diff --git a/contrib/codegen/src/database.rs b/contrib/codegen/src/database.rs
index 8261721e..aa011e2e 100644
--- a/contrib/codegen/src/database.rs
+++ b/contrib/codegen/src/database.rs
@@ -93,8 +93,8 @@ pub fn database_attr(attr: TokenStream, input: TokenStream) -> Result<TokenStrea
             pub fn fairing() -> impl ::rocket::fairing::Fairing {
                 use #databases::Poolable;
 
-                ::rocket::fairing::AdHoc::on_attach(#fairing_name, |rocket| {
-                    let pool = #databases::database_config(#name, rocket.config())
+                ::rocket::fairing::AdHoc::on_attach(#fairing_name, |mut rocket| {
+                    let pool = #databases::database_config(#name, rocket.inspect().config())
                         .map(<#conn_type>::pool);
 
                     match pool {
@@ -118,8 +118,8 @@ pub fn database_attr(attr: TokenStream, input: TokenStream) -> Result<TokenStrea
             /// Retrieves a connection of type `Self` from the `rocket`
             /// instance. Returns `Some` as long as `Self::fairing()` has been
             /// attached and there is at least one connection in the pool.
-            pub fn get_one(rocket: &::rocket::Rocket) -> Option<Self> {
-                rocket.state::<#pool_type>()
+            pub fn get_one(manifest: &::rocket::Manifest) -> Option<Self> {
+                manifest.state::<#pool_type>()
                     .and_then(|pool| pool.0.get().ok())
                     .map(#guard_type)
             }
diff --git a/contrib/lib/src/databases.rs b/contrib/lib/src/databases.rs
index 9aa27e22..b4ba4260 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/src/databases.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/src/databases.rs
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@
 //!      Returns a fairing that initializes the associated database connection
 //!      pool.
 //!
-//!   * `fn get_one(&Rocket) -> Option<Self>`
+//!   * `fn get_one(&Manifest) -> Option<Self>`
 //!
 //!     Retrieves a connection from the configured pool. Returns `Some` as long
 //!     as `Self::fairing()` has been attached and there is at least one
@@ -548,16 +548,17 @@ pub enum ConfigError {
 /// #     .extra("databases", databases)
 /// #     .expect("custom config okay");
 /// #
-/// # rocket::custom(config).attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Testing", |rocket| {
+/// # rocket::custom(config).attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Testing", |mut rocket| {
 /// # {
-/// let config = database_config("my_db", rocket.config()).unwrap();
+/// let manifest = rocket.inspect();
+/// let config = database_config("my_db", manifest.config()).unwrap();
 /// assert_eq!(config.url, "db/db.sqlite");
 /// assert_eq!(config.pool_size, 25);
 ///
-/// let other_config = database_config("my_other_db", rocket.config()).unwrap();
+/// let other_config = database_config("my_other_db", manifest.config()).unwrap();
 /// assert_eq!(other_config.url, "mysql://root:root@localhost/database");
 ///
-/// let error = database_config("invalid_db", rocket.config()).unwrap_err();
+/// let error = database_config("invalid_db", manifest.config()).unwrap_err();
 /// assert_eq!(error, ConfigError::MissingKey);
 /// # }
 /// #
diff --git a/contrib/lib/src/helmet/helmet.rs b/contrib/lib/src/helmet/helmet.rs
index 8c5da983..e6a863eb 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/src/helmet/helmet.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/src/helmet/helmet.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
 
 use rocket::http::uncased::UncasedStr;
 use rocket::fairing::{Fairing, Info, Kind};
-use rocket::{Request, Response, Rocket};
+use rocket::{Manifest, Request, Response};
 
 use crate::helmet::*;
 
@@ -201,9 +201,9 @@ impl Fairing for SpaceHelmet {
         self.apply(res);
     }
 
-    fn on_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {
-        if rocket.config().tls_enabled()
-            && !rocket.config().environment.is_dev()
+    fn on_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {
+        if manifest.config().tls_enabled()
+            && !manifest.config().environment.is_dev()
             && !self.is_enabled::<Hsts>()
         {
             warn_!("Space Helmet: deploying with TLS without enabling HSTS.");
diff --git a/contrib/lib/src/templates/fairing.rs b/contrib/lib/src/templates/fairing.rs
index 8e209b7b..e2a517a9 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/src/templates/fairing.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/src/templates/fairing.rs
@@ -151,10 +151,12 @@ impl Fairing for TemplateFairing {
     /// The user's callback, if any was supplied, is called to customize the
     /// template engines. In debug mode, the `ContextManager::new` method
     /// initializes a directory watcher for auto-reloading of templates.
-    fn on_attach(&self, rocket: Rocket) -> Result<Rocket, Rocket> {
-        let mut template_root = rocket.config().root_relative(DEFAULT_TEMPLATE_DIR);
-        match rocket.config().get_str("template_dir") {
-            Ok(dir) => template_root = rocket.config().root_relative(dir),
+    fn on_attach(&self, mut rocket: Rocket) -> Result<Rocket, Rocket> {
+        let manifest = rocket.inspect();
+        let config = manifest.config();
+        let mut template_root = config.root_relative(DEFAULT_TEMPLATE_DIR);
+        match config.get_str("template_dir") {
+            Ok(dir) => template_root = config.root_relative(dir),
             Err(ConfigError::Missing(_)) => { /* ignore missing */ }
             Err(e) => {
                 e.pretty_print();
diff --git a/contrib/lib/src/templates/mod.rs b/contrib/lib/src/templates/mod.rs
index 0ba5e51d..b5ca1a2d 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/src/templates/mod.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/src/templates/mod.rs
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ use serde_json::{Value, to_value};
 use std::borrow::Cow;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
-use rocket::{Rocket, State};
+use rocket::{Manifest, State};
 use rocket::request::Request;
 use rocket::fairing::Fairing;
 use rocket::response::{self, Content, Responder};
@@ -339,14 +339,14 @@ impl Template {
     ///
     ///     # context.insert("test", "test");
     ///     # #[allow(unused_variables)]
-    ///     let template = Template::show(client.rocket(), "index", context);
+    ///     let template = Template::show(client.manifest(), "index", context);
     /// }
     /// ```
     #[inline]
-    pub fn show<S, C>(rocket: &Rocket, name: S, context: C) -> Option<String>
+    pub fn show<S, C>(manifest: &Manifest, name: S, context: C) -> Option<String>
         where S: Into<Cow<'static, str>>, C: Serialize
     {
-        let ctxt = rocket.state::<ContextManager>().map(ContextManager::context).or_else(|| {
+        let ctxt = manifest.state::<ContextManager>().map(ContextManager::context).or_else(|| {
             warn!("Uninitialized template context: missing fairing.");
             info!("To use templates, you must attach `Template::fairing()`.");
             info!("See the `Template` documentation for more information.");
diff --git a/contrib/lib/tests/databases.rs b/contrib/lib/tests/databases.rs
index ca51b8d6..60cc16c3 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/tests/databases.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/tests/databases.rs
@@ -33,8 +33,8 @@ mod rusqlite_integration_test {
             .finalize()
             .unwrap();
 
-        let rocket = rocket::custom(config).attach(SqliteDb::fairing());
-        let mut conn = SqliteDb::get_one(&rocket).expect("unable to get connection");
+        let mut rocket = rocket::custom(config).attach(SqliteDb::fairing());
+        let mut conn = SqliteDb::get_one(rocket.inspect()).expect("unable to get connection");
 
         // Rusqlite's `transaction()` method takes `&mut self`; this tests the
         // presence of a `DerefMut` trait on the generated connection type.
@@ -54,8 +54,8 @@ mod rusqlite_integration_test {
             .finalize()
             .unwrap();
 
-        let rocket = rocket::custom(config).attach(SqliteDb::fairing());
-        let conn = SqliteDb::get_one(&rocket).expect("unable to get connection");
+        let mut rocket = rocket::custom(config).attach(SqliteDb::fairing());
+        let conn = SqliteDb::get_one(rocket.inspect()).expect("unable to get connection");
         let _: i32 = conn.query_row("SELECT 1", &[] as &[&dyn ToSql], |row| row.get(0)).expect("get row");
     }
 }
diff --git a/contrib/lib/tests/templates.rs b/contrib/lib/tests/templates.rs
index 2f9b029e..680db191 100644
--- a/contrib/lib/tests/templates.rs
+++ b/contrib/lib/tests/templates.rs
@@ -51,17 +51,18 @@ mod templates_tests {
 
         #[test]
         fn test_tera_templates() {
-            let rocket = rocket();
+            let mut rocket = rocket();
+            let manifest = rocket.inspect();
             let mut map = HashMap::new();
             map.insert("title", "_test_");
             map.insert("content", "<script />");
 
             // Test with a txt file, which shouldn't escape.
-            let template = Template::show(&rocket, "tera/txt_test", &map);
+            let template = Template::show(manifest, "tera/txt_test", &map);
             assert_eq!(template, Some(UNESCAPED_EXPECTED.into()));
 
             // Now with an HTML file, which should.
-            let template = Template::show(&rocket, "tera/html_test", &map);
+            let template = Template::show(manifest, "tera/html_test", &map);
             assert_eq!(template, Some(ESCAPED_EXPECTED.into()));
         }
 
@@ -95,13 +96,14 @@ mod templates_tests {
 
         #[test]
         fn test_handlebars_templates() {
-            let rocket = rocket();
+            let mut rocket = rocket();
+            let manifest = rocket.inspect();
             let mut map = HashMap::new();
             map.insert("title", "_test_");
             map.insert("content", "<script /> hi");
 
             // Test with a txt file, which shouldn't escape.
-            let template = Template::show(&rocket, "hbs/test", &map);
+            let template = Template::show(manifest, "hbs/test", &map);
             assert_eq!(template, Some(EXPECTED.into()));
         }
 
@@ -151,7 +153,7 @@ mod templates_tests {
             }
 
             // verify that the initial content is correct
-            let initial_rendered = Template::show(client.rocket(), RELOAD_TEMPLATE, ());
+            let initial_rendered = Template::show(client.manifest(), RELOAD_TEMPLATE, ());
             assert_eq!(initial_rendered, Some(INITIAL_TEXT.into()));
 
             // write a change to the file
@@ -162,7 +164,7 @@ mod templates_tests {
                 client.get("/").dispatch().await;
 
                 // if the new content is correct, we are done
-                let new_rendered = Template::show(client.rocket(), RELOAD_TEMPLATE, ());
+                let new_rendered = Template::show(client.manifest(), RELOAD_TEMPLATE, ());
                 if new_rendered == Some(NEW_TEXT.into()) {
                     write_file(&reload_path, INITIAL_TEXT);
                     return;
diff --git a/core/lib/benches/simple-routing.rs b/core/lib/benches/simple-routing.rs
index 5b230eb5..804dfcdd 100644
--- a/core/lib/benches/simple-routing.rs
+++ b/core/lib/benches/simple-routing.rs
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ mod benches {
 
         // Hold all of the requests we're going to make during the benchmark.
         let mut requests = vec![];
-        for route in client.rocket().routes() {
+        for route in client.manifest().routes() {
             let request = client.req(route.method, route.uri.path());
             requests.push(request);
         }
diff --git a/core/lib/src/config/mod.rs b/core/lib/src/config/mod.rs
index 4dc1ac4e..4100f340 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/config/mod.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/config/mod.rs
@@ -174,9 +174,9 @@
 //!
 //! fn main() {
 //!     rocket::ignite()
-//!         .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Token Config", |rocket| {
+//!         .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Token Config", |mut rocket| {
 //!             println!("Adding token managed state from config...");
-//!             let token_val = rocket.config().get_int("token").unwrap_or(-1);
+//!             let token_val = rocket.inspect().config().get_int("token").unwrap_or(-1);
 //!             Ok(rocket.manage(Token(token_val)))
 //!         }))
 //! # ;
diff --git a/core/lib/src/fairing/ad_hoc.rs b/core/lib/src/fairing/ad_hoc.rs
index 6139f643..65e63bf2 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/fairing/ad_hoc.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/fairing/ad_hoc.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use std::sync::Mutex;
 
 use futures_util::future::BoxFuture;
 
-use crate::{Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
+use crate::{Manifest, Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
 use crate::fairing::{Fairing, Kind, Info};
 
 /// A ad-hoc fairing that can be created from a function or closure.
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ enum AdHocKind {
     /// An ad-hoc **attach** fairing. Called when the fairing is attached.
     Attach(Mutex<Option<Box<dyn FnOnce(Rocket) -> Result<Rocket, Rocket> + Send + 'static>>>),
     /// An ad-hoc **launch** fairing. Called just before Rocket launches.
-    Launch(Mutex<Option<Box<dyn FnOnce(&Rocket) + Send + 'static>>>),
+    Launch(Mutex<Option<Box<dyn FnOnce(&Manifest) + Send + 'static>>>),
     /// An ad-hoc **request** fairing. Called when a request is received.
     Request(Box<dyn for<'a> Fn(&'a mut Request<'_>, &'a Data) -> BoxFuture<'a, ()> + Send + Sync + 'static>),
     /// An ad-hoc **response** fairing. Called when a response is ready to be
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ impl AdHoc {
     /// });
     /// ```
     pub fn on_launch<F: Send + 'static>(name: &'static str, f: F) -> AdHoc
-        where F: FnOnce(&Rocket)
+        where F: FnOnce(&Manifest)
     {
         AdHoc { name, kind: AdHocKind::Launch(Mutex::new(Some(Box::new(f)))) }
     }
@@ -163,11 +163,11 @@ impl Fairing for AdHoc {
         }
     }
 
-    fn on_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {
+    fn on_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {
         if let AdHocKind::Launch(ref mutex) = self.kind {
             let mut opt = mutex.lock().expect("AdHoc::Launch lock");
             let f = opt.take().expect("internal error: `on_launch` one-call invariant broken");
-            f(rocket)
+            f(manifest)
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/core/lib/src/fairing/fairings.rs b/core/lib/src/fairing/fairings.rs
index 3444c357..3ffab06c 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/fairing/fairings.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/fairing/fairings.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-use crate::{Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
+use crate::{Manifest, Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
 use crate::fairing::{Fairing, Kind};
 use crate::logger::PaintExt;
 
@@ -52,9 +52,9 @@ impl Fairings {
     }
 
     #[inline(always)]
-    pub fn handle_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {
+    pub fn handle_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {
         for &i in &self.launch {
-            self.all_fairings[i].on_launch(rocket);
+            self.all_fairings[i].on_launch(manifest);
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/core/lib/src/fairing/mod.rs b/core/lib/src/fairing/mod.rs
index 4ed2d3aa..05148285 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/fairing/mod.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/fairing/mod.rs
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 //! of other `Fairings` are not jeopardized. For instance, unless it is made
 //! abundantly clear, a fairing should not rewrite every request.
 
-use crate::{Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
+use crate::{Manifest, Rocket, Request, Response, Data};
 
 mod fairings;
 mod ad_hoc;
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ pub use self::info_kind::{Info, Kind};
 /// decorated with an attribute of `#[rocket::async_trait]`:
 ///
 /// ```rust
-/// use rocket::{Rocket, Request, Data, Response};
+/// use rocket::{Manifest, Rocket, Request, Data, Response};
 /// use rocket::fairing::{Fairing, Info, Kind};
 ///
 /// # struct MyType;
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ pub use self::info_kind::{Info, Kind};
 ///         # unimplemented!()
 ///     }
 ///
-///     fn on_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {
+///     fn on_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {
 ///         /* ... */
 ///         # unimplemented!()
 ///     }
@@ -421,14 +421,14 @@ pub trait Fairing: Send + Sync + 'static {
     ///
     /// This method is called just prior to launching the application if
     /// `Kind::Launch` is in the `kind` field of the `Info` structure for this
-    /// fairing. The `&Rocket` parameter corresponds to the application that
+    /// fairing. The `Manifest` parameter corresponds to the application that
     /// will be launched.
     ///
     /// ## Default Implementation
     ///
     /// The default implementation of this method does nothing.
     #[allow(unused_variables)]
-    fn on_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {}
+    fn on_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {}
 
     /// The request callback.
     ///
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ impl<T: Fairing> Fairing for std::sync::Arc<T> {
     }
 
     #[inline]
-    fn on_launch(&self, rocket: &Rocket) {
-        (self as &T).on_launch(rocket)
+    fn on_launch(&self, manifest: &Manifest) {
+        (self as &T).on_launch(manifest)
     }
 
     #[inline]
diff --git a/core/lib/src/lib.rs b/core/lib/src/lib.rs
index 3861253e..1eba938f 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/lib.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/lib.rs
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ mod ext;
 pub use crate::router::Route;
 pub use crate::request::{Request, State};
 pub use crate::catcher::Catcher;
-pub use crate::rocket::Rocket;
+pub use crate::rocket::{Manifest, Rocket};
 
 /// Alias to [`Rocket::ignite()`] Creates a new instance of `Rocket`.
 pub fn ignite() -> Rocket {
diff --git a/core/lib/src/local/client.rs b/core/lib/src/local/client.rs
index 74ab469b..61eafc0a 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/local/client.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/local/client.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use std::sync::RwLock;
 use std::borrow::Cow;
 
-use crate::Rocket;
+use crate::rocket::{Rocket, Manifest};
 use crate::local::LocalRequest;
 use crate::http::{Method, private::CookieJar};
 use crate::error::LaunchError;
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ use crate::error::LaunchError;
 /// [`put()`]: #method.put
 /// [`post()`]: #method.post
 pub struct Client {
-    rocket: Rocket,
+    manifest: Manifest,
     pub(crate) cookies: Option<RwLock<CookieJar>>,
 }
 
@@ -79,12 +79,15 @@ impl Client {
     /// is created for cookie tracking. Otherwise, the internal `CookieJar` is
     /// set to `None`.
     fn _new(rocket: Rocket, tracked: bool) -> Result<Client, LaunchError> {
+        let mut manifest = rocket.actualize_and_take_manifest();
+        manifest.prelaunch_check()?;
+
         let cookies = match tracked {
             true => Some(RwLock::new(CookieJar::new())),
             false => None
         };
 
-        Ok(Client { rocket: rocket.prelaunch_check()?, cookies })
+        Ok(Client { manifest, cookies })
     }
 
     /// Construct a new `Client` from an instance of `Rocket` with cookie
@@ -146,7 +149,8 @@ impl Client {
         Client::_new(rocket, false)
     }
 
-    /// Returns the instance of `Rocket` this client is creating requests for.
+    /// Returns a reference to the `Manifest` of the `Rocket` this client is
+    /// creating requests for.
     ///
     /// # Example
     ///
@@ -156,12 +160,12 @@ impl Client {
     /// let my_rocket = rocket::ignite();
     /// let client = Client::new(my_rocket).expect("valid rocket");
     ///
-    /// // get the instance of `my_rocket` within `client`
-    /// let my_rocket = client.rocket();
+    /// // get access to the manifest within `client`
+    /// let manifest = client.manifest();
     /// ```
     #[inline(always)]
-    pub fn rocket(&self) -> &Rocket {
-        &self.rocket
+    pub fn manifest(&self) -> &Manifest {
+        &self.manifest
     }
 
     /// Create a local `GET` request to the URI `uri`.
diff --git a/core/lib/src/local/request.rs b/core/lib/src/local/request.rs
index 02cbf4d3..75a0316e 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/local/request.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/local/request.rs
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ impl<'c> LocalRequest<'c> {
         uri: Cow<'c, str>
     ) -> LocalRequest<'c> {
         // We set a dummy string for now and check the user's URI on dispatch.
-        let request = Request::new(client.rocket(), method, Origin::dummy());
+        let request = Request::new(client.manifest(), method, Origin::dummy());
 
         // Set up any cookies we know about.
         if let Some(ref jar) = client.cookies {
@@ -406,12 +406,12 @@ impl<'c> LocalRequest<'c> {
             request.set_uri(uri.into_owned());
         } else {
             error!("Malformed request URI: {}", uri);
-            let res = client.rocket().handle_error(Status::BadRequest, request).await;
+            let res = client.manifest().handle_error(Status::BadRequest, request).await;
             return LocalResponse { _request: owned_request, response: res };
         }
 
         // Actually dispatch the request.
-        let response = client.rocket().dispatch(request, Data::local(data)).await;
+        let response = client.manifest().dispatch(request, Data::local(data)).await;
 
         // If the client is tracking cookies, updates the internal cookie jar
         // with the changes reflected by `response`.
diff --git a/core/lib/src/request/request.rs b/core/lib/src/request/request.rs
index 0e436d02..d395ffbd 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/request/request.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/request/request.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use futures_util::future::BoxFuture;
 use crate::request::{FromParam, FromSegments, FromRequest, Outcome};
 use crate::request::{FromFormValue, FormItems, FormItem};
 
-use crate::rocket::Rocket;
+use crate::rocket::{Rocket, Manifest};
 use crate::router::Route;
 use crate::config::{Config, Limits};
 use crate::http::{hyper, uri::{Origin, Segments}};
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ impl<'r> Request<'r> {
     /// Create a new `Request` with the given `method` and `uri`.
     #[inline(always)]
     pub(crate) fn new<'s: 'r>(
-        rocket: &'r Rocket,
+        manifest: &'r Manifest,
         method: Method,
         uri: Origin<'s>
     ) -> Request<'r> {
@@ -72,8 +72,8 @@ impl<'r> Request<'r> {
             state: RequestState {
                 path_segments: SmallVec::new(),
                 query_items: None,
-                config: &rocket.config,
-                managed: &rocket.state,
+                config: &manifest.config,
+                managed: &manifest.state,
                 route: RwLock::new(None),
                 cookies: Mutex::new(Some(CookieJar::new())),
                 accept: Storage::new(),
@@ -738,7 +738,7 @@ impl<'r> Request<'r> {
     pub fn example<F: Fn(&mut Request<'_>)>(method: Method, uri: &str, f: F) {
         let rocket = Rocket::custom(Config::development());
         let uri = Origin::parse(uri).expect("invalid URI in example");
-        let mut request = Request::new(&rocket, method, uri);
+        let mut request = Request::new(rocket._manifest(), method, uri);
         f(&mut request);
     }
 
@@ -821,7 +821,7 @@ impl<'r> Request<'r> {
 
     /// Convert from Hyper types into a Rocket Request.
     pub(crate) fn from_hyp(
-        rocket: &'r Rocket,
+        manifest: &'r Manifest,
         h_method: hyper::Method,
         h_headers: hyper::HeaderMap<hyper::HeaderValue>,
         h_uri: &'r hyper::Uri,
@@ -843,7 +843,7 @@ impl<'r> Request<'r> {
         let uri = Origin::parse(uri).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
 
         // Construct the request object.
-        let mut request = Request::new(rocket, method, uri);
+        let mut request = Request::new(manifest, method, uri);
         request.set_remote(h_addr);
 
         // Set the request cookies, if they exist.
diff --git a/core/lib/src/request/state.rs b/core/lib/src/request/state.rs
index 05759dd0..2ce79b20 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/request/state.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/request/state.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 use std::ops::Deref;
 
-use crate::Rocket;
+use crate::rocket::Manifest;
 use crate::request::{self, FromRequest, Request};
 use crate::outcome::Outcome;
 use crate::http::Status;
@@ -99,8 +99,8 @@ use crate::http::Status;
 ///     state.0.to_string()
 /// }
 ///
-/// let rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(MyManagedState(127));
-/// let state = State::from(&rocket).expect("managing `MyManagedState`");
+/// let mut rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(MyManagedState(127));
+/// let state = State::from(rocket.inspect()).expect("managing `MyManagedState`");
 /// assert_eq!(handler(state), "127");
 /// ```
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq, Eq, PartialOrd, Ord, Hash)]
@@ -152,17 +152,18 @@ impl<'r, T: Send + Sync + 'static> State<'r, T> {
     /// #[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
     /// struct Unmanaged(usize);
     ///
-    /// let rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(Managed(7));
+    /// let mut rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(Managed(7));
+    /// let manifest = rocket.inspect();
     ///
-    /// let state: Option<State<Managed>> = State::from(&rocket);
+    /// let state: Option<State<Managed>> = State::from(manifest);
     /// assert_eq!(state.map(|s| s.inner()), Some(&Managed(7)));
     ///
-    /// let state: Option<State<Unmanaged>> = State::from(&rocket);
+    /// let state: Option<State<Unmanaged>> = State::from(manifest);
     /// assert_eq!(state, None);
     /// ```
     #[inline(always)]
-    pub fn from(rocket: &'r Rocket) -> Option<Self> {
-        rocket.state.try_get::<T>().map(State)
+    pub fn from(manifest: &'r Manifest) -> Option<Self> {
+        manifest.state().map(State)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/core/lib/src/request/tests.rs b/core/lib/src/request/tests.rs
index 9e50feaa..90783738 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/request/tests.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/request/tests.rs
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ macro_rules! assert_headers {
         // Dispatch the request and check that the headers are what we expect.
         let config = Config::development();
         let r = Rocket::custom(config);
-        let req = Request::from_hyp(&r, h_method, h_headers, &h_uri, h_addr).unwrap();
+        let req = Request::from_hyp(r._manifest(), h_method, h_headers, &h_uri, h_addr).unwrap();
         let actual_headers = req.headers();
         for (key, values) in expected.iter() {
             let actual: Vec<_> = actual_headers.get(key).collect();
diff --git a/core/lib/src/rocket.rs b/core/lib/src/rocket.rs
index 9bbd2ff3..c96d1996 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/rocket.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/rocket.rs
@@ -34,6 +34,22 @@ use crate::http::uri::Origin;
 /// The main `Rocket` type: used to mount routes and catchers and launch the
 /// application.
 pub struct Rocket {
+    pub(crate) manifest: Option<Manifest>,
+    pending: Vec<BuildOperation>,
+}
+
+enum BuildOperation {
+    Mount(Origin<'static>, Vec<Route>),
+    Register(Vec<Catcher>),
+    Manage(Box<dyn FnOnce(Manifest) -> Manifest + Send + Sync + 'static>),
+    Attach(Box<dyn Fairing>),
+}
+
+/// The state of an unlaunched [`Rocket`].
+///
+/// A `Manifest` includes configuration, managed state, and mounted routes and
+/// can be accessed through [`Rocket::inspect()`] before launching.
+pub struct Manifest {
     pub(crate) config: Config,
     router: Router,
     default_catchers: HashMap<u16, Catcher>,
@@ -50,7 +66,7 @@ pub struct Rocket {
 // depends on the `HyperResponse` type, this function does the actual
 // response processing.
 fn hyper_service_fn(
-    rocket: Arc<Rocket>,
+    rocket: Arc<Manifest>,
     h_addr: std::net::SocketAddr,
     hyp_req: hyper::Request<hyper::Body>,
 ) -> impl Future<Output = Result<hyper::Response<hyper::Body>, io::Error>> {
@@ -93,7 +109,7 @@ fn hyper_service_fn(
     }
 }
 
-impl Rocket {
+impl Manifest {
     #[inline]
     async fn issue_response(
         &self,
@@ -162,7 +178,7 @@ impl Rocket {
     }
 }
 
-impl Rocket {
+impl Manifest {
     /// Preprocess the request for Rocket things. Currently, this means:
     ///
     ///   * Rewriting the method in the request if _method form field exists.
@@ -346,6 +362,145 @@ impl Rocket {
     }
 }
 
+impl Manifest {
+    #[inline]
+    fn _mount(mut self, base: Origin<'static>, routes: Vec<Route>) -> Self {
+        info!("{}{} {}{}",
+              Paint::emoji("🛰  "),
+              Paint::magenta("Mounting"),
+              Paint::blue(&base),
+              Paint::magenta(":"));
+
+        for mut route in routes {
+            let path = route.uri.clone();
+            if let Err(e) = route.set_uri(base.clone(), path) {
+                error_!("{}", e);
+                panic!("Invalid route URI.");
+            }
+
+            info_!("{}", route);
+            self.router.add(route);
+        }
+
+        self
+    }
+
+    #[inline]
+    fn _register(mut self, catchers: Vec<Catcher>) -> Self {
+        info!("{}{}", Paint::emoji("👾 "), Paint::magenta("Catchers:"));
+
+        for c in catchers {
+            if self.catchers.get(&c.code).map_or(false, |e| !e.is_default) {
+                info_!("{} {}", c, Paint::yellow("(warning: duplicate catcher!)"));
+            } else {
+                info_!("{}", c);
+            }
+
+            self.catchers.insert(c.code, c);
+        }
+        self
+    }
+
+    #[inline]
+    fn _manage(self, callback: Box<dyn FnOnce(Manifest) -> Manifest>) -> Self {
+        callback(self)
+    }
+
+    #[inline]
+    fn _attach(mut self, fairing: Box<dyn Fairing>) -> Self {
+        // Attach (and run attach) fairings, which requires us to move `self`.
+        let mut fairings = mem::replace(&mut self.fairings, Fairings::new());
+
+        let mut rocket = Rocket { manifest: Some(self), pending: vec![] };
+        rocket = fairings.attach(fairing, rocket);
+        self = rocket.actualize_and_take_manifest();
+
+        // Make sure we keep all fairings around: the old and newly added ones!
+        fairings.append(self.fairings);
+        self.fairings = fairings;
+        self
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn prelaunch_check(&mut self) -> Result<(), LaunchError> {
+        if let Err(e) = self.router.collisions() {
+            return Err(LaunchError::new(LaunchErrorKind::Collision(e)));
+        }
+
+        if let Some(failures) = self.fairings.failures() {
+            return Err(LaunchError::new(LaunchErrorKind::FailedFairings(failures.to_vec())))
+        }
+
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    // TODO.async: Solidify the Listener APIs and make this function public
+    async fn listen_on<L>(mut self, listener: L) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error>
+    where
+        L: Listener + Send + Unpin + 'static,
+        <L as Listener>::Connection: Send + Unpin + 'static,
+    {
+        self.fairings.pretty_print_counts();
+
+        // Determine the address and port we actually binded to.
+        self.config.port = listener.local_addr().map(|a| a.port()).unwrap_or(0);
+
+        let proto = self.config.tls.as_ref().map_or("http://", |_| "https://");
+
+        let full_addr = format!("{}:{}", self.config.address, self.config.port);
+
+        // Set the keep-alive.
+        // TODO.async: implement keep-alive in Listener
+        // let timeout = self.config.keep_alive.map(|s| Duration::from_secs(s as u64));
+        // listener.set_keepalive(timeout);
+
+        // Freeze managed state for synchronization-free accesses later.
+        self.state.freeze();
+
+        // Run the launch fairings.
+        self.fairings.handle_launch(&self);
+
+        launch_info!("{}{} {}{}",
+                     Paint::emoji("🚀 "),
+                     Paint::default("Rocket has launched from").bold(),
+                     Paint::default(proto).bold().underline(),
+                     Paint::default(&full_addr).bold().underline());
+
+        // Restore the log level back to what it originally was.
+        logger::pop_max_level();
+
+        // We need to get this before moving `self` into an `Arc`.
+        let mut shutdown_receiver = self.shutdown_receiver
+            .take().expect("shutdown receiver has already been used");
+
+        let rocket = Arc::new(self);
+        let service = hyper::make_service_fn(move |connection: &<L as Listener>::Connection| {
+            let rocket = rocket.clone();
+            let remote_addr = connection.remote_addr().unwrap_or_else(|| ([0, 0, 0, 0], 0).into());
+            async move {
+                Ok::<_, std::convert::Infallible>(hyper::service_fn(move |req| {
+                    hyper_service_fn(rocket.clone(), remote_addr, req)
+                }))
+            }
+        });
+
+        #[derive(Clone)]
+        struct TokioExecutor;
+
+        impl<Fut> hyper::Executor<Fut> for TokioExecutor where Fut: Future + Send + 'static, Fut::Output: Send {
+            fn execute(&self, fut: Fut) {
+                tokio::spawn(fut);
+            }
+        }
+
+        hyper::Server::builder(Incoming::from_listener(listener))
+            .executor(TokioExecutor)
+            .serve(service)
+            .with_graceful_shutdown(async move { shutdown_receiver.recv().await; })
+            .await
+            .map_err(|e| crate::error::Error::Run(Box::new(e)))
+    }
+}
+
 impl Rocket {
     /// Create a new `Rocket` application using the configuration information in
     /// `Rocket.toml`. If the file does not exist or if there is an I/O error
@@ -457,7 +612,7 @@ impl Rocket {
 
         let (shutdown_sender, shutdown_receiver) = mpsc::channel(1);
 
-        let rocket = Rocket {
+        let manifest = Manifest {
             config,
             router: Router::new(),
             default_catchers: catcher::defaults::get(),
@@ -468,9 +623,9 @@ impl Rocket {
             shutdown_receiver: Some(shutdown_receiver),
         };
 
-        rocket.state.set(ShutdownHandleManaged(rocket.shutdown_handle.clone()));
+        manifest.state.set(ShutdownHandleManaged(manifest.shutdown_handle.clone()));
 
-        rocket
+        Rocket { manifest: Some(manifest), pending: vec![] }
     }
 
     /// Mounts all of the routes in the supplied vector at the given `base`
@@ -529,13 +684,7 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// ```
     #[inline]
     pub fn mount<R: Into<Vec<Route>>>(mut self, base: &str, routes: R) -> Self {
-        info!("{}{} {}{}",
-              Paint::emoji("🛰  "),
-              Paint::magenta("Mounting"),
-              Paint::blue(base),
-              Paint::magenta(":"));
-
-        let base_uri = Origin::parse(base)
+        let base_uri = Origin::parse_owned(base.to_string())
             .unwrap_or_else(|e| {
                 error_!("Invalid origin URI '{}' used as mount point.", base);
                 panic!("Error: {}", e);
@@ -546,17 +695,7 @@ impl Rocket {
             panic!("Invalid mount point.");
         }
 
-        for mut route in routes.into() {
-            let path = route.uri.clone();
-            if let Err(e) = route.set_uri(base_uri.clone(), path) {
-                error_!("{}", e);
-                panic!("Invalid route URI.");
-            }
-
-            info_!("{}", route);
-            self.router.add(route);
-        }
-
+        self.pending.push(BuildOperation::Mount(base_uri, routes.into()));
         self
     }
 
@@ -589,18 +728,7 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// ```
     #[inline]
     pub fn register(mut self, catchers: Vec<Catcher>) -> Self {
-        info!("{}{}", Paint::emoji("👾 "), Paint::magenta("Catchers:"));
-
-        for c in catchers {
-            if self.catchers.get(&c.code).map_or(false, |e| !e.is_default) {
-                info_!("{} {}", c, Paint::yellow("(warning: duplicate catcher!)"));
-            } else {
-                info_!("{}", c);
-            }
-
-            self.catchers.insert(c.code, c);
-        }
-
+        self.pending.push(BuildOperation::Register(catchers));
         self
     }
 
@@ -642,11 +770,15 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// }
     /// ```
     #[inline]
-    pub fn manage<T: Send + Sync + 'static>(self, state: T) -> Self {
-        if !self.state.set::<T>(state) {
-            error!("State for this type is already being managed!");
-            panic!("Aborting due to duplicately managed state.");
-        }
+    pub fn manage<T: Send + Sync + 'static>(mut self, state: T) -> Self {
+        self.pending.push(BuildOperation::Manage(Box::new(|rocket| {
+            if !rocket.state.set::<T>(state) {
+                error!("State for this type is already being managed!");
+                panic!("Aborting due to duplicately managed state.");
+            }
+
+            rocket
+        })));
 
         self
     }
@@ -675,105 +807,41 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// ```
     #[inline]
     pub fn attach<F: Fairing>(mut self, fairing: F) -> Self {
-        // Attach (and run attach) fairings, which requires us to move `self`.
-        let mut fairings = mem::replace(&mut self.fairings, Fairings::new());
-        self = fairings.attach(Box::new(fairing), self);
-
-        // Make sure we keep all fairings around: the old and newly added ones!
-        fairings.append(self.fairings);
-        self.fairings = fairings;
+        self.pending.push(BuildOperation::Attach(Box::new(fairing)));
         self
     }
 
