Chapter 16 - Hollywood Studios - Echo Lake - Part 4
Star Tours posted May 2022
Star Tours posted May 2022
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We’ve toured around the lake, now we’ll venture to the rest of what is part of the Echo Lake area – The Backlot Express and Star Tours.
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Current map of Hollywood Studios: |
Backlot Express Restaurant
Now let’s go to the counter service restaurant, Backlot Express, which is themed around movie making departments like paint, stunts, models and sculptures. Because of this the whole place feels more like a warehouse rather than an eatery.
Now let’s go to the counter service restaurant, Backlot Express, which is themed around movie making departments like paint, stunts, models and sculptures. Because of this the whole place feels more like a warehouse rather than an eatery.
Backlot Express restaurant opened at Disney-MGM Studios on opening day, May 1, 1989.
Backlot Express is one of the most convenient quick service locations at WDW – it’s right in the middle of all the action. With Indiana Jones Spectacular on one side and Star Tours on the other.
Backlot Express is one of the most convenient quick service locations at WDW – it’s right in the middle of all the action. With Indiana Jones Spectacular on one side and Star Tours on the other.
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Lots of seating, a simple menu, and generally quick service makes this a great spot to stop.
Backlot Express is a Walt Disney World counter service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The slogan of Backlot Express is a “Warehouse of Good Eating”. The menu is extensive, so everyone will find something that should satisfy them. But it’s always changing so check the current menu online. 
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While the main draw of The Backlot Express is its burgers and chicken nuggets, there’s more to this Disney’s Hollywood Studios quick service restaurant than just what’s on the menu.
The Imagineer who designed The Backlot Express went all out, paying attention to every little detail.
The restaurant is a Disney-MGM Studios original. It’s still trying to convey the whole “operating studio” concept of the original theme that Disney-MGM Studios was based on. Additionally, there are a variety of details that simply have that old aesthetic, from the props to restrooms to signage and fonts.
Facts:
The Imagineer who designed The Backlot Express went all out, paying attention to every little detail.
The restaurant is a Disney-MGM Studios original. It’s still trying to convey the whole “operating studio” concept of the original theme that Disney-MGM Studios was based on. Additionally, there are a variety of details that simply have that old aesthetic, from the props to restrooms to signage and fonts.
Facts:
Backlot Express Theme
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The Backlot Express is themed to look like an assortment of studio workshops and offices, the dining rooms are littered with all kinds of movie props.
The front entrance of the Backlot Express restaurant is the actual Toon Patrol black paddy wagon vehicle that the weasels drove to do the evil bidding of Judge Doom in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. It is a real 1937 Dodge Humpback panel truck. This is the same car that was used for the Weasels car in the Loony Bin. 
Check out the paint cans in the paint department for fun messages, look at the pavement to check out the different ground/floor styles the props department and you can find props from popular films. Also pay close attention to any writing that you can find, as there are bits of stories wrapped up in each and every one.
In order to accomplish the effect, director Robert Zemeckis first filmed Hoskins riding in this bare-bones vehicle on location with a stunt driver hidden in the back. The stunt driver Charlie Croughwell was completely covered in a black jumpsuit and wearing a black hood (thin enough to see through) who actually drove the vehicle.
Then that footage was shipped to London where animation director Richard Williams and his crew would essentially draw Benny the Cab over the on-set vehicle. Although it was never seen on screen, this prop played a vital part in bringing the animated world of Roger Rabbit to life. |
Inside the restaurant in the indoor office of the Paint Supervisor, on the bulletin board, are some color photos of the vehicle with the decals and some standee weasels. The round official City of Los Angeles Toon Patrol decals on the front doors identifying it have been removed.
Near the Weasels car, it looks like a delivery of Mustard, Mayo and Catsup. (Deluxe size) 
There’s an appearance of details actively trying to reinforce the notion that this is a really-for-real working studio, complete with things like government-mandated workplace safety notices and employee bulletin boards with messages from other employees
In the back left hand room, you will see a black go-kart looking vehicle. This is the actual vehicle that Bob Hoskins sat in during the filming of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. That go-kart was the real-life Benny the Cab. As we’ve seen Hollywood Studios has a lot of references to the Roger Rabbit film. (Check out various Chapters of WDWMousing on Hollywood Studios Chapters 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14) 
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Photos show how the Benny the Cab and Roger animation was added on top of the car.
This prop was removed from “Backlot Express” in 2019 in order to increase the restaurant’s seating.
If you walk around the seating areas of the restaurant you'll be treated to a variety of humorous and/or entertaining items. There are all sorts of props, statues, paint cans, and a variety of signage.
If you walk around the seating areas of the restaurant you'll be treated to a variety of humorous and/or entertaining items. There are all sorts of props, statues, paint cans, and a variety of signage.
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The Backlot Express area music loop consists of a soundtrack made up of theme songs from old television shows random snippets from movie scores. (We were not able to get an acceptable copy of the Backlot Express music loop.)
