DISNEYLAND RIDE #2: Astro Orbitor While waiting for our Lightning Lane Pass for the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride to become available, we decided to try out the Astro Orbitor located right at the entrance of Tomorrowland. I think the wait time for this ride was about 20 minutes. As far as I know, they did not have the Lightning Lane Pass. My LTP and I didn't think about going on this ride separately and we tried to get into the same seat together, but both of us were too big to fit in (I'm smaller than him so I got in first). Thank goodness the ride staff conducts safety checks on everyone first before it starts. We couldn't find the seatbelt and we thought we weren't going to put it on in time for the ride to begin. He eventually got off and I did the ride by myself while he watched. Come to think of it, sitting together is mostly aimed at parents with small children. I really like rides that take you up in the air - it literally feels like you're flying. The weather was perfect to ride this ride in the middle of the day as well, it wasn't too hot or too cold. Even though it was a short one, I still had fun. It's very easy to find, too. read more

Astro Orbitor - Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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It's not thrilling, but it's historic -- like space camp run by Hallmark. Before there was Space Mountain, before Star Tours made you puke in 3D, there was the Astro Orbitor -- Disneyland's retro-futuristic carnival ride dressed up like NASA. It's basically Dumbo the Flying Elephant's sci-fi cousin, except here you orbit "space rockets" instead of flying pachyderms. This ride has gone through more identity crises than a rock band in the '70s. It debuted in 1956 as the Astro Jets, then got renamed the Tomorrowland Jets (because United Airlines complained about the name), then became the Rocket Jets in 1967. Back then, it sat way up on a platform above Tomorrowland, looking like the centerpiece of NASA's fever dream. In 1998, Disneyland gave Tomorrowland a gold-and-bronze steampunk makeover, moved the ride down to ground level, and renamed it Astro Orbitor. Here's the kicker: you used to have a lever to make your rocket go up and down -- just like Dumbo. It gave you some control, some thrill, like you were piloting your own space adventure. Now? Depending on when you ride, that feature feels more "suggested" than real. You spin, you rise, you dip -- but mostly you're just along for the ride, watching the Matterhorn photobomb your orbit. The line? Brutal -- long, slow, and hot. Once you're in, though, the ride itself is charming in a nostalgic, "this used to be the future" kind of way. You strap in, blast off, and spin around like a human satellite. It's short, it's simple, and it's mostly about the view -- Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and a glimpse of Sleeping Beauty Castle all whirl by in neon and nostalgia. The Astro Orbitor is proof that sometimes the future just looks like Dumbo with a paint job. Astro Orbitor is a Tomorrowland classic. It's not the flashiest or the fastest, but it's got history, charm, and the kind of retro-future vibe that reminds you of what Disneyland used to dream the year 2000 would look like. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the selfie with the Matterhorn in the background. read more

Such a cute ride! It's similar to the rocket ship one in DCA, or the dumbo ride. Doesn't really have that "Disney" feel, but still a blast!

So fun!!!!! I love everything Disney. The line is usually pretty long but comes early and you get on fast! What a ride. I see it as the space version of Dumbo and it goes slightly higher. read more

Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

We have two small kids, one under 40" and the other too scared to ride most of the height-limited rides. We spent our first weekend of 2025 at Disneyland and ended both nights with the Astro Orbitor (the one at Disneyland is spelled this way, while the one in Florida is, remarkably, the "Astro Orbiter"). This was not totally by design, though it was in Tomorrowland, conveniently close to the monorail. Our second night, we were planning to finish our trip with It's a Small World, but we arrived just minutes after it closed for the night, in preparation for the fireworks. Our four-year-old, exhausted and bereft, fell to the ground and cried. I place part of the blame for this meltdown on the deceptively long line for Astro Orbitor. This ride is in the same category as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a rotating kiddie ride where you go up and down in one of several spaceships big enough for an adult and a child. The ride time is short, but boarding and deplaning takes a few minutes, and only a handful of people get on for each ride. If there is any kind of line at all, expect to wait for at least 15 minutes. We got lucky our first night because there was almost no line, but got stuck waiting for half an hour our second time around. It is not worth that kind of wait. That said, Astro Orbitor is a nice, easy ride if you're at Disneyland with young children. The movement is gentle but mildly thrilling, and my boys both loved being on a spaceship looking out over the park. I'm sure we'll ride again next time we're at the parks, but we'll make sure to time our visit to avoid a crawling line. read more

Either its age or this attraction is lackluster. I feel like when I go to Disneyland, I ride if it is someone's first time and always underwhelmed. If you want a better style of this ride, I would go on Dumbo personally. read more

Astro Orbitor - Iconic Tomorrowland ride - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

