The Rocketeer vs the Robot Hordes is the latest E-Ticket Attraction at Epcot, pitting Cliff Secord (a.k.a. "The Rocketeer") against androids commanding the weather around the Orlando Future World Expo. This power grab forces America’s greatest scientists into working for the androids, commanded by the Raketensoldat, the evil version of The Rocketeer.

Guests approaching the attraction within the pavilion will be drawn in by a scaled-down replica of the Trylon and Perisphere (from the Theme Center of the 1939 New York World's Fair) recreated with reclaimed scrap metal highlighting the ingenuity of the human spirit. The sign for the attraction is lit in red neon matching that of the Rocketeer’s suits. To the side of the attraction’s entrance is an area where guests can try the ride seat to see if they fit.

Adjacent to the tester seat is a Junior Rocketeer Play Area. The Junior Rocketeer Play Area is the perfect place for little heroes to run around and play as other members of their party ride the attraction. The small area has hollowed-out turbines to crawl through, plane wings repurposed as slides, and an old monitor playing episodes of Disney Junior’s The Rocketeer with a seating area made out of old airplane seats.

Queue

As guests journey beneath the Trylon and Perisphere, they enter a series of simple switchbacks around an exhibit at the Orlando Future World Expo on the history and legacy of the Rocketeer. This exhibit will be made up of various props from the original film showcased in glass cases with plaques detailing who the Rocketeer is and what this represents. In addition to the props will be pieces of concept art and news clippings from in the world of The Rocketeer giving guests brief snippets of the events of the first film. This is done in order to not only give fans of the film a chance to see props from the film, but also a clever way to get the average guest into the mindset of the world of the Rocketeer. The exhibit exits into a helicine (i.e. a spiral ramp) that transitions guests into the second part of the queue.

Guests are now transported into an archive that they probably shouldn’t have been able to go into. This archive is the secret base that the FBI is working out of in order to track down Raktensoldat, an evil scientist of German descent who dons an inverse palette of the Rocketeer’s outfit. Going through the archive guests see various display cases holding deactivated Atmosbots, evil robots designed by Raktensoldat to change and control the weather! Plaques detail the name of each Atmosbot and what they are capable of doing. In another display case shows drawings of Raktensoldat in his menacingly spiky silver helmet and dark blue jacket. This also includes a pronunciation guide on how to say Raktensoldat (Ra - ten - sold - at).

Proceeding into the next section of the queue guests find themselves in the workshop for the FBI. Here eagle-eyed guests can spot former animatronics from Forecast Follies that have been de-skinned and reduced down to their endoskeletons. These endoskeletons of the former animatronics will be retconned as prototypes to Raktensoldat’s Atmosbots that the FBI has taken a hold of, and has begun to dismantle to better understand the technology that has gone into creating these heinous machines. Also located within the workshop is an Evac-Pack. The Evac-Pack was reverse-engineered from the Rocketeer’s jetpack technology and mass-produced for usage in case of emergencies, and an evacuation is needed from the FBI’s secret base. This totally isn’t foreshadowing of any kind. Guests are led into the preshow room upon finishing up their meandering in the workshop.

Pre-show

The preshow room is a convention breakout room from the Orlando Future World Expo turned into a makeshift FBI briefing room. As guests pile in an unsuspecting worker is mopping away on an elevated stage that is fenced off from guests. On the wall behind the worker is a large piece of cloth tied down to the floor and ceiling. Behind guests, above the entrance from which they entered from, lies a projector. The projector would be a modern one, but retrofitted into the shell of an antiquated projector from the 30’s for authenticity. As the last of the guests enter this preshow the worker finally notices guests.

The worker drops their mop they were using to clean as they notice all the guests staring at them.

Worker: “Hu-hu-hi there everyone? I don’t think you’re really supposed to be here? This is kinda top secret info for those that need to do.”

The worker leans onto a switch which is on a podium which then accidentally turns on the projector within the preshow.

