Originally Posted By idleHands The main problem with M:S pertains to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure. If yours is functioning properly, you will most likely be able to withstand the sustained Gs of the M:S centrifuge. But... if your ANS is less-than-optimal, as mine is, then your body will lack the ability to pump an adequate supply of blood up to your brain, against the downward pull of the centrifugal force, which can result in blackouts and fainting, from lack of oxygen. And for the most part, disturbances in the autonomic nervous system are often undiagnosed, in mild cases. These people just accept that they tire more easily than others, and typically attribute their fatigue to lack of sleep, hectic schedules, etc. And their bodies usually can do an adequate job of pumping blood against the standard 1 G we all experience while vertically positioned, sitting or standing. But place these folks with mild ANS problems in a centrifuge, with sustained Gs well above standard gravity, and everything falls apart. Too little oxygen to the brain for too long, and complications set in. Even with the drugs I take everyday to artificially increase my blood pressure because of my failed ANS, my doc has still advised me to stay off the ride. And I don't need to be taking any ER trips during my vacation time. The theme parks are thrilling enough.
Originally Posted By Labuda idle - I'm curious. With your condition, would you be able to ride & enjoy the green version of the ride, or is that also something you'll need to skip?
Originally Posted By wahooskipper The rollercoaster mentioned may have been "toned down" but they are essentially the same ride. It still takes the same circuit...only slower. My understanding of the changes to Mission: Space is that it reduces and/or eliminates the sustained Gs which, in essence, makes it a completely different ride experience. I think the Rattler at Fiesta Texas was altered significantly because people weren't riding...complaining that it was too rough. They did actually shorten the height of the first hill if I'm not mistaken. Mission: Space is a technology that, until recently, was applied to trained, physically fit astronauts and pilots. Then it was unleashed on the general public with what I believe was an insufficient amount of research and evidence to determine its effects. I love thrill rides and I am a huge proponent of the amusement park industry and have staunchly defended it time and again. But in this instance I think Disney reached too far and each time we read about this ride in the news it substantiates my assertion.
Originally Posted By Labuda "I think the Rattler at Fiesta Texas was altered significantly because people weren't riding...complaining that it was too rough. They did actually shorten the height of the first hill if I'm not mistaken." You are correct! First coaster I ever rode was The Rattler in its original configuration. I LOVED it! Of course, I was also 19 or so at that point and didn't have the back issues I have nowadays that make me only ride the Rattler once every few tiems I visit SFFT. I much prefer the Superman coaster there.
Originally Posted By bigthunderranch My experience with this ride was that once I rode it, I was not interested in riding it again. I was glad to experience it, but it is not the kind of ride you'd like to do over and over again. For me, the fun element was lost. Why is it so important to experience exactly what an astronaut experiences. What if they made "Pirates" more realistic? Would they be more fun? I think the Disney version of a space flight would have been more appropriate.
Originally Posted By imagineer1985 As a Ride Operator at disneyland there have been several times when guest have "passed out" after riding our simulator. It doesn't make the local news cause they are taken to first aid and then released. I understand that they might have to take extreme precautions now the a couple have folks have died. Mission SPace was an awesome ride for me. IF i recal correctly the majority of the ride you arent even spinning only at launch and landing.
Originally Posted By fundog58 I could see having a ride like this at a "Space Camp" type attraction, where you would probably have to sign a stack of wavers before getting anywhere near it, but it just seems too extreme and potentially dangerous for a family theme park.
Originally Posted By idleHands Labuda... should be no problem with the "green version" (tree huggers in space? LOL), because of lack of sustained Gs. I'm going to try it out next time I'm in Epcot. I can ride most coasters without problems, even those with inversions, because the centrifugal forces are less and/or much shorter in duration. The only thing that really bothers me is a fast helix. I don't pass out, but I tend to get nasty headaches, which I call refer to as the infamous "helix headache." I'm looking forward to riding Everest, but I have a sneaky feeling that the helixes will make my head pound.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I wish people would stop trying to minimize the problems with Mission Space. I died the last time I rode it, and that wasn't very fun. Someone should torture Eisner or SOMETHING. < while I know this is tongue in cheek -- the last sentence reminded me of another poster in many of the disney business threads....
