Epcot opened 30 years ago as the second park at Walt Disney World. To celebrate this impressive anniversary we’ll take a tour of Future World and look at how the different Lands have changed over the last 30 years. If you want to learn more about this innovative park read The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot 
When I was a kid I really wanted to go to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. I wanted to be a gymnast like Mary Lou Retton, too. I knew how to dream big. My desire to become an Olympic gymnast waned, but my interest in space travel never diminished. I have loved every space attraction Disney has ever designed. However, my absolute favorite is Mission: SPACE.
This attraction is not for everyone. There are two versions of the ride because when it first opened it was more intense than some Guests could handle. I always come off this ride queasy, but for me that is great. I assume if I ever went into space I would be more than a little queasy. I love how realistic this ride is.
Okay, enough gushing for now. Mission: SPACE is a unique ride because you are not just a passenger, you are a member of the crew. Each person in the capsule has a job to do and it adds another bit of realism to the attraction. Most of us are never going into outer space. If you want the next best thing then get in line for Mission: SPACE. It’s out of this world!
5 fun facts about Mission: SPACE:
1) The centrifuge used by the ride is the same one NASA uses for training its astronauts. That is why the gravitational pull on the take off and the sense of weightlessness after is so realistic.
2) The Imagineers worked with NASA on the flight details. They also interviewed astronauts to make sure that the attraction felt as real as possible. What you see out your window is what they see when they lift off. Awesome!
3) The orange line is more intense than the green line. I always choose the orange line because I want the most realistic sensation possible. If you want to see the show without risking space sickness than choose the green line.
4) Feeling queasy? Don’t close your eyes. The more intense version of this ride can mess with your equilibrium. If you start to feel dizzy or queasy, don’t close your eyes. Instead look straight ahead and don’t turn your head. You’ll be landing on Mars very soon.
5) Your spaceship is more science than science fiction. You take an X2 to Mars on this ride. The drawings of this ship are based on plans that NASA has developed for future spacecraft. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see the X2 take off for Mars for real. I for one can’t wait.
Mission: SPACE is one of the most technologically advanced attractions at Epcot which means it is exactly what Walt Disney envisioned for this park. I’ll see you in the orange line. Happiness squared.
Goofy tip: Even if you refuse to go on the ride wander over to Mission: SPACE and check out the courtyard called Planetary Plaza. There are quotes on the walls from astronomers and astronauts and lots of tributes to our solar system. It is also a great place to take pictures of your group with the planets as a backdrop.