by Now that Galaxy’s Edge is open, will Star Tours close for good?
During the announcement of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it seemed like new land would be the only presence of Star Wars within Disney theme parks. As we saw attractions like Star Tours and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular get shut out of Galaxy’s Edge, we worried about the fate of these popular experiences.
Last year, it seemed as though Disney has changed its tune. The company’s PR team stated that Disney Imagineers view Star Wars-themed attractions outside of Galaxy’s Edge as separate stories. In other words, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge takes place in a time between Episodes 8 and 9 – and other stories, like Episodes 1-6, can exist elsewhere.
For this reason, we haven’t seen Darth Vader stomping around Galaxy’s Edge (although he’s visited there before his death). Also absent are Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. Instead, we see several Star Wars characters show up in Star Tours—The Adventures Continue.
We love Star Tours and think that it’s one of the best simulation rides every designed. The stories are captivating, thrilling, and incredibly funny. Star Tours also doesn’t take itself as seriously as Galaxy’s Edge. There’s no continuity to follow as the ride faces off with varied storylines. Perhaps, that’s what makes the attraction so much fun.
The Future of Star Tours at Disney Parks
Though we desperately want Star Tours to stay for years to come, we’re unsure about its future. In recent years, the attraction’s popularity has severely declined. Wait times at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are some of the shortest for any thrill ride. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as guest is experience is higher with shorter wait times. However, the ride likely isn’t selling more theme park tickets.
Furthermore, Star Tours receives new scenes with each episode release. The Force Awakens in 2015 received two new scenes as did The Last Jedi in 2018. We also saw a new scene from the final film during holiday 2019. But now the Skywalker Saga has concluded and Star Tours seems complete, too. The latest Star Tours sequence almost suggests that the mission is complete.
But we believe that Star Tours could be remade. The Mandalorian is incredibly popular and doesn’t fit into the timeline on Batuu. So, possibly we could see Star Tours incorporate scenes from the show. We’d love to see it!
Then again, Disney has to worry about Star Wars overexposure. Guests already have a 14-acre land designated to the franchise. Is that enough?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios shuts down its Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away show this weekend. Other elements including the March of the First Order with Captain Phasma are leaving, too. At Disneyland, Star Wars attractions in Tomorrowland like Path of the Jedi and Launch Bay are often repurposed for other events. Guests also show little enthusiasm for when the Star Wars themes return.
However, at Disneyland, the Star Wars Nite sold out in just minutes after going on sale. Rise of the Resistance is one of the most popular attractions ever. And Baby Yoda merchandise is selling like hot cakes. So fans certainly aren’t “over” Star Wars as a whole.
For now, Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are the theme parks that give guests Star Wars experiences. So, don’t expect to see Star Wars attractions at any other theme park. Only time will tell how Disney treats the beloved franchise within its parks. Whatever they decide, we’re sure that new experiences will be out of this world.
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