The experience: A view of outer space on a digital monitor

The trick: high-resolution computer imagery that displays a realistic space view

Disney has mastered the art of immersion. Mission: SPACE exemplifies their skill at the craft. While you sit in a barren cabin, unaware of the mechanics of the centrifuge outside your door, the ride must distract you. It must build an illusion that you are a fledgling space traveler braving the great unknown.

Imagineers accomplish this trick through visuals. Your digital display comprises the entirety of your field of vision. Imagineers tell a story through these breathtaking images. The first thing you'll see is a closed door that you need to unfold before launch. When that door opens, you'll notice what looks like an upright ladder. In reality, it's imagery of launch gear for a spaceship.

At this point, you’re literally staring at the clouds. Soon afterward, your seat begins to shake. The onscreen visuals match the motion, as you “launch” and head directly toward the clouds. Almost immediately, you soar past them and break atmosphere. The digital monitor informs you about what the gyrations of your seat mean.

This tactic is clever but far from original. In truth, it’s the same style of storytelling employed at Soarin’ around the World. You’re looking at a monitor that seems larger than life due to its proximity to your face. In the case of Soarin’, the monitor IS that big.

With Mission: SPACE, the claustrophobia of the setting adds to the importance of the digital display. When you don’t look at it, your only other options are glances within the cabin. Trust me. You do NOT want to do that, as you may freak out. Ergo, the monitor is your everything during the time that you’re inside the space capsule. Disney knows this and keeps the action moving through cinematic scenes that captivate you. It’s the right kind of immersion because you don’t even realize that it’s happening.

The experience: Plussing the ride so that the stories are no longer identical

The trick: Updating an existing attraction to tell new stories

After years of complaints about the lackluster nature of the Green version, Disney plussed Mission: SPACE in 2017. They finally did something long overdue; they differentiated Orange from Green. Orange remains the intense version, and it also keeps the mission to Mars storyline.

The primary difference is that Imagineers updated the graphics with digital HD enhancements that had become available over the 15 years of the ride's existence. The Orange mission looks better, but you'll still blast off into orbit. Then, you'll circle the Moon, encounter an asteroid belt, and crash land on Mars. It's the same as it ever was.

The Green version features an entirely new story. Guests are still trainees at the International Space Training Center. The difference is that you've signed on for a more straightforward mission. Your goal is to orbit the Earth while monitoring famous landmarks and weather patterns.

Since Disney didn’t want the ride to be dull, things don’t go smoothly. First, you’ll endure a grueling liftoff before witnessing some jaw-dropping visuals from your outer space orbit. Later, you’ll suffer through a lightning storm that leads to an extremely bumpy landing. Thanks to the updated graphics, the Green version is visually stunning and a vastly improved ride experience.

The modified, centrifuge-less version of Mission: SPACE is now so calm that Disney reduced age and height requirements. Children who are 40 inches or taller can ride it. Yes, the average age is now 4-5 years old. It’s a far cry from the days when Disney feared for the lives of some of the guests riding Mission: SPACE.