Believe it or not, it’s been 35 years since Star Tours first launched guests to a galaxy far, far away. The groundbreaking Star Wars attraction made its debut at Disneyland on January 9, 1987, marking the beginning of a new era of immersive storytelling in Disney Parks.
The Original Launch into Hyperspace
The original Star Tours was a first-of-its-kind simulator ride, developed through a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, George Lucas, and Industrial Light & Magic. Using the Starspeeder 3000, guests boarded for a wild ride to Endor that didn’t quite go as planned.
To celebrate the attraction’s debut, Disneyland hosted a 60-hour party with a grand opening ceremony featuring Star Wars characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and George Lucas.
Expanding the Star Wars Universe
Since then, Star Tours has expanded globally to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. In 2011, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue introduced 3D technology and randomized destinations. Over the years, new scenes from across the Star Wars saga have been added, including moments from The Rise of Skywalker. Today, each ride offers one of over 100 possible combinations, making every journey a surprise.
From Star Tours to Galaxy’s Edge
The success of Star Tours helped lay the foundation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the most expansive themed land in Disney Parks history. Open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Galaxy’s Edge lets guests step into the Star Wars universe like never before—flying the Millennium Falcon, sampling drinks at Oga’s Cantina, and even building their own lightsaber or droid.
And starting March 1, 2022, the experience gets even bigger with the debut of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World, offering a two-night fully immersive Star Wars adventure.
Learn More About Star Tours
Want to dive deeper into the story behind this legendary attraction? Check out Episode 3 of “Behind the Attraction” on Disney+, which explores the creation and evolution of Star Tours, from blue-sky ideas to hyperspace reality.
Happy anniversary to one of Disney’s most iconic rides. Star Tours has been thrilling fans for 35 years—and the Force is still with it.
Looking for more Star Wars. The Story Behind the Galactic Star Cruiser. The Last Hyperspace Hoopla. The Story Behind Galaxy’s Edge. Opening Day Galaxy’s Edge. Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise. Star Wars Weekend 2016. Obi-Wan and Beyond. Stars of the Saga. Star Wars Weekend 2015 Galatic Breakfast. Star Wars Weekend 2014. HyperSpace Hoople 2012.
