The long-awaited successor to the classic Star Tours attraction has finally opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. What can riders expect from Star Tours: The Adventures Continue? Theme Park Tourist correspondent Charissa Arsaoui headed to the park to find out.<\/p>\n

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (often dubbed Star Tours 2) sits on the site of the original Star Tours, which opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios back in 1989. An all-new plot, 3D special effects and a host of new characters have been introduced as Disney seeks to exploit the enduring popularity of the Star Wars universe, taking riders for a spin through some of sci-fi’s most famous locations. <\/p>\n

Physical changes have been made to the original Star Tours ride system, which was derived from military flight simulation technology. This includes the introduction of a greater range of movements, which are synchronized with the ride movie. The movie itself is now presented in high-definition Disney Digital 3D, rather than the 2D presentation of the original attraction.<\/p>\n

From the moment I stepped foot into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I knew I was in for a challenge. My mission was simple. Make my way over to Star Tours: The Adventures Continue<\/b> and prepare for what I believed to be one of the most highly anticipated new rides in the theme park’s history. <\/p>\n

Spoiler warning:<\/b> Some minor plot spoilers are revealed later on in this review – you can safely read on for the next couple of sections even if you wish to avoid these.<\/p>\n

Beating the lines<\/h3>\n

My suspicions about the ride’s popularity were correct. The line wrapped around the attraction. Even the queue for a FASTPASS was long. In 100 degree Florida heat, I didn’t want any part of waiting. I could feel the make-up melting off my face as I approached the machine, inserted my ticket, and got a FASTPASS permitting me to access the ride between 4:30 to 5:30 PM. The regular line for the ride had a 50 minute wait. In my humble opinion, that is way too long for even a Jedi to be standing underneath a relentless sun.<\/p>\n

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Predictably long lines greeted the opening of Star Tours 2.<\/div>\n

Although opting for a FASTPASS gave me over seven and a half hours of time to kill, I knew right away that I had made the right choice. As a Florida resident and one that has visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios before, I realize the value of this piece of paper. A FASTPASS allows you to breeze through the line, ride Star Tours, and move onto the next attraction without any hassle. It gives you time to take in other Star Wars Weekend related events including celebrity-filled motorcades and autograph sessions. <\/p>\n

If I would have waited in line, I would have missed seeing Chewbacca and Minnie Mouse dressed as Princess Leia. I wouldn’t have had time to attend the parade or watch children under 12 years of age practice their lightsaber skills at the Jedi Training Academy. I also wouldn’t have been near as excited as I was to visit the new attraction. There’s something about Florida humidity that kills anticipation.<\/p>\n

Preparing to board<\/h3>\n

Around four o’clock, I made my way back to the attraction. Young Jedis were being dressed for an upcoming demonstration. Their parents stood shoulder-to-shoulder behind a roped off area which made it impossible for me to see over their heads. I finally shifted my stance and was able to take a few photos of the boys and girls in action. There wasn’t a child on the stage that day that wasn’t smiling. <\/p>\n

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The Jedi Training Academy kept younger guests entertained.
Image: Steve Sim<\/div>\n

Having an event like that at the center of the attraction softened the blow for the young people who did not meet the ride’s height requirement of 40 inches (102cm) or taller. While their older siblings stood in line to ride Star Tours, they prepared to battle Darth Vader. Making these demonstrations a scheduled part of the attraction was a wise move on behalf of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There were far less tears shed because of this one detail.<\/p>\n

As I approached the entrance for the ride, I was greeted by a Walt Disney World employee. He promptly informed me that I arrived too early and would have to continue to wait until my FASTPASS was active. He was polite so I didn’t take offense. I decided that it would be appropriate to allow myself to really take in my scenery. How else could I objectively review Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newest ride?<\/p>\n

First impressions<\/h3>\n

From what I could see on the outside, Star Tours was shrouded in mystery. Cloaked by trees, it was hard to recognize the ride at a distance. The only thing indicating that it had anything to do with Star Wars itself was the giant replica of an AT-AT walker out front – something that was already present for the original attraction. Had I not seen the dozen or so signs pointing me in the direction of the ride, I would have likely missed it. <\/p>\n

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The exterior of the original Star Tours remains largely intact.<\/div>\n

Even the young Jedis blended in because it was, of course, Star Wars Weekends. There were very few places you could go that were not part of the festivities. This was one area that needed improvement. In fact, I half expected the outside of the building to be a little more high tech.<\/p>\n

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The departure board advertises Star Tours’ various destinations.
Image \u00a9 Disney\/LucasFilm<\/div>\n

Once I was permitted to enter the FASTPASS entrance, however, my opinion changed. There was a whole lot of eye candy to take in. In fact, I felt mildly disappointed that the line moved so quickly. I enjoyed looking at the different Star Tours memorabilia as I was walking along. Before I could get a second glimpse, I was handed a pair of 3D glasses and told by an employee to stand in line in front a numbered door for the ride.<\/p>\n

Flying with Star Tours<\/h3>\n

Within a matter of seconds, I was instructed to take a seat and stow my belongings underneath it. This was a bit of a struggle because I had two large bags with me. I was the last person in my seat and still hadn’t put my safety belt on when an employee approached me. I told her that I had it buckled and then the lights were dimmed. You can see the interior of the Starspeeder 1000 vehicle in the commercial below:<\/p>\n