Star Tours II, WDW 2010 Like Disneyland Cal.?

[Sabi]

Disney and more has a great compilation of ST2 rumors. Could it be the savings of reorganization will allow Disney to green light some projects like ST2? I hope so!

And for on opening date (Disneyland Cal.), fall 2009 was envisioned, but an opening in 2010 should be more consider if the "Tomorrowland 2010" project that may see the entire land refurbished again for Disneyland's 55th Anniversary is still in the plans. It would be perfect, and also explain why we waited so long as obviously Disney - on a marketing point of view - will need not only a re-theming of the land but also a new attraction.

BURBANK, Calif. - February 18, 2009 – Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, today announced organization changes to deliver a “one-Disney” experience by simplifying the Parks and Resorts operating structure, streamlining decision-making and eliminating redundancy.
What this basically means is that more attractions and entertainment offerings will be developed for both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, rather than just for one of them. This announcement would lead us to believe persistent rumors that attractions such as "Star Tours II" “Radiator Springs Racers” and “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Adventure” that are going to Disney’s California Adventure as part of the billion-dollar expansion plan will also find their way to one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks sometime in the not-so-distant future.

Last year a Screamscape source said that "WDI has been playing around inside the cabin after hours and playing It’s Tough To Be a Bug footage of all things. While this seems odd at first, apparently they are doing it to test a new 3D projection system they are working on for the cabins for the new Star Tours" and other rumors also said that Imagineers were using the Epcot's Body Wars simulators for some tests which i must say would make sense as they can do them secretly in the now closed Wonders of Life pavilion.

- Each Star Speeder simulator would be equipped with five 3D retro-projectors screen using the Disney Digital 3D technology. A big screen in the front and two smaller one on each side. The screens on the side are supposed to give complementary views.

- Another source said that imagineers may use lenticular screen for the smaller "3D" scren on the left and the right of the main screen in the front.

- The simulator would have also an additional hydraulic system with the ability to lift up part of the Star Speeder's roof during some sequence or special effects of the movie.

- 3D polarized glasses would have a Star Tours theme.

- The front projection system would be changed to allow the perception of landscapes in 3D. It should be a a double projection of high-definition film on a hemispherical screen - like the one you have in Omnimax theatres. Right now, the projector is inside the simulator, but in this case it may be located outside to cover the whole screen surface, and more, like when the roof will be lift.

- A DTS audio system will equipped each shuttle for a better realism of sound effects, and others loud speakers could be put outside the simulator for other sounds effects.

- Finally three Audio-Animatronics would be part of ride. Two of them would have a "walking" simulation although you will see only the upper part of their "body", and the third one won't walk but would move thanks to its computer program or eventually could have a "live" animation for a better interaction with the guests inside the Star Speeder.

 

[MonorailDriver]

I've also heard that a lot of expansion was put on hold for the 40th Anniversary of WDW...which is in 2012, which they should start celebrating sometime in the next week or two

 

[btuftee]

Lord knows they need to do something... 20 years have not been kind to Star Tours. A 3-D front screen would certainly do wonders! After seeing the use of 3D at TSM on my last trip, I think this is a bit of technology that they really need to start expanding on.

 

[phisigprincess]

Well, the rumors usually start to swirl every year around SWW, and every year I hope this is the year they actually announce it! I thought there was a really good shot at an announcement last year, so we shall see. I'd love to see an update.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Rumors and News board.

 

[Sleepless Knight]

This year, 2009, marks the 10 year anniversary of when I first heard Star Tours v. 2 rumors, so I'm in the believe it when Disney officially announces it camp. If they ever re-do the attraction I do think they'll implement the changes worldwide since Tokyo also has the attraction.

As for the DCA attractions finding their way to WDW, I could see the Little Mermaid attraction heading east at some point, but Radiator Springs Racers will use the Test Track technology and ride system, so that could be more tricky to fit in because of that.

 

[The Rivers' Rats]

I am remaining cautiously optomistic about this. I'd love to see Star Tours updated and I hope that Disney realizes just how popular Star Wars still is all these years later...

 

[doconeill]

There was a fairly credible rumor last year around the Indy 4 release that someone was working on ST2...but then again, George Lucas himself announced it years ago, and they haven't said a word since...

 

[KYMickey]

....but Radiator Springs Racers will use the Test Track technology and ride system, so that could be more tricky to fit in because of that.

Maybe the rumor can come true. There was a lot of discussion about what would happen to TT because of the GM financial situation. Converting it to Radiator Springs Racers may be a good solution considering it uses the same ride technology. Certainly something interesting to think about and it solves two questions.

