Star Tours...is it identical to the ride at WDW?

[lntsmom]

We're still dithering on next summer's vacation plans. I cannot find an affordable hotel in downtown Chicago (where the boys want to go), so I am really leaning toward Disneyland and the beach.

The one thing my older son regrets about our WDW trip this summer is that we only did Star Tours once. This could be a big selling point for doing Disney again so soon.

Can anyone who's ridden both tell me if they are identical? If not, how do they differ?

Thanks!
Beth

 

[ballarinamom]

Identical. The only difference is the walking up to the ride. It's in Tomoorowland and you walk into the building. No walking under the storm trooper walker thing or air motor cycle thing. So not all of the build up stuff. But the ride itself is the same

 

[jlmarr]

The ride itself is identical, but the queue area is different. The Star Tours location at DL was previously occupied by "Adventure Through Inner Space". In the image at the linked-to page from Yesterland you can see at the left the "Mighty Microscope" which is now replaced by a mock Star Speeder. The magnified snowflake image is now replaced by spaceport destination information. Interestingly, in the Star Tours ride itself you get a glimpse of (a model of) the old Mighty Microscope just as your vehicle exits the spaceport - look to the right side of the screen. This is true even in the WDW version.

 

[bumbershoot]

Another draw for you might be POTC. If you went to DL in '05, did they have all the movie add-ons at that point? Maybe that could draw you guys back as well as Star Tours?

 

[lntsmom]

We did miss the Pirates update...and the boys were sad that we didn't eat at the Blue Bayou, so both of those things are a draw!

To be honest, what I like about Disneyland is that it is much less intimidating than DisneyWorld. We can go there, do what we want to do, and feel okay about taking a day to go to the beach, a day to go to other tourist spots, etc.

My youngest wants to see the Hollywood sign, ! (He watches too many cartoons.) I'm almost leaning toward renting a car and driving out. We have family in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Las Vegas...so we might just do a road trip. I guess that will depend on where gas prices are come June!

If things are too crazy in the summer (I may be moving again if the community here doesn't pass a Mill Levy override in November...my job will be one that gets eliminated if that happens), we will aim for Christmas. Yes, I know it's crazy there that time of year, but with Disneyland being 2 days on a 10 day trip, we should be able to handle it.

Now another question: did they move the Mickey and Friends character meal somewhere or is it gone for good?

 

[Janomi]

I wish we had the cool theming of having an Imperial Walker (AT-AT) to take pictures with. Other than that, the ride is the same.

I agree with the "less intimidating" aspect of DLR. While planning my trip to WDW, it feels like a chore to try to see everything. Another DLR bonus might be the smoooooooth Space Mtn ride, Matterhorn, and Holiday IASW when you visit during Christmas.

The Hollywood and Highland Center has a good view of the sign, and it puts you close to landmarks such as the Kodak Theatre, Groman's Chinese Theatre, El Capitan and the Disney soda fountain shop.

As to your dining question, there is a Minnie and Friends Character breakfast at the Plaza Inn now.