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Credit: DisneyThere aren’t many attractions at Walt Disney World Resort that divide fans quite like Mission: SPACE. This intense spaceflight simulator at EPCOT has long carried a reputation for being “too much” for some guests — yet for a dedicated group of fans, it’s one of the most thrilling and uniquely immersive experiences in the park.
Now, with ongoing rumors and speculation that Disney may one day retire the ride to make way for something new, those fans are making their voices heard.
A recent thread on Reddit turned into an outpouring of love and nostalgia for Mission: SPACE, effectively becoming a fan-driven petition to keep it alive.
A Ride Unlike Anything Else
Mission: SPACE has stood as one of EPCOT’s most intense attractions since opening in 2003. While other attractions whisk guests through stories or immerse them in gentle rides, Mission: SPACE uses centrifuge technology to simulate what it feels like to launch into orbit. Riders choose between two missions: Green for a milder, non-spinning experience, or Orange for a full-throttle space launch complete with sustained g-forces.
It’s the Orange side that has become legendary — and, in some circles, infamous. But for many fans, it’s exactly what makes the ride so special.
One fan in the Reddit thread summed it up perfectly:
“You’re just straight up spinning in a circle really fast, but it is absolutely the closest feeling you can get to a spaceship launch. The immersion factor cannot be understated when it comes to actually feeling like you are riding in a spaceship.”
Another added:
“Without Orange, there’s no reason to have Mission: SPACE. I’ve done Green a few times, and nothing really happens other than some claustrophobia. If they got rid of Orange, they should just get rid of the ride.”
Fans Defending Their Favorite Thrill
While some guests avoid the attraction due to motion sickness or claustrophobia, the comments show a clear, passionate fanbase that genuinely loves the ride for what it is.
“I think a lot of the hype around Orange is overblown unless you have some sort of underlying condition,” one user explained. “In that case, rightfully stay away, but otherwise it’s not that bad.”
Another commenter agreed, saying:
“I’ve been on coasters with harder G-forces. The part on Mission: SPACE where you feel almost weightless when you reach space is amazing, and I get chills every time.”
For many, Mission: SPACE isn’t just another EPCOT attraction. Some riders even shared personal stories of facing their fears and coming out as new fans.
“I was always too chicken to try either mission for fear of motion sickness,” one guest admitted. “But I actually liked Orange! It was not what I was expecting, and I’m glad I tried it. I didn’t feel sick at any point, for what it’s worth.”
A Standout in an Overcrowded Lineup
EPCOT has undergone major changes in recent years, with new attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind drawing massive crowds and stealing the spotlight. But Mission: SPACE remains one of the only rides in Orlando that delivers a physical sensation most theme parks simply can’t replicate.
“It’s the single most unique ride in all of Orlando,” one fan wrote. “Nothing gives you even close to the same bizarre sensation.”
Another added, “It’s intense, but so unique. Don’t understand why people don’t think it’s themed correctly when there’s Guardians and Test Track right there. That little corner of attractions is one of my favorite spots in the park.”
Nostalgia Runs Deep
Of course, not all fans have forgotten what came before. Mission: SPACE replaced the beloved Horizons attraction, and some guests will never quite let go of that loss.
“I also prefer Orange, but I prefer Horizons over Mission: SPACE in general,” one commenter said, echoing a sentiment shared by many longtime EPCOT fans.
But even those who still miss Horizons can recognize Mission: SPACE’s place in Disney history. It’s one of the last remaining remnants of a certain era at EPCOT — a time when the park leaned more heavily into futurism and technological wonder.
Another guest explained, “It’s a marvel of engineering even nearly 20 years on. I mean, you have actual astronauts that attest to its authenticity.”
It’s no secret that Mission: SPACE has earned its intense reputation. Disney even posts clear warnings outside the attraction about motion sickness, claustrophobia, and g-forces.
Plenty of commenters admitted they simply can’t handle it. “I rode it once and got a splitting headache,” one wrote. Another added, “It made me sick for six hours after finishing it both times.”
But even many of those who can’t ride it anymore still expressed respect for what the attraction accomplishes. “I do not like that ride — not one bit — but I respect the hell out of it,” one guest said.
Fans Want It Updated, Not Replaced
A recurring theme throughout the thread wasn’t just a desire to keep the ride — but to see it refreshed. Fans widely agreed that the visuals are outdated and could benefit from modern technology.
“The video and screens just need an update,” one person wrote. “That can’t be too expensive, right?”
Another chimed in:
“I wish they’d modernize it! The visuals feel outdated. Someone correct me if it has been updated and I just don’t know about it.”
This mirrors a larger conversation within the Disney Parks community. Many guests don’t want EPCOT to lose what makes it unique — they just want those attractions to be given new life instead of being bulldozed for something entirely new.
An Unexpected Rallying Cry
The original poster expected “hate” for admitting they liked the ride, but what followed was the opposite: dozens of comments defending Mission: SPACE as one of EPCOT’s most underrated experiences.
“It seems like most social media posts about Mission: SPACE become an echo chamber about how it’s the worst ride of all time,” one fan noted. “I enjoy it. I love the G-forces. It’s a great amount of thrill for a ride that is usually less than 20 minutes.”
Another commenter kept it simple: “I love it!! I hope they never replace this ride.”
The Bigger Picture for EPCOT
Disney has not made any official announcements about Mission: SPACE being removed. But given the pace of change at EPCOT, it’s understandable why fans are nervous. Over the past few years, the park has seen classic attractions disappear or dramatically change as Disney pushes the park toward a new identity.
This uncertainty has created a growing culture of fans publicly defending their favorite attractions — whether through social media threads, petitions, or rallies to “save” what they love before it’s too late.
Mission: SPACE may not be the most popular ride at Walt Disney World, but it has a fiercely loyal fanbase. And as this thread proves, those fans aren’t going to let it disappear quietly.
As one guest put it best: “Like what you like. It’s okay to love something others don’t. And for me, nothing will ever replace that feeling of blast-off.”