Astro Orbiter Ride System Removed as Crane Leaves Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

11 days ago in "Astro Orbiter"

Astro Orbiter refurbishment - February 4, 2025
Posted: Tuesday February 4, 2025 10:45am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Astro Orbiter refurbishment at Magic Kingdom has reached a major phase, with the entire ride system now fully removed from its elevated platform in Tomorrowland.

All that remains are the steel supports that once held the attraction's spinning rockets and planetary theming.


The large crane, which had been positioned in Tomorrowland for the initial phases of the refurbishment, has now been removed. However, it is expected to return later to reinstall the ride system and themed planets as the project nears completion.

Astro Orbiter is scheduled to remain closed through summer 2025, and Disney has not yet provided specific details on what changes—if any—will be made to the ride's appearance or experience.

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ChrisFL10 days ago

With Fantastic 4 having a prominent presence in IOA, highly doubtful

electric11 days ago

There's that lol

UberMouse11 days ago

Silly question, but is it possible that we get this.. ?

Agent H11 days ago

Okay everyone an insider told me what Astro orbiter is being rethemed to now I can’t put it into words so I’ll use a picture instead 😉

Ricky Spanish11 days ago

A Disney bus driver told us that it’s being rethemed to Muppets “Pigs in Space”

Agent H11 days ago

What do you mean? you want them to stack construction walls on top of each other?

monothingie11 days ago

What attached IP do you suppose this thing comes back with? Fingers crossed that it's Tianna's Bayou Astro Orbiter!

wdw71fan11 days ago

Thats exactly correct, but whats really going to confuse you is the crane getting past the tomorrowland entry signage :)

Coaster Lover11 days ago

Crazy that they strip it out completely like that. I guess that's the best (easiest? most thorough? most efficient?) way to properly x-ray the metal components to test for any points of metal fatigue? Or are they literally 1-for-1 replacing everything every ~10 years?

wdwmagic11 days ago

Yep

James Alucobond11 days ago

Yes. Same process.

Disgruntled Walt11 days ago

So was the refurbishment THIS extensive back in 2014 or whenever it was last redone? Did they remove the entire ride system back then as well?

electric17 days ago

I was there last week and I cant quite figure out how the crane got in. Anyone have any insight this? It is taller than the people mover track. I assume it went down main st and by the fire dept?