While it's not part of any of the pre-recorded info, Mission: SPACE cast members (that's Disneyspeak for employees) tell guests not to close their eyes and to keep them focused straight ahead. Ignoring either warning may cause riders to feel the spinning sensation, which can lead some to nausea. However, keeping your eyes ahead with the capsule's monitors, flashing lights, and other crewmembers to either side of you is difficult.
The ride is not spinning at a ferocious rate. While Disney won't officially reveal any stats, one Mouse House rep divulged that the centrifuge never exceeds around 35 MPH. And while Disney press releases state that the G-Forces are less than typical roller coasters, they are of considerably greater duration. I've experienced momentary bursts of positive Gs on many coasters, but I've never felt anything like Mission: Space's sustained Gs. For me, it was an otherworldly, almost ethereal sensation. While everyone I spoke with seemed to experience it differently, I especially felt a slight tightening in my chest and some pressure on my internal organs. Others said their face muscles bore the brunt of the Gs. The unconfirmed buzz around Mission: SPACE is that the ride doesn't surpass a relatively benign 3Gs. Again, it's the duration that makes the difference.
Not a lot of SPACE
For all of the warnings, and for all of the untested waters Mission: SPACE navigates, hardly any riders actually lose their lunches on the attraction. Many feel a bit queasy both during and after the ride. There are air sickness bags onboard. Remember that you can opt for a non-spinning ride experience.If you're claustrophobic, however, be aware that, whether the pods spin or not, Mission: SPACE places guests in extremely tight quarters. I have a bit of a problem with confining spaces, and I got a little queasy when our team's mission was delayed for about four minutes. Once the ride sequence began, however, I was fine. The capsules do have a lot of cold air circulating, which helps keep claustrophobic feelings at bay; if anything, the cabin was a bit too cold.
After the training mission, guests move to the Advance Training Lab post-show area. Activities include: a sophisticated video game called Expedition: Mars, the interactive, multi-player Mission: SPACE Race game, the Space Base play area for children, and Postcards from Space, a computer program that allows guests to email pictures of themselves cavorting around the galaxy. Beyond the training lab is the obligatory retail shop.