It's been a long time since I have been on the Astro Orbitor. But it was tons of fun! I like the appeal of this steam punk style attraction. Let's head into spaceeeeeeeeeeee. By spinning in circles lol This ride is a breeze! Literally and figuratively lol It is a simple and fun ride, with the wind blowing in your hair. You have some control over your space spice. But it is minimal. You aren't really driving it or anything. But it gives you some sense of agency that you can maneuver it up and down a bit. Fun ride! Highly underrated attraction at Disneyland! read more

What a rocket! Astro Orbitor is a fun time. Honestly, I have avoided this ride for years as well! It seemed like a 2nd or 3rd choice compared to everything else there is to do in the park. I did find it exhilarating though! It's faster and higher than dumbo and I am always mentioning this... you get a spectacular view of the park! Of the castle! Time it right and you get a front row (rotating) seat of the fireworks show! The line is a little longer than Dumbo but I believe this ride is best to go on at night. It's worth it! Just make sure to remove your hat and whatever else can fly off into space! read more

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I am not a fan of the orbiter and its placement at the beginning of Tomorrowland presents a lot of pedestrian problems, The ride itself was underwhelming and I felt it was outdated. While you can adjust your rocket sled and get some views, it's positioning it just odd. The only real pull is that the wait times are usually very good and should tell you all you need to know. read more

Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Another kids attraction. You can blast off to the out space on an astro orbitor - that's the theme. The rockets spin in circles and you get to decide how high high you want to fly. Kids love flying it up and down during that short 90 seconds ride. Not a crazy wait unlike other attractions. Kids will have fun. read more

Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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this ride sucks idk why it always haves a long wait but when i was on it i felt like i was gonna fall off they didn't even put a seatbelt on me read more

Located in Tomorrowland in Disneyland as you enter from Main Street. Basically the same ride as the old Rocket Jets from back in the day. You sit in the rocket and as it goes around in a circle you can adjust the height with the lever by moving it. You get a pretty good view of some of the park from the ride. Overall a fun simple ride. read more

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To me this was a slightly more adult oriented ride than the Dumbo one. While the Dumbo ride allowed you to go up and down only, this Astro Orbitor did the very same thing but at an angle. On the lower end you'd be slightly tilted away from the center so as you orbited, you'd feel like you were about to get thrown out of the ride. Meanwhile on the upper end, you'd be slightly titled toward the center and would feel pulled toward the center as you orbited. It could be dizzying and slightly scary but the strap would keep you safe. read more

Astro Orbitor - The Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Pretty good ride in the entrance on Tomorrowland. Rides like this are at every theme park and in theory this isn't any different. This one probably has the best scenic view. It's a good ride for both parents and kids and for those kids that want to ride by themselves. - Not as cool as the Rocket Jets... - If it's a sunny day there's not a lot of shad in the line. - Line is shorter than the surrounding rides. Keep in mind that the line moves slower than most. read more

Astro Orbitor - Antigravity warning placard. Make sure you stay buckled in your wheelchair. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Astro Orbitor is a fun ride at the entrance to Tomorrowland. It's been years since I have ridden it, but in October we rode it with our 4 year old son and he loved it. One of the best aspects of Disneyland is rediscovering rides with your children. Rides you might otherwise choose not to ride are some of the best for children and it's fun to ride them again. After riding Astro Orbitor, head over to Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, one of my favorites in Tomorrowland. read more

One of my favorite rides in Disneyland back in the day was the Rocket Jets, where you can get into an mini rocket and travel around in a circle while controlling how high you travel (similar to Dumbo in Fantasyland). The Astro Orbitor is the successor to the ride, and it's placed near the entrance to Tomorrowland. Aesthetically, the ride looks like a pleasing sculpture, what with the circling gilded planets and moons on the central pillar. And if you look closely at the tail fins of each rocket, they have a zodiac sign on the top one. The rockets can be a little cramped (not to mention that there's one seatbelt for the maximum of three riders), but once you lift off, it's actually kind of fun. Nothing like looking at the park from a high vantage point, and it's not too fast. If the line is short (as it was for us), the Astro Orbiter is worth a try. read more

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If you are over 6 feet tall, please only attempt to ride with a child under the age of 10. You will be super uncomfortable or not fit at all if you try riding with another adult. Other than that, the ride is great for little ones too short to ride the more exciting roller coasters. read more

Fun ride for kids of all ages. It's a two seater ride where you have your kiddo in front of you, it lifts you up and spins circles around the "orbit." Good views of the park. My two year old wasn't too sure about the ride but in the end, I think she liked it. read more

