Mission Space mishaps

[Christopher]

I keep reading in books about how people can get motion sickness in Mission Space, I don't think I'd get it myself but I'm curious how often guests have gotten sick on the ride? :confused:

[Yfoog]

I heard about the bio spills as well and used one of those motion sickness patches as a precaution. It worked like a champ!

[Christopher]

I heard about the bio spills as well and used one of those motion sickness patches as a precaution. It worked like a champ!

Hey, that's a fantastic idea! I never thought of that. Thanks Yfoog. ;)

[Jennly]

I keep reading in books about how people can get motion sickness in Mission Space, I don't think I'd get it myself but I'm curious how often guests have gotten sick on the ride? :confused:


Well according to my parents who work Test Track and Wonders when it opened the CMs that work at Mission: SPACE have actually nicknamed it the "Vomit Comet" due to all of the issues with folks getting sick. Also the exit hallway USED to be carpeted but the carpet has been yanked out and an easier to clean rubber surface.

JT ex CM 88 - 05 :barf:

[Kattywampus]

I haven't been there in ages, but I talked to someone who works there now, and they said it permanently smells like that vomit absorbancy powder in there.
Besides.. any attraction that puts airsickness bags right in front of your seat.... c'mon, that's a big hint right there! ^^;;

[AngelEyes]

I can ride roller coasters all day long and not get sick, but if it goes in a circle, forget about it, I'm done. Having said that, Mission Space has NEVER made me sick or even queasy. I wonder, of all the people that get sick, how many of them follow the rules and keep their head back, eyes open, and look forward at all times.

[IndyandMarion]

That powder is called VOBAN (Trust me, if you want a permeter around you, get a small packet of that stuff, tourists will run like hell from the smell)

I dont see how in the hell you can get through the ride without hearing or reading the precaution signs now (What with the 16 different points that they tell you).

Its simply because people don't freakin listen. It's human nature that on a ride, the impluse is to look over at the person your riding with to see their reaction. Due to the nature of the ride, people have to lean forwards and look left or right in order to see their friends or family, which is what the safety briefing tells you not to do, twice.

But because of the impluse to see the reactions, poof, there's the reason for the "protien spill"

Now even the first time I went on the ride during cast previews, I was able to lean my head forwards, look left and right and have no trouble, the ride never bothers me. But that's just me.

I like the way that Disney decided to add the "air sickness bag" into the pods, because as we all know, during an actual flight into space, yeah, they have the bags right there waiting for them (Despite the fact they can never use them, what with the equipment on and all)

[AngelEyes]

That powder is called VOBAN (Trust me, if you want a permeter around you, get a small packet of that stuff, tourists will run like hell from the smell)

I dont see how in the hell you can get through the ride without hearing or reading the precaution signs now (What with the 16 different points that they tell you).

Its simply because people don't freakin listen. It's human nature that on a ride, the impluse is to look over at the person your riding with to see their reaction. Due to the nature of the ride, people have to lean forwards and look left or right in order to see their friends or family, which is what the safety briefing tells you not to do, twice.

But because of the impluse to see the reactions, poof, there's the reason for the "protien spill"

Now even the first time I went on the ride during cast previews, I was able to lean my head forwards, look left and right and have no trouble, the ride never bothers me. But that's just me.

I like the way that Disney decided to add the "air sickness bag" into the pods, because as we all know, during an actual flight into space, yeah, they have the bags right there waiting for them (Despite the fact they can never use them, what with the equipment on and all)


Exactly my point. Trust me when I say, I should be the FIRST one getting sick on this ride. I cannot go in a circle, period. If I stayed on Dumbo longer than 30 seconds, I would probably get sick. I've never gotten sick on Mission Space because I follow the rules, that are explained over and over. I also tell my kids before and DURING the ride to keep looking forward. We've never had a problem. IMHO, you can chalk this up to another stupid guest trick. :D:

[IndyandMarion]

Exactly my point. Trust me when I say, I should be the FIRST one getting sick on this ride. I cannot go in a circle, period. If I stayed on Dumbo longer than 30 seconds, I would probably get sick. I've never gotten sick on Mission Space because I follow the rules
It's not so much the rules. Its the whole fact that on Dumbo, you can physically see where and what your doing.

However, on M:S, since your enclosed in the pod, you can't tell that your spinning at a high rate of speed. Which explains why you don't get sick on M:S but do on Dumbo.

[AngelEyes]

It's not so much the rules. Its the whole fact that on Dumbo, you can physically see where and what your doing.

However, on M:S, since your enclosed in the pod, you can't tell that your spinning at a high rate of speed. Which explains why you don't get sick on M:S but do on Dumbo.

Oh, absolutely. I brain doesn't think it's going in a circle, which is why I don't get sick. But if I didn't follow the rules, then my brain would figure out what was happening, and I would be needing one of those barf bags. :D:

[BRWombat]

That powder is called VOBAN (Trust me, if you want a permeter around you, get a small packet of that stuff, tourists will run like hell from the smell)

I'm hoping the smell is at least slightly better than the smell of vomit? :confused:

[leftcoaster]

I can ride roller coasters all day long and not get sick, but if it goes in a circle, forget about it, I'm done. Having said that, Mission Space has NEVER made me sick or even queasy. I wonder, of all the people that get sick, how many of them follow the rules and keep their head back, eyes open, and look forward at all times.

I think that for some people the whole idea of signs that basically say "you will get sick on this ride" and they do. So if people get dragged on who don't really want to go, others that already have a quesey feeling, and others that don't pay attention to the signs, and then they wonder why they have a protein spill.

I also read an article in the pulitizer prize winning newspaper, the Orlando Sentinal about "people getting rushed to the hospital because of the new ride at Disney's EPCOT..." PLUUZSEE.

[Zazu]

Circles I can do. Upside down I can do. The only motion that gets me in a Voban mood is ferris wheels. Been on three times in this life, and each and every time I turned very, very :sick: Don't know wy.

[IndyandMarion]

I'm hoping the smell is at least slightly better than the smell of vomit? :confused:
You ever wonder why you never see any bugs or little furry critters around the trash cans at the parks....its not that they cant get into them but what do you think keeps them away?

Lets put it this way, when you recieve a new bag of this stuff that hasnt been open, you're not even paying attention to it and you ask "What's that smell"

Its kind of hard to explain but basically a skunk would turn and run from it...

[AngelEyes]

You ever wonder why you never see any bugs or little furry critters around the trash cans at the parks....its not that they cant get into them but what do you think keeps them away?

Lets put it this way, when you recieve a new bag of this stuff that hasnt been open, you're not even paying attention to it and you ask "What's that smell"

Its kind of hard to explain but basically a skunk would turn and run from it...


It's a shame you can't do a scratch and sniff on a computer. You've got me really wondering how bad this stuff smells! :D:

[perfectlyperfect]

I heard a CM say the other day that they had toned Mission Space down from when they first tested it on CM's. I rode it before it officially opened as well as I was just there on the right day and I don't usually get sick but I was walking funny when I came out of it and I could tell that if I didn't focus on the screen in front of me like I was told I would have lost it. But since I follow directions I did not get sick. Last time I rode it it didn't seem to be as bad. But I don't know. I still wouldn't want to ride it more than once a week :barf:

[leftcoaster]

I heard a CM say the other day that they had toned Mission Space down from when they first tested it on CM's. I rode it before it officially opened as well as I was just there on the right day and I don't usually get sick but I was walking funny when I came out of it and I could tell that if I didn't focus on the screen in front of me like I was told I would have lost it. But since I follow directions I did not get sick. Last time I rode it it didn't seem to be as bad. But I don't know. I still wouldn't want to ride it more than once a week :barf:

If they have, that's news. Since there would be a lot to change - computer programs, etc. They did add a TON of signage as you are making your way through the queue, and they added barf bags, but I don't think they toned the ride down.

[TSR6]

I have a friend who works at Mission Space.

Yes, People puke in the capsules... and yes, it goes everywhere.

[tonyrocks922]

Hi everyone. I'm just a lurker here, but I wanted to post this one.

I rode mission space two summers ago, and i guess i didn't follow the directions, because I *ahem* got sick. I totally missed the bag and it got all over my shirt.

Now, I have a stupid CM trick,

After I exited into the giftshop, my shirt obviosly soiled (you could tell with both your eyes and your nose.) I asked the CM if she had any t-shirts in XXXL. And she even *looked* ay my shirt, and said "No, but there is a way you can order one"

Tony

[gurgi]

Hi everyone. I'm just a lurker here, but I wanted to post this one.

I rode mission space two summers ago, and i guess i didn't follow the directions, because I *ahem* got sick. I totally missed the bag and it got all over my shirt.

Now, I have a stupid CM trick,

After I exited into the giftshop, my shirt obviosly soiled (you could tell with both your eyes and your nose.) I asked the CM if she had any t-shirts in XXXL. And she even *looked* ay my shirt, and said "No, but there is a way you can order one"

Tony


forget the shirts. get that man BIB!

we went to space last october. walked on, my friend was freaking out i while was laughing at him. we walked out of the building and finally, he gave in and said yeah it was fun! so we went back later in the day. we end up grouped with this girl and her "big tough" boyfriend. it was so great. she was flipping out and he was like..whatever. but my friend and i were talking it up so much by the time we were boarding, he was like pale white, and she was all excited, dragging him into the cabin of the ride! my friend and i were laughing so hard! of course, you know, we conintually teased him the whole trip. offering barf bags, and making jokes at his expense. soo great. i love that ride more now.

[Papa Smurf]

I heard a CM say the other day that they had toned Mission Space down from when they first tested it on CM's.

Nope its the same ride profile that has been programmed since the beginning. The only changes have been in the pre-flight and ready room videos, and the addition of more signage and audio warnings in the queue.

With these modifications, it allowed the cast to not have to do a long speil to each group prior to boarding. If anyone rode June / July before the official open you will remember the long winded spiel that the had both in the hallway and before closing the capsule. Now its a quick restraint check and the canned audio plays as the capsule closes.

Also the exit hallways have been carpeted since day one, the tile was only in the actual exit to the rooms, once you hit the hallway its carpet again.

[Celerystalker]

I met an entertaining boy (about 9 or 10) when I was at WDW on the monorail. We talked about our favorite rides and he said he liked Mission Space, but was disapointed that he didn't throw up. He said he moved his head back and forth, looked all over and leaned forward and nothing.
Heh. He made me laugh.
I personally did not vomit, but I was a little woozy getting off the ride.
I think if I hadn't followed the directions, I would have yacked everywhere. It was fun though. I'm looking forward to my next trip. This time I won't be so petrified that I'm going to feel awful that maybe I can enjoy the ride.

[Jumboshrmp]

I personally dont see what differerence it makes. If you lean your head forward and look to the left or right you can tell what direction it is spinning, but I was wondering, how far back (in degrees, if you can, or just estimate) do the seats acxtually tilt at the beginning? Because of the screen, it feels like you are completely reclining, but if you sit forward a littleyou can tell its not nearly as much. Just a little off topic question.

[TowerTimmy]

Oh wow. I went on M:S for the first time, I'd say a month ago. I looked forward the whole time, kept my head back, eyes open, everything, and I still felt really queasy. I guess it just has it's effect on certain people.

[Ansem]

In the 10+ times I have been on M:S only one person has ever thrown up. It was a foreign kid who didn't speak english. :oweye:

[Panther007]

one Cm should hook up a camera and videotape Mission Space when it is running from outside the ride vehicles, and post it here, i would love to see that and it would focus on the cars spinning, not a fixed camera, cause i dont want the camera to be videotaping the bottom of the cars or anything

[PirateJohn]

In the 10+ times I have been on M:S only one person has ever thrown up. It was a foreign kid who didn't speak english. :oweye:
Yeah, but I think the vomit sound is a universal language.

[sandravb79]

I guess it's the same why people get airsick, carsick, are afraid of heights, of water of spiders, ... and other don't/ are not.

It gets on some, it doesn't get on others!

[U2TheWho]

I've been on M:S as many as three consecutive times, with on more than a headache that subsided in 10-20 minutes.

[rocketman666]

one Cm should hook up a camera and videotape Mission Space when it is running from outside the ride vehicles, and post it here, i would love to see that and it would focus on the cars spinning, not a fixed camera, cause i dont want the camera to be videotaping the bottom of the cars or anything


sorry cant be done much less all the lights go out when the ride is running and spis really fast so you would need a really really expensive camera and i wouldent want to risk it becuse it would be bashed to bits it it fell or became up latched some how

and there is a camera system that would see the object and not let you dispatch the ride

but you can peek between the bigs doors by teams 7-8 and look through the crack and see it spin

[Lil_Missy]

We went on this ride recently and after coming off this ride went on Ellen's Energy Adventure.

I have to say that we got a more sick feeling from Ellen then we did from Mission: Space.

[ucfsweetie82]

I've been on this ride 5 times in a row before without feeling bad. I understand how people get sick though----I love the ride.

[IndyandMarion]

I think the only time. THE ONLY TIME I get sick on that ride is during the pre-show is when Gary first appears and all the immature teens yell out "It's Lt. Dan!"

First off. This isn't Mission: GUMP

Two. Just shut up you idiots.

Honestly though, I think M:S has one of the best uses of a celebrity for any attraction.

Patrick Warburton and Jeremy Irons come in at second and third respectively.

[CBeilby]

Patrick Warburton and Jeremy Irons come in at second and third respectively.

Which attraction uses Jeremy Irons, Indy? I know Patrick Warburton is probably either Soaring or Buzz Lightyear.

[IndyandMarion]

Jeremy Irons-Spaceship Earth

Patrick Warburton-Soarin

Tim Allen-Space Ranger Spin

Robin Williams-Disney Quest and Time Keeper

Gary Sinese-Mission: SPACE

Phylicia Rashad-Countdown to Extinction (I refuse to call it Dinosaur)

Aerosmith-Rock n Roller Coaster

I know Alien Encounter had like three in its show.

Not to take this thing off topic but anyone know of any others?

[hhsrat]

Not to take this thing off topic but anyone know of any others?

Jack Wagner - Monorail, WDWRR, TTA and I thought there was one other, but I'm not remembering it.

Someone said "Dr Seeker" in the Countdown to Extinction pre-show is someone from CSI, but I'm not entirely sure on this one. (don't watch CSI)

and not a celeb, but there is one girl that is pictured in the safety videos for Mission Space, Test Track, and I believe CTX

[Zazu]

Jack Wagner - Monorail, WDWRR, TTA and I thought there was one other, but I'm not remembering it.Jack Wagner hasn't been heard on the WDW RR for a long time. The present recording is from an unknown voice, the previous recording was from Ron Schneider (no, a differnt one). That takes us back to at least 1997 -- I don't know who voiced it before that.

[Notatourist]

Dreamfinder Ron? No way...I didn't know he was still haunting out there...

[PirateJohn]

Jack Wagner hasn't been heard on the WDW RR for a long time. The present recording is from an unknown voice, the previous recording was from Ron Schneider (no, a differnt one). That takes us back to at least 1997 -- I don't know who voiced it before that.I know Thurl Ravenscroft did the DL Railroad for a long time. I thought he used to do the WDW RR, too, or am I wrong?

[Zazu]

Not to take this thing off topic but anyone know of any others?Limiting myself to current attraction voices at the Magic Kingdom....

Rex Allen - Carousel of Progress
Tim Allen - Buzz Lightyear
X. Atencio - Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
Eleanor Audley - Haunted Mansion
James Avery - Splash Mountain
Mel Blanc - Carousel of Progress
Noel Blanc - Carousel of Progress
Wally Boag - Enchanted Tiki Room
Fulton Burley - Enchanted Tiki Room
Corey Burton - Barnstormer, Mickey's Judge's Tent
George W. Bush - Hall of Presidents
Zoe Caldwell - Stitch's Great Escape
Tom Carnegie - Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Peggy Clark - Country Bear Jamboree
Bill Cole - Country Bear Jamboree
Brian Cummings - Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Royal Dano - Hall of Presidents
Kal David - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Dave Durham - Country Bear Jamboree
Bob Ebright - Haunted Mansion
Paul Frees - Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
Gilbert Gottfried - Enchanted Tiki Room
Michael Gough - Enchanted Tiki Room
J.D. Hall - Hall of Presidents
Jess Harnell - Splash Mountain
Phil Hartman - Enchanted Tiki Room
Wanda Jackson - Country Bear Jamboree
Bill Lee - Country Bear Jamboree
Dallas McKennon - Big Thunder Mountain, Country Bear Jamboree
Armelia McQueen - Enchanted Tiki Room
Jay Meyer - Haunted Mansion
Ernie Newton - Enchanted Tiki Room
Loulie Jean Norman - Country Bear Jamboree
J. Pat O'Malley - Pirates of the Caribbean
Jerry Ohrbach - Enchanted Tiki Room
Cheryl Poole - Country Bear Jamboree
Thurl Ravenscroft - Country Bear Jamboree, Enchanted Tiki Room, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
Pete Renoudet - Country Bear Jamboree, Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Kevin Michael Richardson - Stitch's Great Escape
Don Rickles - Enchanted Tiki Room
Tex Ritter - Country Bear Jamboree
Verne Rowe - Haunted Mansion
Chris Sanders - Stitch's Great Escape
Chuck Schroeder - Haunted Mansion
Jean Shepherd - Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree
Eddie Sotto - Walt Disney World Railroad
Randy Sparks - Country Bear Jamboree
Nick Stewart - Splash Mountain
Van Stoneman - Country Bear Jamboree
Leota Toombs Thomas - Haunted Mansion
Janet Waldo - Carousel of Progress
Jackie Ward - Country Bear Jamboree

And of course:
Me - Main Street Vehicles, Walt Disney World Railroad

Gee, more than I would have thought!

[IndyandMarion]

Back on Topic.

It'll be interesting come summer time to see exactly how long it takes Disney to say "Well. That didn't work".

For those who haven't heard the news, Disney is working on a "Non-motion" based version of SPACE. It'll be the same exact show as right now, just without the G-Force.

They've said that this has nothing to do with the deaths and has to do with "Opening the attraction to a wider base of guests"

My question: Exactly how are you going to get people to realize which line is "G-Force" and which line is "G-Forceless"?

Considering people can't read the 13 signs, hear the numerous warnings or read the warnings during the preshows. . .HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO READ WHICH QUEUE LINE THEY WANT TO GO IN.

Seeing that this somehow manages to stay afloat, I see the single rider line going the way of Soarin's single rider in order to make it the "G-Forcesless" queue. Most likely they'll split the bays up to 1&2 being "G-Force" and 3&4 being "G-Forceless"

[leftcoaster]

Apparently it will be available by early summer, and they will be turning off the centrifuge which will effect 10 ride capsules.

[EpcotGolfer]

Back on Topic.

It'll be interesting come summer time to see exactly how long it takes Disney to say "Well. That didn't work".