Source:
Source:
- https://www.themouseforless.com/blog_world/2016/02/roger-rabbit-disney-mgm-studios-history-possibilities-reality/
- https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/feature/hidden-things-roger-rabbit-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/
- https://www.mouseplanet.com/10382/Who_Disappeared_Roger_Rabbit_From_the_Disney_Parks
- https://allears.net/2012/07/02/backlot-express-restaurant/
Notes on Roger Rabbit in Hollywood Studios
This is a follow-up on Roger Rabbit in Hollywood Studios and what happened to him.
2013, was the 25th birthday of the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The film has often been credited as the catalyst for the birth of an animation reawakening in the 1990s.
Although, the Walt Disney Company claims that resurgence in animation was restarted by the “The Little Mermaid” the following year.
Roger Rabbit's Disney career was roughly 1988 to 1992, after which he all but disappeared from the films and the parks. Here is what happened to a character that many thought would be entertaining audiences for many years.
Disney President Ron Miller purchased the rights to the Roger Rabbit in 1981. In 1984, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells were in charge and many previous projects approved by the Miller era were abandoned. However, Jeffrey Katzenberg discovered the work that had been done on Roger Rabbit and shared it with Eisner who put the project back into development.
In 1981, Steven Spielberg had founded Amblin Entertainment. When Eisner was head of production at Paramount, he had given Spielberg support to direct Raiders of the Lost Ark. Spielberg's contributions to the success of the film were significant, including convincing Robert Zemeckis (hot off the success of his latest film Back to the Future in 1985) to direct; negotiating with individual cartoon studios to loan out their famous characters for an appearance.
This is a follow-up on Roger Rabbit in Hollywood Studios and what happened to him.
2013, was the 25th birthday of the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
The film has often been credited as the catalyst for the birth of an animation reawakening in the 1990s.
Although, the Walt Disney Company claims that resurgence in animation was restarted by the “The Little Mermaid” the following year.
Roger Rabbit's Disney career was roughly 1988 to 1992, after which he all but disappeared from the films and the parks. Here is what happened to a character that many thought would be entertaining audiences for many years.
Disney President Ron Miller purchased the rights to the Roger Rabbit in 1981. In 1984, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells were in charge and many previous projects approved by the Miller era were abandoned. However, Jeffrey Katzenberg discovered the work that had been done on Roger Rabbit and shared it with Eisner who put the project back into development.
In 1981, Steven Spielberg had founded Amblin Entertainment. When Eisner was head of production at Paramount, he had given Spielberg support to direct Raiders of the Lost Ark. Spielberg's contributions to the success of the film were significant, including convincing Robert Zemeckis (hot off the success of his latest film Back to the Future in 1985) to direct; negotiating with individual cartoon studios to loan out their famous characters for an appearance.
“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was a financial success (it was the second-highest grossing film of the year behind "Rain Man" and brought in more than $300 million dollars on its $50 million investment), earning three Oscars, and a special Academy Award for Richard Williams, as well as recognition at a wide variety of other award ceremonies. The success of the film inspired Eisner to immediately increase the promotion of the character who the public perceived as a Disney character, not connected with Amblin.
The original film was released in the summer of 1988 and, by the fall of 1988, a costumed Roger Rabbit character was appearing at Disneyland. Roger had been included as a major character in an NBC television special saluting Mickey Mouse's 60th birthday.
A theatrical short called Tummy Trouble (the first new Disney theatrical short in more than 30 years) had been put into production and a possible film sequel was being discussed.
Then Roger was planned to become an important presence for the Disney MGM Studios. Hot off the box-office success, an entire land devoted to Roger Rabbit was planned for to be added to Hollywood/MGM Studios, but the land was never built. Many props and homages to the rabbit can still be seen in the park to this day. (See Chapters on Hollywood Studios)
Roger Rabbit was prominent at the Disney parks for several years. Roger Rabbit was one of the six gigantic 45-foot-tall inflatable balloon figures that were in Disneyland's "Party Gras" parade from January to November 1990 to celebrate Disneyland's 35th birthday. Walt Disney World brought the parade to the Magic Kingdom for WDW's 20th Anniversary Surprise Celebration in 1991 and Roger was given a new jester's hat. The parade ran for approximately three years. Roger was the original conductor in the SpectroMagic (See Magic Kingdom Chapter 31 – Magic Kingdom Parades of 1990’s) night time parade that debuted at WDW in 1991 but he was later replaced by the Genie from Aladdin. In fact, Roger was the official toon representative of WDW's birthday celebration. He toured the United States, accompanied by perky male and female Disney performers dressed in Roger outfits to publicize the event.
He was a featured in several scenes of the Disneyland Fun Singalong Songs video, as well as Disneyland's 35th Anniversary special on NBC.
The original film was released in the summer of 1988 and, by the fall of 1988, a costumed Roger Rabbit character was appearing at Disneyland. Roger had been included as a major character in an NBC television special saluting Mickey Mouse's 60th birthday.
A theatrical short called Tummy Trouble (the first new Disney theatrical short in more than 30 years) had been put into production and a possible film sequel was being discussed.
