Before Disney acquired Star Wars, the two iconic brands began their relationship through a ride called Star Tours. Since its opening in 1987, Star Tours has undergone various upgrades and additions. Recently, Disney gave the ride a refresh for its Season of the Force event, making it the first time characters from Disney+ are featured. Now, if you visit Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or Disneyland Paris, you can experience Star Tours with characters from Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian. In this article, we will explore what is new about the ride, how it works, and provide unique insights based on an early preview given to a group of journalists invited by Disney.
One of the significant updates to Star Tours is the inclusion of a new planet called Seatos from Ahsoka. However, there are three different variations of Seatos featuring different characters. The first variation showcases Ahsoka with Rosario Dawson reprising her role. The second variation features Cassian Andor with Diego Luna returning to portray the character. Lastly, the third variation highlights The Mandalorian and Grogu.
When riders embark on the Star Tours ride, they will notice some new changes right from the start. In the past, the Millennium Falcon would often be seen as the ship stopped by Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, or a Probe Droid. However, now there is a chance that riders will encounter Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle in the first scene, with Ahsoka herself present. This change adds an exciting element to the ride and allows fans to witness Ahsoka in action.
Following the initial scene, riders will visit various planets, which were previously part of the ride. These planets can include iconic locations like Tatooine, where podracing takes place. After the planetary visits, riders will receive one of three new transmissions. If Ahsoka’s ship was seen in the first scene, her transmission is guaranteed. Ahsoka will greet C-3PO, express excitement to see R2-D2 again, and request assistance in delivering a significant person—the Rebel spy. Meanwhile, other transmissions may feature The Mandalorian and Grogu, or Cassian Andor, each providing a unique tone and experience.
The climax of the ride takes place on the new planet, Seatos. This planet is featured in the final episodes of Ahsoka, where she confronts Thrawn. Upon arriving on Seatos, riders are immersed in a shadowy environment that transitions to soaring among majestic Purrgil, also known as Space Whales. Ahsoka contacts the riders, requesting their help against two attacking ships. R2-D2 takes charge and leads an adrenaline-pumping journey around and through the Purrgil, resulting in a thrilling conclusion.
When it comes to the new additions to Star Tours, opinions are mixed. While experiencing new elements of the Star Wars universe is always welcome, Seatos may not be the most captivating destination compared to other options like Geonosis, Coruscant, or Naboo. However, the presence of beloved characters like Ahsoka compensates for this downside. Additionally, the new transmissions provided a more detailed and eventful experience compared to the previous ones.
The new Star Tours ride will be available for a limited time, granting every rider the chance to visit Seatos and receive one of the new transmissions. However, it remains uncertain whether this update will be exclusive to the Season of the Force event or continue for a more extended period. Regardless, there will be at least a few weeks or months for visitors to enjoy the new features.
The decision to select Seatos as the new planet was driven by the desire to offer something unique and different from other destinations. By showcasing the Purrgil, a massive and distinct creature, Star Tours can introduce never-before-seen moves and sequences. For example, the ride incorporates the first-ever barrel roll and a thrilling slalom ski run.
The development of the new additions to Star Tours began approximately 18 months to two years ago. Tom Fitzgerald, one of the Imagineers who worked on the original Star Tours and the recent update, emphasized the team’s intention to choose a planet that stood out from the rest in terms of colors or unique creatures. Seatos and the Purrgil provided the perfect opportunity to showcase new and remarkable experiences.
Looking ahead, fans may wonder if other rides within the Star Wars universe will receive similar treatments. Star Tours has undergone updates every two to three years since Disney acquired Lucasfilm. However, the most recent update occurred in 2019, leaving room for speculation about what is next. The Millennium Falcon ride, Smugglers Run, was expected to have interchangeable visuals to take guests on new adventures when Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019. It has remained unchanged for five years, prompting questions about potential future changes. Although Imagineering and Lucasfilm declined to comment or confirm, fans can hope for exciting updates in the future.
In conclusion, the latest update to Star Tours at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris offers visitors the opportunity to experience the ride with characters from Ahsoka, Andor, and The Mandalorian. The inclusion of a new planet, Seatos, introduces unique elements like the Purrgil and thrilling sequences. While Seatos may not be the most captivating of all destinations, the presence of beloved characters and the enhanced transmissions compensate for any shortcomings. The new additions will be available for a limited time, and future updates to other Star Wars rides remain uncertain. However, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of new adventures within the Star Wars universe at Disney parks.
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