Following a series of soft openings, Walt Disney World Florida officially launched its new outer space ride, Mission:SPACE, to the public on 9 October .

Located within the Future World zone at Epcot, the ride was developed using NASA training techniques with over 650 people working on the project over a five-year span from conception to completion.

25 space experts were also involved in the process from both NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including five astronauts.

According to a Disney spokesperson, the ride will “combine classic Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology” to create “an incredibly realistic journey from a pulse-racing lift-off to the sensations of travelling through outer space”.

Disney also claim that Mission:SPACE is the most technologically advanced ride ever created by the company and will be “the only attraction of its kind to be found in any theme park worldwide”.

President of Walt Disney World, Al Weiss, said: “Mission:SPACE creates an experience that our guests can get nowhere else in the world. Epcot is the perfect setting and this continues the park’s dedication to the explorer in all of us.” Details: www.disneyworld.com