Originally Posted By Labuda "Labuda... should be no problem with the "green version" (tree huggers in space? LOL), because of lack of sustained Gs. I'm going to try it out next time I'm in Epcot." Cool! Now I finally have a reason to be HAPPY that the green version exists - a groovy LPer will finally be able to ride! Oh, and color me happy that I can handle helixes and everything else coasters I've been on throw at me. I'm salivating for Everest myself. Funny thing, though, I'm also terrified of Everest - same thing I go through with EVERY thrill ride I try! Then, after one ride, I wanna go back on immediately in most all cases. lol
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Realizing that no one will agree with me, I still think the major problem with Mission Space is that some people get scared to death. I don't think the physical forces present on the ride are dangerous... people's fear while on the attraction is dangerous.
Originally Posted By Labuda What is there to be scared of on the ride unless you're claustrophobic? And, if you ARE claustrophobic, there's no way you should get on this ride, I think.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Labuda... should be no problem with the "green version" (tree huggers in space? LOL), because of lack of sustained Gs. I'm going to try it out next time I'm in Epcot. I can ride most coasters without problems, even those with inversions, because the centrifugal forces are less and/or much shorter in duration. The only thing that really bothers me is a fast helix. I don't pass out, but I tend to get nasty headaches, which I call refer to as the infamous "helix headache." I'm looking forward to riding Everest, but I have a sneaky feeling that the helixes will make my head pound. < Idlehands -- while I do not suffer from exactly what you do-- I am blessed ( for long term health reasons) with blood pressure at the lower end of the normal spectrum -- however couple that with low blood sugar counts and the chances of dizziness / fainting etc are increased. Somewhat for the same reasons as your issue. I rode MS the full ride once and while just slightly 'off' after I left- I developed a nasty headache shortly afterwards and have stayed off since. The ride simply not worth it for me...also the helix's you talk of both me some...RnRC about the most I can take readily.... many of the coasters at 6 flags by me are now off limits. I have staggered off of those more than a few times....and was extremely dizzy -- however reported it to no one...I understood before I got on a few I mighthave an issue. p.s. same now holds true for teacups but I went on with my young nieces last trip because they wanted me to... what I wanted to tell you is that Everest did not bother me in the least, so I hope you will find the same to be true
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<What is there to be scared of on the ride unless you're claustrophobic? >> The first time I rode Mission Space towards the end of the launch sequence I was wondering if I would be able to take it. Now as soon as I thought that the launch sequence was over, and all was good. Remember though that I've been on just about every extreme ride I've had access to. And if I could start wondering about my ability to take Mission Space, what might be going through the mind of a 7-year-old with much less thrill ride experience? Mission Space is my favorite attraction ANYWHERE. I don’t think it is safe for all people though, and I’m glad they introduced a wussy version.
Originally Posted By oc_dean >> She told rescue workers she had tingling in her arms and hands, << Those are also leading signs for heart-attack. Interesting the fact she was released. I just wonder though how many deaths or near deaths it will take until they decide that perhaps this attraction should shutter completely.
Originally Posted By oc_dean One legit argument is we can't say "Well, people should pay attention to warning signs". What about those who have lived pretty normal lives (unaware that they have a hidden health issue) .. ride the ride ... and it's too late to do anything because you're dead! I'm 42 .. I ~think~ I'm in good health ... I can take most roller coasters in the world .... BUT ... I don't need Mission:Space *finding out for me* a condition that I didn't know I had all along.
Originally Posted By oc_dean It's like one has to go through the most extensive physical before you ride Mission:Space. It's just not worth it. With or without one centrafuge turned off ... Mission:Space has a tainted short history .. and since my last visit to WDW in '95 .. this is not on the "must see" list. In baseball ... 3 strikes and you're out. I fear 2 deaths will not be the only in M:S history. I fear for the next person who thinks they are in good health .... and choose "Orange".
Originally Posted By Labuda You're 42, Dean? Wow, I thought you were in your 30s, dude! YOu look great for your age, not that it's old or anything.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl <<What is there to be scared of on the ride unless you're claustrophobic? And, if you ARE claustrophobic, there's no way you should get on this ride, I think.>> Amen! I did not realize how small that compartment was until the door closed and the "windows" came towards us. I do NOT do well in small spaces and I'm not a fan of Simulators. (Why did I get on this ride again???) I survived thanks to lots of deep breating and Mark holding my hand but eep! I sat it out the next time. LOL! ~Beth
