The mechanism for Rocket Jets on top of the PeopleMover was re-used as a kinetic satellite-themed sculpture known as the Observatron, built from the same skeletal structure. One concept drawing had guests boarding the attraction underground and others had the center of the attraction featuring a water moat (similar to the "Dumbo the Flying Elephant" attraction in Fantasyland). Instead, it was relocated to the entrance of Tomorrowland, and placed on ground level, thus making the ride the new focal point as guests step from the main plaza of Disneyland into Tomorrowland. The Astro Orbitor was planned to be placed where the Rocket Jets were, but weighed too much for the current building. The new version is a replica of the Orbitron, Machines Volantes at Disneyland Paris. The new form of the attraction opened one year later as Astro Orbitor. This version remained open until 1997, when it closed for renovations with the rest of Tomorrowland. The focal point of this version was its replica Saturn V/ NASA-themed rocket in the center. This version was located on top of the new PeopleMover platform, and was accessible from ground level via an elevator. The attraction returned in August 1967 as the Rocket Jets. The name lasted until September 1966, when the attraction was closed to make room for the new renovated Tomorrowland. After this dispute, the name was changed to Tomorrowland Jets. The name Astro Jets was changed in 1964 when United Airlines, as a new park sponsor (sponsoring "The Enchanted Tiki Room"), contended the name was free advertising for American Airlines' coast-to-coast Astrojet service. The attraction stood between the Submarine Voyage and Rocket to the Moon. The "jets" made a 50-foot circle around a large red-checkered rocket and guests were able climb upwards of 36 feet in their ride vehicles from the ground level they were boarded at. The attraction was made by Klaus Company Bavaria and similar to several versions found in traveling carnivals. A Hulk Hogan Connection?: After it was removed, the rocket that served as the hub for Star Jets was painted and made an appearance in the television series Thunder in Paradise starring wrestler Hulk Hogan, Chris Lemmon (son of Jack Lemmon), and swimsuit model Carol Alt.In 1956, the first rocket-spinner attraction opened at Disneyland and was known as the Astro Jets.The Attraction's History: Astro Orbiter remains essentially unchanged from when it opened in 1995. At around the same time, the name of the WEDway People Mover was changed to Tomorrowland Transit Authority. In 1994, Star Jets closed, was torn down, and Astro Orbiter was built, premiering in 1995. On July 1, 1975, WEDway People Mover opened and the area pretty much took on its current form. Star Jets was an attraction along the same lines as the current Astro Orbiter, though it had fewer rockets and they orbited around a large rocket ship. Construction soon began however and on November 28, 1974, Star Jets opened. When the park opened the space now occupied by Astro Orbiter and Tomorrowland Transit Authority was completely empty.
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