As Magic Kingdom continues to grow with what’s being called its largest expansion ever, guests at Walt Disney World Resort are experiencing a mix of anticipation and a few surprises.
While areas like Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America are surrounded by construction walls and drained waterways, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains unavailable, another familiar Tomorrowland icon recently paused operations. Just weeks after completing a major refurbishment, Astro Orbiter quietly closed for multiple days, without explanation.
The attraction, located near the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and Space Mountain, had only just reopened on June 27, 2025, following a months-long closure that began in January. The refurbishment aimed to prepare the guest-favorite ride for the summer season at the world’s most visited theme park.
On Sunday, July 13, Astro Orbiter shut down unexpectedly in the afternoon and remained closed on July 14 and July 15. Guests hoping for a high-flying experience during those days found the platform dormant, and the reason for the extended downtime was not publicly shared by Disney.
Operations resumed quietly on the afternoon of July 16, with the attraction reported to have started up again around 2 p.m., wrapping up a 72-hour closure. At the time of publication, Astro Orbiter is scheduled to follow normal hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting July 17.
This ride is also part of Early Theme Park Entry, giving eligible guests the chance to soar through the skies beginning at 8:30 a.m., ahead of the general public.
According to the official Walt Disney World Resort website, Astro Orbiter invites guests to “Hold on tight as your retro 2-passenger spacecraft levitates high into the air, picks up speed and begins orbiting a galaxy of planets while the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland whirl by far below.”
As Magic Kingdom’s expansion continues and refurbishments reshape guest experiences, temporary closures like this are an occasional part of the journey. But for guests arriving eager to explore everything the park has to offer, timing can sometimes become a matter of luck.
Have you ever encountered a surprise closure during your visit to Walt Disney World Resort? We want to hear your story—share it in the comments!
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