Star Tours began taking passengers to new destinations today, the three new scenes are inspired by the final film of the Star Wars trilogies, Rise of Skywalker. Star Tours has been transporting guests to a Galaxy Far, Far Away since 1987, and was updated in 2011 to allow for random ride sequences. New scenes have been added with the release of each film in the new saga and this time around, Disney is expanding the destinations guests will see at Star Tours attractions in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
Here’s what the Imagineers and Disney’s partners at Industrial Light and Magic have cooked up for you.
New Destinations Launch Today
There are now more than 100 story combinations guests may experience on their Star Tours Journeys. Don’t worry, they’ll lock the ride to the new scenes for at least a few months. Adding to the lineup of exciting locations are the following new sequences:
Kef Bir
It’s a wild time on the ocean moon of Kef Bir, which is littered with the remnants of the Death Star.
After a harrowing adventure at the surface, we dive below the depths and encounter a massive Dianoga.
Message From Lando
As in other Star Tours journeys, which always feature an important message from a famous Star Wars character, on the Rise of Skywalker inspired trips you’ll encounter Lando Calrissian. It’s a touching moment in which Lando makes an emotional connection with old friends C3P0 and R2D2. The audience clapped. This is the sort of connection Star Wars fans crave in the theme parks.
Space Battle
At Lando’s direction, we find ourselves in the middle of a massive battle. The odds seem impossible as Tie-Fighters attack, while endless Star Destroyers menace from above. Even C3PO seems ready for battle. He even warns us that we may not make it and that we have been the best crew.
A Fitting Conclusion
Finally, a brand new ending takes us back to the spaceport where the journey began. We encounter all the characters from the pre-show video. It’s pure Star Wars goofball antics, and I loved it. ACE, the pilot whose ship we stole comes running. We’ve got a lot of explaining to do.
For me, this is the most emotionally connected I’ve ever been to Star Tours content. The three new scenes are action-packed and a bit emotional as well. And seeing Lando brings more emotional heart than just about anything Star Wars related at Disneyland. A fitting tribute to the final film in the Skywalker saga. I’m not ashamed to say that I (Dusty Sage) got teary-eyed.
SPOILER VIDEO
If you don’t mind being teased, here’s some video of the new ocean scene – but just a bit. I promise that it doesn’t spoil too much:
Traveling the Galaxy
Those new destinations are now included with the previously added options:
Jakku
A desert planet scarred with the remnants of the final battle between the Rebellion and the Empire. When the Starspeeder arrives, the Millennium Falcon is being chased by a pair of TIE Fighters. (As seen in The Force Awakens)
Krait
A mineral planet with a former rebel base. The Resistance is locked in a major conflict with the First Order when your Starspeeder arrives. (As seen in The Last Jedi)
Batuu
A forested planet full of ancient petrified trees. The Starspeeder arrives at Black Spire Outpost to lay low from the First Order. (As seen in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)
When Krait and Batuu were added, the sequence was locked in a way that separated the original 2011 destinations and the new ones for continuity reasons. They also added small variations of the 2011 destinations, adding to the number of potential combinations. Currently, riders can either get a “sequel trilogy” sequence or one based on the 2011 destinations. Jakku, Krait, Batuu, and the new sequences don’t mix with the original set of destinations and vise-versa.
The new Rise of Skywalker destinations are currently locked as the only destinations for at least the next few months.
How You Can Ride
If you’re heading to Disneyland soon, you’ll want to check out the new destinations on Star Tours. We definitely recommend booking a FastPass if possible, either by going to the stations near the entrance to Hyperspace Mountain or by using MaxPass. With the likely increase in demand for Star Tours, we expect FastPasses to go more quickly than usual.
If you aren’t able to procure a FastPass, fret not, standby is still available and Star Tours has a relatively fast-moving queue. With the recent opening of Galaxy’s Edge, most guests are often heading straight to the Millennium Falcon in the morning, so that’s a great time to head to Tomorrowland. The next best option is to arrive later in the evening, but other great times to visit would be during any entertainment like parades and fireworks.
Galaxy’s Edge Update
Some new lightsabers have made their way to Dok-Ondar’s in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge today. You can now find Rey ($129.99 without the blade) and Ben Solo’s ($139.99) sabers at the counter. Pretty they are:
Last Minute Gift Idea – Disney Vacation!
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Let’s Hear From You
That’s it from a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Are you excited for the new Star Tours destinations? Sad that the Skywalker Saga is coming to an end? Which one are you going to ride first, Millennium Falcon or Star Tours? Let us know in the comments.
Star Wars Day
In celebration for The Rise of Skywalker, yesterday was Star Wars day here on MiceChat. The Saga may be ending, but the adventures continue at Disneyland. Here’s some of the Star Wars coverage we have for you:
Editorial: Why Star Tours is a Better Star Wars Attraction Than Millennium Falcon
Does “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Deliver on 42 Years of Anticipation?
Here’s a little teaser video we put together for you: