At a Glance
Duration: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Look Out For: heights of up to 80 ft, spinning, an accelerated speed (compared to Dumbo and other spinner rides), and a claustrophobic elevator in the queue
Opening on November 28, 1974, Astro Orbiter is a high-flying spin through Tomorrowland. But how scary is Astro Orbiter? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Astro Orbiter has a ride duration of 1 minute and 30 seconds. However, like any ride, you should factor in a few extra seconds in the ride vehicle for slight delays or for loading and unloading.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Astro Orbiter has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. However, I would personally caution riders who have any aversion to heights or who might not be up for a moderately thrilling ride.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Astro Orbiter ride vehicles consist of individual cars (or rocket ships) seating 2 single-file passengers each. Both riders have their own small seat belt and the front seat gets a joystick to control the up and down movement of the vehicle.
4. How Does Astro Orbiter Work?
Astro Orbiter works like a standard spinner or carousel ride, rotating the ride vehicles in a fixed circle for the entire duration. What makes this attraction unique is the riders’ ability to move the vehicle up and down via a joystick and the fact that the entire attraction is already elevated approximately 50 feet above ground.
5. Is Astro Orbiter Scary?
Astro Orbiter could certainly be scary for some riders, especially those with a fear of heights. While lacking any spooky theming or dark settings, this attraction still packs in the thrills with its accelerated speed (compared to Dumbo and other spinner rides) as well as its significant heights.
As I mentioned before, the entire ride sits about 50 feet above ground (that’s about 3 stories high) and is situated above the Peoplemover. If that isn’t high enough for you, you can of course – like other spinner attractions – move your rocket up and down using the joystick. This allows you to reach a maximum height of around 80 feet, as you soar high above Tomorrowland.
It’s also worth mentioning the faster speed of this spinner ride, which could catch many riders off guard. For reference, Dumbo the Flying Elephant completes 1 full rotation in approximately 10-15 seconds while this attraction is at least twice as fast, rotating in less than 6 seconds. This unexpectedly high speed could certainly surprise many guests – especially considering the lack of Disney warnings or height requirements.
While not altogether a super thrilling ride, I would definitely caution riders who assume this attraction is just like Dumbo or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. If you hop on thinking this is just another kiddie ride, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
6. How High is Astro Orbiter?
Astro Orbiter reaches a maximum height of 80 feet above ground. As previously mentioned, the entire attraction is situated approximately 3 stories above ground and then allows riders to fly even higher if they so desire. While you, of course, have the choice to ascend all the way up to 80 feet, it’s important to note that you will still be at least 50 feet above ground at the ride’s lowest setting.
While the actual loading platform is fairly wide and doesn’t feel particularly precarious, being on the actual ride gives you a wide open view of the ground far below you. If you or anyone in your party is has a significant fear of heights, you may want to consider skipping this one.
7. How Fast is Astro Orbiter?
Astro Orbiter rotates approximately twice as fast as other classic spinner rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant or the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Again, by my estimation, Dumbo makes a full rotation in about 10-15 seconds while this attraction does it in less than 6. This makes for a much faster ride than many guests may be expecting and certainly takes the thrills up a notch combined with its dizzying 80 foot maximum height.
8. Does Astro Orbiter Have Drops?
Astro Orbiter does not have drops. However, it is worth noting that the joystick does control the up and down motion of the vehicle, allowing for vertical movement if you want it. Regardless, it’s nothing like a real thrill ride drop, and the control stick will simply send you down or up slowly.
9. Does Astro Orbiter Cause Motion Sickness?
Astro Orbiter may cause motion sickness to some riders. While the outdoor setting and lack of any screens or 4D effects certainly help, this attraction is still – at its core – a relatively fast spinning ride. If you or anyone in your party has trouble with carousels or other similar attractions, you may want to skip out on this one.
10. Is Astro Orbiter Claustrophobic?
The actual Astro Orbiter ride should not feel claustrophobic for most riders. As mentioned before, there is a small, fabric seat belt, but the outdoor setting and short ride duration make it a very non-confining ride, in my opinion.
However, this attraction’s queue does involve an elevator ride up to the loading platform, where you can expect to be crammed in with several other guests. While at its core, it’s just like any other elevator you’d find in your hotel, this queue segment could definitely feel quite claustrophobic – especially on a hot summer day with crowds at full capacity.
11. Are There Animatronics on Astro Orbiter?
There are no animatronics on Astro Orbiter.
Astro Orbiter Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Tomorrowland area of Magic Kingdom. Once entering the line, you will simply wind back and forth underneath the ride platform before coming to two elevators. A cast member will then send you and several other guests up to the loading platform together. Another cast member will meet you at the top and point you towards another short queue where you will wait to board.
Astro Orbiter Ride Walkthrough
Once boarding the vehicle, the ride will begin by lifting a few feet off the platform and rotating like a carousel. At this point, you will be able to control the up and down movement of your rocket ship by using the joystick in front of you. If you wish to remain motionless or stay at the bottom, just sit back and enjoy the ride! After about a minute and a half, the ride will come to an end and ease you slowly back to the platform so you can exit.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Astro Orbiter? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
