The Mission Space Pavilion is one of the most unique looking buildings in EPCOT!
📍 EPCOT | World Discovery
As you approach the pavilion, you’ll see 3 large globes that simulate part of a solar system. There’s a blue planet with clouds, reminiscent of Earth, a larger orange planet that appears to be a gas giant, and a very large red sphere that represents a sun.
A spaceship is depicted departing the Earth-like planet with its trail winding around the sphere. Other large sweeping arcs depict orbits in the system. It’s a stunning effect!
The Pavilion
This pavilion contains the attraction of the same name, an exploration area and merchandise shop, both of which are part of the ride exit as well and one of the hottest new restaurants in EPCOT.
A new backstage building was constructed on the right side of the pavilion in order to house the Space 220 restaurant in the 2019-202 timeframe.
Mission Space replaced the Horizons attraction in 2003. Horizons, which depicted scenes of how families might live around the world and in space in the future closed in 1999.
The front of the building has cement seats scattered around and several plaques commemorating various achievements in space exploration.
World Discovery Neighborhood
As part of the ongoing reimagining and restructuring of EPCOT, Disney has introduced the concept of neighborhoods within the park, and the Land Pavilion has been designated as part of the “World Discovery” neighborhood. This restructuring is aimed at creating a more cohesive and thematic experience for guests, aligning with EPCOT’s original vision while infusing new elements of storytelling and innovation.
World Discovery is all about exploring science & technology, and intergalactic adventure come to life.
Attractions
Mission: SPACE (H44 – Orange; H40 Green) (Genie+) – Experience a simulated launch into space in this realistic 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, 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 – Planet 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.
Image (C) Disney
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.
Dining Options
Space 220 Restaurant – L $$$, D $$$$ – Table Service – Take a visually stunning ride on the space elevator to a space station 220 miles over Central Florida. There you’ll enjoy amazing expansive views of the earth and the goings on in space all while dining on excellent and novel food and drink. The menu here is Prix Fixe, meaning there is a set price per person for the meal (lunch $55 adult/$29 child & dinner $79/$29 child). For this price, you can pick your choice of appetizer and entree from several menu items. Extras (sides, desserts, and alcoholic drinks) are extra.
Space 220 Offers a 15% Military Discount!
Space 220 Dining Room View
Space 220 Lounge – L $$$, 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. THis is a cheaper way to experience this great restaurant.
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
Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay – Here you can shop for space-themed and ride souvenirs to bring back to Earth. Apparel & Accessories, Camera & Media, Pins, Toys & Plush, and Vinylmation.
Have comments or questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!
EPCOT Overview Pages:
See all our Theme Park Pages:
- Disney World Theme Park Overview
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Disney's Animal Kingdom
|
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
|