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/* Ride Summery */
{{Infobox Disney ride
| image=AstroorbiterAstroorbiter2.jpg| caption='''The view of the Astro Orbiter from the in Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.'''
| land=Tomorrowland
| opened= November 28, 1974(as Star Jets) | closed= January 10, 1994
| vehicle_names=Rocket Ship
| guests_per_vehicle=2
| park= Magic Kingdom
| duration=1:30
| type=Hub and Spoke
|custom_label_1 = Previous NamePreviously Known As|custom_value_1 = Star Jets(1974-1994)|custom_label_2= Reopened |custom_value_2= April 30, 1994 (as Astro Orbiter)|theme=Space travel|custom_label_3= Disney Genie +|custom_value_3= No
}}
The attraction that would one day be known as the Astro Orbiter, actually traces its history back to Disneyland. In 1956, Disney debuted its first ever "rocket-spinner" attraction, the Astro Jets. Created by Klaus Company Bavaria, the attraction allowed guests to "fly" 36 feet above ground level in small "jets" <ref> http://davelandweb.com/astrojets/ </ref>. The Disneyland version of the attraction was briefly renamed "Tomorrowland Jets", before it was moved to a new location atop the PeopleMover and renamed the "Rocket Jets" in 1967.
In 1994, in conjunction with 2014 the "New Tommorrowland"Astro Orbiter closed for an extensive refurbishment. During this time, Star Jets the attraction was stripped and given a complete makeovernew ride system. A stylized iron tower and various "planets"Furthermore, replaced during the Saturn V Rocket as refurbishment the attractions focal point. The new structure allowed guests to feel as if they were flying through exterior of the planets, instead of just around ride structure was given a stationary object. When new paint scheme (including the attraction reopened in 1995, it was renamed 's elevator shaft being painted orange) and the Astro Orbiter. The rockets themselves were given a new ride also featured 3 more rockets which helped to increase guest capacitylook. The replica of During the Saturn V rocket that once refurbishment it was speculated that the focal point rotating planets (which had been stationary for a number of years) would be repaired. When the Astro Orbiterattraction reopened however, was painted camoflouge green and used in the television series "Thunder in Paradise"planets remained stationary <ref> http://www. The series was produced at the [[Disneywdwmagic.com/attractions/astro-MGM Studios]], and after the series ended, the rocket was placed in the Boneyard scene of the Backstage Tourorbitor/news/02oct2014-photos---astro-orbiter-reopens-with-new-color-scheme.htm </ref>.
==Ride Summery==
[[Image:astroorbiter4.png|thumb|400px| A closer look at the Astro Orbiter ride vehicles. Photo Disney| alt= Astro Orbiter ride vehicle]]
The Astro Orbiter allows guests to board rocket ships and fly high above Tomorrowland. Differentiating it from other "hub and spoke" attractions in Walt Disney World (such as [[Dumbo the Flying Elephant]] and the [[Magic Carpets of Aladdin]]), is the fact that the rockets actually sit atop Rockettower Plaza, 80 feet in the air. In order to board their rockets, guests must ascend up a small elevator which brings them to the loading area.
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
*The replica of the Saturn V rocket that was once the focal point of the Astro Orbiter was painted camouflage green and used in the television series "Thunder in Paradise" (the series was produced at the [[Disney-MGM Studios]]). After the series ended, the rocket was placed in the Boneyard scene of the [[Studio Backlot Tour]]<ref> http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/742/Walt-Disney-World/Magic-Kingdom/Tomorrowland/Astro-Orbiter </ref>.
*The attraction vehicles themselves may have been based on the popular Buck Rogers series. <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/tom-astro.htm </ref>.
*Formally, On the [[Tomorrowland Transit AuthorityPeopleMover]], the Astro Orbiter is was referred to as the "League of Planets Astro Orbiter". This ties tied the attraction in with the backstory of Tomorrowland, which states stated that Tomorrowland is the land was the headquarters for the fictional League of Planets, which helps helped make Tomorrowland an intergalactic meeting place.
*A two day cast member Cast Member preview of the Star Jets took place on Nov 26th and 27th from November 26-27, 1974<ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/starjets.htm </ref>. *When Walt Disney World still used ticket books the Star Jets required a "D" ticket to ride<ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/magickingdom/tom-astro.htm </ref>.
==References==