Star Tours, the immersive flight simulator attraction, has captured the imaginations of Star Wars fans across the globe. From its humble beginnings as a concept for a different Disney film, this exhilarating ride has become a beloved staple of the Disney Parks experience. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore its fascinating history.
From Black Hole to Endor: The Genesis of Star Tours
The idea of a flight simulator ride first emerged in the late 1970s, envisioned as a thrilling experience for The Black Hole, a Disney science fiction film. The proposed attraction allowed riders to chart their own course through space, creating a unique and personalized experience. However, the project was ultimately abandoned due to its exorbitant cost and the film’s lukewarm reception.
Undeterred, Disney sought a new direction for their ambitious motion simulator technology. In 1986, the company partnered with George Lucas, the visionary behind the Star Wars franchise. The idea was to transport guests into the exciting world of Star Wars, using the simulator to create a thrilling flight experience. Lucas embraced the concept, and the project was given the green light.
Disney acquired four military-grade simulators and began the construction process, with the first Star Tours attraction opening at Disneyland Park on January 9, 1987. The ride’s development involved a dedicated team of special effects technicians who meticulously crafted a film that would be projected within the simulator, immersing riders in the galaxy far, far away. To commemorate the grand opening, Disneyland remained open for a remarkable 60 hours straight, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for fans. The following year, Star Tours made its debut at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Finally, the fourth and final Star Tours attraction opened at Walt Disney Studios Paris on March 16, 2002.
A Space Tourism Adventure: Exploring the Ride’s Storyline
The Star Tours experience throws guests into the role of a space tourist, embarking on a thrilling journey to the planet Endor, a pivotal location in the Star Wars universe. The ride’s queue transports guests into the world of Star Tours travel agency, where they encounter iconic characters, meticulously crafted props, and immersive details. Guests can marvel at posters showcasing various planets, a captivating video advertisement promoting Endor as a vacation destination, and life-size replicas of C-3PO and R2-D2, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience.
The queue also features a replica of the Starspeeder 3000, the spacecraft that will take guests on their galactic adventure. As guests progress through the queue, they encounter a small maintenance area, where a G2 droid diligently performs repairs on another droid. This playful interaction with the droids provides a humorous touch, highlighting the quirky details that bring the Star Wars universe to life.
A Wild Ride Through the Galaxy: Experience the Thrills of Star Tours
Once guests board the Starspeeder 3000, the real adventure begins. A friendly animatronic RX-24 (affectionately nicknamed Rex) welcomes them aboard and prepares for departure. However, Rex’s enthusiasm for piloting the Starspeeder leads to a series of mishaps, sending the spacecraft careening through space in a thrilling, unpredictable journey.
From a near-miss with a maintenance arm to navigating through a treacherous comet storm, Rex’s misadventures transport riders on a wild and unforgettable adventure. The Starspeeder encounters a menacing Star Destroyer, but a timely intervention from a Rebel X-wing fighter saves the day. Guests are then swept into the heart of a thrilling battle between the Rebels and the Empire, culminating in the destruction of the Death Star.
Finally, the Starspeeder reaches its destination: Endor’s spaceport. The thrilling journey ends with a gentle landing, leaving guests breathless and wanting more.
Farewell to a Galactic Classic: The End of an Era
On August 14, 2010, Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted a special event to commemorate the retirement of the original Star Tours attraction. “Last Tour to Endor” drew a huge crowd, with George Lucas himself making an appearance. The event featured a variety of activities, including character meet-and-greets, dance parties, fireworks displays, and a grand shutdown ceremony. Boba Fett, the notorious bounty hunter, delivered a dramatic finale by using a thermal detonator to “blow up” the ride.
Disneyland Park closed its Star Tours attraction on July 27, 2010. The attraction would be rethemed and relaunched as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. This updated version featured a new story, 3D technology, and an encounter with the infamous Darth Vader.
The Hollywood Studios installation officially closed on September 7, 2010. Two years later, Tokyo Disneyland closed its Star Tours attraction in preparation for its own reimagining. The ride reopened at Disneyland Park on June 3, 2011, and at Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011. Tokyo Disneyland’s updated version reopened on May 7, 2013. The Paris installation is scheduled to close in late 2015 or early 2016 for a 2017 reopening.
A Lasting Legacy: The Enduring Appeal of Star Tours
The Star Tours attraction, with its innovative technology, thrilling storyline, and iconic characters, has captured the hearts of generations of Star Wars fans. The ride’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transport guests to a galaxy far, far away. While the original ride may have retired, its legacy lives on in the updated attractions, offering a new generation of guests a chance to experience the magic of Star Wars firsthand.