This isn't a very exciting or thrilling ride, but if you have nothing better to do, you could pass some time on this ride. Each ship can fit up to 3 riders. The ship goes round and round and with the control stick, you can make your ship go up or down. It feels faster with your ship at the lower position, but up or down, you'll be in an awkward tilted position either leaning heavily to the left or the right. Somewhere in between will be the sweet spot where your ship will be level to the ground. read more

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I'll probably never have the nerve to get on this thing again, but it was a fun time! I had no idea what I was in for and the seating arrangement was a big clue. You sit astride a saddle, as it were, or a bench. Anyway, there's no back for the front passenger so you better like the person who's behind you! Adults may have a difficult time getting in and out. But once you're in, strap in and pull that little lever in the front of the ship and go UUUUP! Push it back and go down. I had the controls and had a bunch of fun scaring myself! The finish of the ride was a lot more disconcerting than the ride itself, with the ship actually tipping to the left side for landing. We went at night so I didn't notice any view. It was also cloudy. But it was a fun ride and if you haven't gone on it yet, don't pass it up next time you have the chance. At least just once! read more

Am I the only one who misses when these rockets were up on the platform in Tomorrowland? The Astro Orbitor are the first thing that you come to when you are walking into Tomorrowland. Back in the day they used to be up on the top platform where you got on board the Peoplemover. They are the spinning rocket variety...very much like Dumbo in Fantasyland but you are flying around in a rocket instead of an elephant. Where else besides Disneyland can you fly on an elephant and then walk over and fly on a rocket? The controls are simple enough...you pull back on the lever and you go up. You push the lever away from you and you go down. Not rocket science. Hahaha get it? Rocket science. As these used to be one of my favorite attractions back when I was a kid I wish that the rockets were a little bit bigger. I do not seem to fit into them as well as I did back then. And forget trying to fit two people in there...the last time I did that it was NOT comfortable. Also the line seems to take forever for this ride...the line itself raps around in a circle in between Buzz Lightyear and Star Tours. Not the worst place to get stuck but sometimes you can wait 30 minutes to zoom through space in your rocket. Maybe a Fastpass would be in order? After all is said and done I guess it can be worth the wait...right? :0) read more

Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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Astro Orbiter is a fun ride to hop onto IF the line is short. It has the same concept as Dumbo in which you use a lever to help you descend or ascend smoothly. This ride is a lot smoother and more controlled than Dumbo. The only downside to this ride is the cramped quarters in which you sit. If you are tall or heavyset, this will be an uncomfortable ride for you to get into. I am not a big person but even I find it difficult to sit comfortably in this ride. It's a great ride but seating can be a challenge! read more

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We just discovered this ride yesterday, because it finally opened up again after months of refurbishment. What a fun ride, and it's for any age, any height. It's basically the same type of ride as Flying Dumbo, but faster, and you can decide what height to fly your space rocket. We'll be back again, the wait was about 20 minutes! read more

Always wanted to ride this but the lines are always so long! It looks so fun and futuristic! Line moves so slow even though it was short. Joy stick lets you move up and down. The ride itself is dizzying. I was over it after 2 laps. I felt way more dizzy and lightheaded then riding the teacups. Awesome to look at, not to ride. read more

Astro Orbitor - View from the line. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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3...2...1...BLAST OFF into outer space! This is a fun ride for the little ones and they can have control of their own flight and can direct how high you fly by pulling or pushing the lever inside the ship. People of all ages young and old are able to enjoy this attraction. It's a rocket-spinner attraction of space ship vehicles traveling through space and spinning around a central monument. This attraction is located at the entrance of Tomorrowland in Disneyland and has become an icon at the park. It rotates at a moderate speed but gets up to decent various heights. A fun fact is that Astro Orbiter jets soar at a speed of 11 rotations per minute. Even thought the lines may seem long, they usually move by pretty quickly. A version of Astro Orbiter now exists in all five Disney parks around the world. read more

Located in Tomorrowland, this ride is a lot of fun but I do advise if you are an adult, to ride this attraction solo or otherwise you and your riding partner will have a difficult time getting off it. The design of the jets were definitely made for small children because the size and the width of the seats are extremely narrow and tight. My husband and I rode this ride together and were instantly hurting when we boarded the jets. What's fun about this ride is they have controls in the front that allow you to move sideways, up or down in a very quick motion. You also have spectacular views of the park since the jets reach high levels of elevation in the air. Don't pass up this ride if you are a first time visitor to the park; it should not be missed. read more