Worker: “Woah didn’t mean to do that! Well you know…if you promise not to tell anyone I can do a presentation! I’ve always wanted to do one and ever since, actually no let me not get ahead of myself! Let me just say: hey my name is Alex Hughes, a veeeery distant nephew/niece to the famous Howard Hughes!”

Alex pauses for applause, but nobody seems to know who Alex or Howard are. This acts as the catalyst for the presentation as the screen comes to life matching the person or object Alex talks about.

Alex: “Wow really don’t know Howard Hughes? Well luckily this presentation has got you covered! Howard Hughes created the jetpack that the Rocketeer uses to beat up bad guys, neerdowellers, and evil scientists on the daily.”

Alex: “Yeah the Rocketeer is a real hero, and it’s all thanks my diiiiiistant uncle Howard! Some people have actually gone as far as creating their own jetpacks to cause havoc, like the evil Raktensoldat. He vows to take over the whole world, and his latest scheme brought the Rocketeer and the FBI here to the Orlando Future World Expo! He plans on using these fandangled contraptions called Atmosbots that can manipulate the weather in sinister ways to take over the world! Luckily the good ol’ Rocketeer is here to save the day!”

Alex pauses and thinks for a bit.

Alex: “You know I should show my uncle’s latest invention that he made with the FBI! The Evac-Pack is a large scale jetpack that is to be used by people in FBI outposts and bases around the world to fly away from harm in case danger is nearby! There’s a nifty button on there that when everyone presses it supercharges the Evac-Pack’s thrusters! When boarding it you place all carryon items below you into nifty builtin baskets, and keep your hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the vehicle at all times to ensure maximum safety! But I’m sure you’re never going to need that -”

Utilizing hydrolator technology the whole floor where guests stand shakes as overhead lights swing with the force of something strong. Red sirens become active as over the PA system a military voice barks out orders.

Military Voice: “All personnel must evacuate! Make way to the Evac-Pack loading bay immediately! We’re under attack by Raktensoldat and his evil robots!”

Doors to the left of guests open up to reveal the Evac-Pack Loading Bay and its small queue area to handle parties boarding the ride vehicles.

Alex: “Well I be! Hopefully those mechanics don’t know you’re not actually FBI! Either way hurry go go go! You heard the sergeant, I’ll go right after you guys!”

With that guests flood out of the room, and into the loading bay. As the last guest enters the doors behind them close as the preshow room gets ready for the next batch of lost visitors at the Orlando Future World Expo.

Ride Technology

Ride vehicles are a new take on the KUKA arm technology! Much like other KUKA arm rides each vehicle will be able to sit up to four people, but what sets this ride apart is its interactivity. Each harness will come equipped with a button throughout the ride guests will be prompted to press the button to supercharge the thrusters. However, this will be a group effort where 2 out of the four people have to press the button at the right time. If not the ride vehicle takes note, and reacts to the failure to the guest with unique motions.

The ride bench where guests will be seated will look like an enlarged jetpack, this is in fact the Evac-Pack. To bring to life the Evac-Pack special features are included within the vehicle such as rumbling and smellitzers that are activated throughout the room. Speakers are built into the seating of the KUKA arms to immerse riders into the scenes. The KUKA Arms will be on a roller coaster track allowing this ride to not only simulate the feeling of riding a jetpack, but also the speed of riding one with the various dips and hills found within the ride.

The ride itself will be a mixture of physical sets and props aided by projections and large screens to bring guests into the world of the Rocketeer.

Ride Experience

Guests are directed by cast members dressed like mechanics into their Evac-Pack. The harnesses come down and another cast member checks the harnesses to make sure guests are secure. Cast members remind guests about the button on the harness that supercharges the thrusters, and with that guests are clear for takeoff! The KUKa arms depart the loading bay and recreate a lifting off motion into the ride’s first scene.

