Astro Orbiter

“Yay! More spinning!”

Once known as the Star Jets, the Astro Orbiter sits in the middle of Tomorrowland  on a second level above the ground which helps provide a decent view for Guests who decide to take a spin. For the most part, the Astro Orbiter is the same type of ride as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin; the two main differences are the slightly increased speed of rotation and this is the only of the three attractions that spins counter-clockwise. Otherwise, it’s more round-and-round and up-and-down on the menu. 

For what’s really a mediocre ride, the Astro Orbiter has what is possibly the most frustrating queue in the entire Magic Kingdom. It is made up of a series of switchbacks and only part of the line has anything above it to block out the blazing sun. The queue on the ground level eventually leads to an elevator that will take you to the level where the attraction is located, where you will wait in another small queue for your moment to board. Each ride cycle can only handle about 24 people, so the wait time coupled with the load/unload time can be excruciatingly slow. If you don’t hit this attraction early in the morning but still feel you need to experience it, come back later in the night, perhaps during the evening’s fireworks show and give it another chance. For some reason, this particular attraction seems to be the lesser of the park’s three spinners.

Not everything about the Astro Orbiter is negative, however. If you manage to take a ride, you will be treated to amazing views of Tomorrowland and just a hint of what’s beyond. The attraction is roughly 60 feet off the ground, which gives it its main appeal along with its decorative art that beckons you from the either entrance to Tomorrowland. It provides kinetic energy to Tomorrowland, and is visually stunning to those on the ground.

Reality Check:

Did we mention that the line for this attraction is painfully slow? Because it is. Now you’ve been warned more than once… Also, do not confuse The Magic Kingdom’s Astro Orbiter with Disneyland’s Astro Oribitor. It is not known why the different spellings are used.  We just like to think it was a frustrated intern.