Astro Orbiter refurbishment dates set for summer 2014

[evnted]

Yup, at MK today and planets are up and look a bit brighter than before

 

[evnted]

Just another view

 

[Mike S]

Haven't some those planets been missing for a while even before this refurb? Looks like they're all back now. I hope they spin again.........

 

[Clamman73]

Haven't some those planets been missing for a while even before this refurb? Looks like they're all back now. I hope they spin again.........

I started to compare the current pics from some I took in October...take a look - sparse.

 

[cjk0318]

I started to compare the current pics from some I took in October...take a look - sparse.
View attachment 64946

At least they added the remaining planets!

 

[rct247]

Another view of the planets and the elevators from today (9/6/2014)

 

[spectromagic04]

Glad to see TDO finally getting at least one refurbishment done right without them half doing it!

 

[lnsemsf]

Glad to see TDO finally getting at least one refurbishment done right without them half doing it!

If the planets don't spin once the ride is back open, will it then only be half done or does just adding them back in static form count as completed? I'm always curious to see what people expect out of a refurb.

 

[roj2323]

Glad to see TDO finally getting at least one refurbishment done right without them half doing it!

There is still time for them to screw it up. Don't jinks it.

 

[TubaGeek]

If the planets don't spin once the ride is back open, will it then only be half done or does just adding them back in static form count as completed? I'm always curious to see what people expect out of a refurb.

Reasons this refurb is half-@$$ed:
- No spinning planets
- Same small, awkward cars as before
- Exposed center carousel
- Same cloth seatbelts
- Same broken elevators (if you have a choice, take the one on the right. It's less likely to trap you in with 15 other people)
- Lack of interaction or innovation
- Ride is so loud while lowering that you can't here the CM's spiel
- Lack of proper signage to let ONE person SAFELY staff the ride area
- Lack of additional exit signs so guests exiting the ride know where to go
- Fixing the issue where the supports in the ground holding the whole thing up were quite literally pushing through the concrete.

Yes, much of this is speculative, but I'm confident that a healthy majority of these issues will remain unfixed.

 

[jmmc]

If the planets don't spin once the ride is back open, will it then only be half done or does just adding them back in static form count as completed? I'm always curious to see what people expect out of a refurb.

I think, as with any refurb, some people expect some fresh paint, and a little maintenance, while others expect a brand new renovated ride with new story elements, interactive displays and audio animatronics.

 

[wdwjmp239]

It is, indeed. Should look like new by September

Just got back from MK and the construction walls are still up around AO.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Just got back from MK and the construction walls are still up around AO.

You quoted an old message of mine (from March) and Disney has since extended this refurb from an original August reopening to the current date.

 

[wdwmagic]

PHOTOS - Planets return to the Astro Orbitor as refurbishment continues

 

[Tim Lohr]

I think the new red, blue, orange, paint job on the Rocket Tower/TTA station looks much better now that the planets are back

 

[cjkeating]

Was just wondering if anyone has a video of the planets spinning? I did a YouTube search but couldn't find anything.

 

[rct247]

The crane is gone today according from my friends in Tomorrowland. Construction walls are still up around the elevators. The construction walls at the top are down though.

The planets have not spun since early 2011. There is a big concern that they will not spin when the attraction returns.

 

[Mike S]

The crane is gone today according from my friends in Tomorrowland. Construction walls are still up around the elevators. The construction walls at the top are down though.

The planets have not spun since early 2011. There is a big concern that they will not spin when the attraction returns.

Really? Feels longer. Were the smaller planets still there in 2011?

 

[jt04]

The planets look amazing but make the elevator look archaic. Replacing it with something new should be a priority on someone's list eventually. It just does not work with the newest new retro-Tomorrowland restoration refurb.

In my opinion.

 

[Rinx]

Was at MK today and while on TTA got a peak of some of the rockets. The body of the rockets are a shiny teal shade with gold fins and a little bit of red in there as well. Sorry, no pics to share. As for the size of the rockets, I don't usually ride the attraction but I'd say from what I see they are about the same.