Flying Saucers [1961]

Opening in 1961, the Flying Saucers ride was located in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, a futuristic assemblage of architecture and attractions that was initially inspired by the writings of Jules Verne. Designed and developed by Walk Disney Imagineering, the attraction utilised patented technology that involved a rubberised, perforated ground plane with vents that pushed air upwards, prompting the circular vehicles to ‘fly’ above ground. With a reported build cost of $400 000 and maintenance difficulties stemming from imperfect technology, the Saucers were only pilotable until 1966 which saw the ride’s closure.