Courtesy of Walt Disney Company ©2003

More of this Feature • Part 1: Introduction • Part 2: Future World • Photo Tour:World Showcase • Mission: SPACE • Mission: SPACE Guide Review • Living Sea • The Land • Test Track

Epcot Special Events • International Flower & Garden Festival • International Food & Wine Festival

Related Resources • Disney World A to Z • Disney Travel Guide • Disney Maps

Elsewhere on the Web • Disney World

As a new attraction at Epcot official launched in October, 2003, Mission: SPACE, presented by HP and located in Epcot Future World, sends guests on a one-of-a-kind "astronaut-like" experience, launching them into a simulated space adventure — from pulse-racing liftoff to the sensations of traveling through space on a mission to Mars.

"The combination of creative and entertainment magic of Disney and the technology of HP will create an experience that our guests can get nowhere else in the world," said Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "Epcot is the perfect setting, continuing the park's dedication to the explorer in all of us."

In association with former NASA advisors, astronauts and scientists, Walt Disney Imagineering developed Mission: SPACE as the first ride system ever created to take guests straight up in simulated flight. The new attraction is the most technologically advanced ever created by Disney.

Pre-Show

The setting for the attraction is several decades into the future at the International Space Training Center. As the "crew" selected for this ultimate space mission, guests head to one of four dispatch areas and then move to the Ready Room where they receive a history of astronaut training and are given the role they will assume during the mission — as the commander, pilot, navigator or engineer.

Countdown ... Liftoff!

Then it's on to the pre-flight corridor to load into the spacecraft, receive final briefings from CapCom and buckle in for liftoff. When the countdown reaches zero, the most unique and exhilarating ride experience ever begins. The earth begins to rumble, white clouds of exhaust start to stir as the ascent toward the sky starts and guests are rocketed into the galaxies. Guest hear from CapCom and are asked to perform vital tasks that will land their spacecraft safely on Mars. Each guest will assume the role of Commander, Pilot, Navigator or Engineer. But there is no mission without surprise as guests encounter unexpected twists, turns and other challenges that test every astronaut. Quick thinking and fast reactions are needed by each guest to successfully complete the mission.

"It's an amazing experience. It's out of this world," said Bob Zalk, Walt Disney Imagineer and co-producer of Mission: SPACE. "Guests will certainly say this ride is unlike any other experience they have had before."

"The realism of the experience adds to its uniqueness," said Susan Bryan, Walt Disney Imagineer and co-producer of Mission: SPACE.

"Mission: SPACE is very much based in reality. It's a mix of real science and thrill," Bryan said. "The sensations are what the astronauts actually experience, but it's accessible to everyone."

Courtesy of Walt Disney Company ©2003

Post Show

Training is not complete when the capsule lands. Guests can proceed to the Mission: SPACE Post Show, powered by HP. In this Advanced Training Lab, guests of all ages have an opportunity to explore interactive space experiences, which include: