The planets are now gone from Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom and so is the majority of its ride system. All of the arms used for rocket rotation and the cosmetic top of the structure is now gone.
Astro Orbiter closed earlier this month for a scheduled refurbishment and Disney has wasted no time starting the teardown of the attraction.
The ride originally opened as the Star Jets on November 28th, 1974, and was changed in 1994 along with the rest of the land in the “New Tomorrowland” update to reflect a more Sci-fi vibe. This added the planets around the outside of the ride and theychanged the name to Astro Orbiter. Many of the buildings around “New Tomorrowland” were changed as well.
Today, a lot of the area around the attraction has undergone changes as Tomorrowland has turned away from that Sci-fi feel that there once was. In recent years, everything has been simplified in the land. But Astro Orbiter has stayed the same.
Disney has stated that the refurbishment will conclude in the summer. But it is still unknown if there will be any changes to the attraction itself.
For more updates and information stay tuned to Ride Rover!
