Golden Zephyr is an attraction at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Themed to the Buck Rogers and the Flash Gordon style rocket ships, it takes guests on a relaxing trip. Unlike its cousins, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Astro Orbitor in Disneyland, its rockets are controlled by centripetal motion over Paradise Bay and can't be automatically controlled to go up and down.
On April 30, 2021, Disneyland Resort reopened after being temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, Disney California Adventure announced that all rides and attractions remained closed.
Summary[]
The Golden Zephyr's design comes from the Harry Traver Circle Swing rides of the early 20th century, specifically the Aerostat / Strat-O-Stat ride that operated at Riverview Park in Chicago, Illinois. In designing the ride, Disney engineers visited Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, England to examine the Captive Flying Machines, a similar (but much larger) ride designed by Sir Hiram Maxim, and which has operated there since 1904.
Unfortunately, the ride can't operate at constant wind speeds over 10 miles per hour (16 km/h), or gusts over 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). It, along with Jumpin' Jellyfish and Soarin', was not removed nor changed as part of the park's billion-dollar expansion from 2007 to 2012, despite rumors of its closure.
Trivia[]
- The Golden Zephyr is a purchasable attraction in the game Disney Magic Kingdoms. However, unlike its real-life counterpart, this version of the ride is a Tomorrowland attraction.
