The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532)
Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones.
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The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbacks.
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What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares.
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The Shrubbery Crisis – Yes, protein spills killed the landscaping.
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Fixing the Fail – How Disney added trash cans, benches, cold air, and a non-spinning version of the ride (that’s actually better).
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Ride Longevity – Why guests rarely re-ride, and how Mission: Space quietly became the least essential thrill ride at Walt Disney World.
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What Comes Next – With depreciation schedules catching up, is it finally time to replace it? And what’s the likelihood of a Figment/Inside Out combo attraction next door?
A fascinating look at how cutting-edge ambition can spin a little too hard—and what happens when the recovery benches outnumber the ride’s fans.
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