Monday, March 17, 2008

Flying Saucers, July 1961

The Flying Saucers were much-loved during their relatively brief time at Disneyland. They've been gone for over 40 years, but a similar ride will be making its debut in Disney's California Adventure sometime in the next year or two. But instead of a Flying Saucer, you'll be in a flying tire. Ooooookay! Luigi's Roamin' Tires (remember Luigi from "Cars"?) will be the name of the attraction.


I wonder how they'll address the problem of relatively low rider capacity? Not to mention the issue of heavier guests, which has already proven problematic on a few of the boat rides. I'm sure that today's computers can readily handle all of the old mechanical problems that used to plague the original ride. Because nothing ever goes wrong with computers! Anyway, I'm looking forward to this new take on the classic attraction, and can't wait to float on a cushion of air.

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8 comments:

  1. Matterhorn19595:17 AM

    Very nice slides. I have heard some rumblings the ride may not happen due to legal liability- i.e. is the risk of injury to riders worth the reward of the fun. Not only are us humans heavier than in 1961, but also are more likely to sue for an injury caused by the ride.

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  2. Major Pepperidge6:49 AM

    I forgot to mention that I have never been a real fan of bumper cars, even floating ones. Maybe I'm lame, but I don't like getting crashed into, and feel bad about targeting somebody else!

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  3. Unknown7:22 AM

    Major - Matterhorn raises relevant points but I hope against hope this returns in some form.

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  4. The Viewliner Limited7:30 AM

    This was the most fun ride of all in Tomorrowland for me. A agree with you Major. But I do not remember people being very aggresive when I was on this ride. (I quess it would be different today, seems like aggression is to much a part of life in many instances.) For me it was all about the sensation of gliding on air, a unique feeling. It was a great ride and when the ride was over, you quickly ran to the back of the line, to ride it all over again. Wonderful pictures.

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  5. Unknown1:37 PM

    What great shots. That is an amzing backdrop for the ride!

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  6. Anonymous2:12 PM

    Some of the best memories of Disneyland involve the Flying Saucers. For a few,rather than bumping into each other, the "fun" was to have them bounce up and down. Must have been very hard on the equipment and was a bit of a trick to achieve. For me, I just wanted to scoot all the way across the "floor" without hitting anyone. Man, it would be great to have them back in the new concept.

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  7. Disneyana World6:59 PM

    This attraction has fascinated me endlessly.

    I hope it was as much fun as I assume it would be.

    Wonderful post.

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  8. Unknown10:01 AM

    I rode the flying saucers at the age of 4 the same day that Uncle Walt brought Nehru to Disneyland. A very exciting first visit for me. I was disapointed that I was refused entry to the Autopia because of my small stature, but I've gotten over it.

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