Monday, April 09, 2007

Rocket Jets, 1967

The Rocket Jets debuted on July 2nd 1967 as part of a massive effort to update Tomorrowland. The "New Tomorrowland" officially opened on July 18th of that same year. It is amazing to think that the construction for this overhaul - which also introduced the Peoplemover, the Carousel of Progress, the Tomorrowland Terrace, and Monsanto's Adventure Through Inner Space (in August) - took about 10 months. How many years has it taken to upgrade the Submarine Voyage? How long did it take to fix Space Mountain?


While this slide is dated 1967, we don't know what month the photo was taken. The Rocket Jets sure look new and shiny though! On the upper level, you can see two cast members (hot babes, it appears!) assisting guests as they load up the rockets. Below that is the load area for the Peoplemover, which was obviously not in operation on that day. I always loved the simple-yet-ingenious rotating platform, so that you boarded a Peoplemover vehicle that was not moving in relation to you.

And just visible at ground level is the relocated Space Bar. I had no idea that there was a Space Bar after the original was removed, but here's the picture to prove it. I'll have a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke.
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2 comments:

  1. FoxxFur2:20 PM

    I was surprised to discover a few years ago that there was not only a second Space Bar, but a third as well - the similar location at Walt Disney World under the WEDWay and Rocket Jets was also named The Space Bar.

    But if you ask me, what we really need is a revival of The Yacht Bar!

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  2. walterworld5:51 PM

    Since the PeopleMover doesn't appear to be running, I wonder where this shot was taken from? Perhaps the second story of the Carousel of Progress?

    Keep up the great work and thanks for keeping this up on a daily basis!

    http://freetv-airconditioned.blogspot.com/

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