Then Roger was planned to become an important presence for the Disney MGM Studios. Hot off the box-office success, an entire land devoted to Roger Rabbit was planned for to be added to Hollywood/MGM Studios, but the land was never built. Many props and homages to the rabbit can still be seen in the park to this day. (See Chapters on Hollywood Studios)
Roger Rabbit was prominent at the Disney parks for several years. Roger Rabbit was one of the six gigantic 45-foot-tall inflatable balloon figures that were in Disneyland's "Party Gras" parade from January to November 1990 to celebrate Disneyland's 35th birthday. Walt Disney World brought the parade to the Magic Kingdom for WDW's 20th Anniversary Surprise Celebration in 1991 and Roger was given a new jester's hat. The parade ran for approximately three years. Roger was the original conductor in the SpectroMagic (See Magic Kingdom Chapter 31 – Magic Kingdom Parades of 1990’s) night time parade that debuted at WDW in 1991 but he was later replaced by the Genie from Aladdin. In fact, Roger was the official toon representative of WDW's birthday celebration. He toured the United States, accompanied by perky male and female Disney performers dressed in Roger outfits to publicize the event.
He was a featured in several scenes of the Disneyland Fun Singalong Songs video, as well as Disneyland's 35th Anniversary special on NBC.
The theatrical short Tummy Trouble had been rushed into production and was released with the Disney live-action film, Honey I Shrunk the Kids in June 1989. It was credited in the industry as having significantly boosted the revenue for the film. Almost immediately, a second short, titled Roller Coaster Rabbit was made. Spielberg assumed that this short would be attached to his Amblin film Arachnophobia (1990), especially since it was the first feature to be released by Disney's new Hollywood Studios.
However, Disney had invested heavily in the live action feature Dick Tracy (1990) and felt the film needed additional help to recover its costs. Eisner insisted that since Disney was releasing both films that the short be connected with Dick Tracy.
Spielberg felt that as the co-owner of the characters, he should have a say in how they were being used and that a Roger Rabbit short should accompany one of his films. Work began on a third short, Hare in My Soup, to be released with the film The Rocketeer (1991). Before the pre-production work was finished on the short when Spielberg announced he could not approve the cartoon and he had concerns about the script for the sequel as well, including the fact that the villain was a Nazi, so he wouldn't approve it either.
Eisner realized that there would be even more trouble getting Spielberg's agreement on any future co-productions. Disney just completed the image of Roger Rabbit for the WDW 20th Anniversary press kit cover when word came from Eisner to stop any projects that featured Roger. So, 1992 was the end of the career of Roger Rabbit.
In an attempt to patch things up, Disney shifted focus to a different Roger theatrical short titled Trail Mix Up that did get Spielberg's approval and was released with the Disney/Amblin co-production A Far Off Place (1993), but it did not receive the same attention as the previous shorts.
It was clear that Roger was pretty much dead in animation and in the Disney parks by mid-1993.
The Disney Company philosophy became basically: Why fight with Spielberg and share the revenues when there were dozens of new Disney animated characters, from a mermaid to a beast to an upcoming lion?
In recent years, there has been some discussion about whether the chilly atmosphere around Roger Rabbit has been thawing somewhat.
Unfortunately, for those wanting the return of Roger Rabbit, it seems for the newest generation of guests, the question is often "Who Is Roger Rabbit?"
Sources:
However, Disney had invested heavily in the live action feature Dick Tracy (1990) and felt the film needed additional help to recover its costs. Eisner insisted that since Disney was releasing both films that the short be connected with Dick Tracy.
Spielberg felt that as the co-owner of the characters, he should have a say in how they were being used and that a Roger Rabbit short should accompany one of his films. Work began on a third short, Hare in My Soup, to be released with the film The Rocketeer (1991). Before the pre-production work was finished on the short when Spielberg announced he could not approve the cartoon and he had concerns about the script for the sequel as well, including the fact that the villain was a Nazi, so he wouldn't approve it either.
Eisner realized that there would be even more trouble getting Spielberg's agreement on any future co-productions. Disney just completed the image of Roger Rabbit for the WDW 20th Anniversary press kit cover when word came from Eisner to stop any projects that featured Roger. So, 1992 was the end of the career of Roger Rabbit.
In an attempt to patch things up, Disney shifted focus to a different Roger theatrical short titled Trail Mix Up that did get Spielberg's approval and was released with the Disney/Amblin co-production A Far Off Place (1993), but it did not receive the same attention as the previous shorts.
It was clear that Roger was pretty much dead in animation and in the Disney parks by mid-1993.
The Disney Company philosophy became basically: Why fight with Spielberg and share the revenues when there were dozens of new Disney animated characters, from a mermaid to a beast to an upcoming lion?
In recent years, there has been some discussion about whether the chilly atmosphere around Roger Rabbit has been thawing somewhat.
Unfortunately, for those wanting the return of Roger Rabbit, it seems for the newest generation of guests, the question is often "Who Is Roger Rabbit?"
Sources:
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Star Wars: Jedi Training Academy
In 2007, Echo Lake came the permanent home for the Jedi Training Academy. Originally it was part of Star Wars Weekends. The Jedi Training Academy was a live show where young Padawans could train to discover their inner Jedi.
Registration took place where a Sounds Dangerous poster had been. Until the end of 2015, the ABC Sound Studio facility served as the staging area (but not the performance location) for Star Wars.
