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Star Tours 2 News
Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald previews opening of Star Tours 2
In a post by Disney updating fans on the imminent opening of Star Tours 2, Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald revealed that work on an update to Star Tours had been underway for about 10 years.
"We actually began planning the redesign over 10 years ago ... a year before Episode I was complete. Fans were eager to see some changes, but after learning that Episodes II and III were in the works, we decided the update would have to wait. In order to create the ultimate Star Wars attraction for our Parks, George [Lucas] needed to finish his saga so we could include the best of all the films."
"Because of time-period differences (the new attraction is a prequel to the original), we had to reverse-engineer our story, as well as the look of the Starspeeders."
"For the very first time, we utilized technology that selects one of 54 different story combinations so each ride's really a surprise. Guests never know where they'll go. We created this approach to keep it fresh for our enormous fan base. It's a huge change from the original show."
"We wanted to add 3D for years, but had to wait for projection equipment that was robust enough to make it look state-of-the-art. Advanced visual effects make the world totally dimensional and so much more realistic than before. It's absolutely breathtaking."
"It'll feel very different from the first show, which only featured space flight. We've added a desert pod race, underwater travel, sliding on ice, and careening through forests while smashing into trees. Some adventures will be planet-based, some space, but each ride will feel distinct because Guests won't know which story combination they're getting."
"Darth Vader's voiceover was recorded by the original actor. It was also great working with Anthony Daniels and Frank Oz, who reprised their roles as C-3PO and Yoda respectively."
"Aly San San came about because we couldn't think of anything and knew George [Lucas] was amazing with names. When we told him actress Allison Janney was doing the voiceover work, he instantly said, 'Aly San San.'"
"I spent more time with George than we were able to on the original show, which was absolutely wonderful for me. Meeting with him every few weeks to review the sequences, help us tune up the show, and learn from his experience was priceless. It was like taking a master class from George Lucas."
"John Williams and his music editor found passages from the scores to use in our show. The cabin music is taken from the original recordings!"
"We packed as much of the films as we could into the new show. It's really a salute to the best of Star Wars, so whether you're a fan of the original or the newer trilogy, there's something for everyone."
Disneyland's Star Tours Closing Revisited
As we rapidly approach the opening of Star Tours: the Adventures Continue, we thought we'd take some time to reflect upon the original Star Tours. Today, courtesy of BigShinyRobot.com, we have a look inside the closing of Disneyland's Star Tours.
Star Tours 2 t-shirts celebrating attraction launch planned
Our friend at Stitch Kingdom has the details on a brand new line of clothing to celebrate the launch of Star Tours 2. The clothing will be available at both resorts, are likely to also be offered online at DisneyStore.com.
The clothing line is being refered to as "Star Tours Launch Collection 2011" and celebrates the launch of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.
Photos of the shirts and hats can be found here.
New Star Tours 2 costumes debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios
After seeing concept art for the new Star Tours 2 costumes a month ago, Cast Members in Disney's Hollywood Studios have begun wearing them starting today.
The new costumes are for the opening team while the Cast Members at Tatooine Traders are still wearing the older costumes (at least for now).
What do you think of the new costumes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Free Star Tours lanyard for Disney World Annual Passholders June 3-5
If you're a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and are visiting Star Tours between June 3-5, 2011, there's a momento you can get for free! Disney is offering Annual Passholders a free and exclusive Star Tours lanyard.
The free lanyard will be availably only on June 3-5 at Jabba's Hutt merchandise tent (behind Rock 'n Roller Coaster) while supplies last. One lanyard per passholder.
Disney World Star Tours Live iOS App Now Available
At long last, our unofficial Disney World Star Tours 2 iOS App has hit the App Store. iPhone/iPad/iPod users: go download! You'll receive free wait times and push notifications when soft openings occur (assuming they do!).
Filming for Star Tours 2 dedication ceremony held in Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney did some filming for video that will be used during the upcoming Star Tours 2 dedication ceremony on the morning of May 20th. Scenes were filmed on Commissary Lane and the areas surrounding it with a cast of 12 Storm Troopers and two robed Jedis. We managed to get some exclusive shots of the filming process.
Star Traders Gift Shop Reopens in Disneyland With New Star Tours Merch
Thanks to our friends over at DisneylandLive (be sure to follow them on Twitter), new pictures from newly reopened Star Traders gift shop have emerged:
Solid new merchandise, including some of the shirts shown on the Disney Parks Blog. I dig the new hats!
