Disney Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Disney Wiki

Mission to Mars was an attraction at Disneyland in California and at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

History[]

The attraction was originally named Rocket to the Moon when it opened in 1955, along with the Disneyland Park itself. The ride was refurbished to Flight to the Moon in 1967. In 1975, the destination was changed to Mars because humans had already been to the Moon. During that time, the attraction was considerably dated.

The attraction was initially sponsored by McDonnell Douglas. After the sponsorship ended, logos referring to the company were removed from the attraction, but the outline of the stylized vertical stabilizer in the McDonnell logo still remains part of the former building's facade.

Plot[]

Pre-show[]

The show was designed in cooperation with NASA and was basically a revised and updated version of the previous attraction Flight to the Moon. Guests would now be launched on a spacecraft into space and then approach the surface of the red planet Mars.

Guests would first enter a viewing area known as Mission Control, which was modeled after a typical mission control center with chairs and control panels for about ten seated Audio-Animatronic "technicians" whose backs were to the audience as they moved their heads and arms. Facing the audience was the Audio-Animatronic flight director Mr. Johnson. He would then talk and show film clips to explain how humans had made numerous advances in space travel and manufacturing in microgravity, and also learned how to deal with the effects of space. The lecture was interrupted once per show by an intruder alarm caused by a large bird crash-landing near the spacecraft launch pad.

Main show[]

After the pre-show, guests would move on and finally board their spacecraft. Inside was a circular theater with stadium-like seating with circular flat screens on the ceiling and floor. During the mission, guests could look at the views from outside the spacecraft from either of these screens. There were also side screens that showed film clips or graphics. "Third Officer Collins" was the tour guide, and discussed the mission as the spacecraft explored space and Mars. Eventually, the ship was damaged, possibly by a volcanic eruption, and the ship had to quickly head back to Earth. The seats in the attraction would simulate the vibrations and G-forces from "Hyper-space" during take-offs and landings by filling up with compressed air. Finally, the spacecraft landed safely back on Earth and Officer Collins would then urge guests to return and visit again. As he explained, "there's a lot more to see on Mars".

Disneyland[]

The attraction at Disneyland closed on November 2, 1992, having it first removed from the most visitor documentation by 1991. One reason behind the closure was that the controversial attraction ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was to open in the building as part of CEO Michael Eisner's ambitious "Disney Decade". Along with Alien Encounter, The Timekeeper and "Plectu's Fantastic Galactic Revue" would have opened in the radical and richly-detailed "Tomorrowland 2055" concept.

However, the "Tomorrowland 2055" project was cancelled in early 1993 when the Disneyland Paris project suddenly found itself in almost a billion dollars' debt. Michael Eisner started cutting costs around the company, and was not happy with the estimated cost of the "Tomorrowland 2055" project, though he had liked the idea. Start of construction on Disneyland's New Tomorrowland was changed from Fall 1994 to Spring 1997, but Alien Encounter, The Timekeeper, and Plectu's Fantastic Galactic Revue never opened. The building remained unused until it officially opened as a restaurant, called Redd Rockett's Pizza Port part of Disneyland's New Tomorrowland on May 22, 1998.

Magic Kingdom[]

Mission to Mars closed at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on October 4, 1993. It reopened as the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter as part of Magic Kingdom's New Tomorrowland on June 20, 1995. Alien Encounter closed on October 12, 2003 and was replaced by Stitch's Great Escape!, an attraction based on the 2002 Disney animated film Lilo & Stitch which opened on November 16, 2004 and re-tooled many elements from Alien Encounter in a more light and comical context.

Videos[]

Mission_to_Mars_WDW_-_Ultimate_Anniversary_Tribute

Mission to Mars WDW - Ultimate Anniversary Tribute

Restored_Mission_to_Mars_upper_scanner_16mm_film_with_in-ride_Audio

Restored Mission to Mars upper scanner 16mm film with in-ride Audio

Restoration of upper-scanner film

See also[]


v - e - d
1000px-Disneyland Park Logo svg
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland RailroadGreat Moments with Mr. LincolnThe Disney GalleryDapper DansMain Street VehiclesMain Street CinemaPenny Arcade
Adventureland
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki RoomIndiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden EyeJungle CruiseAdventureland Treehouse
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain RailroadMark Twain RiverboatGolden Horseshoe SaloonPirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer IslandSailing Ship Columbia
Fantasyland
Sleeping Beauty CastleSleeping Beauty Castle WalkthroughAlice in WonderlandCasey Jr. Circus TrainDumbo the Flying ElephantFantasyland TheaterIt's a Small WorldKing Arthur CarrouselMad Tea PartyMr. Toad's Wild RidePeter Pan's FlightPinocchio's Daring JourneySnow White's Enchanted WishPixie HollowSword in the StoneRoyal HallMatterhorn BobsledsStorybook Land Canal Boats

Seasonal: It's a Small World Holiday

Tomorrowland
Astro OrbitorAutopiaSpace MountainStar Tours: The Adventures ContinueDisneyland Monorail SystemPush the Talking Trash CanBuzz Lightyear Astro BlastersFinding Nemo Submarine VoyageStar Wars Launch Bay (Reopening on April 5, 2024)

Seasonal: Hyperspace Mountain

New Orleans Square
The Haunted MansionPirates of the Caribbean

Seasonal: Haunted Mansion Holiday

Critter Country
The Many Adventures of Winnie the PoohDavy Crockett's Explorer CanoesTiana's Bayou Adventure (Opening in Fall 2024)
Mickey's Toontown
Chip 'n' Dale’s GADGET CoasterRoger Rabbit's Car Toon SpinMickey and Minnie's Runaway RailwayMickey's House and Meet MickeyMinnie's HouseDonald’s Duck PondGoofy’s "How to Play" Yard
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's RunStar Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Avatar Experience (Opening in TBA)
TBA
Current Entertainment
Magic HappensPaint the NightPixar Play Parade (Reopening on April 26, 2024) • Together Forever: A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular (Reopening on April 26, 2024) • Mickey's Mix MagicFantasmic!

Seasonal: A Christmas Fantasy ParadeDisney's Celebrate AmericaHalloween ScreamsBelieve... In Holiday MagicFantasy in the Sky: New Year's Eve SpecialVillains Dance Party

Former Attractions and Entertainment
The Walt Disney StorySnow White and Her AdventuresAladdin's OasisSwiss Family TreehouseSplash MountainBig Thunder RanchMike Fink Keel BoatsNature's WonderlandMickey Mouse Club TheaterAutopiaSkywayAriel's GrottoDisney Afternoon AvenueChip 'n' Dale's Treehouse20,000 Leagues Under the SeaRocket Rods Circle-Vision 360° (America the BeautifulWonders of ChinaAmerican Journeys) • Rocket to the MoonThe World Beneath UsHouse of the FutureSubmarine VoyageFlying SaucersHall of ChemistryAdventure Thru Inner SpaceAlpine GardensCarousel of ProgressAmerica SingsInnoventionsThe American Space ExperienceSuper Hero HQStar ToursRocket JetsBeauty and the Beast Live on StageThe Magic, the Memories and YouPeopleMoverStarcadeMagic JourneysCaptain EODisneyland ForeverHoney, I Shrunk the AudienceStar Wars: Path of the JediThe Disney GalleryDisneyland Dream SuiteMain Street Electrical ParadePirates Arcade MuseumCountry Bear JamboreeToon ParkLight MagicAmerica on ParadeFlights of Fantasy ParadeAladdin's Royal CaravanThe Lion King CelebrationTriton GardensHercules Victory ParadeMulan ParadeMotor Boat CruiseMickey and the Magical MapViewliner Train of TomorrowSnow White's Scary AdventuresTale of the Lion KingTarzan's TreehouseWondrous Journeys

