In World Discovery in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, stories about science, technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.
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 – (H42) (Individual Purchase) (Virtual Queue) – 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!
Mission: SPACE (H44 – Orange; H40 Green) (Genie+) – 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.
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 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 (H40) (Genie+) – Riders design their own custom concept vehicle then test it out on the Test Track in a six-passenger car. You will first use a computer screen to design your car balancing power versus efficiency and customize the look. Then you will move on to ride. The cars seat 6 people, three each in the front and back rows. Your car will then perform a set of “test runs” to measure performance under different conditions: climbing, swerving and braking to name a few. After each test you will see how your design performed. The grand finale is a high-speed run outside the building reaching speeds over 65 mph. A single Rider Line is available.
Dining
Space 220 Restaurant – L $$$, D $$$$ – Table Service – Guests take a visually stunning ride on the space elevator to a space station 220 miles over Central Florida. There you’ll enjoy amazing expansive views of the earth and the goings on in space all while dining on excellent and novel food and drink. The menu here is Prix Fixe, meaning there is a set price per person for the meal (lunch $55 adult/$29 child & dinner $79/$29 child). For this price you can pick your choice of appetizer and entree from several menu items, plus a non-alcoholic beverage Extras (sides, desserts, and drinks with alcohol) are extra. This restaurant owned and operated by the the Patina Group (not Disney) is an incredible dining experience!
Space 220 Lounge – L $$$, 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’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.
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 for 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)
EPCOT Overview Pages:
Disney World’s Other Theme Parks:
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