Also check out OCRegister's article about the reopening of Star Traders -- they expanded the store to 5,064 square feet and are expanding the Star Tours merch presence as the attraction opens.
What do you think of the new merch? Going to pick up any of it on your next trip to the parks?
Positive Reports From Early Disneyland Ride Testers?
Today, via Al Lutz over at Miceage,
Editor's Note 5/6: Disneyland's Star Tours has one new Starspeeder finished, while the other three race to completion over the next week. Hundreds of Disneylanders rode it today in test mode and the first reviews are very positive. The facility keeps its good bones yet looks brand new throughout, from the fully reskinned and effects-heavy queue and more luxurious looking pre-show to the familiar but slick new cabins. The 3D CGI effect is subtle yet impressive, and the randomization gimmick had everyone comparing their different journeys. This one looks and feels like a hit. - Al Lutz
Last week, trickles of information appeared on Twitter that Disneyland Cast Members were able to experience the Star Tours: The Adventures Continue attraction in Disneyland. Here's a purported Disneyland Cast Member on the Discussion Kingdom forums (NOTE: MINOR SPOILERS!!!):
Okay, after riding two times today (boy did I feel nauseas), I have to eat my words.
QUOTE: The ride itself is pretty much similar to the previous version of Star Tours: beginning and ending takes place at the Star Tours port. Only part that changes with each ride is the middle where you actually visit the various locations of the Star Wars universe. Oh, that and the special on-board passenger that becomes part of the story.
In actuality, Star Tours 2.0 changes every facet of the ride each time you go on. The beginning changes, the middle changes, and the final destination at the end has the chance to be different from where you initially started out (the Star Tours port).
You guys will not be disappointed!
If you've seen any other reports from Disneyland, or if you've experienced the attraction youself, please let us know!
Disneyland Invites 1200 Fans For Free, RSVP-Only West Coast Star Tours 2 Meetup On May 20th
Enter now. One day after Disney World announced its own Star Tours 2 Meetup for early May 20th, Disneyland fans now have a chance to go on the ride just as early as Walt Disney World fans will. This meetup seems to be focused on just riding the attraction; no mention of "special surprises" or the chance to talk with anyone who's worked on the attraction. Still though; go sign up asap!
UPDATE:: If this wasn't a reason to already, it appears that complimentary 1-day, 1-Park Disneyland tickets will be provided for the 1200 winners + their single guest! Also in the fine print: 18+ entries only, and no note of a specific time when you have to redeem this "prize," other than on May 20th.
On Thursday, Thomas Smith invited you to a special Star Tours Meet-Up at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. To celebrate the opening of “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” at Disneyland Resort, we are inviting 1,200 of you (and a guest) to be among the first in the galaxy to experience the new 3-D attraction at Disneyland park on May 20.
Now through Monday, May 9, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT), you can enter for a chance to attend the “Star Tours Early Departure” at Disneyland park. We will randomly select 1,200 entries, and those selected will be able to bring one guest to experience Star Tours at Disneyland park on May 20. (Please see official rules for eligibility requirements. We will notify you via email if you are selected.)
Full Details:
Guests will never know where the Force might take them as they embark on thrilling new Star Tours journeys, now enhanced with the breathtaking immersion of 3D. This is your opportunity to enter for a chance to experience the attraction before it premiers to the general public on Friday, June 3, at Disneyland Park.
Sign up below between May 6 and May 9, 2011.
Event Date
May 20, 2011
Event Location
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Tomorrowland, Disneyland Park.
Event Details
Each randomly selected winner may bring one (1) Guest
Admission to Disneyland Park to experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be provided.
Registration period will run beginning at 9:00 a.m. (PDT), May 6, 2011 and end at 11:59 p.m. (PDT), May 9, 2011
All registrants must be residents located within the 50 United States (excluding New York and Florida) or D.C. and at least 18 years of age to enter.
Click here for Official Rules
All elements of the event including, but not limited to, the participants, speakers, date, time and location are subject to change without notice.
Don't miss this opportunity to have the chance to experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue before the attraction opens to the general public on June 3, 2011!
Did you enter for chance to attend? Let us know if you got in!