 

[gymnastgirlflips]

Ok, I was actually just reading this last night...its about Star Tours 2 as well.

http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/02/who-have-some-news-of-star-tours-2.html

 

[TikiGoddess]

Why don't they think about using the Tommorowland Speedway for some type of Radiator Springs ride?? I think that most people would agree that the Speedway has outlived its appeal and a Cars theme would be welcome for families w/boys. There's so much princess stuff, that I'd love to see a Cars themed attraction and I could also do without the Speedway scent wafting not so magically through the air.

 

[Padrepride]

And for on opening date (Disneyland Cal.), fall 2009 was envisioned, but an opening in 2010 should be more consider if the "Tomorrowland 2010" project that may see the entire land refurbished again for Disneyland's 55th Anniversary is still in the plans. It would be perfect, and also explain why we waited so long as obviously Disney - on a marketing point of view - will need not only a re-theming of the land but also a new attraction.

They're thinking about redoing Disneyland Tomorrowland? The only things I could possibly see changing/being removed is Honey I Shrunk the Audience (please please please!), Innoventions (don't see it happening) or Star Tours. I'm not going to believe any of these Star Tours 2 rumors until DISNEY comes out and announces it themselves. We can no longer believe George Lucas, Anthony Daniels, or C-3PO about these Star Tours rumors.

 

[brocklesnar69]

God no! This looks like JUNK! I don't want them to change the current ride. The one now has all the classic FX from the original trilogy! That's what Star Wars fans LOVE! I hope they have the option to pick which one you want to ride!

 

[skiingfast]

I don't know why this resurfaced. DL is getting the same Star tours that WDW will. Always has been.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/06/whats-next-at-the-disneyland-resort/

 

[brocklesnar69]

I don't know why this resurfaced. DL is getting the same Star tours that WDW will. Always has been.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/06/whats-next-at-the-disneyland-resort/

The whole Star Tours thing is an absolute travesty of epic proportions! I actually feel sick! I wouldn't mind it if they gave us the choice, as in which one we wanted to ride, ala: "Side A - Star Tours to Endor" & "Side B - Star Tours Pod Racers". But this is just a complete farce! Them getting rid of such a classic ride is an abomination!!!!


After all, everyone prefers the original trilogy to the prequels.

 

[skier_pete]

The whole Star Tours thing is an absolute travesty of epic proportions! I actually feel sick! I wouldn't mind it if they gave us the choice, as in which one we wanted to ride, ala: "Side A - Star Tours to Endor" & "Side B - Star Tours Pod Racers". But this is just a complete farce! Them getting rid of such a classic ride is an abomination!!!!


After all, everyone prefers the original trilogy to the prequels.

Look, i am an old-school star wars fan - Grew up on the original trilogy - but your last statement is strictly wrong. Many kids *prefer* the new trilogy.

And, re-doing star tours is a great idea. The original ride just feels old and creaky now...and in my opinion any ride based on Star Wars *should* feel state of the art. Regardless of what you think of the qualities of the new trilogy, the battle sequences are much more intense than anything in the OT...and something like Star Tours is ALL about effects and thrills - poor dialog and story issues would not matter to Star Tours.

 

[skiingfast]

Look, i am an old-school star wars fan - Grew up on the original trilogy - but your last statement is strictly wrong. Many kids *prefer* the new trilogy.

It's very true. Star wars today is not is not what it was in 1990.

I think it is hard for people to accept that the world changes. Thier ride is not out ride to them.

 

[brocklesnar69]

Meh. To each their own I guess. But it's a common fact that the original trilogy is prefered over the prequels. Lets just hope the changing of this ride doesn't turn out as disastrously as when they got rid of Alien Encounter for that two-bit Stitch farce.


Another classic down the drain.

 

[stepdisney]

Meh. But it's a common fact that the original trilogy is prefered over the prequels.

Another classic down the drain.

Not to me, or most of the people I know. We watch the first for laughs, especially when it comes to Yoda. The prequels are better to us because of the technology that was available when they were made. Better graphics means better effects for us. I am excited about the updates, and so are my children. Change is good.

Oh, and I grew up on the first Star Wars. I graduated High School in 1981.

 

[skier_pete]

BTW, looks like the dates are getting firmed up. From the Blue Ski Disney blog:

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.

Looks like it WILL be re-opened in time for SWW. A 8.5 month closure tells me the ride vehicles will not be changing that much, it will probably be more of an overall of the projection system. (My guess is the screen won't be so tiny.) Can't wait until our 2011 trip for this one!