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Astro Orbiter

488 bytes added, 15:01, 15 September 2015
/* Attraction History */
Although not an opening day attraction, the Rocket Jets were always a part of the plans for the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. A copy of the Rocket Jets (called the Star Jets) was a central part of the [[Magic Kingdom's]] 1974 Tomorrowland expansion (an expansion that also included the addition of [[Space Mountain]], the [[Carousel of Progress]] and the [[WEDWay PeopleMover]]). Located atop the WEDWay PeopleMover platform (like its Disneyland counterpart) the Star Jets were one of the most prominent features in Tomorrowland. Although the Star Jets was considered a copy of the Disneyland attraction (as both attractions involved guests flying around large Saturn V rocket), the ride vehicles that guests rode in were different. The Star Jets, unlike their Disneyland counterparts were designed to look like space shuttles as opposed to rockets.
On January 10 1994 the Star Jets was closed. In conjunction with the "New Tomorrowland", the attraction was given a complete makeover. The color scheme of the attraction was changed, with the attraction now being primarily grey and metallic looking. A stylized iron tower and various "planets" replaced the Saturn V Rocket as the ride’s focal point. The new structure allowed guests to feel as if they were flying through the planets, instead of just around a stationary object. When the attraction reopened on April 30 1994, 1994 it was renamed the Astro Orbiter. The new ride also featured 3 more rockets which helped to increase guest capacity. Since 1994, the attraction has not undergone any significant changes.
In 2014 the Astro Orbiter closed for an extensive refurbishment. During this time, the attraction was stripped and given a new ride system. Furthermore, during the refurbishment the exterior of the ride structure was given a new paint scheme (including the elevator shaft being painted orange) and the rocket ships themselves were given a new look. During the refurbishment it was speculated that the rotating planets (which had been stationary for a number of years) would be repaired. When the attraction reopened however, the planets remained stationary.
==Ride Summery==