Attraction: Adventure Thru Inner space

This attraction, which was once housed in the same building where Star Tours now resides, made it appear as though guests were "shrunk" and explored the world of molecules and atoms. Opening in 1967 and sponsored by Monsanto (they also sponsored The House of the Future),  as part of the ambitious Tomorrowland refurb, and using a ride system that would eventually be used in the Haunted Mansion, this attraction remained popular until it's closure when it was replaced with Star Tours.  

The theme song, "Miracles from Molecules" was written by the Sherman Brothers. (the same composers as The Enchanted Tiki Room, It's a Small World, and Carousel of Progress).  The sets were designed by Claude Coats, and utilized several effects that would be later used for The Haunted Mansion, and introduced a new ride system, developed for Disney by Imagineer John Hench; the Omnimover system. These two passenger vehicles enveloped the guests and allowed for greater control over what the guest sees (and does not see). This ride system would again be used for The Haunted Mansion, and extensively in many EPCOT attractions years later. A similar system is used in Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters.  Adventure Thru Innerspace was a valuable learning tool for Disney Imagineers. After numerous problems with guests abusing the many sets and effects in  ATIS, they learned that there needed to be sufficient  spacing between the guests and the "show". The Imagineers realized this for their  greatest attraction ever; The Haunted Mansion, nearly two years away from opening.

In this building previously was Monsanto's Hall of Chemistry, which showed the importance of chemicals in the future. Adventure Thru Innerspace opened in August of 1967.

Interesting note: the large "microscope" from this attraction is visible in the warehouse to your right in the Star Tours film. Recognize the voice of the narrator? It's Paul Frees, who also is the narrator for the Haunted Mansion.


 

TOMORROWLAND
Space Mountain - Astro Orbiter - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Star Tours
Buzz Lightyear - Innoventions - Disneyland Monorail - Finding Nemo: Submarine Voyage - Autopia
Tomorrowland Shopping - Tomorrowland Dining - Tomorrowland Entertainment - The Disneyland Railroad

Tomorrowland History