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The Force is Strong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Jennifer Fickley-Baker

by , Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney Co. president and CEO Bob Iger (left) 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas (center) and actor Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3PO in 'Star Wars' (right), pose with 'Star Wars' characters May 20, 2011 inside a 'Star Tours' ride vehicle at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. during grand opening ceremonies for 'Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue,' a new 3-D attraction based on the 'Star Wars' films. The attraction, which features more than 50 possible random ride experiences, opened May 20, 2011 at Walt Disney World in Florida and will open June 3, 2011 at Disneyland Resort in California. (David Roark, photographer)

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.

Bob Iger, George Lucas, and several 'Star Wars' characters and cast members celebrate the attraction's opening.

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.

Walt Disney Co. president and CEO Bob Iger (left) and 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas (right) join 'Star Wars' villain Darth Vader (center) May 20, 2011 at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. during grand opening ceremonies for 'Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue,' a new 3-D attraction based on the 'Star Wars' films. The attraction, which features more than 50 possible random ride experiences, opened May 20, 2011 at Walt Disney World in Florida and will open June 3, 2011 at Disneyland Resort in California. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

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.

Walt Disney Co. president and CEO Bob Iger (left) waves as he walks with 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas through Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. May 20, 2011 during grand opening ceremonies for 'Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue,' a new 3-D attraction based on the 'Star Wars' films. The attraction, which features more than 50 possible random ride experiences, opened May 20, 2011 at Walt Disney World in Florida and will open June 3, 2011 at Disneyland Resort in California. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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.

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Comments

  • @Gillian @Michael @rocky Thank you!!!

  • looks like Bob forgot his name tag.

  • @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!

  • Saw the webcast online! Looked awesome 🙂 🙂 Can’t wait to be there next Saturday on May 28th for vacation! 🙂

  • We were there… what a wonderful memory to share with my children, Thank you all so much!

  • 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!

  • @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.

  • @nathan Creators and voice talent for cartoon networks star wars the clone wars animated series

  • 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.

  • I have my ticket for Saturday. I can’t wait to ride Star Tours and to experience Star Wars Weekend for the 1st time.

  • i got to ride it this past monday! it was awesome!! and im not even a star wars fan but i loved it!!!!

  • Wow…

  • Who are the people posing in the second picture, besides Chewbacca, C-3PO and storm-trooper 455164?

  • So very cool!

    Have a great day,
    Steamboat Eddie

Comments are closed.