The HKDL Source

Orbitron

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Like Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Fantasyland, the Orbitron is a 'hub and spoke' attraction. That is, a number of carriages rotate around a central hub, attached by a sturdy spoke. A huge 8 metre diameter map of the universe covers the centre of the attraction, around which the 16 craft spin. During their flight guests in the front row of the saucer can use a joystick to control the altitude, whilst both guests in the back and front rows have access to buttons activating various sound effects. Those who choose not to ride can also watch the mesmerising cycle of the planets above the ride as they spin, rise and fall in synchronisation with each other.

Up to four full adults at a time can board a space craft and fly around the orbits of planets for several minutes. Based on the similar Astro Oribitor that can be found in Disneyland and Walt Disney World - as well as Disneyland Paris - it is a gentle ride that won't cause any major scares to the little ones. It is really a fancy variation on the Carousel, but the height of the ride gives riders a bit of a different vantage point from which to see Tomorrowland and nearby areas of the Theme Park. For added thrill guests sitting in the front of the space craft can control its altitude while guests in the back can activate special sound effects.

This is an ideal ride for smaller children, and is sure to be incredibly popular with preschoolers. That said, with up to 4 adults in a saucer it can also be a rockingly fun ride for groups of older guests that like to satisfy their inner child. Loads slower than some rides, although the higher capacity saucers means that lines go through fairly quickly. The efficient Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members typically assign everybody waiting in line a carriage number (based on how many people there are in the party), so you would never be looking at anything more than a 10 minute wait for this old favourite.

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