In November 2015, the facility became the theater for Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a 10-minute show about the Star Wars movies. (See Hollywood Studios – Chapter 15 – Echo Lake – Part 3)
The young trainees become part of the Jedi Training Academy, where they can learn to battle against Darth Vader and to use the powers of the force.
In 2007, Echo Lake came the permanent home for the Jedi Training Academy. Originally it was part of Star Wars Weekends. The Jedi Training Academy was a live show where young Padawans could train to discover their inner Jedi.
Registration took place where a Sounds Dangerous poster had been. Until the end of 2015, the ABC Sound Studio facility served as the staging area (but not the performance location) for Star Wars.
In November 2015, the facility became the theater for Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a 10-minute show about the Star Wars movies. (See Hollywood Studios – Chapter 15 – Echo Lake – Part 3)
The young trainees become part of the Jedi Training Academy, where they can learn to battle against Darth Vader and to use the powers of the force.
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Each young Padawan who participates in the training session will be issued a Jedi robe (to be returned after the show), and shortly before the training session begins, youngsters will get to march along the thoroughfare toward the stage where the training experience takes place.
During each training session, young Jedi hopefuls will be taught the basics of what it takes to be a Jedi—from wielding a light saber to fending off even the most villainous members of the Dark Side. During the show the Padawan will go toe-to-toe with Darth Vader or Kylo Ren. Resource: |
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Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple opened in late 2015. From 2007 until 2015, the attraction was known at the Jedi Training Academy.
When the Jedi Training Academy first started, it was only offered on Star Wars Weekends as one of the additional Star Wars entertainments for guests to enjoy. Star Wars Weekends are no longer, with Star Wars now having a permanent presence in the parks with Galaxy’s Edge. Thus, the Jedi Training experience has become a daily attraction.
In 2015, the Jedi Training signups was moved a bit out of the way, it is now located between the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, yb the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost left of the Indiana Jones Spectacular Theater.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple opened in late 2015. From 2007 until 2015, the attraction was known at the Jedi Training Academy.
When the Jedi Training Academy first started, it was only offered on Star Wars Weekends as one of the additional Star Wars entertainments for guests to enjoy. Star Wars Weekends are no longer, with Star Wars now having a permanent presence in the parks with Galaxy’s Edge. Thus, the Jedi Training experience has become a daily attraction.
In 2015, the Jedi Training signups was moved a bit out of the way, it is now located between the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, yb the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost left of the Indiana Jones Spectacular Theater.
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The experience has always included storm troopers and Darth Vader. When the attraction changed over to Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, it also added an additional character to the show. Kylo Ren now fights young padawan’s along with Darth Vader. With Kylo Ren’s introduction in Force Awakens, there is no surprise that he would make an appearance to the set! (Originally, The Seventh Sister who is a villain known from Star Wars Rebels series would partake in the show, but was by replaced by Kylo Ren).
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Backup:
- https://www.disneylists.com/2016/03/10-facts-and-secrets-about-star-tours-the-adventure-continues-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=0a9f101f83-DisneyLists_com_Update_8_1_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-0a9f101f83-283624153
- http://www.fromscreentotheme.com/FunFindFriday.aspx
- https://disneytips.com/things-to-know-about-jedi-training-trials-of-the-temple-at-walt-disney-world/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=9407ef9bcb-MT+Email_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-9407ef9bcb-307144285
- https://www.disneylists.com/2016/06/6-facts-secrets-jedi-training-trials-temple-disneys-hollywood-studios/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=6b0f216e3b-DisneyLists_com_Update_8_27_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-6b0f216e3b-283624153
- https://www.celebrationspress.com/2018/07/23/jedi-training-academy-trials-of-the-temple/
- http://www.mickeytips.com/10-facts-experiences-walt-disney-worlds-star-tours-adventures-continue/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=9fbd9872de-MT+Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-9fbd9872de-307144285
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Star Wars – D-Tech Me Returns to Star Wars Weekends
In 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios announced that the Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience will return this year (See Hollywood Chapter 15 – Echo Lake – Part 3 Carbon Freeze Me). During 2014, the experience will be located inside Darth’s Mall, located in Soundstage 1 between Studio Backlot Tour and Toy Story Midway Mania.
For those unfamiliar with Star Wars – D-Tech Me, this 10-minute Carbon Freeze experience that uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. The captured image is later sent to a high-resolution 3D printer to create the figure.
This year features two returning favorites — Carbon-Freeze Me, Stormtrooper — along with female options offered for X-wing pilot, Carbon-Freeze Me, and Stormtrooper figures. They introduced a 16-inch figure.
Additionally, they shared details starting May 16 on DisneyParksMerchandise.com about how you can have your image. Completed figures will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience
It was only offered during Star Wars Weekends 2014 (May 16 – 18, May 23 – 25, May 30 – June 1, June 6 – 8, and June 13-15).
In 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios announced that the Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience will return this year (See Hollywood Chapter 15 – Echo Lake – Part 3 Carbon Freeze Me). During 2014, the experience will be located inside Darth’s Mall, located in Soundstage 1 between Studio Backlot Tour and Toy Story Midway Mania.
For those unfamiliar with Star Wars – D-Tech Me, this 10-minute Carbon Freeze experience that uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. The captured image is later sent to a high-resolution 3D printer to create the figure.
