Originally Posted By Moon Waffle Can someone please explain why this thing never functions anymore? I mean, even though it is rather pointless, at least when it was operating it was something to look at that added a bit of energy and motion to Tomorrowland. I just don't understand why, with as weak as this area of the park currently is, they aren't at least keeping it operating. Thanks ahead of time...
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Seems like I remember it working the last time I in the park. Is it supposed to work hourly or what? I have no idea. Anyhoo, it is SO pathetic I am not sure if I care if it works or not.
Originally Posted By DismayingObservation I think it fires off every fifteen minutes. It was working the last time I was there. Every time I see it work, I can't help but wonder hw much more useful (and fun) it would be if it was a ride and not some artsy-fartsy whirligig. WDI, now is the time to put the Astro Orbiter back where it belongs, even if it means keeping the Jules Verne theming to seal the deal. Please? Pretty please? Few Tomorrowland attractions were as fun.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Last week I noticed the music going .. and no movement. I hope this is the next to the last nail in the coffin for another piece of TL:98. Good ridance.
Originally Posted By DlandDug It's been spinning and playing every 15 minutes every time I have been by lately...
Originally Posted By DismayingObservation The music's cool, but that thing spinning around is the biggest non-event in the park. Heck, IASW's time announcement is more exciting.
Originally Posted By Skellington88 From what I know it stoped working like two days after "new tomorrowland" opened and didnt work again untill Matt Ouimet showed up and had them repair it. It know works daily like its supposed to right?
Originally Posted By oc_dean Just incase some folks are just tuning in to this thing called the "Observatron" ... It's the exact same mechanism for the 1967 Rocket Jets .. which is also .. the same mechanism to the 1956 Astro Jets. Time to retire this 50 year old mechanism once and for all.
Originally Posted By oc_dean But I do need to stress one element I ALWAYS liked with the '67 Rocket Jets that still runs to this day as "Observatron". The air pistons on all 11 arms make a cool "wsssshhhhhhhhh" noise. Like a rocket blasting off. Which was one of the best elements. Orbitron out in the front .. makes no sounds like that at all. That's a missing (needed) element .. that IF this ride ever gets back on it's "1967" perch .... that cool "wssssshhhh" noise should be part of this "Rocket Journey blasting off" in circles in Tomorrowland!
Originally Posted By DismayingObservation The basic infrastructure is still there. If they can resurrect the Subs, they can certainly resurrect the Rocket Jets. I like pop art and I like kitsch, but there's something abot whirling barbecue grills with a Captain Billy Whiz-Bang laser pistol on top that really doesn't resonate with me.
Originally Posted By DlandDug The Observatron has been working quite consistently since 1998. There have been only a couple of brief periods when it was not running for one reason or another. As much as people claim that it's a big waste, they certainly do spend time fretting about its operating status.
Originally Posted By cwade I think it's time for a new tomorrowland again, perhaps something similar to WDW? Or here's a shocker: A NEW CONCEPT in tomorrowland of some sort, not sure what, but really, something that actually looks futuristic. I would also like to see them resurect the People Mover somehow, as that track just sitting there empty is so sad looking.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I've seen it working on my infrequent visits. But every time I do, I just think how sad it looks, knowing what it used to be. By the way, it took me till my most recent visit to figure out just why the AO where it is is so very, very wrong. It's not only that it's down on the ground now, making the ride itself less fun. It's not only that it creates a bottleneck. It's not only that it's visible from the hub in an obtrusive way. I knew all that before. But when I rode it this time, I noticed for the first time that the view the RIDER gets now is as much Main Street and the castle as it is TL. That's just wrong. The Rocket Jets gave you a great view of (primarily) the world of Tomorrow. Now you're in a rocket viewing the Victorian Plaza Inn and a medieval castle? The current location is just wrong on so many levels (pun intended).
Originally Posted By dr jones While we were there this past week, every time we were in Tommorrowland the music and sound effects for the Observatron would start, but the thing didn't move. It just made it more stupid than it already is. Also, has anyone gone in to watch the movie celebrating the 50th, and looked at all the vintage pictures and such of the "old" Tommorrowland? I really miss the way it was even when I was a kid in the 70's. Tommorrowland had such great kinetic energy happening, with the People Mover and the Monorail overhead, not to mention the Skyway. And the biggest one of all, the Rocket Jets up on top of the PM loading area. Tommorrowland needs some love and attention.
Originally Posted By DismayingObservation ^^I'm optimistic. The Subs are an incredible start. Lots of potential in Tomorrowland and I think the powers-that-be know it.
Originally Posted By Skellington88 yea they will bring back the peoplemover and rocket jets...WITH A PIXAR THEME!
Originally Posted By DismayingObservation I like Pixar, but I have to agree that there is such a thing as overkill. Pixar-themed Peoplemover...? Ick.
