April 30th in 1994

Astro Orbiter opens in Walt Disney World

Say it with me: I love Tomorrowland attractions. Astro orbiter is an under loved classic, in my humble opinion. While it originally opened under the name ‘Astro Jets’, Today in Disney History this ride opened under its current name, Astro Orbiter. This ride sits on top of Tomorrowland Tower, which also houses the loading and unloading station for the PeopleMover.

An elevator ride brings guests on top of the PeopleMover load/unload on top of a snack bar, and that’s where Astro can be found. The attraction rests 50 feet off the ground, and guests can soar 80 feet off the ground in their spacecraft. Although it’s a spinner, the height grants views that simply aren’t afforded by spinners like Dumbo and Magic Carpets, both of which are in the same park. Another thing that makes it unique is the way that the rockets attach to the center spire. Because of their attachment point’s angle, as they go higher they tilt to the side a bit. It’s perfectly safe, but it does feel a bit like you’re about to fall out. It all just makes it the best ‘pick you up, spin you around, put you back down’ ride Disney has.

And look how gorgeous she is at night. The lines for Orbiter go crazy during fireworks, but the view is impeccable. Consider this a sincere and deep recomendation to take some time out of your next trip to ride it!

I’ll see you real soon.

Sources.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_Orbiter
https://touringplans.com/blog/five-things-to-know-about-astro-orbiter/