Credit: DisneyMission: SPACE, one of EPCOT’s signature attractions, has been undergoing an extended refurbishment that has left some visitors puzzled. Originally designed to give guests an out-of-this-world spaceflight experience, the attraction’s exterior has been in a state of flux for nearly two years.
While updates have been made to various elements, including the Mars sculpture and mosaics, the work remains incomplete, and some changes have raised eyebrows among fans.
The Lingering Mars Refurbishment
The most noticeable update at Mission: SPACE has been the ongoing refurbishment of the Mars sculpture, which serves as the centerpiece of the attraction’s façade. In May 2023, it was observed that the sculpture’s panels were fading and turning gray.
Soon after, Disney began replacing these panels, but nearly two years later, the work remains unfinished. Some sections have been restored to their intended vibrant hues, while others still appear dull and incomplete.
Last summer, visible progress was made, but since then, the changes have been more subtle. While maintenance and refreshes are expected at any theme park, the prolonged nature of this refurbishment has left some guests wondering when Mission: SPACE will be fully restored to its former glory.
Earth Sculpture Issues Continue
Another noticeable change involves the Earth sculpture, which was removed in August 2023 for refurbishment and reinstalled in May 2024. This globe is designed to spin, adding an interactive element to the attraction’s entrance.
However, after sitting motionless for several months following its return, the rotation feature was finally restored in August. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long, as the sculpture is once again stationary. A gray scrim now covers part of its top, leading to speculation that additional repairs are underway.
Guests who have been following the refurbishment process have expressed concerns over the inconsistent progress. While maintenance is essential to keeping the park’s attractions in top shape, the back-and-forth nature of these updates has made it difficult for visitors to predict when everything will be functioning as intended.
Concrete Fixes to the Mosaics
Beyond the larger sculptures, even the pavement in front of Mission: SPACE has seen its share of changes. In 2023, Disney introduced new galactic-themed mosaics in front of the attraction, featuring intricate circular designs meant to resemble planets and galaxies. Unfortunately, these mosaics quickly became damaged due to the heavy foot traffic from guests entering and exiting the ride.
Rather than replacing or repairing the broken tiles, the damaged areas have instead been patched with large globs of gray concrete. This solution has disrupted the design and created an uneven walking surface that some have described as an eyesore. Visitors expecting a sleek and futuristic aesthetic have instead found a patchwork fix that clashes with the attraction’s overall theme.
What Mission: SPACE Offers Beyond the Ride
While exterior refurbishments have drawn mixed reactions, the attraction itself continues to provide an engaging spaceflight experience. Mission: SPACE offers two different ride intensities: the Orange Mission, which simulates a thrilling journey to Mars with high G-forces, and the Green Mission, which offers a more relaxed orbit around Earth.
Beyond the main ride, guests can also explore the Advanced Training Lab, an interactive play area designed to engage space enthusiasts of all ages. This post-show attraction allows visitors to virtually fly over Mars using a jetpack, participate in a rocket race, and even create video postcards from space. It’s a great way for kids and families to continue the space adventure without the intense motion of the main ride.
One of the standout features of the Advanced Training Lab is the opportunity for young explorers to crawl through wormhole-themed tunnels, while older guests can engage in space-themed digital games. This area ensures that even those who may be hesitant to ride Mission: SPACE itself can still immerse themselves in the excitement of space travel.
A Mixed Reception from Fans
As Mission: SPACE undergoes these various updates, reactions have been divided. While many appreciate Disney’s efforts to keep the attraction fresh and functional, others have expressed frustration over the prolonged timeline and the aesthetic choices being made.
The ongoing repairs, particularly to the Mars sculpture and mosaics, have left some guests disappointed, as they expected a more polished and futuristic look.
Disney has not provided a firm timeline for when these refurbishments will be fully completed. With many guests hoping for a seamless and visually stunning experience at EPCOT, there remains a strong demand for a more cohesive and finished look at Mission: SPACE.
As EPCOT continues to evolve with new attractions and expansions, the fate of Mission: SPACE’s exterior remains uncertain. Will Disney take further steps to enhance the look of the attraction, or will these quick fixes be the final result? For now, visitors can still enjoy the ride and interactive elements, even as the surroundings undergo their slow transformation.