Friday, September 17, 2010

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--Star Tours


On arrival at Walt Disney World in 1991 Star Tours was tops on my list, being a Star Wars fan and 10 years old. I doubt I would have believed you if you told me none of it was real. I don't always take pictures but I stop and stand in the queue for as long as I can almost every time. On my most recent trip in April of 2010, I made it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at rope drop and then headed straight to Star Tours. I had to take a commemorative trip knowing that it was going to be closing in September. Also one of my best friends from college was getting married the weekend I came home and I had to pick up a special edition Jedi Mickey and R2-MK for his soon-to-be stepson. What can I say; I had to get myself one too. (I tossed in a picture of me at 18 just for fun.)


I have been a fan of Star Wars for as long as I can remember and the Christmas that I got my VHS release (and not even the enhanced copy) of the trilogy was a big one. I collected the action figures, vehicles and magazines. A small fortune was probably spent in my youth on things we call "collectables." I even have a lightsaber I bought at MGM back in the day. It was one of the first ones that were produced en masse, the Luke Skywalker model. I remember spending all the money I had on it then having to ride 10 hours home with it on my lap because it couldn't fit in the trunk. I think that really shows a little love for Star Wars.


I always loved the attraction in its original form because of the combination of the outdoor and indoor queues made it really feel like you were no longer in Central Florida.


I can't wait to see what the new queue holds in store for us next year. I have been looking around on some of my favorite sites (studioscentral.com, insidethemagic.net endorexpress.net & allears.net as well as disneyparks.com) trying to find any information I can about the outside of the attraction as well. The story line is changing and the time line is changing; it will take place between Episode III & IV. The Ewok village being ominously lorded over by an AT-AT Walker is sure to be removed. So far I haven't seen anything that will indicate what, if any, new outdoor theming there will be. Since I couldn't be at the final flight to Endor, I want thank Rickey over at insidethemagic.net for posting a video of the final flight.


Only a little news has been announced about the future of the attraction. The new version is slated to reopen on May 17, 2011 so only 241 days till it is back. I only hope there is some kind of soft opening for annual passholders or DVC members or even D23 members (that might be my reason to join.) The new attraction is supposed to be in 3D and be a new (older) star speeder. The old one is the 3000 the new one is the 1000 and don't try and think about it, there is a new story that takes place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But be assured with Disney Imagineering and George Lucas together, this new venture with have us all heading back at light speed.

2 comments:

  1. while I'm very excited to see a new tour, I'm sad to see the old tour go. my mother loves star wars and she introduced us to the movies when I was around 8 or 9. I was so excited to meet the 'real' R2D2. the entire ride is incredible... from captain rex (who I'm hoping for a miracle that they manage to keep him around) to the queue music to the one in the pre-show who just can't seem to get his seat belt fastened.

    what they are planning to replace the ewok village with has been bothering me as well... because I have no idea what will really fit in that area. tatooine would probably make the most sense, as far as the story goes. but at the same time, I would hate for them to cut down the trees and drastically change that area to make a desert feel. alderaan would probably be the the easiest change to... but I don't see a lot of interesting ways to theme (as far as props) nor do I think the majority of guests would recognize the area as 'alderaan.' my vote is just to leave it as an ewok village and forget about continuity (who cares about that when there are cute little ewoks around!)

    great article! star wars nerds unite!

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  2. Thanks Ashley, If I am going into nerdy mode, I would like to see Coruscant but that might be tough to fit in to the area or Alderaan would be interesting to see, Solo's home world of Corellia or just something that we can all instantly recognize. I think that whatever I think of will pale in comparison with what shows up. I can't wait!

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