BACKSTORY (Jan. 9, 1987–Present): Disneyland approached George Lucas with the idea for the Star Tours attraction and then purchased four large military flight simulators ($500k each) for the ride structure. Lucas and his Industrial Light & Magic team worked on the first-person perspective film that would be projected inside the simulators. The final cost of $32 million was almost twice the cost of building the original park. In celebration of the attraction’s debut, Disneyland remained open for a special 60-hour marathon from January 9, 1987 at 10am to January 11, 1987 at 10pm.
This attraction closed on July 27, 2010 for the conversion to “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue,” and reopened June 3, 2011. 54 different adventures are possible for guests, with each one lasting approximately 4.5 minutes.
From the Disneyland website:
Star Tours, presented in brilliant digital 3D, is a thrilling journey through George Lucas' Star Wars universe. Board a Starspeeder 1000 and travel to intergalactic destinations, see popular characters and experience exciting adventures. A galaxy of trouble awaits, but don't worry, the Force will be with you, always!
Intergalactic Adventures
You never know where the Force might take you. With multiple storylines and locations, many different Star Tours adventures await you. Riding once is not enough!
New Destinations
Glide among the trees with Wookiees on Kashyyyk, kick up some desert sand in a podrace on Tatooine, dive into the lakes of Naboo, weave through the bustling city-planet of Coruscant, blast through the blizzards of Hoth or even help attack the heavily defended Death Star!
Star Wars Characters
Fly with some of your favorite Star Wars characters! C-3PO is aboard as your pilot. Plus, you never know which of your favorite characters you might see during your flight, including: R2-D2, Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Jedi Master Yoda, Admiral Ackba, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca.
You'll also meet brand-new Star Wars characters created especially for this attraction, like Star Tours Pilot Ace (AC-38), Spokesbot Aly San San and the lethal Imperial Skytroopers!
Your Flight
Star Tours uses state-of-the-art technology — including a flight-motion simulator vehicle, digital 3-D video, Audio Animatronics characters and in-cockpit special effects — to transport you to a "galaxy far, far away." There's nothing else like it on Earth ... or any other planet!
Jedi Training Academy
Welcome to the Academy, young Padawans! This live-action show features several kids selected from the audience to don the famous brown robes and train with a Star Wars™ Jedi Master. Watch young Jedi trainees recite the sacred Jedi Oath, draw their light sabers and learn ancient battle techniques from a true Jedi Master.
Confront the Dark Side
But stay vigilant; there has been a disturbance in the force. Stormtroopers led by Darth Vader himself have been rumored to be nearby. Can you defeat the Dark Side and win the day? Only time will tell. May the force be with you!
Location and Times
Jedi Training Academy is located at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage. Also nearby in Tomorrowland, Star Wars fans can experience an interstellar flight on Star Tours. For show times, please check the Entertainment Schedule or the Entertainment Times Guide when you arrive at the park.
Participants
Jedi Training Academy participants will be randomly selected from audience volunteers, ages 4 to 12.
BACKSTORY: A live stage show currently being performed at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage. Based on the teachings & practices of the Jedi Knights from the “Star Wars” films, the show uses audience participation from children. Each participant is given a lightsaber & Jedi robes and taught a set of swordfighting moves so that the knights can conquer Darth Vader & the Dark Forces.