For those who haven't heard the news, Disney is working on a "Non-motion" based version of SPACE. It'll be the same exact show as right now, just without the G-Force.

They've said that this has nothing to do with the deaths and has to do with "Opening the attraction to a wider base of guests"

My question: Exactly how are you going to get people to realize which line is "G-Force" and which line is "G-Forceless"?

Considering people can't read the 13 signs, hear the numerous warnings or read the warnings during the preshows. . .HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO READ WHICH QUEUE LINE THEY WANT TO GO IN.

Seeing that this somehow manages to stay afloat, I see the single rider line going the way of Soarin's single rider in order to make it the "G-Forcesless" queue. Most likely they'll split the bays up to 1&2 being "G-Force" and 3&4 being "G-Forceless"

Indy, I don't think the intention is to make Space actually "safer" for SGs, but instead to give a less intense option to people who do have half a brain but are currently afraid to go on it due to the incidents. It's all a PR thing, and, frankly, they need it. From what I've heard, Universe of Energy has been outdrawing M:S over the past few weeks on many days (at least until UoE went down for refurb). Walk through Epcot, I guarantee that you'll hear a conversation like this: "Why don't we go on Mission:Space?" "No way! I don't want to die!"

[Zazu]

Dreamfinder Ron? No way... I didn't know he was still haunting out there....Yup, that's the right Ron!

He was gone for a while; at last report he was playing the Captain of the Titanic on I-Drive, so it looks like "haunting" is the right word. Great guy, he gave me some of my best instruction in puppetry in one short evening.

[Taswira]

Back on Topic.

It'll be interesting come summer time to see exactly how long it takes Disney to say "Well. That didn't work".

For those who haven't heard the news, Disney is working on a "Non-motion" based version of SPACE. It'll be the same exact show as right now, just without the G-Force.

They've said that this has nothing to do with the deaths and has to do with "Opening the attraction to a wider base of guests"

My question: Exactly how are you going to get people to realize which line is "G-Force" and which line is "G-Forceless"?

Considering people can't read the 13 signs, hear the numerous warnings or read the warnings during the preshows. . .HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO READ WHICH QUEUE LINE THEY WANT TO GO IN.

Seeing that this somehow manages to stay afloat, I see the single rider line going the way of Soarin's single rider in order to make it the "G-Forcesless" queue. Most likely they'll split the bays up to 1&2 being "G-Force" and 3&4 being "G-Forceless"
Exactly. I just can't see this working very well and think people with pre-existing conditions they don't know about will go on the regular version anyway and there will still be illness or deaths. The ones who died were unaware they had any problem, right? So I don't see this as a solution. It will give an option to those who did not previously ride it because they never go on anything exciting anyway, but I don't think it will in any way reduce the number of illnesses or accidental deaths due to pre-existing conditions. If the motivation really has nothing to do with that, but with allowing the skittish to get a taste of the ride, what's next? Will the unadventurous expect a tame version of Space Mtn., BTMR, RNRC and TOT? :eek:

[IdiotsAreEverywhere]

They've said that this has nothing to do with the deaths

No offense to Disney but that is total bullshit. :bsflag:

[IndyandMarion]

Will the unadventurous expect a tame version of RNRC? :eek:
No. They will be scared off in the courtyard by the army of squirrels I have trained there. *See rocknrollercoaster.com for the story.

[ThunderCat]

Back on Topic.

It'll be interesting come summer time to see exactly how long it takes Disney to say "Well. That didn't work".

For those who haven't heard the news, Disney is working on a "Non-motion" based version of SPACE. It'll be the same exact show as right now, just without the G-Force.

They've said that this has nothing to do with the deaths and has to do with "Opening the attraction to a wider base of guests"

Here's the article:

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

May 2, 2006, 7:14 PM EDT

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. (ThunderCat notes: love that bias!)

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.

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.