This year features two returning favorites — Carbon-Freeze Me, Stormtrooper — along with female options offered for X-wing pilot, Carbon-Freeze Me, and Stormtrooper figures. They introduced a 16-inch figure.
Additionally, they shared details starting May 16 on DisneyParksMerchandise.com about how you can have your image. Completed figures will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience
It was only offered during Star Wars Weekends 2014 (May 16 – 18, May 23 – 25, May 30 – June 1, June 6 – 8, and June 13-15).
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photos credit: ©Disney
Finally, guests attending the Rebel Rendezvous event on May 15 will be some of the first individuals to experience Star Wars – D-Tech Me in 2014.
More Info:
More Info:
Star Tours
Star Tours debuted at Disney-MGM studios in December of 1989, several months after the Park opened in May 1989.
Star Tours was a motion simulator attraction based on the successful Star Wars film series created by George Lucas. Set in the Star Wars universe, the attraction sent guests on an excursion trip to Endor. It involved a being caught in a confrontation between the New Republic (The Rebels) and the Imperial Empire.
As guests approach the Star Tours attraction, they will be confronted by a giant AT-AT towering over the queue. To enter the Star Tours guests will walk under an Ewok village.
Star Tours debuted at Disney-MGM studios in December of 1989, several months after the Park opened in May 1989.
Star Tours was a motion simulator attraction based on the successful Star Wars film series created by George Lucas. Set in the Star Wars universe, the attraction sent guests on an excursion trip to Endor. It involved a being caught in a confrontation between the New Republic (The Rebels) and the Imperial Empire.
As guests approach the Star Tours attraction, they will be confronted by a giant AT-AT towering over the queue. To enter the Star Tours guests will walk under an Ewok village.
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The ride that became Star Tours first saw light as a proposal for an attraction based on the 1979 Disney live-action film The Black Hole. After preliminary planning, the Black Hole attraction was shelved due to its enormous cost, as well as the low success of the film.
The company decided to make use of a partnership between Disney and George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, that began in 1986 with the opening of Captain EO (a 3-D musical film starring Michael Jackson) Disney then approached Lucas with the idea for Star Tours. With Lucas' approval, Disney Imagineers purchased four military-grade flight simulators and designed the ride structure.
The company decided to make use of a partnership between Disney and George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, that began in 1986 with the opening of Captain EO (a 3-D musical film starring Michael Jackson) Disney then approached Lucas with the idea for Star Tours. With Lucas' approval, Disney Imagineers purchased four military-grade flight simulators and designed the ride structure.
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Once inside the queue, guests will encounter some familiar characters from Star Wars. R2-D2 and C3PO, as well as a life-size mock-up of a StarSpeeder, the fictional spacecraft which riders were about to board.
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Attraction
Star Tours was advertised as "The Star Wars Adventure!". On Star Tours the guest played the role of a space tourist enroute to the Forest Moon of Endor, the site of the climactic battle of Return of the Jedi, via the Star Tours travel agency.
Much was made of this throughout the ride queue, which was designed to look like a spaceship boarding terminal: posters advertised voyages to different planets, and a giant screen informing travels of the Departure Times.
Star Tours was advertised as "The Star Wars Adventure!". On Star Tours the guest played the role of a space tourist enroute to the Forest Moon of Endor, the site of the climactic battle of Return of the Jedi, via the Star Tours travel agency.
Much was made of this throughout the ride queue, which was designed to look like a spaceship boarding terminal: posters advertised voyages to different planets, and a giant screen informing travels of the Departure Times.
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Guests then enter a maintenance area where an apparently underproductive G2 droid performs repairs on another droid while being distracted by the observing guests, and another droid inadvertently points out all the supposed flaws of the StarSpeeder and its RX pilots.
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Guests proceed around ramp to confront the Security Droid. (But doesn't seem to be doing a good job of it)
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As guests pick up their “flight glasses” and are instructed to proceed to their allocated Gate, where they will wait to board Star Tours Flight #1401 (which happens to be the address of Walt Disney Imagineering in California).
A television screen above the queue displays a countdown to take-off time and shows images of the StarSpeeder spacecraft being serviced. As launch time approaches, a safety video is shown featuring Star Wars aliens, Disney Imagineers, and their families. It instructs guests how to fasten their seat belts and where to place belongings.
A television screen above the queue displays a countdown to take-off time and shows images of the StarSpeeder spacecraft being serviced. As launch time approaches, a safety video is shown featuring Star Wars aliens, Disney Imagineers, and their families. It instructs guests how to fasten their seat belts and where to place belongings.
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Once the doors to the StarSpeeder open, guests walk across bridges into the StarSpeeder cabin.
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As the doors closed, the pilot droid of the ship, RX-24 or Rex, appears on the side screen and chats to the guests about the trip as R2-D2 is loaded onto the spacecraft.
Captain Rex
Once The Ship is Ready (The following is the sequence of events that happened on the original Star Tours Experience).
At this point guests are instructed to put on their 3D glass
At this point guests are instructed to put on their 3D glass
- Rex lowers the cockpit shield, and the hangar crew activate the flight platform. All goes well until a slight mistake on Captain Rex's part sends the StarSpeeder crashing into the maintenance bay doors and plummeting into the maintenance yard.
