One of my favorite memories as a kid was riding the Tomorrowland Rocket Jets with my Grandpa Stone as a kiddo. Now called the Astro Orbiter, the Rocket Jets were located on top of the PeopleMover platform, so it was quite intimidating as a kid. I remember my nerves building as we got closer to the elevator, staring up at the replica Saturn V rocket. It built as we exited the elevator and climbed into the rockets, but it quickly switched to excitement when we started to spin. Grandpa let me take control of the stick, rising and falling throughout our space journey. A huge grin spread across my face as I “flew” our rocket, my grandpa enjoying our time together on this simple ride. Of course, I thought it was the most exciting thing on the face of the planet - well, rather, the most exciting thing in space!

I can’t really do the spinning rides these days, but I think I’ll make an exception when I take my kids and grandkids on it someday. The joy of this ride and the memories of riding it with my grandpa make me tear up every time. My grandparents on both sides loved taking us to the parks. We lost my Grandma and Grandpa Stone too early in our lives, and I so wish I had more memories traveling and adventuring with them. I’ll cherish this simple one forever.

What memories do you have as a kiddo at the parks? What was your favorite ride as a little one?