Rocket Jet -PeopleMover station concept c.1965
artist unknown
As WED Enterprises began to clear space to make way for the Carousel of Progress return to Disneyland from the New York World's Fair, it was clear that a whole new Tomorrowland was needed. Americans were becoming more sophisticated and NASA was developing REAL rocket ships destined for the Moon and beyond. Walt was excited about having his Imagineers create a whole second level adding addition space for 1967 "World ob the Move" Part of this revision included using the rotary-motor system from the former-ground based ASTRO JETS and elevating to a raised launch platform. This included an exciting Gantry Lift to give Tomorrowland guest all the excitement of a real rocket launch.
early 3-level concept designs 1965
Herbert Ryman
(note the "jets" are still envisioned as the bullet nose 1950's type)
John Hench's concept is one of the first to show a full gantry elevator.
Here, the snak-bar service on the lower level is reduced to a small counter in the rear facing the elevators. This was to show GOODYEAR how their corporate image and story could be integrated into the loading building---but that's ANOTHER story!!!
George McGinnis 1966 concept showing the SATURN V Rocket that inspired the look of the new Tomorrowland Rocket Pylon
The FINAL Rocket Tower! Isn't she a beauty!!
The predecessor to the 1967 Rocket Jets was the Astro Jets. This version loaded at ground level, and while they DID raise up into the air, they were no match for the "High Altitude" experience guests got in the NEW TOMORROWLAND's ROCKET JETS!!
The TWA Moonliner has always been a Tomorrowland (and Disneyland!!) icon. It's design was a beautiful sleek rocket and very 1950's. While the Astro Jets had no rocket, the SATURN V (Saturn 5) rocket designs became the inspiration for the Rocket icon of the sophisticated 1960's.
a REAL SATURN V Rocket
Like the Disneyland 1967 Rocket Jet Tower, the real SATURN V Rockets began space service in 1967.
The last SATURN V launched in 1973
Visitors to FLIGHT TO THE MOON attraction, might remember MR. MORROW saying:
"The SATURN V ROCKETS are SO reliable, that we're STILL using them! In fact they've become the real workhorses in outer space!"
Here's a view of the Gantry Lift. Atop the elevator tower are show lights for the Tomorrowland Stage to the far left. 1967 blueprints however show there were plans for a series of antennas and radar dishes to sit atop the gantry tower.
Here is the costume patch for the 1967 Rocket Jets cast member costume. You'll notice the colors are the same used on the actual attraction tower, rocket, and jet vehicles--orange/red, black and white.
I have an original 1967 costume but I forgot to take it out to photograph it for this post, so you'll have to due with a patch. I'll show the costume another time.
Here's the John Hench designed attraction poster for Rocket Jets as once displayed inside the Main Street Penny Arcade from the 1960's through the early 1990's.
Some final views of the ROCKET JETS in the TOMORROWLAND of 1967
PLEASE RETURN FOR THE ROCKET JETS MEGA POST #2 as TOMORROWLOUNGE lands in the 1970's!!
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