- They barely crash into the control room and nearly collide with a giant mechanical arm.
- Once in space, Rex asks R2-D2 to make the jump to lightspeed.
- The ship accidentally passes the Endor moon and gets caught inside a comet cluster.
- Then the ship gets hit by several comets before getting trapped in one of the larger comets.
- The StarSpeeder weaves its way through the comet and escapes by crashing through one of the walls.
- Once escaping the comet, the ship encounters a Star Destroyer of the Imperial Empire.
- The StarSpeeder gets caught in its tractor beam,
- But manages to get loose when a Republic X-wing fighter provided assistance by destroying the tractor beam's generator.
- The StarSpeeder accompanies the Republic fleet on an assault on the Death Star III.
- Rex uses the StarSpeeder's lasers to eliminate several TIE fighters while a Republic pilot destroys the Death Star in the same manner as Luke Skywalker by firing two proton torpedoes into the exhaust port.
- The X-Wings jump to lightspeed as the Death Star explodes
- With a final lightspeed jump that sends the StarSpeeder back to the spaceport, nearly colliding with a fuel truck in the hangar and sending a Star Tours employee ducking under his desk.
- As the cockpit shield raises and cuts off Rex as he apologizes for the near-fatal flight, C-3PO instructs the passengers on the exit procedure and thanks them.
- The exit doors opposite the entrance then open and the passengers proceed across another set of bridges into the exit hall towards the Star Trader gift shop.
As guests exit the StarSpeeder they will see several Travel Posters in corridor heading towards the Baggage Claim (better known as the Star Tours Shop).
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Cast
Music
Note:
Follow-ups:
- Anthony Daniels – C-3PO (voice and action)
- Ben Burtt – R2-D2
- Paul Reubens – Captain RX-24, a.k.a. Rex (voice)
- Brian Cummings – Vid-Screen Announcer (planetary destinations) (voice)
- Stephanie Taylor – Safety Instructor
- Steve Gawley – cameo as Red Leader (onboard video)
- Warwick Davis – cameo as Wicket the Ewok
Music
- Richard Bellis
- John Williams (original themes)
Note:
- Brian Cummings been one of the long-time voices of Buena Vista Home Entertainment (now Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment's) trailers and promotions.
- Steve Gawley is best known as an original ILM visual FX model shop model maker & model supervisor who produced FX model props for 64+ films such as Star Wars Episodes 1-6, several Star Trek films, Back to the Future trilogy. He built the models and miniature sets for the Disneyland motion simulator ride Star Tours. Gawley also appeared during the ride in the role of ‘Red Leader’
- Warwick Ashley Davis He played the title character in Willow (1988) and the Leprechaun film series (1993–2003), several characters in the Star Wars film series (1983–2019), most notably the Ewok Wicket, and Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook in the Harry Potter film series (2001–2011)
- Richard Roe Bellis worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to write the score to the Animal Kingdom attraction Countdown to Extinction, later renamed to Dinosaur, and some of the musical work in Motors, Action! Stunt Show Spectacular.
- John Towner Williams career spanning over six decades, he has composed some of the most popular and recognizable film soundtracks in cinematic history, including the Star Wars saga, Superman, Jaws, the Indiana Jones films, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the first two Home Alone films, Hook, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, War Horse, Lincoln, Memoirs of a Geisha, and the first three Harry Potter films.
- Paul Reubens best known for his character Pee-wee Herman.
Follow-ups:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Davis
- https://www.endorexpress.net/star-wars-adventures/star-tours/creating-star-tours/2008/09/interview-richard-bellis/
- https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/John_Williams
- https://www.endorexpress.net/database/safety-spokesperson/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Gawley
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Cummings
Technical Information about the StarSpeeder (for those who need it).
Star Tours utilized hydraulic motion base cabins featuring six degrees of freedom, including the ability to move 35 degrees in the X-Y-Z plane. The simulator was patented as Advanced Technology Leisure Application Simulator (ATLAS), originally designed by Rediffusion Simulation in Sussex, England. The film was front-projected onto the screen from a 70 mm film projector located beneath the cockpit barrier. Disney's Hollywood Studios had six motion bases.
Info:
Star Tours utilized hydraulic motion base cabins featuring six degrees of freedom, including the ability to move 35 degrees in the X-Y-Z plane. The simulator was patented as Advanced Technology Leisure Application Simulator (ATLAS), originally designed by Rediffusion Simulation in Sussex, England. The film was front-projected onto the screen from a 70 mm film projector located beneath the cockpit barrier. Disney's Hollywood Studios had six motion bases.
Info:
Shopping
As guests leave the unloading area, they enter Shopping area.
As guests leave the unloading area, they enter Shopping area.
The store was originally called Endor Vendors and themed to resemble the Endor shield generator bunker, in keeping with the Endor forest theme of the attraction's exterior. It operated from May 1989 to June 1999. It sold Star Wars and Star Tours themed merchandise, including souvenirs, clothing and toys. Many of the items sold there are exclusive to Disney Parks.
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Shopping at Tatooine Traders
The store was then remodeled to become Tatooine Traders, it reopened November 1999, though the rest of the ride building and merchandise sold remained unchanged.
