After months of anticipation and uncertainty, Disney enthusiasts can rejoice as Disneyland Resort has officially confirmed the return of the beloved Astro Orbitor ride. Meanwhile, Disney unveiled new details of its extensive development project, DisneylandForward, during a city council meeting in Anaheim, California. The city's official website confirms that Disney has committed to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion over the next decade to revitalize various aspects of the iconic park.
The ambitious project encompasses the expansion of areas west of Disneyland Drive and the Toy Story Parking Area. While the initial investment is set at $1.9 billion, the overall funding required for the complete project could reach up to $2.5 billion.
Revealed Reopening Date of Astro Orbitor After Extensive Refurbishment
A staple in the theme park's Tomorrowland section, Astro Orbitor closed its gates for refurbishment in November 2023, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news of its reopening.
The Disneyland Resort website has been updated with the long-awaited news, providing an official reopening date for Astro Orbitor. Starting March 8, 2024, visitors can once again experience the joy of this iconic ride. The nearly five-month-long refurbishment period, although atypical for most theme park attractions, promises an enhanced and refreshed Astro Orbitor experience for park-goers.
While Astro Orbitor may be considered a standard amusement park ride, its significance as a Disney theme park staple cannot be overstated. Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the ride elevates guests into the air and rotates them for a few magical minutes. Its simplicity allows for easy replication, with versions present at other Disney parks worldwide, including Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.
A Disney Wonderland with Themes from Beloved Movies
Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, in September, teased the introduction of themes from popular Disney movies like "Frozen," "Coco," "Black Panther," "Tangled," "Peter Pan," "Zootopia," "Toy Story," and "Tron" within the next decade. Several of these themes are already present in Disney parks worldwide. For instance, Frozen Ever After is a hit at Epcot in Disney World, and TRON-themed coasters can be experienced in both Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Shanghai Disneyland.
DisneylandForward not only aims to enchant visitors with new attractions but also proposes initiatives to benefit the local community. Plans include affordable housing, a three-acre community park, and upgrades to streets and transportation.
The proposal will undergo further scrutiny in additional City Council hearings scheduled for April and May. Disney's commitment to community welfare and the potential impact of the massive development project on the city's infrastructure will likely be key points of discussion.
