Mission: SPACE at Epcot (An Attraction Guide)

Mission: SPACE is a motion simulator ride in World Discovery at Epcot. This thrill attraction is not for everyone, and those prone to motion sickness will not want to go near it. Below, we’ll discuss our experience with Mission: SPACE. This space flight attraction allows guests to choose between orange and green missions. One mission is significantly more intense than the other.

If you select the orange team, the more intense of the two, you’ll train for a mission to Mars. This mission requires intense training at the International Space Station. (This version has a 44″ height requirement.) Guests who are unsure about this expedition will want to choose the green team. Mission Space’s green version is less intense, and you’ll spend your visit to space orbiting the Earth. (This version has a 40″ height requirement.)

Here is a quick reference table with details for Mission: SPACE.

Mission: SPACE	Epcot Attractions
Location:	World Discovery
Height Requirement:	40 inches
Lightning Lane:	Yes (Multi Pass (Tier 2 Category) or Premier Pass)
Early Theme Park Entry:	Yes
Extended Evening Hours:	Yes
Our Traffic Signal:	Red Light
Ride Type:	Simulator, Harness
Seats Per Vehicle:	Four (4)
Rider Switch:	Yes
Good For:	Thrill Seekers
Scare Factor:	High
Must-Do List:	Low
Perfect For:	Tweens, Teens, and Adults
Special Mention:	It can cause motion sickness.

Additional Info:

Guests in wheelchairs or ECVS must transfer to the ride vehicles. Details for those with mobility issues (i.e., wheelchairs, ECVs) can be found on Disney’s site. Service animals are not permitted. Video Captioning is available for this attraction.

*Make a judgment call on whether or not you should ride this one, too! Also, check our Disney World Lightning Lane Guide to plan your attractions.

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is a simulated attraction with gravitational effects. As we discussed above, the “orbiting the Earth mission” or the green mission is the gentle side of this attraction.

The mission to Mars, or the Orange mission, is considered a thrill ride. This side of the attraction will experience a centrifuge that spins and tilts. It’s designed to simulate the same kind of G-force the astronauts do when they travel to space.

Before embarking on either mission, you’ll visit the International Space Training Center (ISTC) for special training. Here, you’ll watch a preshow starring Gina Torres. (Gary Sinise formerly hosted this preshow until the attraction’s last update in 2017.) Each mission features four roles: a navigator, pilot, commander, or engineer. During the training, you’ll learn the critical tasks to complete for your chosen mission.

As you approach the attraction’s entrance, you’ll walk through the Planetary Plaza. Here, you’ll see planets on display, like Earth, Jupiter, and Mars. This is also where you’ll see the entrance to the Space 220 Restaurant.

Mission: Space offers a Lightning Lane entrance that’s part of the regular Lightning Lane Multi Pass upgrade. However, the standby queue usually has reasonable waits during the latter portion of the day.

Will you get motion sickness on Mission: SPACE?

Some people will experience motion sickness on Mission: SPACE. If you are prone to experiencing motion sickness, I would not recommend riding this attraction.

Unfortunately, I don’t often have motion sickness, but I will not ride this attraction. It was a one-and-done for me many years ago. If you decide to try it, motion sickness bags are available.

My issue with this attraction was feeling locked in a tiny capsule, and the spinning during the launch was too intense. For reference, I will ride every attraction at Walt Disney World, but not Mission: SPACE. I’m sharing this with you because I wouldn’t want anyone to have that same experience. We rode it late in the afternoon, but it pretty much ruined the rest of my day, and many years later, I have never forgotten it.

Mission: SPACE participates in the Rider Switch program, so you can use this option if you have kids who aren’t tall enough to experience the ride. You’ll notice a lengthy list of warnings in multiple places outside the ride’s entrance. You will want to review them beforehand.

Mission: SPACE averages a 45-minute wait during the busier portions of the day. You can expect longer waits on busier days. However, in the evenings, most of the crowds at Epcot have moved on to the World Showcase. So, anytime after 7:00 p.m. is usually the best time to experience this attraction.

The Advanced Training Lab is an interactive game area near the ride’s exit. It features several video games, including Space Race. If you do not want to ride and prefer to wait inside, you can walk into the Advanced Training Lab via the ride exit. This is an excellent place for younger children to play while you wait.

Warning: If your children have been gone forever and you’re waiting outside, they could very well be inside playing video games. When my son was younger, I caught him doing this at a few choice attractions, especially Mission: SPACE.

The Resorts Gal Spin on Mission: SPACE

I think you already know that this attraction gets the red light. You’ll have to decide whether to ride it, but if you’re interested, the wait times drop significantly later in the day!

Final Thoughts

For more ride reviews, try the following:

• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Test Track
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Frozen Ever After
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

For more on Epcot, you might also enjoy the following:

• List of Epcot Attractions and Entertainment
• Our Complete Guide to Epcot’s World Showcase
• Epcot Festivals Guide

For more planning details, refer to our Disney World Parks Planning Guide, or you might enjoy our complimentary course offering below.