The store was then remodeled to become Tatooine Traders, it reopened November 1999, though the rest of the ride building and merchandise sold remained unchanged.
The exterior of Tatooine Traders is themed to resemble the buildings of Mos Espa from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
click on photo to enlarge
Last Tour to Endor
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The original Star Tours closed on September 2010 was replaced by Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
On August 14, 2010, Disney's Hollywood Studios hosted the "Last Tour to Endor" event exclusively for Celebration V attendees at Disney's Hollywood Studios from 8pm to 1am.
Entertainment features and events at "Last Tour To Endor" included George Lucas, character appearances, Jedi Training Academy, Death Star Disco, Bespin Stage Dance Party, Raiders Of The Lost Jedi Temple of Doom: A Fan Film of Epic Proportions live show, Hyperspace Hoopla, Symphony in the Stars fireworks, and the Star Tours shutdown ceremony. The Star Tours shutdown ceremony was a live show with characters C-3PO, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and a few Stormtroopers, culminating in the official power-down of the original Disney World Star Tours attraction. However, instead of R2-D2 simply shutting it down, Boba Fett destroyed the ride's power supply using a thermal detonator (achieved using pyrotechnics). The ride was still open after the shutdown ceremony until September 7, 2010, when the attraction held its "Final Flight to Endor" exclusive to D23 members.
More:
On August 14, 2010, Disney's Hollywood Studios hosted the "Last Tour to Endor" event exclusively for Celebration V attendees at Disney's Hollywood Studios from 8pm to 1am.
Entertainment features and events at "Last Tour To Endor" included George Lucas, character appearances, Jedi Training Academy, Death Star Disco, Bespin Stage Dance Party, Raiders Of The Lost Jedi Temple of Doom: A Fan Film of Epic Proportions live show, Hyperspace Hoopla, Symphony in the Stars fireworks, and the Star Tours shutdown ceremony. The Star Tours shutdown ceremony was a live show with characters C-3PO, R2-D2, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and a few Stormtroopers, culminating in the official power-down of the original Disney World Star Tours attraction. However, instead of R2-D2 simply shutting it down, Boba Fett destroyed the ride's power supply using a thermal detonator (achieved using pyrotechnics). The ride was still open after the shutdown ceremony until September 7, 2010, when the attraction held its "Final Flight to Endor" exclusive to D23 members.
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Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
The attraction reopened in Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011. It features an updated ride system, consisting of a new high-definition video, a Dolby 3D high-definition screen, improved motion simulators, and several new special effects and Audio-animatronics.
The attraction is set at an earlier point in the Star Wars timeline(between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope) and is piloted by C-3PO. Rex appears as a newly-delivered droid in the queue of The Adventures Continue, and as the house DJ of Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, with the latter considered official Star Wars and set roughly 3 decades after the events of the original Star Tours.
The attraction reopened in Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 20, 2011. It features an updated ride system, consisting of a new high-definition video, a Dolby 3D high-definition screen, improved motion simulators, and several new special effects and Audio-animatronics.
The attraction is set at an earlier point in the Star Wars timeline(between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope) and is piloted by C-3PO. Rex appears as a newly-delivered droid in the queue of The Adventures Continue, and as the house DJ of Oga's Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, with the latter considered official Star Wars and set roughly 3 decades after the events of the original Star Tours.
Rex as Pilot of Endor Express (1989-2010)
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Rex as DJ at Oga’s Cantina (2019-present or future)
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More changes came in 2015 with the opening of the newest film, Star Wars-The Force Awakens. The latest version of the attraction includes new interactions and scenes with the latest characters, including Jakku, BB-8 and Finn.
Source:
Source:
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Lets get into the mood with:
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Queue Music Loop |
The Adventure Continues
Queue:
As you enter the queue ramp, guests will notice that the Departure Flight Board now shows departures to not just Endor, but to other locations in the Star Tours Universe.
Queue:
As you enter the queue ramp, guests will notice that the Departure Flight Board now shows departures to not just Endor, but to other locations in the Star Tours Universe.
click on photo to enlarge
Notice that all Star Tours signs and destinations are also available in Aurebesh, a common language in the Star Wars Universe.
Note: Admiral Ackbar: After entering the Space Port look opposite of C-3P0 and R2-D2. Admiral Ackbar can be seen overlooking the crowd as a flight controller, similar to his role in Return of the Jedi.
- As you enter the next room of the spaceport, you pass through Droid Customs and see crates of droids awaiting processing.
- The first droid of the bunch is RX-24, better known as Captain Rex, the pilot from the original Star Tours attraction. This RX-24 unit is marked "defective, return to factory." If you ignore the chatter from the nearby security droid and listen very closely, you may hear Rex deliver some of his classic dialogue.
- Up ahead, what appears to be an opaque window onto a pedestrian corridor shows silhouettes of other "passengers" from the Star Wars universe as they hurry to their own flights.
- Star Tours passengers and their baggage must go through screening, and the next two scenes feature a G2-9T droid that monitors the baggage scanner, and a G2-4T that screens passengers as they near the boarding gate.
