Robert Dale
Google
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be launched into space, Mission: SPACE (Orange Side) is as close as most of us will ever get — and it’s intense in the best way possible. This is not your average theme park ride. It’s part simulator, part space training, and 100% adrenaline-pumping.
Theming & Pre-Ride Experience:
The moment you step inside, it feels like you’re entering NASA training headquarters. The theming is immersive, sleek, and full of cool nods to real-world space travel. Video briefings, control panels, and mission screens set the tone — you’re not just riding a ride, you’re about to become an astronaut.
Gary Sinise used to be your mission commander (now it’s a new host), but the vibe is still serious yet thrilling. You’re assigned a role — Commander, Pilot, Navigator, or Engineer — each with a button to press at critical points during the mission, making you feel like part of the crew.
The Ride – Orange Side (Intense):
Let’s be clear — this version is not for the faint of heart. Orange Side uses a centrifuge to simulate real G-force, and yes, you will feel it. As your capsule tilts and spins, you’re pinned back in your seat as if you’re actually blasting off from Cape Canaveral. It’s one of the most intense ride sensations at Walt Disney World — and that’s exactly what makes it so awesome.
You blast off, slingshot around the moon, go into hypersleep, and eventually land on Mars. The visuals are impressive, but it’s the physical sensation of G-forces pressing on your chest that takes this ride to another level. It’s like being inside a space thriller movie — minus the zero-gravity nausea (hopefully).
Tips for Enjoying the Ride:
• Keep your head flat against the seat and your eyes on the screen the entire time — this helps prevent motion sickness.
• Don’t ride on a full stomach or if you’re sensitive to spinning.
• If you’re not sure how you’ll handle it, consider trying the Green Side (no spinning, gentler experience) first.
Post-Ride Area:
After landing on Mars, you exit into a space-themed interactive zone with games and exhibits — fun for all ages and a great way to decompress after your mission. Plus, the space music loop is incredibly calming and cool.
Final Thoughts:
Mission: SPACE (Orange Side) is a thrill ride unlike anything else at Disney. It’s not about speed or height — it’s about realism, immersion, and simulating something truly extraordinary. If you’ve ever dreamed of being an astronaut or love intense, story-driven rides, this one is a must.
It’s not for everyone — but for those who can handle the pressure (literally), it’s one of the most memorable, jaw-dropping experiences in all of EPCOT. Buckle up, Space Cadet. Mars is waiting.