Crane Returns to Magic Kingdom for Reconstruction of Astro Orbiter

Shannen Ace

A large crane truck parked under a monorail track at a construction site in a futuristic theme park area.

Crane Returns to Magic Kingdom for Reconstruction of Astro Orbiter

A crane behind construction walls at Magic Kingdom indicates crews are preparing to reinstall Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland.

Astro Orbiter Construction

People gather and sit below a futuristic spinning ride structure with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

Astro Orbiter closed in January for a major refurbishment, with almost the entire attraction dismantled and removed within weeks to be worked on off-site. Because of the height of the Tomorrowland attraction, it’s been nearly impossible to see what construction work, if any, has been going on in the park.

A large North American Crane & Rigging vehicle is parked behind a construction barrier at a work site.

Now, a large crane is parked behind construction walls next to the entrance escalators of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The crane wasn’t in use when WDWNT was at the park on Monday, but it’s a definite sign that crews will start reconstructing Astro Orbiter soon.

Construction site with a large crane truck near a futuristic building under a partly cloudy sky.

Other construction materials behind the walls are covered in tarps. The walls don’t block any Tomorrowland offerings but do create a smaller walkway in front of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The “Toy Story”-inspired ride will soon get a major overhaul. It’s set to close in August.

A large crane truck parked under a monorail track at a construction site in a futuristic theme park area.

Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date for Astro Orbiter beyond the “summer of 2025.” But with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closing in August, it’s likely Disney will try to reopen Astro Orbiter before then.

View of Tomorrowland at Disney World with construction and large metal structures under a partly cloudy sky.

While the deconstruction of Astro Orbiter took less than two weeks, the reconstruction might take longer. The ride isn’t expected to have any major changes.

Last spring, Disneyland’s Astro Orbitor also underwent a major refurbishment in which it was completely deconstructed and removed. Because that version of the attraction is on the ground, it was easier to see construction progress.

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