This ride is similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction in Fantasyland, except with this attraction, you are flying in rockets and is located in Tomorrowland. It goes in a circle, and there is a lever located at the front of your rocket to make you go up or make you go down. The lever is similar to the handle of a wagon - unlike the knob that you use on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The line for this attraction can get quite long, and I usually will see it at a thirty to forty-five minute wait. I will admit that this attraction is just okay. I am not a fan of the long wait time, and I am not a fan of the rockets themselves. They are a bit difficult to get into and out of, because they slant. I believe a rocket can fit two adults or an adult and two children comfortably - minus the slant. read more

I don't stand in line for this ride too often when at Disneyland unless the line is super short. It has a similar concept of a ride as Dumbo spinning round and round controlling your rocket to go up and down, but it goes a little faster. It's just a little difficult getting in and out of because of the slant it's at when they're on the ground. The preferred rides for us in Tomorrow Land are Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. I think my daughter will enjoy this ride more once she's taller so she'd be able to have a better view out of the rockets. read more

The Astro Orbitor is similar to the Dumbo ride but "flies" higher and, once you've reached the highest point, the spaceships are at a slight angle which adds to the thrill. My 22 month old loves this ride almost as much as Dumbo and on numerous occasions, has whined/cried while yelling, "Again! Again!" repeatedly as soon as the ride starts to slow down. I have a really big bum which I haven't been able to shed since the third trimester of my pregnancy in 2013 and I always feel like I should be trumpeting like the awkward elephant I'm channeling as I get in/out of the narrow spaceships. Also, it's meant to be able to fit 3 people....... ha! There is a seat belt that you share with others sitting the same spaceship with you. read more

As stated by others, this is essentially a grown-up Dumbo; sleek metallic rockets fly in a circle around a spacy center sculpture pillar...thing. Two adults can fit in a rocket, but barely: one of you has to sit between the other's legs, and even though sixth graders frequently top my height and I wasn't with someone who was particularly tall, that rocket was crowded. There's one seatbelt to secure both people, and you get a handle inside to make your rocket go higher or lower. I love Dumbo, because of the colors of the elephants and Timothy's rainbow balloon and at night, all of the lights of Fantasyland, but the Orbitor in the middle of the afternoon is meh. The rockets tilt outward, making you vaguely feel like you're gonna fall out, and I got dizzy after about 30 seconds. You go in a circle. It doesn't feel magical like Dumbo does. Best part: you can see that the PeopleMover track is still on the decorative roof that runs down the middle of this area of Tomorrowland. I miss that ride. read more

Good clean fun! I love the feel of being near more than riding the ride here. I am not into the spinnies, however it is an homage to the history of the park. Thanks to the amazing Cast Members who work so hard to bring this place to life. We Love you, and know that YOU are the Magic here. With out you it is just cool Real Estate! read more

I always do this ride if the wait time is 5 minutes or less. It's sad to see the Rocket Rods track but it's a nice view.

I go to Disneyland annually, if not semi-annually, and I have always skipped over this ride because I get dizzy on such rides. But this time I sent my son and husband on it, and my son loved it. You get the same effect as Dumbo (going up and down in circles), but without the long and slow line. Riders also sit front to back, rather than side-by-side as with Dumbo. Overall a good ride - I'll make sure to stop for my son from now on. read more

Line for the wait isn't as bad, It is actually fun and a cool experience! My sisters enjoyed it and even rode it twice! My wife and i opted out not to do it again because we were tired from all the walking we did at Disneyland that we just wanted to sit and rest, take pictures of my sisters and her sister. Great for the little kids as well, which might be a lil scary for some...but over all with an adult, it is a safe fun fast ride. With Pun intended...it is a fast ride as well...Astro orbitor will loop about approx 11-12 times before slowly ending the ride. It is only about a 1-2 minute ride...but it is fun while it lasts. Wish it was longer! read more

Line can get long so only go when it's short. If you're constantly going up and down it's really fun. Tall people can't fit in the ride so well. My BF and I had issues with leg room... read more

Astro Orbitor - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

The big kid's Dumbo! It goes up, you go around, you control how high or low your rocket goes. Then before you know it, the ride is over. read more

This is the worst ride at DL. It's horribly uncomfortable. The rocket tilts to the left, so when you get in you are automatically leaning left. It's hard to even get out of. Terrible terrible terrible. read more

My parents, my husband, me, and my daughter (18 mos) love this ride! You cannot bring your bag onto the spaceship but you can leave it on deck to the side. Stop by this ride if you have young kids. It's very similar to the Dumbo ride. read more

Located in Tomorrowland, this ride is best for little kids. Each spaceship fits 2 people and spins around in a big circle. Adults might find it boring, but young kids will like controlling the ship as it rises and lowers. read more

It was cool, short ride, nice to snuggle with your boo at night and see the view from a little higher up, I love it because of the astrological signs, go Virgos... Great for kids, kinda scary actually... read more