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Astro Orbiter
(photos below)
Above the loading area of the Tororrowland
Transportation Authority, the Astro Orbiter attraction
"...provides all beings with an exhilarating 'spin'
around the planets."
Actually, the Astro Orbiter is one of several
attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort which relies on
the same technology. Also located in the Magic Kingdom, Dumbo
and The Magic Carpets of
Aladdin, and at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Triceratops Spin,
all seat guests in vehicles attached to a central hub which
spins the vehicles around, with controls installed in each
vehicle to control the height as the mechanism rotates.
However, the Astro Orbiter is unique in two important ways.
First, it's the only one of the four which is located in an
elevated area, providing an additional level of thrill, and
second, it rotates much faster than the others. When you're
riding with your vehicle as high as it will go, you'll likely
find the altitude coupled with the speed providing a very
"stimulating" sensation!
To access this attraction, you'll enter a
ground-level queue area, from which you're divided into two
holding areas. Each holding area loads into a separate
elevator, which takes you up to the roof where the ride is
located. There, you assemble into yet another holding area for
a moment, until you're released to select a vehicle. After the
ride ends, you enter the same elevators to return to the
ground level.
This is a very good attraction--even if you
find the others too tame, you may enjoy the high-flying
excitement of this one. The view is incredible, just don't
drop your camera if you decide to get photos! If, however,
you're afraid of heights, being strapped into a small rocket
flying really close to the planets positioned around the
mechanism, you may wish to consider your decision to ride
carefully.
Next time you're in Tomorrowland, give the
Astro Orbiter a spin!
Sign marking entrance to Astro
Orbiter--actually just the queue area on the ground
level;
the ride is at the top of the building and requires an
elevator trip to access it
A very bright, colorful attraction
Out of the elevator on the
rooftop, waiting to board the rockets
Selecting rockets and being seated
Be sure to strap on the
seatbelt!
Great views of the park and even
surrounding hotels
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