Central Post Returns to Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom as Refurbishment Continues

Gretchen McDermid

Crowds walk through Tomorrowland at Disney World, with futuristic buildings and the Laugh Floor sign visible.

Central Post Returns to Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom as Refurbishment Continues

The Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom Park is still closed for a lengthy refurbishment, but the large central post has finally returned to the iconic Tomorrowland attraction.

Astro Orbiter Refurbishment

A futuristic, space-themed building with metallic rings and spires under a blue sky, labeled "The Lunching Pad.

The extended refurbishment of the Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom continues with more pieces of the structure finally being reassembled. Since our last refurbishment update, the large silver spire in the middle of the attraction has reappeared.

Large metallic sci-fi structure with spinning orbs at a theme park, with visitors and trees below on a sunny day.

Shortly after the work on the Astro Orbiter began, the entire structure was dismantled apart from the outer silver ring. The black central post with the ride mechanics was added back first, and the added silver arches on the sides were added next. Now, the golden orb and the tall silver spire have been added back on top of the main post.

Futuristic metallic structure with circular rings and spheres under a blue sky at an outdoor location.

The top spire is made of several silver posts slowly tapering to a point, with rings of silver and gold running around the middle. The golden orb underneath the spire is reflective in the Florida sunlight and looks similar to a planet or star at night.

People ride the Astro Orbiter attraction at a futuristic-themed amusement park under a sunny sky.

Our reporter also added that it appears more work is taking place on the metal arms that support the rocket ride vehicles. While difficult to see over the side walls, it is possible the next stage of the Astro Orbiter refurbishment will be reattaching the vehicles and starting early ride testing.

Crowds walk through Tomorrowland at Disney World, with futuristic buildings and the Laugh Floor sign visible.

The Astro Orbiter closed for refurbishment on January 13 and is expected to reopen in the summer of 2025. No exact return date has been shared yet, though the current calendar shows the Astro Orbiter as unavailable through at least July 18.

The Astro Orbitor at Disneyland Park went through a similar disassembly process last year. After moths of slowly removing and later reattaching the various parts, the attraction finally reopened in April 2024.

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