A Walt Disney World Ride Was Just Pulled Out Of The Park Ahead Of Refurbishment, And I Didn’t Even Realize They Could Do That

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Walt Disney World attractions frequently undergo renovations. It’s uncommon to visit this enchanted destination without encountering construction barriers at some point during your journey. During these periods, improvements are made, which often involve routine maintenance. However, occasionally, the rides emerge from refurbishment with significant updates or changes.

At present, Magic Kingdom’s The Astro Orbitor, a floating carousel situated in Tomorrowland, is undergoing renovation. Interestingly, this refurbishment doesn’t involve any construction barriers because the ride itself is already three stories up in the air. Moreover, as of today, you won’t find the Astro Orbitors… they’ve been removed. It’s simply… it’s just not there anymore.

Astro Orbitors Has Been Removed From Magic Kingdom, But It Will Be Back

If a ride like Tom Sawyer Island is going to be transformed into something new, it’s only natural for us to anticipate its removal. However, contrary to popular belief, Astro Orbitors isn’t being replaced; it’s just undergoing refurbishment. Surprisingly, all the visible components of the ride mechanism have vanished as of this morning, as seen in pictures taken by Blog Mickey. But fear not, Astro Orbitors will be back after its makeover!

It hadn’t crossed my mind that someone could simply use a crane to lift and transport the Astro Orbitor out of the amusement park, given its size and complexity isn’t as substantial as some other attractions worldwide.

The outside appearance remains intact, yet the operational aspect of the attraction has completely vanished, leaving one with the impression that nothing was ever there. It’s somewhat unsettling to gaze upon the empty platform, as if the entire ride had vanished mysteriously, like Carman Sandiego swooped in and whisked it away overnight.

The Astro Orbitor underwent a substantial renovation at Disneyland not too long ago, and it looks like its counterpart in the Magic Kingdom is due for a similar facelift. Regular maintenance ensures that these attractions don’t malfunction severely when it’s less convenient to do so. Although Disney World is always bustling, the time right after the holiday season comes closest to being considered a “quiet” period for the resort.

As a seasoned movie critic, I must share my recent experience: Upon visiting Disneyland, I was disappointed to find the Astron Orbiter, nestled at the threshold of Tomorrowland from Main Street U.S.A., ensconced behind standard construction walls. Contrary to some rumors, the ride did not depart from the park.

However, it’s no secret that the Magic Kingdom’s version of this ride soars higher and offers more breathtaking vistas, making it a clear winner in the Disney World vs Disneyland debate.

What Happens Next?

I am curious about the future changes to this attraction. Will it be repaired or refurbished offsite and then put back in its original condition, or will it need to be rebuilt almost entirely from scratch, like the Astro Orbitor of Theseus?

In the forthcoming weeks and months, it remains to be seen exactly how things will unfold. The Astro Orbitor is slated to resume operation only by summertime, leaving us potentially enduring several months with an expansive, vacant structure altering the landscape of Magic Kingdom significantly.

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2025-01-28 03:07