Scene 1: Meet Luft

As guests fly from the safety of the Loading Bay they feel air rushing by them thanks to the wind machines. The Evac-Pack turns a corner and stops in front of a screen depicting an old timey Future World from above. From the side flies in Luft, an Atmosbot that can manipulate the wind! Luft is a burly looking Atmosbot made out of silver, and with a cyclone swirl allowing them to fly! Walkie talkie static emanates from speakers.

The Sergeant: “This is the sergeant! While you may not be FBI, you are now! Whatever you do, stay away from any and all Atmosbots! The Rocketeer is on his way!”

As the sergeant was speaking the KUKA arm manipulates the Evac-Pack to feel like its hovering in front of Luft. As the sergeant was speaking Luft was sucking in air into their air cannons, and as such the KUKA arms will push the guests closer to Luft. Right as the sergeant finishes speaking Luft fires their air canons sending guests flying backwards.

Luft: “Prepare to be blown away!”

The KUKA arms will flip guests upwards to face the ceiling and then twirl them 90 degrees to the left as the vehicles move to the next scene.

Scene 2: Hurricane Luft

The KUKA arms will be travelling up a lift hill and all around guests will be a swirling vortex designed to look like the inside of a twister or hurricane, and to help sell the vortex wind machines will be stationed within the hill to create huge guests of wind. At the top of the lift is a figure of Luft with their air cannon arms outreached causing the swirling vortex surrounding the guests. As the KUKA arms travel up the hill they will manipulate the Evac-Packs to go side to side as creaking is heard from the strength of the vortex. As guests approach the top of the lift hill the sergeant communicates again with the guests.

The Sergeant: “Supercharge the thrusters...now!”

Guests will press the button within their harness and will activate the rumbling and smellitizers within the Evac Pack to make guests feel like they really did supercharge the thrusters. With the rumbling of the jetpack and the smell of fuel in the air guests are sent down a drop. Throughout this drop the KUKA arms will manipulate the Evac-Pack to fly close to the track, and on the side as the guests travel down a helix surrounded by a screen showing the Orlando Future World Expo below. If guests fail to supercharge the Evac-Pack they will still go down the drop, but will now be facing upwards as the Evac-Pack rumbles and the KUKA arm shakes around guests a bit to simulate the error that guests made. Either way guests will stop in front of a screen depicting the next scene.

Scene 3: Wasser Makes a Splash

On the screen guests hover above a lake in a nearby forest. Everything seems peaceful as a sultry body of water begins to form out of the lake. The body made of water is ever flowing and changing as metal hands and rings control the water current bringing to life Wasser, an Atmosbot who controls the rain and thus water. Wasser is very feminine in a depiction similar to Jessica Rabbit, and will move her water around a central ring as if they were hips showing off to guests. Wasser uses her looks to lure in guests closer to her as he begins to flirt.

Wasser: “You know I hear humans love water, my body is 100% water”

As the Evac-Pack gets slightly closer to Wasser, she begins to boil around her shoulders and back with tentacles made of water ready to strike possibly.

Wasser: “Go ahead take a sip my dew drops, but be careful not...to...DROWN!”

The tentacles of water begin to shoot out water droplets at guests with misters getting guests a bit wet. The KUKA arm flinches back as the Evac-Pack shakes and rumbles from the water contact. The KUKA arms move backwards and go down a small drop, and with that drop the KUKA arm twists and has the Evac-Packs turn with that motion as guests are flown away from Wasser.

Scene 4: Eclair’s Shocking Appearance

As the KUKA arms come to a pause in front of another screen after the drop, guests get a glimpse into the sky with clouds that are quickly graying as lighting is seen coursing through them. Bolting out of the clouds flies in Eclair, the Atmosbot that controls thunder and lighting! Eclair has a lighting bolt as a crown in her head and defibrillators for arms. Eclair swooshes by guests causing the KUKA arm to move in the other direction as the Evac-Pack was pushed aside by the fast flying robot. The KUKA arms slightly move on the track as the Evac-Pack spins to face a different screen.

