After the release of Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977, the world (and the calendar) was forever changed. The phrase “may the Force be with you” has gone from a line in a movie to a whole lifestyle. Today, May 4th, celebrates the legacy of Star Wars in an unofficial-but-still recognized capacity. We’ve listed most of the Star Wars attractions that have graced the Disney Parks over the years to find the best one (there are a few one-off shows and events which were omitted). Some of them are from a long, long time ago and can’t be enjoyed in the present, while the rest can be taken for a spin . . . when the parks reopen.
What’s the Best Star Wars Attraction?
Because of the successful partnership between Disney and Star Wars over the years, there has been a wealth of Star Wars-themed experiences in the Disney Parks. With so many, it’s hard to pick which one is the best. We’ve asked the MiceChat staff members to write about their favorite Star Wars attractions and why they think YOU should select it as the winner at the bottom of this article.
Let’s start with Disney’s first Star Wars attraction . . .
Why Star Tours is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Lilliana Parker
When I think of the best representation of Star Wars in the Disney Parks, the answer is obvious: Star Tours. This beloved attraction can be found at Disneyland, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland, and has been actively taking guests into the Star Wars universe since 1987. The mix of humor, heart, and action perfectly blend the Star Wars stories with “Disney,” making this attraction feel like it inherently fits in the Disney universe.
Over the years, the integration of new storylines and randomized sequences with regular updates after the release of new Star Wars movies have continued to draw massive crowds on any given day. There are now 100+ different story options that can be drawn from Episodes I-IX. It’s a timeless attraction that proves superior to any other Star Wars experience at the Disney Parks.
Still not convinced? I’ve written an editorial about why Star Tours is the best. If you’ve got some spare time for Star Wars Day, check out my article below.
Editorial: Why Star Tours is a Better Star Wars Attraction Than Millennium Falcon
Why Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Erin Richy
As a life-long Star Wars fan, I can’t tell you how happy I am that my kids have developed a passion for Star Wars as well. Although I may have grown up with the original cast of Luke, Leia, and Han, my kiddos have bonded with Rey, Finn, and Poe. One of the things that all of us have wanted to do since watching the movies is to learn how to use a lightsaber, something the kids were able to do in Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple.
Jedi Training involves a small group of younglings who learn how to use lightsabers and the Force to defeat the Dark Side villains. While the villains have changed over time, they’re currently two of the iconic Star Wars baddies, Darth Vader and Kylo Ren. To get your child into the experience requires a bit of planning and timing, but it’s worth the effort. My kids are rather shy, but this experience helped open their shells a bit and use the force to help the Light Side prevail. While Jedi Training has been discontinued at Disneyland (what’s up with that?), your children can still participate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For a more in-depth view of Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, take a look at this recent MiceChat article below.
Why Launch Bay is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Dusty Sage
I’m not going to lie to you, this isn’t my favorite Star Wars attraction, in fact, no one on our team wanted to write about this one. But there are some interesting details about this often overlooked attraction.
Although I will always miss the Carousel of Progress, Star Wars Launch Bay is a good temporary use of the facility. As a history nerd/museum fan, I appreciate the displays of lore, character meet and greets, and shopping opportunities throughout the attraction. The exhibits use props borrowed from the LucasFilm Archives as well as reproductions created specifically for Launch Bay. There are displays of well-known objects, such as an array of lightsabers and helmets used throughout the Star Wars movies. You can also find some incredibly detailed models scattered around the exhibits.
This attraction ranks pretty low on the excitement factor compared to the other ones on this list. However, the main draw here is that it’s virtually always empty and a quiet place to cool down and reorganize the rest of your day in the park. If you’re looking to see some of the props from the Star Wars films and learn more about the canon, Star Wars Launch Bay is the place to go!
Why Path of the Jedi is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Dusty Sage
Again, no one on the team wanted this one, so it falls to me. Many of the heavy-hitting attractions on this list are high-octane rides, but this movie montage is a theater-based lesson in Star Wars lore. If you aren’t up to speed on the whole Star Wars saga, this is a pretty good way to get an idea of what it’s all about.
