Disney Ride Has Sent Six To Hospital In Eight Months

[PhotoDave219]

People have asked me about it, i give them the straight up truth. Its intense. If you get slightly motion sick, skip it. Its realistic and like space flight.

One time i found this lady hunched over a bench, i checked on her and she was recovering from M:S. She just needed water and some rest.

Plain and simple, people just arent expecting a ride like this at Disney World. That being said, everyone ive every talked to has either loved it (most) or hated it (some). Theres no middle ground.

But obviously someone needs to do a story.... and storys mean ratings and ratings mean money. So apparently the whole Dateline NBC style of journalism has become acceptable.... very sad, and a total shame.

 

[Brian_B]

<B>I just posted this a few days ago in another forum, but as a 22 year old in excellent health (running 6 miles a days, etc), I actually have blacked out because of the g-forces on rides. It may end up that these rides really aren't that good for you.</B>

Yeah? Well I'm a 20 year old lazy bum who sits around and eats ice cream all day and never excercises, and I've never had the slightest problem with mission: space. :hammer: I think it just all depends on what your tolerances are in terms of fast, G-intensive rides.

-Brian

 

[imagineer99]

Originally posted by Laura22
When I first rode that in September I honestly had no idea WHAT the ride was. Disney's website didn't give away many answers either when I researched it ahead of time.

And now, even after I've ridden it, I still have no idea what exactly was happening. :lol:

Was it spinning??

If it was spinning, then I didn't even know it. I can't even spin around in my desk chair without feeling nauseous, but I came out of Mission Space feeling totally fine.

I think NOT knowing what is going on is better than knowing!

But since I don't know, now I'm curious. What does Mission Space actually do? I feel like a dummy having ridden it and still not knowing what I rode. :lol:

Of course M:S spins! There are vide monitors throughout the queue that show your capsule spinning.

Anyways, the ride itself is a really advanced form of the spinning carnival attractions that you would see at fairs (where the floor would drop out). M:S is a centrifuge that contains several arms, each of which is attached to ride pods.

These pods have the ability to do some sort of independent motion (like a simulator, they can tilt, etc.) So, in order to simulate the force of lifting off, the centrifuge spins at a high rate, causing you to be feel a couple G's. The centrifuge spins at different rates throughout the ride.

 

[Grim Grinner]

When I went on my trip last October, Mission Space was the first ride my wife and I went on as soon as we entered Epcot (Center!). The ride was smooth, although slightly intimidating because of all of the warning signs. In fact, they made our apprehension much worse.

The ride was enjoyable throughout. When it was over, my legs were shakey, and as we circled around that long corridor, I kept hanging to one side- just like what happens when I spin. So on some level, my body did know it was spinning. It wasn't motion sickness or anything, just slight disorientation. No biggie.

A later trip to Mars was prepared for in a very strange way. Both my wife and I downed at least 15 glasses of soda from Station Cool, including 4 cups worth of Beverly (you all know about that particular drink, eh?). We went on the ride, off the ride with no ill effects. Mission Space was even more enjoyable the second time around because we knew what to expect, even with full sugary-laced drinks in our bellys.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Originally posted by Grim Grinner
When I went on my trip last October, Mission Space was the first ride my wife and I went on as soon as we entered Epcot (Center!). The ride was smooth, although slightly intimidating because of all of the warning signs. In fact, they made our apprehension much worse.

The ride was enjoyable throughout. When it was over, my legs were shakey, and as we circled around that long corridor, I kept hanging to one side- just like what happens when I spin. So on some level, my body did know it was spinning. It wasn't motion sickness or anything, just slight disorientation. No biggie.

A later trip to Mars was prepared for in a very strange way. Both my wife and I downed at least 15 glasses of soda from Station Cool, including 4 cups worth of Beverly (you all know about that particular drink, eh?). We went on the ride, off the ride with no ill effects. Mission Space was even more enjoyable the second time around because we knew what to expect, even with full sugary-laced drinks in our bellys.

I don't believe a word of this...you lost all credibility with me when you said you downed 4 cups of Beverly...NOBODY DOES THAT !! :lol: (jk)

I too, have been on the attraction many times...and never once felt an ill effect.

 

[Dayma]

hey also reported that over 3,000,000 ppl have ridden the ride...ok, then why such a big deal about 6 ppl, 4 of whom had previous known conditions.

They are talking about the amount of people that were admited to the hospital when compared to other instances not 3,000,000/6 who are fine.

Six people out of 3 MILLION riding Mission: Space ? That is 0.0002 (TWO - TEN THOUSANDTHS) of a percent who needed medical attention.

Same thing.....I agree its a small number but when they dont get other people going to the hosipital due to a ride this number must seem large.

 

[Grim Grinner]

Yes... It's true. I drank four cups of Beverly. After the 2nd cup, you sorta stop tasting anything. The best part was hyping up how good it was to an onlooking family, who all spit it out.

Seriously, if Mission Space was gonna make me sick, that was the time it was gonna do it.

Keep in mind, I'm fairly old and decrepit at the ancient age of 30.

 

[speck76]

The other thing is, how many of these 6 ppl actually NEEDED to go to the hospital...how many were going to DIE if they did not get immediate attention.

So many ppl these days go to the hospital for the smallest of reasons...they may have just felt "uncomfortable" but in todays medicine world, where so many patients want to kill a fly with a sledgehammer, these may have been trips that were not really called for.

 

[figmentfan]

I LOVE Beverly (Yea, right!)

I have no problem with M:S. The first time I rode it, I came off a little dizzy, but now I can do the ride with a full stomach.

My point of view, all the warning signs that Disney posts scared me more than the ride did. I am reading these signs, not have been on the ride yet, and it scared me......I didn't know what to expect on the ride.

Disney does their best when posting safety and warning signs. Right before you board M:S, a cast member looks at you and ask if anybody wants to opt out of the ride. Even Gary in the pre-show, the host of the ride, tells people that they can opt out. My gosh, how much more does Disney have to do to please people?

1. They have an actual human being talk to the guest about the
ride, ask people if they are ready, and if they want to exit.
2. Disney puts hundreds of signs up about warnings, and even
puts them in the park map.
3. Disney has an example of the ride vehicle in the front of the
ride, to show people what it looks like.
4. Disney has monitors to show you what the ride does.
5. Disney keeps stressing in the pre-show about the warnings
M:S.

What does Disney have to do to please people???????????????

 

[Laura]

Of course M:S spins! There are vide monitors throughout the queue that show your capsule spinning.

Are you serious? I never even saw them! Although we went first thing in the morning during the slow season so we zipped through the line and never stopped to look at anything.

I'm glad I didn't know what it was though. If someone had told me it was a spinning ride before I rode I would have never tried it.

 

[Testtrack321]

The interesting part of it is that anyone can go to a hospital after riding M:S, me, you, that guy two blocks down the street even. But is it life threatening? Is it needed? Some people over react. Not only that, distortion of the truth is very common now, so in effect they are making M:S sound much worse than it actually is.

 

[WDWHeadBanger]

There are warnings all over that say dont ride if you arent in good health...

Thats all I have to say about that.

 

[Sloan]

Warnings

There are plenty of warnings - and the article was clear that almost every person who had a problem had ignored them - they had existing heart issues and were relatively old, and probably should have skipped it if they were not willing to take their chances.

In reference to the 2 g's issue - does anyone know if they've toned down the ride since the preview and/or opening period? I have some vague recall of reference to something more like 3 g's, and when I rode during a very early 'preview' period, it sure seemed like more than 2, and more than now - but I guess that could just be because it was my first time, and now I'm used to it ...

 

[Disney2002]

My thought is, why not have an intense line and a lesser intense line. There are 4 main pod areas. They could easily dedicate 1, 2, or however many to the more intense experience and tone down the others. That is, if they see a need to lessen the thrill.

 

[nfeagle5]

OFF TOPIC>>>

Is Beverly the clear pop from Italy at the Coke Tasting thing?

If it is what i think it is i was walkin around the park with my family havin all of them try it and lmao when they were all gagging on it :slurp: :lol:

 

[Shaman]

I think the biggest issue with this ride is that people don't pay any attention to what is being said either in the signs or on the monitors....the biggest problem is people looking to the sides during the ride and closing their eyes....this increases the chances you WILL get motion sickness...SO DON'T DO IT....its easy...

When I first rode M:S my biggest problem was that I was feeling a bit claustrophobic when the front panel moved towards me before the launch....but I've been on M:S numerous times and have never had a problem....my parents have been on too....and they've enjoyed it...with no side effects....

If people paid attention to the signs...and wouldn't take them as a joke...there would be no problem...

Then again...this could all just be another publicity stunt for M:S....

 

[simbarina]

spinning rides

I can ride any ride or rollercoaster that Disney can throw at me EXCEPT THE TEACUPS!!!!! They make me feel so sick.

I must be getting old.

 

[CTXRover]

I don't forsee any major changes being done to the ride. I could be wrong, be no matter how many G's they subject people to....it still requires a good amount of spinning and I would imagine that ultimately it would have a similar effect to those who are most susceptible to problems either way.

Its really being thrown out of proportion....However, 6 people sent to the hospital from a ride is 6 people too many for Disney or any park operator concerned for their guests. It sounds relatively obvious that at least 4 of them should have NEVER got on the ride in the first place. I hate to criticize or put anyone down, but would did the three who had heart surgery think "heart problems" on the warnings signs mean?......in their defense though, I think it is because similar warnings are placed on every ride. These people would be fine on the safari at AK, yet it has the same warnings in relation to heart problems, etc.

What will probably have to be done is that the heart and health warnings will have to be added to the list of things displayed on the videos in the queues and pre-shows. They mention motion sickness, spinning, enclosed dark spaces, and simulators but not specifially health problems which are confined to the numerous (and some bright yellow) warning signs. This is the only way to really make these people listen. I know of quite a few people that actually think the warnings they have now are over-the-top, but it sounds like they still aren't enough for some to really listen to. I truly think it has a little to do with the fact that similar warnings are placed on FAR less extreme rides and since they probably were fine on them they figured to give it a whirl.

I'm curious as to how many people actually use the barf bags....I've yet to see one person ever get that sick (thank goodness).

 

[ermccartin]

mission space

I am over 50. Rode MS Aug. 2003. Was heedful of warnings and therefore nervous. Obeyed Disney's instructions completely.
and did not get sick or anything. Virtual reality was intense. My son will ride it again. Doubt I will. Didn't know the thing spun etc. until my son told me much later. I was scared by the mars part oaf the ride. got to believe I was there. Glad I did ride. Did Tower of Terror better than my children. But won't ride MS again. Unsure about T of T.
I do agree that people NEED to take warnings seriously. Disney does it's part on that and people should take heed. If your gut says NO. Don't go. :wave:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Re: mission space

Originally posted by ermccartin
If your gut says NO. Don't go. :wave:

...and...if your gut says No and you DO go...chances are...you're gonna blow :hurl: