The Astro Orbitor was planned to be placed where the Rocket Jets were, but weighed too much for the current building. The new form of the attraction opened one year later as Astro Orbitor. This version remained open until 1997, when it closed for renovations with the rest of Tomorrowland. Rocket Jets lifted guests 70' above ground. The focal point was its replica Saturn V/NASA-themed rocket in the center. This version was located on top of the new PeopleMover platform and was accessible from ground level via an elevator. The attraction closed September of 1966 to make room for the new Tomorrowland, reopening in August 1967 as the Rocket Jets.
ASTRO ORBITER JET FREE
In 1964, United Airlines (a new sponsor for “ The Enchanted Tiki Room”) disputed the name “Astro Jets” was free advertising for American Airlines’ coast-to-coast jet-airline service, so the name was changed to Tomorrowland Jets on August 7. It was invented, developed and is manufactured by the Klaus Company of Memmigen, Bavaria. When the ride is operating the central tower spins and raises the entire unit into the air. It carries 12 jet-like gondolas that are attached to a central tower by 20-foot metal booms.
The Astro Jet is an advanced version of the Roto Jet, and the only ride of this type now operating in the United States. Youngsters who flew with the jet aces were: Glen Sherman, Jimmy Murray, Billy Krauch and Timothy Devlin of Los Angeles and Michael Loudon and Eric Burr of Orange County. Jester and Lieutenant JG Charles Steele from the 11th Naval District in San Diego Marine Pilots Captain Charles Hiatt and Major Richard Rainforth Air Force pilots Captain Morris Eliasof and Lieutenant Edward Williams. The Disneyland Band, under the direction of Vesey Walker,provided appropriate musical background.įollowing the dedication flight by the jet aces the assembled crowd was treated to an exhibition of precision flying given by the Disneyland Air Force, composed of volunteers recruited from various departments and leasee employees, under Group Captain John Miller.Ī special luncheon honoring the participants was held in the Red Wagon Inn following the special event.Īirmen who took part in the ceremony included Navy Pilots Lieutenant JG Jerry J. Soloing with the flyers were youngsters from the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, visitors to Disneyland that day.Īlso on hand and lending color to the ceremony were Disneyland's Space Man, K-7, and the futuristically clad Space Girl. with the arrival of the jet pilots in Tomorrowland at the wheels of Autopia Cars following a Parade down Disneyland's Main Street.ĭirector of Customer Relations Jack Sayers introduced the aces, many of them flight veterans with hundreds of hours of jet flying time to their credit. The day's activities got under way promptly at 11:15 a.m. Personnel from the El Toro Marine Air Station, the 11th Naval District Headquarters in San Diego and the Army Air Force Base at Long Beach qwere on hand to make the first "official" flight in the Astro Jet.
From the April 1956 Disneyland News:Ĭeremony Marks Opening of First Major New Rideĭisneyland's first major new ride-the Astro Jet-was opened Monday, April 2 with a fanfare and ceremony that included participation by members of the three flying arms of the United States military services. The attraction stood between the Submarine Voyage and Flight to the Moon.
When we visited recently, two rockets weren’t working so the line moved slowly.BACKSTORY (April 2, 1956–Current): Manufactured by the Klaus Company Bavaria, the Astro Jets “flew” in a 50' circle reaching heights upwards of 36'. The exciting thing is that you can see a long ways across Magic Kingdom including including Tomorrowland, Space Mountain, Tron Lightcycle, and on into Fantasyland. The spinning is fairly intense compared to Dumbo, Magic Carpets, or Triceratops spin. You do sit one in front of the other so you will want to be friendly if you ride with someone.įrom there you will raise up on arms like Dumbo and spin around the center. Each adult usually gets their own rocket. When its your turn to ride 1-3 people can ride in each rocket, like a parent with their one or two small kids. Entrance View of Cinderella’s Castle TRON Lightcycle Run Astro Orbiter ride vehicles Tomorrowland with Astro Orbiter in Background Photo by Christian Lambert on Unsplash You enter from the ground level into two elevators which take you up to the level where you will ride the Astro Orbiter. It is set high above Disney’s Magic Kingdom park.
Astro Orbiter is a simple spinning ride with a bit of a fun twist.
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