The first installment of Vintage Disneyland is about The Flying Saucers, which were the last attraction to open in the "original" Tomorrowland.

From August 6, 1961–August 5, 1966 The Flying Saucers floated in a 16,000 sq. ft. arena. The saucers were designed to hold one large guest or two small ones, and 16 saucers flew at once while the other 16 were being loaded.

As the ride began, air valves pushed the saucer upward so that it was floating just inches above the ground. Guests shifted their body weight to fly across the arena and tilt their saucer (imagine a giant air-hockey table). Just like bumper cars, guests could crash into each other with their saucers.

The Flying Saucers were very popular and even made the cover of National Geographic. However, the ride suffered numerous mechanical problems which often were in direct proportion to the weight of the guest. If too heavy, the saucer just sat in the same place. If a guest was too light, it was hard to tip the saucer, so it just stayed in one spot, bouncing. The collision of the saucers also made the ride a natural for back injuries. In addition, the saucers would sometimes wedge into each other causing the saucers to flip over.

The Saucers were replaced by the Tomorrowland Stage in 1967 and by The Magic Eye Theater in 1986.

Have any additional input, questions, requests, or photos? Feel free to email me. Thanks—until next time! -Dave