The Adventure Thru Inner Space (1967–1985) was a mind-bending dark ride in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, shrinking guests to the size of an atom for a psychedelic journey through molecular wonders. Sponsored by Monsanto, this innovative attraction blended science, imagination, and 1960s flair until outdated concepts and the sponsor’s exit led to its replacement by Star Tours.
Here are 10 fun facts about this far-out ride, packed with atomic nostalgia and Disneyland magic!
- Shrink-Ray Spectacle: Opened on August 5, 1967, as part of “New Tomorrowland,” Adventure Thru Inner Space was Disneyland’s first major dark ride to use the Omnimover system, guiding “Atommobiles” through a microscopic world, a feat of Imagineering wizardry.
- Monsanto’s Science Pitch: Sponsored by chemical giant Monsanto, the ride promoted scientific discovery, tying to their slogan “Better Living Through Chemistry.” The queue featured a giant Monsanto logo and a mock lab, setting a futuristic tone.
- Snowflake to Atom: Guests were “shrunk” via a Mighty Microscope, entering a snowflake that dissolved into molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles. The effect, using projections and mirrors, made riders feel tinier than a speck of dust!
- Trippy Visuals: The ride’s surreal scenes included pulsating atomic nuclei, glowing electron orbits, and a giant eye (the scientist observing you). Its psychedelic aesthetic, with neon colors and eerie lights, screamed 1960s sci-fi cool.
- Haunting Soundtrack: The ride’s score, “Miracles from Molecules,” by the Sherman Brothers, was a hypnotic anthem. Paired with Paul Frees’ ominous narration (“You are now smaller than the smallest wavelength of light!”).
- Omnimover Innovation: The clamshell-shaped Atommobiles rotated to focus on key scenes, carrying 3,600 guests per hour. This system, later used in Haunted Mansion, let Imagineers control the story, a first for dark rides.
- Dated by Science: By the 1980s, the ride’s simplified atomic model felt outdated as quantum physics advanced. Monsanto’s 1984 withdrawal, amid shifting corporate priorities, sealed its fate, with closure on September 2, 1985.
- Star Tours Takeover: The ride’s building was revamped for Star Tours in 1987, leveraging the Star Wars craze. The queue’s Monsanto microscope became a droid repair bay.
- Hidden Tributes: The ride’s legacy lingers—a Monsanto logo is etched in Star Tours’ queue, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage’s volcano scene nods to Inner Space’s molecular vibes.
- Fun Ride Exit: The ride’s exit passed through a Monsanto showroom, displaying plastic products like carpets and countertops.
