The refurbishment of Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom is officially underway this week, with a large crane now positioned in Tomorrowland to assist with the project.
The attraction, which closed on January 13, 2025, is expected to remain out of service through summer 2025. The presence of heavy equipment and the extended timeline suggest this will be a significant refurbishment—possibly a near-rebuild of the attraction.
Astro Orbiter, known for its elevated spinning rockets and panoramic views of the park, underwent a similar extensive refurbishment in 2014, which included structural updates, a new color scheme, and enhanced lighting effects. Given the current setup, it appears Disney may be following a similar approach to modernize and refresh the attraction.
What To Expect During the Refurbishment
- Cranes and Construction Walls: A large crane is now visible in Tomorrowland, and construction walls extend into the area of Tomorrowland near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin.
- PeopleMover Impact: The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, which passes underneath the Astro Orbiter platform, remains operational but may offer views of ongoing work.
- Extended Closure: With the refurbishment set to last several months, this project likely involves mechanical upgrades, structural work, and possible aesthetic improvements.
Disney has not yet provided specifics about the scope of the work or any potential new features.
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