Before I get to the new and very much improved Star Tours, thought I'd post what I believe to be a comparison shot of the same area from 1960 to today (or thereabouts!). With the windows blocked, I couldn't tell if the view was the same.
As for Star Tours, I was VERY impressed. The new version blows away the old one as far as the realism of the ride simulation. I have only been able to ride it once, but can't wait to experience all 54 different trips—ha! Truth be told, with summer crowds around the corner, it will probably be quite awhile before I attempt to ride Star Tours again.
I love the look of the exterior; cool blue works well for a futuristic theme.
Once inside, you'll see some familiar (albeit cleaned up) machines and robots.
Who needs Orbitz?
The video screens giving you information about your flight are obviously high-def, and of a much higher quality than what was there previously:
Everyone was anxious to see what lay beyond this door:
C3PO is in the flesh, and R2D2 is copiloting via the video screen:
Because it's in 3D, traditional photos taken of the actual flight will be ghosted, but you can still get the idea of what you will be experiencing after June 3:
Ghosted or not, everyone recognizes Yoda:
f course, there are plenty of shopping opportunities at the revamped Star Traders:
Grand opening for Star Tours is June 3. Be sure to try it!
See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Star Tours photos at my main website.
Coolness!!! I can hardly wait. I have to force myself not to leave the house now as our check in time isn't until 4:45 this afternoon, LOL!
ReplyDelete"Force yourself"...good one, intentional or not.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen and heard from WDW, this is one fantastic example of "plussing!" I can't wait to ride it myself...but I will have to. I probably won't get another chance until at least Christmas 2012.... Ah, the joys of living in Texas....
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for them to update this attraction for some time - I'm glad it has finally happened, with over 50 new trip possibilities, no less! I'm excited to hear all the positive buzz so far. Thanks for the pics!
ReplyDeleteDave, I think you hit the nail on the head with that China Closet comparison pic!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'll have to wait to see Star Tours. I don't know why I didn't enter the A.P. Preview drawing!
As I recall (and, yes, it was a LONG time ago) the comparison photo probably is the next room over. I say that because it's to large a room. Also; I think the photographer was facing in the direction of the Hub.
ReplyDeleteStar Tours 2.0 ROCKS - I rode it seven times on Monday (link).
ReplyDeleteNot sure where 54 comes from, there are 6 different destinations and you get two in each ride. The 6 are: Naboo, Tatooine, Coruscant, Kashyyyk (Wookie planet), Geonosis (with the Death Star Under Construction!) and Hoth (they only one I didn't see). Geonosis is my favorite.
The 3D works well and is not too "in your face" (except the end of the Naboo trip). The sound system has been updated too, the Pod Racer sequence on Tatooine sounded awesome!
Your photos are amazing, mine look like they came from a 110 instamaitc! However, I didn't get any shots inside the Speeder as "Photography and Video taping is prohibited" Just like Mr. Lincoln - LOL!!!!
Thanks Dave!
Can't wait to experience it. Thanks for the preview Dave.
ReplyDeleteTim- I actually had the camera put away until the cast member said "FLASH photography and videotaping is prohibited." As soon as I heard that, the camera came back out again! The 54 number came from D23. I have a feeling your number is more accurate, but with minor differences, it has been inflated to 54.
ReplyDeleteFun Stuff Dave, can't wait.
ReplyDeleteJG
On our trip, it started with Vader trying to hijack the trip and then Tatooine followed by Coruscant. We didn't see Yoda, but did get a hologram from Leia. I also pulled out my camera during the ride and filmed the entire experience using my Fuji w3 (3d camera) and it came out well holding a set of glasses over the lens.
ReplyDeleteTE