Path of the Jedi is easily missed as guests head down the walkway towards Space Mountain, and I’d honestly rather join them if I had a FastPass. But Path of the Jedi serves a purpose. I don’t know about you, but my days at Disneyland are very ride-heavy. So having an attraction where I can rest my weary body for a bit and relive some of my favorite memories from Star Wars is why Path of the Jedi is a worthy Star Wars attraction.
Why Millennium Falcon is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Doug Abram
I was 7 years old when I watched Star Wars Episode IV for the first time. For the next few years, my dreams were entirely comprised of flying the Millennium Falcon alongside Han Solo and Chewbacca as we would undergo dangerous adventures through space. I decorated my room with posters of Star Wars characters, collected action figures of all the characters, I even had Star Wars sheets on my bed. Needless to say, I was obsessed with Star Wars. So when I was able to pilot the Millennium Falcon and launch the ship into hyperspace, my childhood dreams were realized.
As the shining beacon of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Millennium Falcon evoked a powerful emotional response when I saw it on my first visit to the land. As you enter the queue for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, every moment is a visual treat. Everywhere you look, there are hidden details and carefully crafted touches of the Star Wars universe. But once you actually make it onto the Falcon itself, there’s an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It was just like I was a kid again; I could envision Han and Chewie calling me to join them on the next adventure. And just a few moments later, my group would be called to pilot “the fast hunk of junk in the galaxy” to smuggle coaxium back to Hondo Ohnaka’s base.
While fans of the Star Wars franchise are polarized over their personal feelings about Galaxy’s Edge, (I have my fair share of problems with it too!) I have learned to take the good and ignore the rest. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has quickly become my favorite Star Wars attraction. I’ll never forget the excitement of seeing the Millennium Falcon take flight in the films and the exhilarating feeling of piloting the Falcon myself for the first time.
Why Hyperspace Mountain is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Nathan Villamor
I used to be a huge Star Wars fan. I grew up with the prequel trilogy, and it colored my view of the Star Wars universe through its fanciful ideas of pseudo-science, mysticism, outlandish alien lifeforms, and ridiculously over-processed action sequences. My favorite Star Wars movie growing up was Episode I – The Phantom Menace, and it helped inspire creativity in my life. But as I grew older, my attention turned to other entertainment, and Star Wars was pushed to the fringes of my mind. It wasn’t until I rode Hyperspace Mountain for the first time that my love for Star Wars was reawakened.
My favorite thrill attraction at Disneyland has always been Space Mountain. There’s something remarkable about riding a roller coaster in the dark; the unpredictable nature of not knowing where you’re going is thrilling and somehow relaxing. But pairing the coaster with the nostalgia and music of Star Wars heightens the experience to a whole new level.
With the iconic score of the opening theme blaring over the speakers, you’re charged with investigating the presence of Imperial Star Destroyers by Admiral Ackbar. As you jump through hyperspace you’re directly inserted into the Star Wars universe as you ride along the tracks. With every turn, you see X-Wings and TIE fighters engaged in dogfights, the Star Destroyer looming in the background, all tied together with the exciting music that pulled me into Star Wars to begin with.
Hyperspace Mountain is, and will continue to be, my favorite Star Wars attraction at the Disney Parks. It reengaged my emotional connection to the series and has remained a popular offering. Although it’s a temporary overlay for Space Mountain, it’s a permanent part of my memory for the Star Wars franchise.
Why Rise of the Resistance is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Logan Collins
When Disney first announced that they would be building two massive Star Wars-themed lands, fan speculation jumped to lightspeed. Both Star Wars and Disney Parks enthusiasts knew that a new land meant a brand new E-ticket attraction was on its way, and it was everyone’s best guess as to what it would be. What was not a question though, was that whatever it would turn out to be, it had to deliver an ambitious Star Wars experience that hadn’t been seen before. My expectations were high, to say the least.
