Flying Saucers, Amusement ride in Tomorrowland, Disneyland, United States
Flying Saucers was an amusement ride in Tomorrowland at Disneyland where individual riders sat in disc-shaped vehicles that floated above the ground using thousands of air valves beneath the riding surface. Each passenger controlled their saucer by shifting body weight, while vehicles were arranged in two-row clusters to make loading more efficient.
This ride came to life in the early 1960s as an example of innovative technology developed by a company in Mountain View. It operated for only a few years before closing, yet remained a testament to the technical experiments of that era.
The ride brought space exploration dreams to life during a time when many people were fascinated by the cosmos. Visitors experienced a playful interpretation of the era's enthusiasm for space travel through its design and theme.
The ride required visitors to have some balance and body control since each passenger had to steer their own vehicle. The two-row setup helped move people through efficiently, though the experience itself was brief and intimate.
The ride used thousands of small air valves that created lift without needing wheels or motors. This system was an unusual solution at the time for a new type of experience where riders felt like they were floating on cushions of air.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
