Anyone who has been lucky enough to witness the opening of a major Disney attraction isn’t likely to forget the experience anytime soon. This was exactly the case for the Disney Parks Blog team and thousands of spectators earlier today when “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – in a way that was truly out of this galaxy.
The celebration kicked off with a procession of Star Wars characters through the park. Bree Starlighter, host of the ceremony, welcomed the crowd and introduced actor Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3P0 in the films.
The fun was suddenly interrupted by a team of stormtroopers, followed by Darth Vader, who vowed to stop the opening at all costs by placing a force field over the attraction. Two brave Jedi Knights stepped in to fight back – and later revealed themselves as Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger and Star Wars creator George Lucas.
With some help from R2-D2, the forcefield was removed and the attraction opened to all guests.
Based on the Star Wars film franchise, the attraction takes guests on a wild 3-D adventure to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with famous faces from the film series.
14 Comments
Eddie on May 20th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
So very cool!
Have a great day,
Steamboat Eddie
Nathan on May 20th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Who are the people posing in the second picture, besides Chewbacca, C-3PO and storm-trooper 455164?
Alejandro from Nuevo Leon on May 20th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Wow…
Cody on May 20th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
i got to ride it this past monday! it was awesome!! and im not even a star wars fan but i loved it!!!!
Timothy on May 20th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
I have my ticket for Saturday. I can’t wait to ride Star Tours and to experience Star Wars Weekend for the 1st time.
Walter on May 20th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I was there for the opening parade and some of the events, but didn’t get to ride Star Tours 3D THIS visit. But a great eventful day none the less.
rocky on May 20th, 2011 at 6:55 pm
@nathan Creators and voice talent for cartoon networks star wars the clone wars animated series
Michael from CT on May 20th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
@Nathan, they were voices of various characters from Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Series)… Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and others I can’t recall right now.
Chininia on May 20th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
I really want to see the original full version of the webcast opening ceremony, again. How can I get to that link? It was really great. I’m not interested in the short three minute version.
Thanks!
William on May 20th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
We were there… what a wonderful memory to share with my children, Thank you all so much!
Trisha from CA on May 21st, 2011 at 6:54 am
Saw the webcast online! Looked awesome
Can’t wait to be there next Saturday on May 28th for vacation! 
Gillian on May 21st, 2011 at 11:42 am
@Nathan, from left to right are James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Clone Wars as well as TONS of other voices in just about everything you’ve ever seen), Dave Filoni (supervising Director of The Clone Wars), Chewbacca, Bob Iger, George Lucas, C3PO, Anthony Daniels (voice of C3PO), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in The Clone Wars and creator of Her Universe, the first line of Star Wars-themed clothing for women), and Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones).
Hope that helps!
Greg on May 22nd, 2011 at 4:21 pm
looks like Bob forgot his name tag.
Nathan on May 27th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@Gillian @Michael @rocky Thank you!!!
14 Comments