Manufactured by the Klaus Company Bavaria, the Astro Jets “flew” in a 50' circle reaching heights upwards of 36'. The attraction stood next to Flight to the Moon/Moonliner. In 1964, United Airlines (a new sponsor for “The Enchanted Tiki Room”) thought that the name “Astro Jets” was free advertising for American Airlines’ coast-to-coast jet-airline service, so the name was changed to Tomorrowland Jets. The attraction closed in September of 1966 to make room for the new Tomorrowland.
In this 1956 publicity photo, actor Fess Parker (best known as “Davy Crockett’) is shown with costar Kathleen Crowley of “Westward Ho, The Wagons,” riding the Astro Jets.
This motion shot was for Treasure Tone slides, a commercial slide that guests could purchase as a souvenir of their trip to the park.
In August 1967, this attraction was renamed again as The Rocket Jets. This version was located on top of the new PeopleMover platform and was accessible from ground level via an elevator. The focal point was its replica Saturn V/NASA-themed rocket in the center. Rocket Jets lifted guests 70' above ground. This version remained open until 1997, when it closed for renovations with the rest of Tomorrowland. If you had a fear of heights, this attraction would not be recommended for you!
The revised attraction opened one year later as The Astro Orbitor. The Astro Orbitor was planned to be placed where the Rocket Jets were, but weighed too much for the current building. Instead, it was moved to the Tomorrowland entrance and placed on groundlevel, thus making the ride the new focal point as guests step from the main plaza of Disneyland into Tomorrowland. The top Rocket Jets mechanism was dismantled and a kinetic satellite-themed sculpture known as Observatron was built out of the ride’s skeletal structure. The coloration and design came from a futuristic Jules Verne theme that was part of the most recent Tomorrowland remodeling. Although still a fun attraction, its location at the Tomorrowland entrance created both a physical and visual barrier, causing frequent bottlenecks in guest traffic.
Just recently, the Astro Orbiter underwent a facelift, but for once, not a name change. The color scheme was changed to cooler metallic colors from its previous Jules Verne incarnation. The rumor mill has also been churning, stating that the eventual goal is to put the Astro Orbiter atop the former PeopleMover station once again. That’s one rumor that I hope comes to fruition.
Next up: Pancakes with Aunt Jemima! See more vintage & current Astro Jets/Rocket Jets/Astro Orbiter photos at my regular website.
5 comments:
Great history lesson! I wasn't aware of the color change. Agreed that the placement should be "above." The height gives such a dramatic focal point to Tomorrowland.
the rocket jet placement above the peoplemover with that wonderful elevator ride up was positively the best ride/que placement in the park.
I hope they move it to it's old spot. When I went there I could see it behind Main Street in some distances. It sorta ruins the illusion that i was in an old town.
Great A-Z post, I love it. Can't wait for the pancake house (one of my favorites!). THANKS Dave!
Great article. Great information about an often overlooked yet classic attraction. I recently posted a blog about the old Tapestry of Nations parade at Epcot. Check it out if you like and thanks again for the post.
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