Any News on When Star Tours Refurb Will Begin and End?

[A2Goofy]

We will be going to WDW next April and both DS7 and DS3 are really into Star Wars. I would like to know if the announced updates will be happening before, during or after our trip. If anyone has heard anything, please let me know. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[CandyMandy]

Star Tours is closing this coming October (specific date not released yet). All that's been said about the re-opening is that it will be "sometime in 2011." That's Disney code for "given all the complexities/uncertainties involved upgrading this attraction we're not committing ourselves to anything more than a very broad timeline."

So it sounds like nobody knows exactly when we'll get to experience the below:

 

[jheigl]

For some reason, I can see this becoming a somewhat extended refurb. The attraction as a whole could use a update (queue, theming, paint jobs, etc)....even the ride "vehicles" could use a bit of a refurb. Plus, they have to re-program the ride "vehicles", which I'm sure they have been working on this whole time, but you never know. I wouldn't hold out hope for April, but I am just going on a gut feeling, NO FACTS. I just feel that they are going to re-theme the entire attraction, including queue and all, which could make for a lengthy refurb time.

 

[dronein7g]

for the love of god NOOOOOOO I for one love star tours the way it is! Sure it could use a update for the special effects but if they are doing some pod race bull crap count me out....... Hey while we are here does anyone know where i can find event times for star wars weekends first weekend?It is my GF's first trip and she is overly excited about it and I cant wait either. Thanks

 

[skier_pete]

At the D23 convention last year...they announced it would go down October 2010, and be reopened October 2011. I have since heard rumors they would try and have it re-opened for May 2011, but I would tend to believe the former rather than the latter. I think you will see a complete attraction overhaul, and this will take the better part of a year. They are not simply swapping out the movie. It will also be in 3-D most certainly.

While this ride is still fun - it is definitely showing its age. To me, a Star Wars ride should be state-of-the-art, not county-fair level quality simulation, which at this point it is.

 

[A2Goofy]

Thanks for the information everyone!

I have already informed my boys that it may not be open when we are down there next April. It might help if the store is open and the Jedi Training events are still happening at that time, though. Neither of them have been on the ride and I have only done it once myself. My oldest DS has had meltdowns which caused us to leave the park before getting on the ride. Thanks again for the responses!

 

[CandyMandy]

It might help if the store is open and the Jedi Training events are still happening at that time, though.

Disney won't close any popular, profitable retail operation (such as the souvenir shop at Star Tours) unless it absolutely, positively has to. I also suspect the Jedi training would continue, since it is outdoors.

Of course, no guarantees on any of this, since it is also possible Disney could do their typical "wall it all off" type of refurb operation. In that scenario, the only evidence of Star Tours whatsoever that would be visible during your visit will be the AT-AT looming over the wall (unless of course it is also removed to as part of the refurb).

 

[Disney~Rocks~08]

To give you a general timeframe, it is supposed to go down this fall (October I believe) and they are going to try and have it back for SWW in the spring next year. So expect it back sometime around April-May 2011.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

To give you a general timeframe, it is supposed to go down this fall (October I believe) and they are going to try and have it back for SWW in the spring next year. So expect it back sometime around April-May 2011.

I hope this is the case as we're planning a trip for May/June for SWW!

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

To give you a general timeframe, it is supposed to go down this fall (October I believe) and they are going to try and have it back for SWW in the spring next year. So expect it back sometime around April-May 2011.

I would concure, I do not think they would have it closed during SWW, in fact I would think they may have a grand opening that weekend, with probably previews days/weeks beforehand.

 

[A2Goofy]

I just saw the following article on the DIS new listings:


http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/Theme_Parks_Attractions/Disney_s_plans_for_Star_Tours_at_both_parks.htm

Looks like the plan is for a year long update starting this October. So my boys will not be able to do the ride next year. Oh, well. We will still have plenty of fun with all of the other things to do in WDW!

Thanks again for the comments!

 

[ml05ries]

The rehabs/closing page was just updated this morning. It says Star Tours will be closing on 9/8/10. Doesn't say when it will reopen.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

 

[jason4024]

I was curious about this refurb as well. Why would they wait until October to start it? If they are anticipating a year of downtime, why not start it right after SWW this year, in hopes an early completion would have it open before SWW 2011. I am very disappointed that we will not get to ride it again beofre it s closure, but do look forward to the new version.

 

[skier_pete]

Looks like I was right - they WILL be getting it open in time for SWW.

From http://blueskydisney.blogspot.com/ - a fairly reliable source.

The Mouse has (finally) officially listed the "Star Tours 2" opening dates at Disneyland/Disney's Hollywood Studios...

While it's been known for a while when the closing of Star Tours would be here in California/Florida, it wasn't known exactly when the attractions would reopen. Finally, information about these battle plans have been put out there by the Empire.

Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort: Star Tours Closing Date July 27 - Reopening Date May 9.

Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World: Star Tours Closing Date Sept 8 - Reopening Date May 16.

So, looks like a premier for SWW 2011 is in order!