Astro Orbiter Refurbishment Nears Completion as Ride Testing Begins in the Magic Kingdom. While we were in Tomorrowland yesterday, we got to see the rocket ships moving and testing of the Astro Orbiter. The orrery has been cleaned up and repainted, along with the rocket ships the guests ride in. The whole attraction looks almost brand new. The Astro Orbiter is anticipated to return this summer. Disney has not released an actual reopening date as of this writing, but it is expected to come any time now.
From the Disney World Website: Astro Orbiter will be temporarily closed for refurbishment beginning January 13, 2025, and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2025.
Last January 22nd, 2025, we watched the removal of the rockets and celestial decorations (orrery) from the top of the Launching Pad platform. Back then, the entire Astro Orbiter attraction had been completely removed. Given that the ride platform sits approximately three stories above ground level (the fourth floor if the Utilidors are considered the true first level of Magic Kingdom), we thought that the refurbishment would be completed while the ride remained intact. We were wrong.
Speaking of orreries, here’s a quick science tidbit: an orrery is a mechanical model of our Solar System, illustrating the relative positions and movements of the planets and their moons based on a heliocentric model (with the Sun at the center). Disney Imagineering incorporated a non-moving decorative orrery at the summit of the Astro Orbiter, adding a touch of celestial wonder to the attraction.
Astro Orbiter Refurbishment Nears Completion as Ride Testing Begins in the Magic Kingdom
Astro Orbiter – Pilot a spaceship high in the sky amid a gleaming constellation of planets. Hold on tight as your retro 2-passenger spacecraft levitates high into the air, picks up speed, and begins orbiting a galaxy of planets while the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland whirl by far below.
You’re the Captain Now: Control how high you fly by pulling or pushing the lever inside your ship.
Astro Orbiter along with BTMRR, Hall of Presidents, and soon the Dumbo Playground are all under refurbishment. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to open in 2026. The Hall of Presidents lobby has reopened and we expect it to be open just before July 4th, and Dumbo’s Playground refurb has been extended to later in 2025.
