Saturday, July 01, 2006

Astro-Jets, November 1964


Here's a nice look at the Astro-Jets ride, with the Moonliner looming dramatically in the background. Douglas took over sponsorship of "Rocket to the Moon" in 1960 I believe...it was nice to still have the rocket, but it wasn't as graphically striking as it had been with the TWA markings. I do love the fact that it would occasionally spout "steam", as if it was just getting ready to lift off.

The Astro-Jets were a surprisingly "off the shelf" attraction that operated for many years. They were, of course, replaced with the Rocket Jets for the 1967 Tomorrowland. While the ride itself was not much different, it was brilliantly placed atop the Peoplemover loading area, making for an attraction that was as much fun to look at as it was to ride.

1 comment:

Matterhorn1959 said...

The Astro Jets off the shelf ride was also used for the Dumbo ride in Fantasyland. If I remember correctly the rides were from a German manufacturer. One of the local old amusement parks in Denver has a similar ride (with similar theming) from the 1950s and it is fun to ride.