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A recent filing reveals that Astro Orbiter, the 50-year-old attraction Walt Disney World Resort dismantled earlier this year, is gearing up to make a comeback at Magic Kingdom Park. Here’s everything we know.
A Timeless Attraction
The Astro Orbiter has long been a signature piece of the Tomorrowland skyline. First opening as “Star Jets” in 1974, the spinning ride quickly became a crowd favorite. In 1994, the attraction was reimagined and rebranded as Astro Orbiter to match the futuristic theme of Tomorrowland, sitting proudly above the PeopleMover loading area.
Credit: Disney
For generations of Disney Park guests, the ride was a staple of the Magic Kingdom experience. The sight of the swirling spacecraft from below was as much a part of the park’s charm as the rides themselves. But earlier this year, things began to change. Astro Orbiter shut down in January for what was described as a refurbishment ending sometime in the summer of 2025. Little did guests know that this wouldn’t be a simple tune-up.
Complete Disassembly of the Astro Orbiter
Walt Disney World Resort took the unusual step of completely disassembling the Astro Orbiter. It wasn’t just the ride closing for a few weeks — construction walls went up around Tomorrowland, and guests noticed a large crane working in the area. As the days passed, it became clear that the beloved attraction was no longer in the sky and nowhere to be found.
Credit: Disney
The dismantling process was quick and thorough, with crews taking apart the entire ride overnight. The area once occupied by Astro Orbiter now seemed strangely empty. Many first-time Magic Kingdom Park guests probably didn’t even realize that this iconic ride had ever existed in that space.
The Promise of a Return
Despite its dramatic removal, there’s good news for Disney Parks fans: The Astro Orbiter is expected to return soon. A recently filed “Notice of Commencement” permit suggests that Disney is preparing to reassemble the attraction in the coming weeks. The permit names Buena Vista Construction Company as the contractor responsible for labor and electrical work on the site — the same company and language mentioned in a permit filed earlier this year before the ride was taken apart.
Credit: Disney
While Walt Disney World Resort has not confirmed an exact reopening date, the permit language indicates that the reassembly process is finally underway. For those eager to see the Astro Orbiter soaring above Tomorrowland once again, it looks like it won’t be long before the iconic ride returns to its rightful place in the park’s skyline.
Beyond Astro Orbiter: Other Major Refurbishments at Magic Kingdom
Across the park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also undergoing a major overhaul. The popular roller coaster closed in January for a complete track replacement, and the ride is expected to reopen in 2026 with some “new” magical touches.
Do any other Walt Disney World Resort rides need a lengthy refurbishment? Share your thoughts with Disney Tips in the comments!
