Star Tours has been one of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides since it premiered in 1987. Disney is planning to bring Star Tours to an end later this year, so it can be reimagined and relaunched next year as a whole new experience with modern technology. But before that happens, Disney is offering one final chance to enjoy a nostalgic trip on the old ride as part of a “decommissioning party” that they’re calling “Last Tour to Endor.”
Last Tour to Endor takes place Saturday, August 14th, during Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Celebration V (which obviously, is also being held in Orlando). If you’re willing to pluck down $75 for a ticket, you’ll get access to the attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during this special party from 8:pm to 1:am, as well as lots of other Star Wars-themed goodies like ”themed intergalactic party zones,” Star Wars shows, a Death Star Disco, and more. The big event ends with “Symphony in the Stars,” a big fireworks display themed around Star Wars.
Now I’m not going to pretend that Lucasfilm and Disney aren’t a pair of empires that expertly market their franchises and get fans to pay tons of money for things they don’t need. We’ve all fallen prey to the “need” for a toy lightsaber or an Incredibles DVD. So the cynic in me knows that this is just a Lucas/Disney money-grab timed around a theme park attraction’s final day in service. But… ah, crap, I can’t help it — it just sounds cool!
Man, I’m such a follower.