these atronauts make a conscious decision, knowing full well what could happen. They choose to take their chances, knowing that they could die. As did the early pioneers, pilgrims etc. I just think that some small mention of these courageous folk would be appropriate at Mission Space. Now I'm getting off my soapbox.

 

[Pete W.]

Yes, there is definitely an educational component to WDW, especially Epcot, but it's still a theme park where people go on vacation to be entertained, not to be reminded of specific tragedies and horrors that have occurred or are occuring in the real world.

AIDS has caused a tremendous amount of suffering in this world, and while it would be appropriate to present general information about human diseases at Wonders of Life, I wouldn't want to see a memorial there dedicated to all the people who have died of AIDS. WDW isn't a museum, library, or government office, it's an entertainment complex.

 

[kimmar067]

....what's "Project Gemini"????

 

[Pete W.]

Project Gemini is supposedly a Disney internal code for a planned renovation of Epcot (hundreds of millions of dollars) to be concluded by the park's 25th anniversary (2007).

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by Pete W.
Project Gemini is supposedly a Disney internal code for a planned renovation of Epcot (hundreds of millions of dollars) to be concluded by the park's 25th anniversary (2007).

"Hundreds of millions of dollars" is a little high on the budget end.

But, otherwise, you're correct.

 

[Pete W.]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
"Hundreds of millions of dollars" is a little high on the budget end.

But, otherwise, you're correct.

What estimates have you seen? I've seen rumors (and right now everything on this subject is rumor/speculation) that the budget originally earmarked for a 5th gate had been diverted to Project Gemini and could mean as much as $300 million would be used for a major renovation/retheming of Epcot.