Mission: SPACE at EPCOT has been a staple attraction for years, allowing guests to experience the intensity of space travel. However, the ongoing refurbishment of its exterior has raised some concerns among visitors. While some updates aim to enhance the attraction’s visual appeal, other changes have left fans questioning the long-term vision for this futuristic ride.
A Lingering Refurbishment on Mars
One of the most significant updates in progress is the refurbishment of the massive Mars sculpture that dominates the entrance of Mission: SPACE. In May 2023, it was observed that the sculpture was showing signs of wear, with its once-vibrant panels fading. Disney responded by beginning a restoration project to replace the panels, but nearly two years later, the work remains unfinished. Some areas have been revitalized, while others still show faded, incomplete patches.
Although noticeable improvements were made last summer, progress has been slow since then. Many guests expected a full refresh to be completed by now, leading to speculation about whether this prolonged refurbishment is due to design changes, technical difficulties, or other factors.
Earth Sculpture: A Stop-and-Go Repair
The Earth sculpture, another key feature of Mission: SPACE’s entrance, was removed in August 2023 and reinstalled in May 2024. This globe is designed to rotate, providing a dynamic visual effect for visitors approaching the ride. However, after months of being inactive, the rotation was finally restored in August—only for it to stop moving again shortly thereafter.
Currently, a gray scrim covers part of the sculpture, likely concealing mechanical components undergoing further repair. Some guests are frustrated by the inconsistent updates, as Mission: SPACE’s entrance remains in a constant state of change rather than presenting a fully refurbished look.
A Controversial Fix for the Mosaics
Adding to the debate over the attraction’s aesthetics is the repair work done on the ground mosaics in front of Mission: SPACE. Installed in 2023, these intricate galactic designs were meant to enhance the space-themed atmosphere. However, due to heavy foot traffic, parts of the mosaics became damaged relatively quickly.
Rather than restoring the original artwork, Disney opted for a simple fix: filling in the broken sections with concrete. Unfortunately, the large gray patches stand out against the colorful designs and create an uneven walking surface. While the quick fix may have been necessary, many visitors feel that the end result looks more like a temporary patch than a carefully planned refurbishment.
The Advanced Training Lab: A Bright Spot
Despite these ongoing exterior updates, Mission: SPACE continues to provide an immersive experience for guests. Beyond the main ride, visitors can enjoy the Advanced Training Lab, a post-show interactive area that engages space enthusiasts of all ages.
This section allows guests to simulate flying over Mars with a jetpack, compete in a rocket launch race, and create video postcards from outer space. It also features an interactive playground for younger visitors and digital games for those looking to test their space navigation skills. Even for guests who prefer not to ride the intense simulator, the Advanced Training Lab offers an engaging way to experience space travel.
Will Mission: SPACE’s Exterior Get the Attention It Deserves?
While Disney has made efforts to maintain and update Mission: SPACE, the slow progress and questionable aesthetic choices have left some fans disappointed. The prolonged Mars refurbishment, the stalled Earth sculpture, and the concrete mosaic repairs all contribute to the feeling that this refurbishment is far from complete.
Many guests hope that the coming months will bring a more polished, futuristic look to Mission: SPACE’s exterior. Until then, the attraction remains a mix of exciting space-themed experiences and unfinished design elements, leaving visitors to wonder when the final vision will come together.
