How Was Your Mission to Mars Ride?

Orlando, FLMission to Mars riders say that there is simply no way the promotional video can demonstrate the intensity of the simulated flight training aboard the X2-Deep Space Shuttle at Disney’s world-famous amusement park in Florida. After they experience the five-minute-plus extreme space launch simulation, riders often express a kind of “shock and awe” reaction.

They’ve just experienced the kind of astounding force that rips through an astronaut’s body as he or she is rocketed off the launch pad and hurled into space at a rate of zero to 6,000 miles an hour in 60 seconds.

Riders get a taste of a 2.5 g-force. It’s enough to pin you back in your chair, flatten your cheeks against your face and make it difficult to impossible to move your legs or arms.

Some find it exhilarating while others have posted their comments on the Internet warning potential Mission to Mars riders to give this one a pass. They talk about nausea, feeling dizzy, headaches or having trouble getting re-oriented. Others describe outright terror.

The Mission to Mars pre-trip talk

As visitors enter the Mission to Mars ride at the Epcot Center, there is a dazzling display of flashing lights in a moody deep space kind of atmosphere.

Actor Gary Sinise, featured on a giant screen, is giving instructions on how the space flight simulator works to the Mission to Mars space travel recruits. “You’re probably feeling a little nervous right now,” says Sinise, suited up in a NASA-style jumpsuit. “But don’t worry. Even the astronauts felt that way when they went to the moon. They had training and that’s what you’re here for,” he goes on, giving instructions for the soon-to-be fake rocket launch.

“When you hear the word launch, you are definitely going to want to hang on,” Sinise’s video performance instructs the crowd. He also tells potential riders to opt out if they are starting to feel a little nervous about what they are about to experience.

Rider effects

One man wrote, “After the ride, I was a little dizzy and needed to get my balance back. But that took a while. I couldn't shake it off for an hour or two - it bothered me that much and I don't get motion sickness.” Another wrote, “If you are claustrophobic, run for the hills because this ride will mess you up. Prepare to feel some g’s on your chest and some intense flight simulation.”

The Mission to Mars is a kind of updated, more realistic version of Disney’s Mission: Space. In 2006, two people died after riding the Mission: Space. A 49-year-old woman was taken to the hospital and later died.

Two months later, a four-year-old boy died after first losing consciousness during the ride.

“Many others have been reported to be taken to hospital after a spin on Disney’s space travel simulator - particularly people in the 55-plus age group,” says Tampa, Florida attorney, Ben Stewart. “Some of these people may be tourists. They visit the ride then travel back to their home state and their injuries don’t get reported the way they might.”

What did you feel?

Exactly how many people have been injured on Disney’s Mission to Mars is not known. Some may never have reported their injuries to a doctor. LawyersandSettlements is currently working on a number of stories about the ride, how it works and what kind of injuries could be caused in a space travel simulator. If you or someone you know has suffered nausea, dizziness, headaches or severe vomiting that lasted more than 12 hours, or has seen a doctor after riding on the Mission to Mars, LawyersandSettlements would like to hear from you.