The Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom will close for a months-long refurbishment in the first half of 2025.
Astro Orbiter Refurbishment
The Tomorrowland ride will be closed beginning on January 13, 2025. Disney plans for Astro Orbiter to reopen in the summer of 2025.
January 13 is also the day half of DinoLand U.S.A. will close to make way for the new Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Kali River Rapids and Gran Fiesta Tour also have upcoming closures scheduled as Walt Disney World hits their slow season.
Astro Orbitor at Disneyland was closed for a six-month refurbishment in late 2023 and early 2024, reopening this past April. During the refurbishment, the ride was completely dismantled. It reopened with fixed lights, fresh paint, and minor design changes.
See the Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom in action below.
Astro Orbiter History
Disney’s first rocket-spinner attraction was Astro Jets, which opened in 1956 at Disneyland. It was later renamed Tomorrowland Jets. The next iteration was Rocket Jets, atop the PeopleMover platform. This was followed by Astro Orbitor, now on the ground, in 1998.
The Astro Orbitor at Disneyland is a replica of Orbitron, Machines Volantes from Disneyland Paris. The French version of the ride opened in 1992. Hong Kong Disneyland has their own version of Orbitron with flying saucers instead of rockets. It opened with the park in 2005.
Magic Kingdom, meanwhile, opened their Star Jets in 1974. It was renamed Astro Orbiter (with an “e”) in 1994 as part of the major Tomorrowland overhaul and remains on the PeopleMover platform.
Tokyo Disneyland had its own Star Jets from 1983 to 2017. It closed to make way for The Happy Ride with Baymax.
Shanghai Disneyland’s unique version is named Jet Packs and opened with the park in 2016.
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