At EPCOT, Mission: SPACE has long been a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers and space enthusiasts alike. Designed to simulate the experience of a NASA-style space mission, the ride offers both an intense, high-G Mars journey and a gentler Earth orbit option. However, in recent years, the attraction’s exterior has been undergoing a slow and, at times, questionable refurbishment process. While some updates aim to enhance the guest experience, others have sparked disappointment among fans.
Mars Still Waiting for a Full Restoration
The centerpiece of Mission: SPACE’s façade is its giant Mars sculpture, an eye-catching element that has undergone a lengthy refurbishment process. In 2023, guests began noticing that the sculpture’s panels were fading, leading Disney to start replacing them. However, despite more than a year of work, the updates remain incomplete. Some sections have been restored to their original appearance, while others still appear faded or dull.
Disney made noticeable progress last summer, but since then, work has slowed significantly. The ongoing nature of this refurbishment has raised concerns among visitors who expected a fully restored Mars sculpture by now.
The Earth Sculpture Struggles to Spin
Another key feature of the attraction’s entrance, the Earth sculpture, has also seen its share of challenges. Removed in 2023 and reinstalled in 2024, the globe is supposed to rotate, adding an extra layer of immersion to the attraction’s exterior. However, after months of sitting motionless, its spinning function was finally restored—only for it to stop working again soon after.
A gray scrim now covers part of the sculpture, indicating that more repairs are likely underway. The frequent stops and starts have left guests questioning when the feature will be fully functional.
A Divisive Fix for the Ground Mosaics
One of the most debated changes at Mission: SPACE involves the ground mosaics in front of the ride. These colorful galactic designs, added in 2023, were meant to complement the attraction’s space theme. However, regular foot traffic led to wear and damage. Instead of replacing the broken sections, Disney opted for a quick fix—filling the gaps with gray concrete.
This patchwork solution has not been well received, as the rough, uneven surface disrupts the sleek design and makes the area look unfinished. Many fans had hoped for a more refined repair that maintained the original mosaic design.
A Positive Experience Inside the Attraction
Despite the ongoing exterior work, Mission: SPACE continues to offer an engaging experience inside. Beyond the ride itself, the Advanced Training Lab provides interactive activities for guests of all ages.
This post-show area features a variety of space-themed games, including a jetpack simulation over Mars, a rocket launch competition, and a digital playground for younger visitors. Guests can also record video postcards from the edge of space, making for a fun, unique souvenir.
For those who prefer not to ride the simulator, the Advanced Training Lab offers a way to enjoy the theme of space travel without the motion-sickness risk.
Is Mission: SPACE Headed in the Right Direction?
As EPCOT undergoes continued transformations, the fate of Mission: SPACE’s exterior remains uncertain. While Disney has taken steps to maintain and update the attraction, the slow pace of refurbishment and some less-than-ideal fixes have left guests wondering about the ride’s long-term future.
Many fans are hoping for a more comprehensive, high-quality refurbishment that brings back the sleek, futuristic appearance the attraction originally had. Until then, visitors will continue to enjoy the thrills of space travel inside Mission: SPACE while waiting for the exterior to match the experience within.
