Another Disney World ride will close in January 2025.
We already know that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for at least a year beginning January 6th, 2025. And over in Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids will close for refurbishment on January 6th. Also in Animal Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin will be closing permanently on January 13th, 2025, to make way for the new Tropical Americas land. Now, Disney has just announced that a Tomorrowland ride will close soon. Let’s take a look!
The Astro Orbiter will close January 13th, 2025, for refurbishment in Disney World. The ride will not re-open until Summer 2025, according to Disney World’s website.
Astro Orbiter is an aerial carousel attraction (that means it goes in a circle like a carousel, but you’re suspended in air in your ride vehicle). Disney World has several of these attractions — including the classic Dumbo and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Magic Kingdom. What makes Astro Orbiter different is that you are soaring above Tomorrowland — the ride is mounted atop the PeopleMover platform.
Astro Orbiter opened as Star Jets in 1974 at Disney World, as part of a Tomorrowland expansion. It was overhauled in 1994 and renamed Astro Orbiter.
The last lengthy closure of the Astro Orbiter was in 2019, when it was closed from July through September.
Keep following DFB for the latest Disney World news!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you love Astro Orbiter? Would you like to see any changes to it? Let us know in the comments!
Jack says
It strikes me as odd that they would close an iconic attractive Big Thunder Mountain for an extended period in 2025. Any major changes next year should be put on hold, until 2026. Take down the walls and have everything at capacity operationally. Because you would think that the Disney execs would realize that they are going to have to be battle ready, to not lose a ton of money, with Universals EPIC Universe opening this year.