Countdown to Astro Orbiter

[Obi-J Kenobi]

My DW and I want to try Astro Orbiter. It is 1 of 2 attractions we have never done at MK (the other being T. Sawyer's Isle) and we are jazzed to blast off. My question is after you get off the elevator to the elevated platform, do you immediately board the ride vehicles or are you held in a bullpen? Typically, is there shade or is it full tilt open air? Just tryin to get a better understanding of the ride queue and boarding.

There are no a lot of Astro Orbiter threads. Hmmmmmm......

 

[Traver Freeman]

I haven't done it either, but from the videos I've seen it's not straight onto the ride. It's going to be similar to Aladdin's Magic carpets. You'll have to wait until the current ride finishes, then once you get on the ride, they'll bring more people up so they are ready and waiting when your ride is done.

 

[Timmy Boy]

When you get off the elevator you wait in a little covered area for the ride in front of you to exit.

 

[TexanInTheMidwest]

You enter the elevator and then are held on the platform until the previous riders get off.

And unless you are both petite, I would each ride in my own vehicle. I tried to ride with my 6 foot 2 DH a few years ago and it just wouldn't work for both of us in the same rocket.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Helpful hint--

Take your rocket all the way to the top as soon as you can.
This will put you in a "banked turn" and there will be less side force on your body. You will be able to focus on looking around and enjoying the unique view.

If you leave the rocket at the bottom or only halfway up, the sideways force will cause you to focus all your effort on trying to keep your body from wanting to lean to the outside of the rocket seat (that is uncomfortable)

I am not suggesting this ride is intense.....it is not....but for the most enjoyment for your first ride, take the rocket up promptly.

 

[gatorlisa]

Great views from up there, especially at night! Like others have said, you do get held for a moment, pretty much just for the current ride to finish and unload. Most of your waiting time will be down at the bottom.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

Thank you one and all for the helpful information. May the Force be with you.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I love this ride! The rocket is sort of like a bathtub, and I think it's pretty relaxing to be spinning around and enjoying the view. It's a very slow-loading ride, so I actually try to hit this around rope drop if I can. It's also nice late in the day, when everything is lit up.

 

[loves to dive]

So glad you started this thread. I've always wanted to ride this but my son (adult) is not fond of heights so we just never have. I'm going solo week after next and it's on my list of things to do. Every solo trip, I try to do one thing I've never done before. We have been going to WDW since the early 80s and there are still so many things I've never done. When we first started going my son was just shy of 3 but he never had any desire to do most of the kiddie rides and because of the height thing we've never done Dumbo or the Carpets. Honestly, most of the stuff we haven't done is in MK, we've done most of the stuff in the other parks. Last year was the very first time we did Small World and that was just because Hubby went with us and he forced us to as punishment for making him go.