Flight to the Moon (1967–1975) was a Tomorrowland attraction at Disneyland, running from August 12, 1967, to January 5, 1975, simulating a lunar journey with a Mission Control preshow and immersive theater effects. Sponsored by McDonnell Douglas, it updated the original Rocket to the Moon (1955–1966) but closed after the Apollo 11 landing made it feel outdated, giving way to Mission to Mars. Here are 10 fun facts about this Space Age adventure:
- New Tomorrowland Star: Opened on August 12, 1967, as part of Tomorrowland’s major 1967 overhaul, Flight to the Moon replaced Rocket to the Moon with advanced technology, reflecting the Apollo program’s lunar ambitions and a more realistic spaceflight simulation.
- Mission Control Preshow: Guests entered a replica NASA control room where Audio-Animatronic technicians monitored screens, and a director named Tom Morrow briefed them on the mission, complete with a humorous incident involving a bird crashing into the rocket.
- Circular Theater Setup: The attraction’s theater featured over 100 seats arranged in a circle around dual screens—one on the ceiling showing the approaching moon and one on the floor depicting Earth receding, starting with a view of Anaheim.
- Vibrating Seat Effects: Seats used compressed air to simulate G-forces during “blast-off” and weightlessness in lunar orbit, enhancing the illusion of space travel with subtle vibrations synchronized to the film.
- McDonnell Douglas Backing: Sponsored by McDonnell Douglas, a major aerospace firm, the attraction prominently displayed their branding on signage and in spiels, with the company funding a complete rebuild of the original ride’s infrastructure.
- Side-Screen Astronauts: Additional screens on the theater walls showed astronauts performing tasks on the moon’s surface, adding a narrative layer to the journey and showcasing lunar exploration activities.
- 18-Minute Journey: The experience lasted 18 minutes, including a 6-minute preshow in Mission Control and a 12-minute main show, cycling through launch, lunar orbit, surface exploration, and return to Earth. The preshow included a “Moon Globe” prop, a glowing model used by Tom Morrow to illustrate the lunar trajectory, adding a tactile element to the briefing.
- D-Ticket Status: Requiring a D-ticket, the attraction was a mid-tier draw compared to E-ticket thrill rides like the Matterhorn, with a capacity of over 100 guests per show, making it accessible but not a headliner.
- Walt’s Space Legacy: Inspired by Walt Disney’s 1955 TV collaboration with Wernher von Braun for Man and the Moon, the attraction incorporated NASA consultation to ensure scientific accuracy, reflecting Walt’s passion for space education.
- Post-Apollo Closure: The real Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, diminished the ride’s novelty, as simulated lunar trips couldn’t compete with actual footage, leading to its closure on January 5, 1975, for a Mars-themed retool.
