The Astro Orbitor is a complex conglomeration of moving spheres and fanciful space ships inspired as Disneyland own publications have noted by the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The color scheme is no longer stark vintage gold and brass tones punctuated by strong blues create the impression that this is an intricate mechanical whirligig built in some earlier century.The Astro Orbiter stands about 250 ft away from the site previously occupied by the Astro Jets. Today the 64 foot tall Astro Orbiter anchors Tomorrowland as the first attraction at the lands entrance.Pilot your very own rocket ship high in the sky above Tomorrowland amid a gleaming constellation of orbiting planets.The Astro Orbitor at Disneyland was planned to be placed where the Rocket Jets were, but weighed too much for the current building. Instead, it was relocated to the entrance of Tomorrowland, and placed on ground level, thus making the ride the new focal point as guests step from the Main Plaza into Tomorrowland.
As Disney decribes the Astro Orbitor Blast Off! Climb into a retro 3-passenger spaceship and prepare for launch! Hold on tight as your rocket levitates into the air and revolves around a galaxy of planets—inspired by centuries-old astronomical designs—as the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland whizz by below.Steer Through Space As the commander of your own rocket, you’re in control. Direct how high you fly by pulling or pushing the lever inside the ship.
Located at the entrance to Tomorrowland, the Astro Orbitor recalls the designs of rocket ships from the Jules Verne era. Above the rockets, a colorful array of planets and satellites, inspired by classic astronomical designs, orbit around a central axis.
One concept drawing had guests boarding the attraction underground and others had the center of the attraction featuring a water moat (similar to the "Dumbo the Flying Elephant" attraction in Fantasyland). Neither idea was ever carried out. In April 2009, the Astro Orbitor closed for refurbishment and was stripped down to its skeletal structure.It reopened in June 2009 with a silver, blue, red, and gold trim color scheme.