- One of the robots is checks luggage, he is not very attentive because the contents unusual, look at the “X-Ray machine” for C-3PO’s head, Wall-E, Mickey Ears, homages to Captain EO, a super suit from the Incredibles, Chip and Dale, Madame Leota (from the Haunted Mansion), Aladdin’s lamp and other Disney references.
- The second station displays a thermal image of the passengers immediately in front of the droid.
- Shadows of Star Tours passengers: walking through the concourse, the shadows of travelers are Gunguns, Stormtroopers, aliens, and droids from many worlds “walk” past the window. A hidden Mickey on the attraction includes R2-D2 wearing Mickey Mouse ears. Some Disney fans have named him R2-MK or R2-D23. (D23 is the name of the official Disney Fan Club).
Note: The Star Tours hangar is designed to be a space port, similar to an airport experience, complete with overhead pages and messages. Listen carefully for pages to:
- Egroeg Sacul, which is George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, spelled backwards.
- Mot Worrom, Tom Morrow spelled backwards. Tom Morrow was a host on a previous attraction in Tomorrowland as well as a recent host of Innoventions before it became the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- There is an announcement to move landspeeder THX 1138. THX 1138 was George Lucas’s first film, it is the license plate number on the famous car in his second film, American Graffiti, and is the call sign of a storm trooper in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Aly San San
- As guests line up to enter their flight, Aly San San, who is the spokesperson and flight attendant for Star Tours, provides the passengers the flight safety presentation.
- When the Doors to the StarSpeeder opens, guests are instructed to fill in all the seats, store their belongings, and buckle up for the flight.
- C-3PO enters the cockpit to inspect the language translator, but
- C-3PO is unwittingly thrust into the role of pilot when the automated flight system is activated before AC-38 can return.
- The flight, number 1401, takes off despite the fact that C-3PO is not the captain. Prior to take-off, the Dark Side of the Force stops your flight as its agents are looking for a rebel spy that may be carrying important information for the Rebel Alliance.
- From here your journey begins to branch as the StarSpeeder encounters
The Ride:
- The ride is a random mix and match that yield 54 possible ride combinations, The variables are:
Destination 1 – Tatooine | Hoth | Kashyyyk
Hologram – Akbar | Yoda | Leia
Destination 2 – Naboo | Coruscant | Death Star
- The experience ends by narrowly escaping with a surprise ending. C-3PO thanks everyone for choosing Star Tours despite his involuntary role.
- In airline fashion Aly San San sends a final buh-bye greeting…
- After leaving your Star Wars tour vehicle, guest go come a corridor lined with travel posters.
Note: In 2017, the travel posters inside Disney’s Star Tours were change with some stunning Star Wars posters by Artist Craig Drake.
click on photo to enlarge
More on the posters:
- Guests then exit into the Star Trader gift shop where you can explore Star Wars merchandise, build your own light saber and even purchase a T-shirt identifying you as the Rebel Spy.
Star Tours References:
- http://www.mainstgazette.com/2018/05/from-archives-monumental-addition.html
- https://www.mouseplanet.com/9627/Star_Tours_The_Adventures_Continue_debuts_at_Walt_Disney_World
- https://www.getawaytoday.com/travel-blog/hidden-secrets-of-star-tours-the-adventures-contin
- https://www.disneylists.com/2016/03/10-facts-and-secrets-about-star-tours-the-adventure-continues-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=0a9f101f83-DisneyLists_com_Update_8_1_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-0a9f101f83-283624153
- http://www.mickeytips.com/8-facts-secrets-star-tours-adventures-continue/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=58e2d8997d-MT+Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-58e2d8997d-307144285
- https://www.disneytips.com/8-awesome-things-star-tours-adventures-continue-walt-disney-world/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=ef2ca73736-MT+Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-ef2ca73736-307144285
- http://www.mickeytips.com/10-facts-experiences-walt-disney-worlds-star-tours-adventures-continue/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=9fbd9872de-MT+Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-9fbd9872de-307144285
- http://www.mainstgazette.com/search?updated-max=2018-04-05T09:00:00-04:00&max-results=20&start=86&by-date=false
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We’ve traveled through the Echo Lake area in the past few Chapters. A lot of backstories and references to Walt Disney and some of the interesting plans or potential plans are connected with this area. But that can pretty much be said about most of Hollywood Studios.
In this Chapter, we grabbed lunch at the Backlot Express, took the little ones to Jedi School where they learned how to defend themselves from the Dark Side, then ended by touring the Galaxy via a Star Tour StarSpeeder. But now we have our feet firmly back on the ground and ready to venture into the next area at Hollywood Studios, Muppet Court.
This should be fun, even though there have been some updating and renovations, it still has the charm and the insaneness of Muppet World in it.
So, see you in the next Chapter for some Muppets adventure.
In this Chapter, we grabbed lunch at the Backlot Express, took the little ones to Jedi School where they learned how to defend themselves from the Dark Side, then ended by touring the Galaxy via a Star Tour StarSpeeder. But now we have our feet firmly back on the ground and ready to venture into the next area at Hollywood Studios, Muppet Court.
This should be fun, even though there have been some updating and renovations, it still has the charm and the insaneness of Muppet World in it.
So, see you in the next Chapter for some Muppets adventure.
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Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and attraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth isn't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing 
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