Rocket to the Moon | Disneyland

Rocket to the Moon was a classic Disneyland attraction that opened in 1955 and closed in 1966. The attraction was located in Tomorrowland and was designed to simulate a rocket trip to the moon.

Guests boarded a rocket-shaped vehicle and were taken through a simulated launch sequence, complete with smoke, sound effects, and flashing lights. Once “in space,” the rocket traveled past a series of animated scenes depicting life on the moon, as well as glimpses of the earth and other planets.

The attraction was updated in 1960 as “Flight to the Moon,” which depicted a more realistic trip to the moon and incorporated information about NASA’s space program. In 1967, the attraction was updated again to become “Mission to Mars,” which simulated a journey to Mars instead of the moon.

While the technology and special effects used in the attraction were relatively simple by modern standards, Rocket to the Moon was popular with Disneyland visitors during its run and helped to inspire the fascination with space travel and exploration that was prevalent during the mid-20th century.