Star Tours: Behind the Scenes! 9 Surprising Facts About the Iconic Ride
Escape to a galaxy far, far away with Disney’s Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. This iconic attraction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World invites guests aboard a Starspeeder for a thrilling journey through the Star Wars universe.
Disney Imagineers are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, and Star Tours is a prime example of their artistry. From crafting immersive storylines to incorporating hidden surprises, every element of this attraction is a testament to their creativity. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind this beloved ride.
Related – Disneyland’s ‘Star Tours’ Celebrates its 35th Anniversary!
Announcements in the Queue
The Star Tours queue cleverly mimics the bustling atmosphere of a spaceport. Listen closely to the overhead announcements – you might just hear a familiar name called out. Two passengers frequently paged are Egroeg Sacul and Mot Worrom. Sound familiar? Reverse their names and you’ll discover a hidden Easter egg: George Lucas and Tom Morrow. Of course, Lucas is synonymous with Star Wars, but who is Tom Morrow?
This enigmatic figure has made cameo appearances throughout Disney Parks. His first voyage was aboard the Rocket to the Moon, and he’s since left his mark on numerous attractions. Keep your ears peeled on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – you might just hear Mr. Morrow’s name echoing through the station.
A Pee-Wee Herman Surprise
Before C-3PO took the helm, Star Tours featured a different droid pilot named RX-24, or Captain Rex. And believe it or not, the voice behind Captain Rex belongs to none other than Pee-Wee Herman himself, Paul Reubens!
Finding the perfect voice for Captain Rex proved to be a challenge for Disney Imagineers. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, they stumbled upon the answer while watching Flight of the Navigator. The distinctive voice of the film’s protagonist was exactly what they were searching for, and it turned out to be Paul Reubens.
Rex: From Pilot to DJ
While C-3PO may now be the captain of your Starspeeder, Rex, the original pilot, hasn’t completely vanished. Keep an eye out during your time in the Star Tours queue – you might spot him in a rather unfortunate state. Once the lively and energetic captain, Rex is now labeled as defective and confined to a box.
However, all is not lost for this lovable droid. Head over to Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a surprise. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere and exotic concoctions, you’ll find Rex hard at work as DJ R-3X. It seems that while piloting might not have been his forte, spinning tunes is definitely his calling.
From Movie to Attraction
Disneyland boasts an incredible level of authenticity with its iconic Star Wars characters. The C-3PO and R2-D2 figures that greet park guests are not mere replicas, but actual props from the original Star Wars films themselves! These cinematic treasures have been ingeniously transformed into Audio-Animatronics, allowing them to interact with visitors while preserving their historical significance.
Hidden Geese in Space
You might be surprised to learn that the endearing droids G2-9T and G2-4T, affectionately known as the “Good Droids,” have a rather unconventional backstory. These characters are actually repurposed geese animatronics from Disneyland’s former attraction, America Sings.
America Sings was a grand musical spectacle featuring a cast of entirely animatronic performers. This beloved show celebrated American music through the decades, utilizing the rotating Carousel Theater. Unfortunately, America Sings closed its doors in 1988, but not before lending two of its geese to the newly opening Star Tours attraction.
Though transformed into droids, G2-9T and G2-4T still bear the marks of their feathered past. A closer look reveals robotic webbed feet and tails, remnants of their previous avian identity.
A Familiar Voice in the Galaxy
One of the Goose Droids, G2-4T, boasts a voice that might sound familiar to many Disney fans. That’s because he’s voiced by the talented Patrick Warburton. Known for his distinctive deep voice and comedic timing, Warburton has lent his talents to numerous Disney projects, including classic animated films and popular television shows.
While Warburton has an impressive resume, his role as the friendly and informative Chief Flight Attendant on Soarin’ is arguably his most recognizable. His cheerful demeanor and engaging narration have made him a beloved figure among Disney guests. Listen closely to G2-4T’s dialogue and you might just catch a hint of that familiar Warburton charm.
A Numbered Connection
Just like a traditional airport, Star Tours assigns a flight number to each journey. In this case, you’ll be embarking on Flight 1401. This seemingly random number holds a special significance for Disney fans. It’s a direct nod to the address of Walt Disney Imagineering: 1401 Flower Street, Glendale, California. This clever detail adds another layer of enchantment to the Star Tours experience.
Hidden Mickeys in the Galaxy
Even the far reaches of the Star Wars galaxy aren’t immune to the magic of Hidden Mickeys! While waiting in line for Star Tours, keep a sharp eye on the lighted windows showcasing the bustling spaceport activity. A clever arrangement of satellite dishes on an astromech droid creates a perfect Mickey Mouse shape. Additionally, a small robot’s shadow cast by a nearby light forms another hidden Mickey for those who look closely enough.
A Trek Through the Star Tours Queue
While Star Wars and Star Trek exist in separate universes, Disney Imagineers couldn’t resist a subtle nod to the iconic sci-fi franchise. Amidst the Star Wars-themed queue, two white plates display codes that hold a hidden Star Trek reference.
The first code, JK 0966, is a clear homage to Captain James T. Kirk, with JK representing his initials and 0966 referencing the debut year of Star Trek. The second code, N1C7C01, requires a bit of decoding. By rearranging the characters, you’ll uncover the famous registration number of the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701. This clever detail showcases the Imagineers’ attention to detail and appreciation for both iconic franchises.
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