Seasonal: Rockin' Space MountainCountry Bear Vacation HoedownCountry Bear Christmas SpecialWalt Disney's Parade of DreamsMickey's Soundsational ParadeFrightfully Fun ParadeThe Hunchback of Notre Dame Topsy Turvy CavalcadeParade of the StarsMickey's Costume Party CavalcadeBelieve... There's Magic in the StarsFantasy in the SkyImagine... A Fantasy in the SkyMagical: Disney's New Nighttime Spectacular of Magical CelebrationsRemember... Dreams Come TrueJingle CruiseSpace Mountain: Ghost Galaxy


v - e - d
Magic Kingdom-logo
Main Street, U.S.A.
Walt Disney World RailroadMain Street VehiclesDapper DansNight of Joy
Fantasyland
Cinderella CastleIt's a Small WorldPeter Pan's FlightMickey's PhilharMagicPrince Charming Regal CarrouselDumbo the Flying ElephantThe Many Adventures of Winnie the PoohMad Tea PartyCinderella's Royal TablePinocchio Village HausSword in the StoneSeven Dwarfs Mine TrainAriel's GrottoUnder the Sea: Journey of the Little MermaidBe Our Guest RestaurantPrincess Fairytale HallPete's Silly SideshowThe BarnstormerCasey Jr. Splash and Soak StationCheshire CafeEnchanted Tales with Belle
Adventureland
Swiss Family TreehouseThe Magic Carpets of AladdinWalt Disney's Enchanted Tiki RoomJungle CruisePirates of the CaribbeanPirates LeagueA Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas

Seasonal: Jingle Cruise

Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland SpeedwaySpace MountainMonsters, Inc. Laugh FloorAstro OrbiterTomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMoverCarousel of ProgressBuzz Lightyear's Space Ranger SpinPush the Talking Trash CanTRON Lightcycle / Run
Frontierland
Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Opening on June 30, 2024) • Big Thunder Mountain RailroadTom Sawyer IslandCountry Bear JamboreeCountry Bear Musical Jamboree (Opening in 2024) • Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
Liberty Square
The Hall of PresidentsLiberty Square RiverboatThe Haunted MansionMemento Mori
Current Entertainment
Disney Adventure Friends CavalcadeHappily Ever AfterMickey's Magical Friendship FaireFestival of Fantasy Parade

Seasonal: Disney's Celebrate AmericaMickey's Boo To You Halloween ParadeMickey's Once Upon a Christmastime ParadeHocus Pocus Villain SpelltacularDisney's Not So Spooky SpectacularMinnie's Wonderful Christmastime FireworksVillain Cursed CaravanMickey's Most Merriest CelebrationFrozen Holiday Surprise

Former Attractions and Entertainment
Mickey's Toontown Fair (Donald's BoatMickey's Country HouseThe BarnstormerMinnie's HouseToon Park) • Mickey Mania ParadeMain Street Electrical ParadeCelebrate A Dream Come True ParadeCinderella's Surprise CelebrationCinderellabrationDisney EnchantmentThe Magic, the Memories and YouWishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney DreamsMike Fink Keel BoatsMove It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street PartyThe Muppets Present... Great Moments in American HistoryDavy Crockett's Explorer CanoesCircle-Vision 360°SkywayMission to MarsPenny ArcadeStorytime with BelleCaribbean ArcadeExtraTERRORestrial Alien EncounterIf You Had WingsDelta DreamflightPixie HollowThe Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management)Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle BoatsThe Legend of the Lion KingMickey Mouse Revue20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine VoyagePooh's Playful SpotSnow White's AdventuresSnow White's Scary AdventuresMagic JourneysMr. Toad's Wild RideThe Walt Disney StoryPlaza Swan BoatsAdmiral Joe Fowler RiverboatSplash MountainStitch's Great Escape!Once Upon a Time

Seasonal: Disney's Magical Moments ParadeDream Along with MickeyCelebrate the MagicHappy Hallowishes • Holiday Wishes • Celebrate the Holidays • Country Bear Vacation HoedownCountry Bear Christmas SpecialA Totally Tomorrowland ChristmasVillains Mix and MingleA Frozen Holiday WishMickey and Minnie's Very Merry Memories

Resorts
Disney's Contemporary ResortDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & SpaDisney's Polynesian Village ResortDisney's Wilderness Lodge
Advertisement