Copyright © 2006, Orlando Sentinel

[Syndrome]

If the motivation really has nothing to do with that, but with allowing the skittish to get a taste of the ride, what's next? Will the unadventurous expect a tame version of Space Mtn., BTMR, RNRC and TOT? :eek:
Sigh! To paraphrase my favorite movie, it sounds like WDW is finding new ways to celebrate mediocrity. This is as stupid as the "playgrounds" with monkey bars that are low so no one will get hurt falling off them (never mind the fact that "fun" is absent) and other safe but joyless, boring equipment. If you want simulations, go to DQ. I never thought I'd see the day that thrill rides are tamed down to the lowest common denominator (although with all the idiots who like to wriggle out of roller coaster restraints, I do predict a day when you'll be required to be strapped into a three-point harness to ride one).

[BRWombat]

Thought you all might get a kick out of this. From today's "edition" of The Onion: http://www.theonion.com/content/node/49168 . Check out the last line.

[IndyandMarion]

My grandfather and I were out at EPCOT today and so because of it, two things came up:

1. Because of the diet version, he could finally go on the ride after three years.

2. It gave me a reason to go on it.

Now. Before, I was obviously making fun of the system. After going on it I was thinking "Damn, that was good. Is it still a five minute wait?"

Seriously. I mean, the movements they use on the diet version are pretty good and make up for the lack of spinning. The pod has a few short "jerky" movements during the liftoff to make up for the lack of spinning. The pod still moves in the same manner during the LOI and asteroid movements.

The biggest change I noticed was during the decent to the surface of mars. The pod tilts forward a great deal (again no spinning) then finally levels out. I believe that if this was in real life, it would have been a literal nose dive.

The rest of the ride is exactly the same.

Now as for the preshow, they've added a few bits in and cut like five seconds of audio out during the fly through of the loading area and the pods.

Second preshow is still the same. Despite there no longer being "teams" the lights are still there (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow).

Finally, I would like to say that after all the things I said about Diet M:S, I must say that I am Indy, and I approve of Mission: Diet SPACE.

[dsnyfan1]

I did my college program in Future World custodial, and part of my training was for mission: space...it is indeed called the vomit comet. That is why there are strategically placed trash cans all along the exit path so people can use them if necessary. Luckily I never experienced any of the really bad ones where they had to lower the floor, Thank God. One of the reasons why so many people get sick really is because they don't think at all. People will go to Mexico and eat a huge lunch, and then immediately come ride..well duh, if you eat 4 tacos and then spin 38 mph you're not gonna feel great. Also, a lot of times people will have just gotten done "drinking around the world" which is another thing that doesn't mix with spinning. I thought one of the most interesting things, and most unfortunate for the custodial people is that there are way more protein spills on universe of energy then you'd imagine. It's like the slowest ride maybe in all of disney world, and the tamest too, but there are quite a few spills on that one because people go striaght there from space...We used to place bets when we were working space about how many spills there would be a day.

[Paragon]

During previews, my brother and I did this 6 times. I had a little headache, but nothing else. This month, I thought it was a bit more intense, but I guess that is from not having ridden for a while (hey, I do my job and go home). I really enjoy this thing.

I like people having the option--it is well-themed and neat to pretend you're activating hypersleep and stuff.....just fun....some people just can't take spinning.

vomit comet :D:

[BRWombat]

...I thought one of the most interesting things, and most unfortunate for the custodial people is that there are way more protein spills on universe of energy then you'd imagine. It's like the slowest ride maybe in all of disney world, and the tamest too, but there are quite a few spills on that one because people go striaght there from space...We used to place bets when we were working space about how many spills there would be a day.That makes sense. On my last visit, we went to U of E straight from Mission:Space, and my then-8-year-old son got sick. Fortunately, my wife spotted him not looking so good during the preshow and exited to find a restroom. (He latered commented on M:S, "I really liked it, but my tummy didn't!")