Youngster Dies after Riding Epcot's Mission: SPACE
An autopsy on Tuesday did not indicate any trauma. A spokesperson for the area's Medical Examiner's Office said it will conduct further tests, and that it may take several weeks to determine the cause of death.
"We are saddened by this highly unusual event," said Jacquee Polak of Walt Disney World's Public Affairs Office in an official statement sent via email. "Our first concern is for the family and we are doing everything we can to help them during this difficult time."
Mission: SPACE, which I consider to be among Disney's finest achievements, is a highly themed attraction that uses spinning centrifuges and motion simulator trickery to conjure a journey to Mars. I don't think Disney has ever released stats for the ride, but it is widely believed that the centrifuge doesn't exceed 35 mph and delivers less than 3Gs of force. While the ride's G-forces are less than typical roller coasters, they are of considerably greater duration. After experiencing the unique ride, some passengers have reported adverse reactions, including headaches and nausea. Disney has gone to great lengths throughout the attraction to warn guests about rider requirements and risks.
Polak says, "The safety of our Guests and Cast remains our top priority, and 8.6 million guests have enjoyed Mission: SPACE without incident since it opened in 2003." Disney shut the ride on Monday, but reopened it on Tuesday after its in-house engineers determined that it was operating safely.
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Comments
This is to the officials of Epcot Walt Disney. I read all the warnings and wasn’t worried to ride your ride. I went to Mission space at approx 3pm June 17th I wasn’t aware of a death. I rode this ride and spent over six hours at the first aid dept. I have since this ride been sick and dizzy. I plan to see a Doctor. I think for the future of this ride it should have a speaker or shut off button to stop the ride I screammed and knocked on the door for the ride to stop to no avail and no one came to help until the door opened. I was shocked at the out come of riding this ride. The paremedics were called to the ride.I hope to get a repsonse.
Today is Sat June 23rd and I am still very week and sick as a result of this ride. I hope for future passengers you think long and hard that a speaker or button to shut the G force and spinning off would be the best thing you could do for many people.
Thank you for listening
Vivian M. Hui