Scene 5: The Rocketeer vs Raktensoldat

Finally making his appearance is the Rocketeer himself! He flies in to view and hovers briefly in front of guests.

Rocketeer: “For a bunch of regular folk you’re doing great! Just keep an eye out for -”

Raktensoldat flies in from the opposite direction that the Rocketeer flew in from punching him in the chest. This sends the Rocketeer flying backwards giving Raktensoldat a brief moment to address guests. During this brief punching scene the KUKA arms will be pulling guests in and out weaving through the action.

Raktensoldat: (maniacal laughter) “My plan of world domination with my Atmosbots, never can stop us now!”

Rocketeer: “Hate to break it to you Raktensoldat, but you’re going down!”

The Rocketeer flies up from behind Raktensoldat, and punches him downwards.

Rocketeer: “Fly towards the city you should be safe there!”

The Rocketeer and Raktensoldat continue to fly around and fight on screen as the KUKA arms move away simulating the Evac-Packs flying away.

Scene 6: City Assault

Utilizing the 2.5 D technology in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Runway the skyline of the city is brought to life as screens and projections of the three Atmosbots fly through the city wreaking havoc. The physical sets will move if blown on by Luft, have its windows “crack” with electricity by Eclair and be rained down upon by Wasser. The KUKA arms maneuver throughout the skyline weaving and bobbing around buildings as the Evac-Pack navigates through the city assault where the Atmosbots seemingly follow guests’ every move. This scene turns into the next screen and thus scene.

Scene 7: Defeat

On the screen the city is in smithereens in the background as smoke rises from it. From the wreckage fly in the three Atmosbots who all taunt the guests as the robots charge up their powers. From above flies down Raktensoldat who seems to have defeated the Rocketeer in their lost fight.

Raktensoldat: “Give up and submit to the elements! You can’t win now!”

Rocketeer: “Hey tin cans! Your forecast is in and there’s a 100% chance of punches!”

With that quip the Rocketeer comes in punching Eclair into Wasser. The mixture of electricity and water causes the two to freak out and collide with Luft. The trio begin to explode as Raktensoldat’s jetpack is hit by some robot debris causing it to short circuit.

Raktensoldat: “Noooooooo! Foiled again!”

Raktensoldat screams as he quickly falls out of you, the Rocketeer quickly addresses the guests.

Rocketeer: “Quickly supercharge your thrusters! You need to fly away before these hunks of junk blow!”

With those words the Rocketeer flies away. Once again guests must push the buttons within their harnesses to supercharge the thrusters. If done the Evac-Pack will rumble and the smellitizers within the Evac-Pack will pump out the scent of fuel. This leads the KUKA arm backwards down one last final drop as the Evac-Pack is maneuvered onto its side and then forward mimicking the motion of flying in a semicircle. If the thrusters are not supercharged guests will see the explosion occur causing the Evac-Pack to shake and the KUKA arm to go down the drop shaking the Evac-Pack roughly around as it turns guests to face the front. This symbolizes the fact that now that the Evac-Pack is damaged the flight is significantly less smooth. Either way guests wind up in the final scene.

Scene 8: Congratulations!

The Evac-Pack lands back into the makeshift hangar that the FBI has set up at the Orlando Future World Expo.

Sergeant: “You all made it back! Normally you’d be jailed for trespassing, but we’ll let it slide! Just next time try not to get the Evac-Pack wet! We lost all communication till now!

As the Evac Packs float gently in the KUKA arms will travel around in a circle of an audio animatronic of the Rocketeer.

Rocketeer: “Good job out there, you guys sure took the heat off me! I’d be honoured to fly with you all again sometime!”

With that the Rocketeer gives everyone a thumbs up.

Guests reach the maintenance bay and disembark from their Evac Pack they are sent down a long corridor back into the Pavilion. In this corridor guests will find various posters advertising attractions within The World Above pavilion and also past attractions with posters modeled after the 1939 World Fair’s poster. Guests either proceed down stairs into the pavilion via escalator, staircase, or elevator.