Star Wars - Star Tours Ride at Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

At the D23 conference in September 2009, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo announced plans to update the Star Tours simulator ride.

This will be the first upgrade to Star Tours since it first launceh in 1987. Star Tours II will take flight in 2011 and it will include 3D effects. Although this was anticipated after the release of the prequel movies, there has been mnothing more than speculation for the last few years. Details of the upgrade were sparse, but based on the trailer released by Disney, the new ride appears to be themed around the Pod Race from Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

Star Tours II will be at both Disneyland California and Disneyworld in Florida.

Star Tours is located in Disney's Hollywood Studios park (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) at the end of Comissary Way.

As you enter the park, do yourself a BIG favor and pick up a park map - they're located in kiosks all around the inside of the entrance. Star Tours is Attraction 4, and is located on the middle left of the map (the image shown is of the AT-AT outside the attraction). You will immediately notice a dotted red line going from just past the entrance to the Star Tours attraction. This is actually the parade route which will start/end to the left of the Jedi Training Academy show area.

From the park entrance, head straight for the Sorcerer's Hat, go left around Echo Lake (on either side), continue past the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and you're there.

Directly across the path from the exit of Tatooine Traders, slightly to the left of the Srtoller Parking is a great Photo Op - a speeder from Return of The Jedi, complete with Endor forest backdrop. Since this is not a 'Character Greeting' spot, it is usually pretty empty, and getting a picture is only a short wait (if any). The speeder is actually large enough to fit 2 children, although this usually leads to arguments as to who is sitting up front and 'steering'.

There typically isn't a PhotoPass photographer stationed here, so you will have to take your own pictures.

Every once in a while, at unscheduled times during the day, Darth Vader and some Storm Troopers will make an appearance (between the ride entrance and Tatooine Traders). They will be accompanied by a PhotoPass photographer.

It is very imprtant that if you see them to get in line as quickly as possible since they are only out for pictures for ~15 minutes. If you're in Tatooine Traders and hear a commotion, send someone out to see what's going on, you may get lucky.

To get this picture, we got out of line at Tatooine Traders and dropped (actully put down on the counter very quickly) what we were buying to get outside and on line. It was a very good decision, since there were photos of only 3 more families taken after us. We then had plenty of time to go back in side and complete our purcahses.

Update - September 2009

We've just returned from another trip to Disney World, and after 6 more attempts, still have not made it to Endor. But more importantly, talking to the Cast Members inside Tatooine Traders, I learned that Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers no longer come out for photos (not even after Jedi Academy performances). In order to get a photo with Lord Vader, you'll need to be at Disney World during one of the Star Wars weekends.

Take your first steps into a larger universe as you learn the power of the Force. If you are fortunate to be seelcted from the audience (children only) as one of the Padawan Learners, you will train under the guidance of a Jedi Master to become a junior Jedi Knight! You will don the traditional brown robe, pledge the sacred Jedi Oath, then fire up your lightsaber and learn the age old Jedi techniques from your Jedi Master.

Each Padawan will learn and master the necessary moves in an easy, step-by-step process that any true Jedi could handle.

But be warned:There is a disturbance in the Force. Stormtroopers have been seen in the area, and it is rumored Darth Vader himself is in search of those he can convert to the Dark Side.. Will you pass the test and defeat Lord Vader in a one-on-one battle for good?

May the Force be with you!

Are you planning a vacation to Walt Disney World? or maybe you're thinking about it but are worried it will be too expensive. Stop worrying and relax, The Disney World Vacation and Savings Travel Guide is a guide to the best tips, tricks and savings available for a Disney Vacation. Strategies that can literally save you hundreds - if not thousands of dollars.

The tips included in this guide cover everything from Disney Tickets, park Hopper Passes, Lodging, Resorts, Airlines, Restaurants, Shopping and plenty more. This guide will pay for itself before you even get to Walt Disney World. It is can't afford not to have.

This fantastic resource, written by a best-selling travel author and former Disney Cast Member. The Disney World Vacation and Savings Travel Guide will save you hundreds of dollars. So what are you waiting for?

Once you exit your shuttle after your return flight from Endor, you will exit directly into Tatooine Traders - the ultimate gift shop for all things Star Wars. Here, you can find everything from plush toys, costumes, books and shirts, to autographed pictures and replica lightsabers.

One of the special things about all Disney gift shops is that you don't need to carry your purchase for the rest of the day. you can either pick it up at the park exit, or have it sent to your resort (provided you are staying at a Disney property).

Anakin Limited Edition Episode III Replica Lightsaber

This is the officially licensed reproduction of Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber hilt from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - produced by Master Replicas. Features include machined aluminum with copper painted and 18K gold-plated accented part, and co-molded rubber and injection plastic grips. Measures approximately 11" x 1.25" diameter and Comes with a custom-designed display case, numbered metal display plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity. Display case has a matte black base, mirrored floor, acrylic supports, and acrylic dust cover.

Supreme Edition Darth Vader Costume Adult

The Supreme Edition Darth Vader adult costume includes a jumpsuit with quitted "Faux Leather" pants and sleeves, an ominous and flaring cape created from original patterns used by Lucasfilm. Heavy duty injection molded armour pieces cast from original Lucasfilm molds include; collar, shoulder guards, boot tops, chest piece and belt. The supreme edition oversize adult mask and helmet set is made in a heavy injection molded ABS material from the original Lucasfilm molds. Gloves with gauntlets are also included. Lightsaber not included.Please note: This is a special order item.Costumes and accessories are not refundable and can only be returned for an exchange.

Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop Limited Edition

From the producers of the acclaimed Dressing a Galaxy: The Costumes of Star Wars comes an inside look at the secrets behind the saga's artful models and sculptures. Lorne Peterson, model and sculpture designer for the entire Star Wars saga, takes us on a journey through the intricate process of crafting and sculpting the models, from sketch to screen, and the amazing artistry behind the dazzling results.Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop features more than three hundred full-color photographs and illustrations from the Lucasfilm archives, models from all six films, interviews, images, and text from the concept sculptors, an overview of the Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) model shop from 1976 through today, and numerous gatefolds of the most-loved models.ILM virtually redefined visual effects and blazed a trail into the digital realm. Follow Peterson behind the cameras and into the rarely seen workshops with this amazing exploration of movie magic. Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop offers the first in-depth examination of these amazing models, as well as a penetrating behind-the-scenes view of their creation, punctuated by Lorne Peterson's exuberance and dedication to craft. This unique visual treat is a must-have fior any Star Wars fan!Limited Edition Features Includes:• Incredible Tri-fold Box; containing a deluxe hardcover edition and actual model reproductions, extra booklets and DVD • Models reproduced from the original cast and handpainting of Lorne Peterson: including the Landspeeder with removeable figures of Luke Skywalker, Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2, & C-3PO, plus Death Star surface models • DVD featuring Star Wars model shop documentaries • Expanded edition hardcover includes six additional gatefolds, 12 page booklet, an accordion styled foldout with cut-outs of the ships, 16 page booklet, gatefold of the "family tree" of creators and modelmakers • Limited Edition of 3,000 signed and numbered copies• Certificate of Authenticity• Preface by George Lucas

Can't find what you're looking for? Click Here for Exclusive Star Wars Artwork, Posters, Figures and More!