Remembering Disneyland’s Futuristic Attraction: Tomorrowland Flying Saucers
Let’s take a journey back in time to the magical place of Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It’s September 5th, 1966, and the iconic Flying Saucers attraction is about to take its last flight.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Flying Saucers, the reasons behind its closure, and its enduring legacy.
The Birth of Disneyland’s Flying Saucers
The Flying Saucers attraction, also known as Tomorrowland Flying Saucers, was one of Disneyland’s original Tomorrowland attractions when the park opened its gates on July 17, 1955. Designed by Imagineer Bob Gurr, this futuristic ride was inspired by the concept of hovercraft technology, which was gaining prominence during that era.
Photo: D23
The attraction featured a series of 16 saucer-shaped vehicles, each large enough to accommodate one or two riders. These saucers floated on a cushion of air, allowing guests to glide gracefully across a 16,000-square-foot arena.
Photo: designtel
The Magic of Flying Saucers
As guests boarded the saucers, they discovered the magic of hovering on a cushion of air, much like science fiction had promised for years. Riders could control the direction and speed of their saucers by shifting their body weight, creating a delightful sense of freedom.
Photo: yesterland
It was an exhilarating experience that made visitors feel like they were truly piloting their own futuristic spacecraft. The attraction was not only a technological marvel but also a visual spectacle.
Photo: D23
The thrill of mastering the art of saucer maneuvering drew in visitors of all ages, making it a beloved addition to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.
The Decline and Closure
Despite its initial popularity, the Flying Saucers attraction faced challenges that eventually led to its closure. One of the primary issues was the complexity and cost of maintenance.
Photo: yesterland
Keeping the saucers floating on a cushion of air required a significant amount of manpower and resources. Additionally, the ride experienced frequent breakdowns, leading to frustrated visitors.
Photo: Yesterland
Another factor contributing to the closure was the limited capacity of the attraction and high wait times. With only 16 saucers in operation, as the park continued to grow in popularity, the long lines and wait times for the Flying Saucers became a point of contention.
The Last Flight
On September 5, 1966, Disneyland bid farewell to the Flying Saucers attraction. While the Flying Saucers were beloved by many, they had become increasingly impractical to maintain and operate.
Photo: D23
The saucers were replaced by the Tomorrowland Stage, a multipurpose entertainment venue. Although this change marked the end of the Flying Saucers, it paved the way for new attractions that would capture the spirit of Tomorrowland and continue to inspire generations of Disney fans.
Photo: Yesterland
As we reflect on the closure of Disneyland’s Flying Saucers on this day in 1966, we remember not only the ride itself but also the sense of wonder and innovation it represented.
Photo: worlds fair photos
The Flying Saucers attraction may have been a short-lived chapter in Disneyland’s history, but its legacy is evidence of the power of imagination of Walt Disney’s dream. Today, as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of theme park attractions, we will always remember those saucers that once allowed us to soar through Tomorrowland.
Photo: davelandweb.com
Do you have a fond memory of the Tomorrowland Flying Saucers? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to follow MickeyBlog.com to stay updated on your favorite Disney park news!
