EPCOT's World Discovery - Military Disney Tips

31 August 2023 by Steve Bell

Table of Contents

In World Discovery in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.

EPCOT World Discovery Mission: SPACE

This land includes Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, The Mission Space Pavilion, and Test Track Pavilion as well as the old, closed Wonders of Life Pavilion.

Prior to EPCOT’s recent construction and reorganization of the front half of the park, World Discovery was part of Future World. Future World has now been divided into 3 new neighborhoods or “Worlds” to match the naming convention of World Showcase. The Worlds that once comprised the whole of Future World are: World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

World Discovery encompasses the eastern half of the old Future World. The red area in the picture above

Attractions

All three attractions in World Discovery offer a Genie+ Lightning Lane and all 3 have a height requirement.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind – Join Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Star-Lord on an urgent mission where you’ll rewind, rotate, and head towards the action through an exciting space pursuit. This family-thrill attraction features the first-ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster and is one of the largest fully-enclosed coasters in the world! A new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering—this coaster rotates 360 degrees so you can focus on the action!

A Nova Ship parked outside Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind

Mission: SPACE – Experience a simulated launch into space in this realistic, first-of-its-kind simulator which NASA helped design. Centrifugal force is used to simulate periods of both high and low gravity for liftoff, space travel, and landing. Each rider is assigned a task to perform on the mission (navigator, pilot, commander, or engineer), which involves pushing a couple of buttons. The ride vehicles are a bit cramped and those with a bit of claustrophobia might not want to attempt this. You will enter the vehicle from the side and sit in one of the four seats and then pull down a roller coaster-type torso restraint. As the vehicle closes the instrument panel will tilt towards you so that it is just a couple feet from your face and the controls can be reached without moving your arms.

Mission: SPACE Entrance – Earth and Rocket

The method of simulating gravity on this ride has been known to make some queasy. So much so that after opening, half of the ride vehicles were dedicated to a non-motion version (the Green Version). In 2017, the Green version was totally redesigned to add some motion, but not enough to induce motion sickness (hopefully).

Today, the ride has the Orange (original, full motion) and Green versions. Prior to entering, you will pick which version you would like to experience.

The orange version simulates a rocket launch from Florida during which you will experience 2.5 Gs followed by a zero-G experience. Then you are on your way to Mars, with a gravity slingshot around the moon, “Hypersleep”, a meteor storm, deceleration for landing, followed by a very nerve-racking landing. While the Orange version ride is operating, you should keep your head facing straight ahead at all times to help with any motion issues.

The Green version consists of a lift off from Florida (not as intense as the Orange version) and an orbital tour around the Earth, and a landing back in Florida during a thunderstorm.

Test Track – Walt Disney Imagineering has collaborated with Chevrolet to push innovation forward and celebrate humanity’s enduring drive (pun intended) on the thrilling road to a brighter tomorrow. But, before we get too far down this winding road, Test Track celebrates today’s innovation while highlighting the past, present, and future. The queue features six distinct exhibits, and within each room, celebrates the vehicles – and people behind the vehicles – that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey.

Test Track New Concept Art

New show scenes have been added showcasing technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone. Enjoy a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization, and personalization. Followed by a trip through a scenic outdoor route, reminding us all of the joys of driving, taking in the world around us, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Test Track New Concept Art

Dining

Space 220 Restaurant – L $$$, D $$$$ – Table Service – Guests take a visually stunning ride on the space elevator to a space station 220 miles over Central Florida. There you’ll enjoy amazing expansive views of the earth and the goings on in space, all while dining on excellent and novel food and drink. The menu here is Prix Fixe, meaning there is a set price per person for the meal (lunch $55 adult/$29 child & dinner $79/$29 child). For this price, you can pick your choice of appetizer and entree from several menu items, plus a non-alcoholic beverage. Extras (sides, desserts, and drinks with alcohol) are extra. This restaurant, owned and operated by the Patina Group (not Disney), is an incredible dining experience!

Space 220 Offers a 15% Military Discount!

Space 220 Dining Room View

Space 220 Lounge – L $$$, D $$$$ – Table and Bar Service – The lounge has an a la carte menu serving light bites, some of which come from the dining room menu. Seating is at tables and the bar.

The views out the panoramic viewports follow the time of day at EPCOT, so you’ll see both daytime and nighttime views of earth.

Space 220 Offers a 15% Military Discount!

Space 220 Lounge, upper level, and Dining Room, further lower level

Space 220’s options include salads, steak, chicken, salmon, pasta, and a burger. All items are presented in unique ways to give you that futuristic space feel.

Space 220 Steak and Potatoes

Reservations are highly suggested at both the Space 220 venues as it is a very new and popular restaurant. Reservations often fill up 60 days prior to the date in question. It is possible to walk up and be seated, especially in the lounge, though there may be a long wait.

Shopping

Treasures of Xandar – A merchandise location operated by “The Broker,” a proud Xandarian who is bringing his locally-famous shop to EPCOT. This out-of-this-galaxy shop features treasures acquired during travels across the galaxy, as well as items that pay tribute to the planet Xandar and the Guardians of the Galaxy. Other Marvel merch is also available here.

Mission Space and Test Track each have a gift shop that you must exit through.

Get Your EPCOT Bearings (what’s next to what?):

World Nature | World Celebration | World Discovery

Entry to World Showcase (between Canada and Mexico)

Canada | Mexico

EPCOT Overview Pages:

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This article was written by Steve Bell, founder of Military Disney Tips.

Steve is a retired U.S. military member who has been visiting the Disney Parks since 1971 and writing about Disney military discounts and vacations for the military community for over 18 years.

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