-    pub(crate) fn prelaunch_check(mut self) -> Result<Rocket, LaunchError> {
-        self.router = match self.router.collisions() {
-            Ok(router) => router,
-            Err(e) => return Err(LaunchError::new(LaunchErrorKind::Collision(e)))
-        };
-
-        if let Some(failures) = self.fairings.failures() {
-            return Err(LaunchError::new(LaunchErrorKind::FailedFairings(failures.to_vec())))
+    pub(crate) fn actualize_manifest(&mut self) {
+        while !self.pending.is_empty() {
+            // We need to preserve insertion order here,
+            // so we can't use `self.pending.pop()`
+            let op = self.pending.remove(0);
+            let manifest = self.manifest.take().expect("TODO error message");
+            self.manifest = Some(match op {
+                BuildOperation::Mount(base, routes) => manifest._mount(base, routes),
+                BuildOperation::Register(catchers) => manifest._register(catchers),
+                BuildOperation::Manage(callback) => manifest._manage(callback),
+                BuildOperation::Attach(fairing) => manifest._attach(fairing),
+            });
         }
-
-        Ok(self)
     }
 
-    // TODO.async: Solidify the Listener APIs and make this function public
-    async fn listen_on<L>(mut self, listener: L) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error>
-    where
-        L: Listener + Send + Unpin + 'static,
-        <L as Listener>::Connection: Send + Unpin + 'static,
-    {
-        self = self.prelaunch_check().map_err(crate::error::Error::Launch)?;
-
-        self.fairings.pretty_print_counts();
-
-        // Determine the address and port we actually binded to.
-        self.config.port = listener.local_addr().map(|a| a.port()).unwrap_or(0);
-
-        let proto = if self.config.tls.is_some() {
-            "https://"
-        } else {
-            "http://"
-        };
-
-        let full_addr = format!("{}:{}", self.config.address, self.config.port);
-
-        // Set the keep-alive.
-        // TODO.async: implement keep-alive in Listener
-        // let timeout = self.config.keep_alive.map(|s| Duration::from_secs(s as u64));
-        // listener.set_keepalive(timeout);
-
-        // Freeze managed state for synchronization-free accesses later.
-        self.state.freeze();
-
-        // Run the launch fairings.
-        self.fairings.handle_launch(&self);
-
-        launch_info!("{}{} {}{}",
-                     Paint::emoji("🚀 "),
-                     Paint::default("Rocket has launched from").bold(),
-                     Paint::default(proto).bold().underline(),
-                     Paint::default(&full_addr).bold().underline());
-
-        // Restore the log level back to what it originally was.
-        logger::pop_max_level();
-
-        // We need to get this before moving `self` into an `Arc`.
-        let mut shutdown_receiver = self.shutdown_receiver
-            .take().expect("shutdown receiver has already been used");
-
-        let rocket = Arc::new(self);
-        let service = hyper::make_service_fn(move |connection: &<L as Listener>::Connection| {
-            let rocket = rocket.clone();
-            let remote_addr = connection.remote_addr().unwrap_or_else(|| ([0, 0, 0, 0], 0).into());
-            async move {
-                Ok::<_, std::convert::Infallible>(hyper::service_fn(move |req| {
-                    hyper_service_fn(rocket.clone(), remote_addr, req)
-                }))
-            }
-        });
-
-        #[derive(Clone)]
-        struct TokioExecutor;
-
-        impl<Fut> hyper::Executor<Fut> for TokioExecutor where Fut: Future + Send + 'static, Fut::Output: Send {
-            fn execute(&self, fut: Fut) {
-                tokio::spawn(fut);
-            }
-        }
-
-        hyper::Server::builder(Incoming::from_listener(listener))
-            .executor(TokioExecutor)
-            .serve(service)
-            .with_graceful_shutdown(async move { shutdown_receiver.recv().await; })
-            .await
-            .map_err(|e| crate::error::Error::Run(Box::new(e)))
+    pub(crate) fn actualize_and_take_manifest(mut self) -> Manifest {
+        self.actualize_manifest();
+        self.manifest.take().expect("internal error: actualize_manifest() should have replaced self.manifest")
     }
 
-    /// Returns a `Future` that drives the server and completes when the server
-    /// is shut down or errors. If the `ctrl_c_shutdown` feature is enabled,
-    /// the server will shut down gracefully once `Ctrl-C` is pressed.
+    /// Returns a `Future` that drives the server, listening for and dispathcing
+    /// requests to mounted routes and catchers. The `Future` completes when the
+    /// server is shut down (via a [`ShutdownHandle`] or encounters a fatal
+    /// error.  If the `ctrl_c_shutdown` feature is enabled, the server will
+    /// also shut down once `Ctrl-C` is pressed.
+    ///
+    /// # Error
+    /// If there is a problem starting the application, an [`Error`] is
+    /// returned. Note that a value of type `Error` panics if dropped
+    /// without first being inspected. See the [`Error`] documentation for
+    /// more information.
     ///
     /// # Example
     ///
@@ -781,17 +849,22 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// #[tokio::main]
     /// async fn main() {
     /// # if false {
-    ///     let result = rocket::ignite().serve().await;
+    ///     let result = rocket::ignite().launch();
     ///     assert!(result.is_ok());
     /// # }
     /// }
     /// ```
-    pub async fn serve(self) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error> {
+    async fn serve(self) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error> {
         use std::net::ToSocketAddrs;
 
         use crate::error::Error::Launch;
 
-        let full_addr = format!("{}:{}", self.config.address, self.config.port);
+        let mut manifest = self.actualize_and_take_manifest();
+        manifest.prelaunch_check().map_err(crate::error::Error::Launch)?;
+
+        let config = manifest.config();
+
+        let full_addr = format!("{}:{}", config.address, config.port);
         let addrs = match full_addr.to_socket_addrs() {
             Ok(a) => a.collect::<Vec<_>>(),
             Err(e) => return Err(Launch(From::from(e))),
@@ -803,7 +876,7 @@ impl Rocket {
             shutdown_handle,
             (cancel_ctrl_c_listener_sender, cancel_ctrl_c_listener_receiver)
         ) = (
-            self.get_shutdown_handle(),
+            manifest.get_shutdown_handle(),
             oneshot::channel(),
         );
 
@@ -814,13 +887,14 @@ impl Rocket {
                         Ok(ok) => ok,
                         Err(err) => return Err(Launch(LaunchError::new(LaunchErrorKind::Bind(err)))),
                     };
-                    self.listen_on(listener)
+                    manifest.listen_on(listener)
                 }};
             }
 
             #[cfg(feature = "tls")]
             {
-                if let Some(tls) = self.config.tls.clone() {
+                let config = manifest.config();
+                if let Some(tls) = config.tls.clone() {
                     listen_on!(crate::http::tls::bind_tls(addr, tls.certs, tls.key).await).boxed()
                 } else {
                     listen_on!(crate::http::private::bind_tcp(addr).await).boxed()
@@ -887,11 +961,13 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// rocket::ignite().launch();
     /// # }
     /// ```
-    pub fn launch(self) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error> {
+    pub fn launch(mut self) -> Result<(), crate::error::Error> {
+        let workers = self.inspect().config().workers as usize;
+
         // Initialize the tokio runtime
         let mut runtime = tokio::runtime::Builder::new()
             .threaded_scheduler()
-            .core_threads(self.config.workers as usize)
+            .core_threads(workers)
             .enable_all()
             .build()
             .expect("Cannot build runtime!");
@@ -899,6 +975,30 @@ impl Rocket {
         runtime.block_on(async move { self.serve().await })
     }
 
+    pub(crate) fn _manifest(&self) -> &Manifest {
+        self.manifest.as_ref().expect("TODO error message")
+    }
+
+    /// Access the current state of this `Rocket` instance.
+    ///
+    /// The `Mnaifest` type provides methods such as [`Manifest::routes`]
+    /// and [`Manifest::state`]. This method is called to get an `Manifest`
+    /// instance.
+    ///
+    /// # Example
+    ///
+    /// ```rust
+    /// let mut rocket = rocket::ignite();
+    /// let config = rocket.inspect().config();
+    /// # let _ = config;
+    /// ```
+    pub fn inspect(&mut self) -> &Manifest {
+        self.actualize_manifest();
+        self._manifest()
+    }
+}
+
+impl Manifest {
     /// Returns a [`ShutdownHandle`], which can be used to gracefully terminate
     /// the instance of Rocket. In routes, you should use the [`ShutdownHandle`]
     /// request guard.
@@ -909,8 +1009,8 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// # #![feature(proc_macro_hygiene)]
     /// # use std::{thread, time::Duration};
     /// #
-    /// let rocket = rocket::ignite();
-    /// let handle = rocket.get_shutdown_handle();
+    /// let mut rocket = rocket::ignite();
+    /// let handle = rocket.inspect().get_shutdown_handle();
     ///
     /// # if false {
     /// thread::spawn(move || {
@@ -945,11 +1045,11 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// }
     ///
     /// fn main() {
-    ///     let rocket = rocket::ignite()
+    ///     let mut rocket = rocket::ignite()
     ///         .mount("/", routes![hello])
     ///         .mount("/hi", routes![hello]);
     ///
-    ///     for route in rocket.routes() {
+    ///     for route in rocket.inspect().routes() {
     ///         match route.base() {
     ///             "/" => assert_eq!(route.uri.path(), "/hello"),
     ///             "/hi" => assert_eq!(route.uri.path(), "/hi/hello"),
@@ -957,11 +1057,11 @@ impl Rocket {
     ///         }
     ///     }
     ///
-    ///     assert_eq!(rocket.routes().count(), 2);
+    ///     assert_eq!(rocket.inspect().routes().count(), 2);
     /// }
     /// ```
     #[inline(always)]
-    pub fn routes<'a>(&'a self) -> impl Iterator<Item = &'a Route> + 'a {
+    pub fn routes(&self) -> impl Iterator<Item = &Route> + '_ {
         self.router.routes()
     }
 
@@ -974,11 +1074,11 @@ impl Rocket {
     /// #[derive(PartialEq, Debug)]
     /// struct MyState(&'static str);
     ///
-    /// let rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(MyState("hello!"));
-    /// assert_eq!(rocket.state::<MyState>(), Some(&MyState("hello!")));
+    /// let mut rocket = rocket::ignite().manage(MyState("hello!"));
+    /// assert_eq!(rocket.inspect().state::<MyState>(), Some(&MyState("hello!")));
     ///
     /// let client = rocket::local::Client::new(rocket).expect("valid rocket");
-    /// assert_eq!(client.rocket().state::<MyState>(), Some(&MyState("hello!")));
+    /// assert_eq!(client.manifest().state::<MyState>(), Some(&MyState("hello!")));
     /// ```
     #[inline(always)]
     pub fn state<T: Send + Sync + 'static>(&self) -> Option<&T> {
diff --git a/core/lib/src/router/collider.rs b/core/lib/src/router/collider.rs
index f3b1aa68..2a23727a 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/router/collider.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/router/collider.rs
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ mod tests {
         where S1: Into<Option<&'static str>>, S2: Into<Option<&'static str>>
     {
         let rocket = Rocket::custom(Config::development());
-        let mut req = Request::new(&rocket, m, Origin::dummy());
+        let mut req = Request::new(rocket._manifest(), m, Origin::dummy());
         if let Some(mt_str) = mt1.into() {
             if m.supports_payload() {
                 req.replace_header(mt_str.parse::<ContentType>().unwrap());
@@ -469,7 +469,7 @@ mod tests {
 
     fn req_route_path_match(a: &'static str, b: &'static str) -> bool {
         let rocket = Rocket::custom(Config::development());
-        let req = Request::new(&rocket, Get, Origin::parse(a).expect("valid URI"));
+        let req = Request::new(&rocket._manifest(), Get, Origin::parse(a).expect("valid URI"));
         let route = Route::ranked(0, Get, b.to_string(), dummy_handler);
         route.matches(&req)
     }
diff --git a/core/lib/src/router/mod.rs b/core/lib/src/router/mod.rs
index 9810500d..9fb8feb7 100644
--- a/core/lib/src/router/mod.rs
+++ b/core/lib/src/router/mod.rs
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ impl Router {
         matches
     }
 
-    pub(crate) fn collisions(mut self) -> Result<Router, Vec<(Route, Route)>> {
+    pub(crate) fn collisions(&mut self) -> Result<(), Vec<(Route, Route)>> {
         let mut collisions = vec![];
         for routes in self.routes.values_mut() {
             for i in 0..routes.len() {
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ impl Router {
         }
 
         if collisions.is_empty() {
-            Ok(self)
+            Ok(())
         } else {
             Err(collisions)
         }
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ mod test {
 
     fn route<'a>(router: &'a Router, method: Method, uri: &str) -> Option<&'a Route> {
         let rocket = Rocket::custom(Config::development());
-        let request = Request::new(&rocket, method, Origin::parse(uri).unwrap());
+        let request = Request::new(rocket._manifest(), method, Origin::parse(uri).unwrap());
         let matches = router.route(&request);
         if matches.len() > 0 {
             Some(matches[0])
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ mod test {
 
     fn matches<'a>(router: &'a Router, method: Method, uri: &str) -> Vec<&'a Route> {
         let rocket = Rocket::custom(Config::development());
-        let request = Request::new(&rocket, method, Origin::parse(uri).unwrap());
+        let request = Request::new(rocket._manifest(), method, Origin::parse(uri).unwrap());
         router.route(&request)
     }
 
diff --git a/examples/config/tests/common/mod.rs b/examples/config/tests/common/mod.rs
index 72397b7b..6d8591eb 100644
--- a/examples/config/tests/common/mod.rs
+++ b/examples/config/tests/common/mod.rs
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ pub fn test_config(environment: Environment) {
     std::env::set_var("ROCKET_ENV", environment.to_string());
 
     let rocket = rocket::ignite()
-        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Local Config", |rocket| {
+        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Local Config", |mut rocket| {
             println!("Attaching local config.");
-            let config = rocket.config().clone();
+            let config = rocket.inspect().config().clone();
             Ok(rocket.manage(LocalConfig(config)))
         }))
         .mount("/", routes![check_config]);
diff --git a/examples/cookies/src/tests.rs b/examples/cookies/src/tests.rs
index 7a5b38b2..596a646f 100644
--- a/examples/cookies/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/cookies/src/tests.rs
@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@ async fn test_index() {
 
     // Render the template with an empty context.
     let mut context: HashMap<&str, &str> = HashMap::new();
-    let template = Template::show(client.rocket(), "index", &context).unwrap();
+    let template = Template::show(client.manifest(), "index", &context).unwrap();
     test_body(None, template).await;
 
     // Render the template with a context that contains the message.
     context.insert("message", "Hello from Rocket!");
-    let template = Template::show(client.rocket(), "index", &context).unwrap();
+    let template = Template::show(client.manifest(), "index", &context).unwrap();
     test_body(Some(Cookie::new("message", "Hello from Rocket!")), template).await;
 }
diff --git a/examples/fairings/src/main.rs b/examples/fairings/src/main.rs
index a1842863..01d00f9b 100644
--- a/examples/fairings/src/main.rs
+++ b/examples/fairings/src/main.rs
@@ -67,9 +67,9 @@ fn rocket() -> rocket::Rocket {
     rocket::ignite()
         .mount("/", routes![hello, token])
         .attach(Counter::default())
-        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Token State", |rocket| {
+        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Token State", |mut rocket| {
             println!("Adding token managed state...");
-            let token_val = rocket.config().get_int("token").unwrap_or(-1);
+            let token_val = rocket.inspect().config().get_int("token").unwrap_or(-1);
             Ok(rocket.manage(Token(token_val)))
         }))
         .attach(AdHoc::on_launch("Launch Message", |_| {
diff --git a/examples/handlebars_templates/src/tests.rs b/examples/handlebars_templates/src/tests.rs
index 04500c14..34c0f340 100644
--- a/examples/handlebars_templates/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/handlebars_templates/src/tests.rs
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ async fn test_root() {
         dispatch!(*method, "/", |client, response| {
             let mut map = std::collections::HashMap::new();
             map.insert("path", "/");
-            let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
+            let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
 
             assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::NotFound);
             assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ async fn test_name() {
             parent: "layout",
         };
 
-        let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "index", &context).unwrap();
+        let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "index", &context).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::Ok);
         assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
     });
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ async fn test_404() {
         let mut map = std::collections::HashMap::new();
         map.insert("path", "/hello/");
 
-        let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
+        let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::NotFound);
         assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
     });
diff --git a/examples/request_local_state/src/tests.rs b/examples/request_local_state/src/tests.rs
index e5b7046d..aac7897b 100644
--- a/examples/request_local_state/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/request_local_state/src/tests.rs
@@ -8,13 +8,13 @@ async fn test() {
     let client = Client::new(rocket()).unwrap();
     client.get("/sync").dispatch().await;
 
-    let atomics = client.rocket().state::<Atomics>().unwrap();
+    let atomics = client.manifest().state::<Atomics>().unwrap();
     assert_eq!(atomics.uncached.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 2);
     assert_eq!(atomics.cached.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 1);
 
     client.get("/async").dispatch().await;
 
-    let atomics = client.rocket().state::<Atomics>().unwrap();
+    let atomics = client.manifest().state::<Atomics>().unwrap();
     assert_eq!(atomics.uncached.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 4);
     assert_eq!(atomics.cached.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 2);
 }
diff --git a/examples/state/src/tests.rs b/examples/state/src/tests.rs
index d6e032a2..4974707c 100644
--- a/examples/state/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/state/src/tests.rs
@@ -30,11 +30,12 @@ fn test_raw_state_count() {
     use rocket::State;
     use super::{count, index};
 
-    let rocket = super::rocket();
+    let mut rocket = super::rocket();
+    let manifest = rocket.inspect();
 
-    assert_eq!(count(State::from(&rocket).unwrap()), "0");
-    assert!(index(State::from(&rocket).unwrap()).0.contains("Visits: 1"));
-    assert_eq!(count(State::from(&rocket).unwrap()), "1");
+    assert_eq!(count(State::from(manifest).unwrap()), "0");
+    assert!(index(State::from(manifest).unwrap()).0.contains("Visits: 1"));
+    assert_eq!(count(State::from(manifest).unwrap()), "1");
 }
 
 // Cargo runs each test in parallel on different threads. We use all of these
diff --git a/examples/tera_templates/src/tests.rs b/examples/tera_templates/src/tests.rs
index 46d4bb45..590014cd 100644
--- a/examples/tera_templates/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/tera_templates/src/tests.rs
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ async fn test_root() {
         dispatch!(*method, "/", |client, response| {
             let mut map = std::collections::HashMap::new();
             map.insert("path", "/");
-            let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
+            let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
 
             assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::NotFound);
             assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ async fn test_name() {
             items: vec!["One", "Two", "Three"]
         };
 
-        let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "index", &context).unwrap();
+        let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "index", &context).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::Ok);
         assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
     });
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ async fn test_404() {
         let mut map = std::collections::HashMap::new();
         map.insert("path", "/hello/");
 
-        let expected = Template::show(client.rocket(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
+        let expected = Template::show(client.manifest(), "error/404", &map).unwrap();
         assert_eq!(response.status(), Status::NotFound);
         assert_eq!(response.body_string().await, Some(expected));
     });
diff --git a/examples/todo/src/main.rs b/examples/todo/src/main.rs
index 12ee7da9..bd444653 100644
--- a/examples/todo/src/main.rs
+++ b/examples/todo/src/main.rs
@@ -93,8 +93,8 @@ fn index(msg: Option<FlashMessage<'_, '_>>, conn: DbConn) -> Template {
     })
 }
 
-fn run_db_migrations(rocket: Rocket) -> Result<Rocket, Rocket> {
-    let conn = DbConn::get_one(&rocket).expect("database connection");
+fn run_db_migrations(mut rocket: Rocket) -> Result<Rocket, Rocket> {
+    let conn = DbConn::get_one(rocket.inspect()).expect("database connection");
     match embedded_migrations::run(&*conn) {
         Ok(()) => Ok(rocket),
         Err(e) => {
diff --git a/examples/todo/src/tests.rs b/examples/todo/src/tests.rs
index 56d5f5b3..e8e4eb46 100644
--- a/examples/todo/src/tests.rs
+++ b/examples/todo/src/tests.rs
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ macro_rules! run_test {
         let _lock = DB_LOCK.lock();
 
         rocket::async_test(async move {
-            let rocket = super::rocket();
-            let db = super::DbConn::get_one(&rocket);
+            let mut rocket = super::rocket();
+            let db = super::DbConn::get_one(rocket.inspect());
             let $client = Client::new(rocket).expect("Rocket client");
             let $conn = db.expect("failed to get database connection for testing");
             Task::delete_all(&$conn).expect("failed to delete all tasks for testing");
diff --git a/site/guide/9-configuration.md b/site/guide/9-configuration.md
index b52ded13..00130405 100644
--- a/site/guide/9-configuration.md
+++ b/site/guide/9-configuration.md
@@ -209,8 +209,8 @@ fn main() {
     # if false {
     rocket::ignite()
         .mount("/", routes![assets])
-        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Assets Config", |rocket| {
-            let assets_dir = rocket.config()
+        .attach(AdHoc::on_attach("Assets Config", |mut rocket| {
+            let assets_dir = rocket.inspect().config()
                 .get_str("assets_dir")
                 .unwrap_or("assets/")
                 .to_string();