After years of planning, construction, and delays, Rise of the Resistance opened and I was finally able to experience the attraction Disney was calling their “most ambitious attraction to date.” After my first ride-through, I knew that this was indeed the best Star Wars ride ever made.
Rise of the Resistance made me feel like I was in the middle of a bombastic Star Wars adventure and I couldn’t have been happier. What Star Wars fan wouldn’t want to assist Rey on a secret mission to help defeat the First Order? The level of detail found throughout the attraction is astounding and I notice something new each time I ride. Featuring an iconic score, life-sized AT-ATs, and plenty of First Order Troopers, it’s as “Star Wars” as Star Wars can get. I had spent my entire life dreaming about walking through a Star Destroyer hanger, and thanks to ROTR, I now have.
Walt Disney Imagineering found a way to combine three different ride systems to help deliver (in my opinion) their finest project. The near 15-minute experience never feels repetitive and had me engaged from start to finish. Rise of the Resistance gave Galaxy’s Edge the staple attraction it desperately needed and is sure to make Star War fans’ dreams come true for years to come.
Why Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is the Best Star Wars Attraction
by Laura Gonzalez
By far, my family’s second favorite nightly entertainment option at Walt Disney World (sorry, Happily Ever After wins that contest) is the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show in Hollywood Studios.
The show is heavy on nostalgia for those Original Star Wars fans. It’s also great for those new second-generation kids just growing up and meeting Star Wars for the first time. Not leaving out the diehard fan, Episodes 1-3 have a place (if even a small one) as well as the spin-offs like Solo. The show isn’t a timeline of the series, rather an emotional ride from heroes to villains, battles to romance, lovable droids and Porg.
Images and movie footage synchronized to music and classic quotes project on the Chinese Theater and surrounding buildings. With laser beams shooting overhead, fireworks and bursts of flames, you are suddenly a part of the experience. And of course a finale of good triumphing over evil as Jedi lightsabers light up the night sky.
You can often find me patiently awaiting the show in my favorite spot, sending the older kids off for popcorn, and keeping little Johnny entertained behind the tape line.
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show is one of 2 nightly shows at Hollywood Studios. It is the must-see show for any Star Wars fan in my opinion.
Why Star Wars Weekends Was the Best Star Wars Offering
by Amy Vandeboogert
Star Wars Weekends was an event held at the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) theme park. The event was first held in 1997, then again in 2000 and 2001. It became an annual event in 2003, running until 2015. In 2015 event that they would be discontinuing Star Wars Weekends due to the construction of Galaxy’s Edge and having a more prominent Star Wars presence in the park.
Star Wars Weekends was a beloved event that let fans get up close and personal with their favorite characters from the Star Wars universe as well as the stars of the saga, such as Billy Dee Williams, Mark Hamill, Warwick Davis, Jeremy Bulloch, Ray Park and more! There were special shows giving fans a glimpse into everything from the original trilogy and the prequels, to The Clone Wars animated series.
One of my favorite things about Star Wars Weekends was it was an event that did not take itself too seriously. I mean, they had Goofy dressed as Darth Vader (complete with boxer shorts covered in hearts), Chip & Dale as Ewoks, a droid wearing Mickey ears, and Donald Duck as a Stormtrooper.
And of course, the infamous Snig & Oopla’s Hyperspace Hoopla (or just “Hoopla” to the die-hard fans of the show) that would close out each evening of the event with their epic “Dance Off With the Star Wars Stars”. The showWhere else could you see Darth Vader and Boba Fett dance to Michael Jackson, Chewbacca dance to “Footloose”, or Queen Amidala and Princess Leia dance to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”? It was bizarre, hilarious and just plain fun.
Let’s Hear From You
Do you have a favorite Disney Parks Star Wars attraction? Let your fellow readers know why they should select yours the winner of the poll below!