Astro Orbiter was closed for refurbishment for several months in 2025, but the ride is now suffering a major malfunction.
Astro Orbiter
The ride closed in January 2025 and was dismantled and removed from the park so work could be completed off-site. The ride reopened in June, and other than some minor repainting the ride remained mostly the same.
However, the center column of the attraction is not operating correctly anymore. According to sources, this is due to one piece being installed incorrectly during refurbishment, and the center column is not moving at all. This is causing the ride to only elevate to half of its normal height. Essentially, when guests control the ride vehicle it does not go all the way up.
We confirmed this information with Cast Members at Astro Orbiter that it will need to be taken apart to fix the issue, but we are unsure if or how that will take place. Most guests will not notice that their ride vehicle isn’t going all the way up. The rationale is that some flying is better than no flying at all. Since the malfunction doesn’t compromise safety, it can be fixed at a future date. Our reporter was able to confirm that the ride vehicle only elevates if you pull up on the bar, and will not go all the way up.
@wdwnt The Astro Orbiter isn’t flying rockets as high as they used to! What gives? 🚀 Do you think Disney will repair the recently refurbished ride back to it’s former glory? ☄️ Let us know in the comments below!👇 For more details on the Astro Orbiter be sure to visit our website at WDWNT.com! #disneyparks #waltdisneyworld #tomorrowland #magickingdom #wdwnt ♬ Rocket Man (Remix) – Ultimate Pop Hits
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