In this post we give an overview of Star Tours, a 3D motion simulator ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!
Related Posts
This post is a quick guide to Star Tours, but we have related content that dives deeper into topics. Our Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lane post covers Lightning Lane strategy in deep. The Hollywood Studios Rides and Entertainment Guide gives brief introductions to all the park’s offerings. For putting together your day at the park, we have a One Day Plan for Hollywood Studios.
Star Tours Basics
Star Tours is a motion simulator ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. The ride
offers rider switch
has a Lightning Lane that is a part of Genie+
does not have a single rider line
is about 4 minutes long
Disney warns that persons not in good health and expectant mothers should not ride. You’ll also want to think twice if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Where is Star Tours located?
Contrary to what you might expect, Star Tours is not located in Galaxy’s Edge (Star Wars Land). Star Tours is actually located in the Echo Lake area of the park.
Entering the park, you’ll walk straight to the hub (where the Chinese Theater with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is). From the hub, facing the theater, you’ll go left. Whether you go along Echo Lake (a hard left) or down Commissary Lane (a softer left), you’ll wind up at Star Tours.
How to Ride Star Tours
Star Tours has a Lightning Lane on Genie+, and it’s one of the lowest priorities in the park if you have that service. If you don’t have Genie+, you might head to Star Tours as your third or fourth ride of the day, but it won’t ever make much sense to start there (unless you don’t have Early Entry and its the only short wait when you arrive).
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios with small children, you’ll have to mind the 40 inch height requirement. The Frozen Sing-Along is a nearby experience good for small kids, as are the Olaf and Minnie Mouse character greetings.
Star Tours Ride Experience
Star Tours is a 3D motion simulator ride. The vehicle has four rows of ten guests, with a screen up front. The premise is that you’re on a tour ship operated by C3P0 and R2D2. Unfortunately, things go awry and you get pulled into the dispute between the Resistance and the First Order.
Over the course of four scenes (one opening, two main scenes, one closing) you’ll twist and turn, go to light speed, and so on while battling and dodging your enemies. It can be a jerky experience, but not too bad in our opinion. It’s a thrilling ride but nothing too scary.
The scenes of the ride are somewhat randomized, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get something totally different every time. I’ve had stretches where it felt like I was getting the same sequences every ride, though I’ve also had scenes pop up that I feel like I hadn’t seen in years.
Star Tours FAQ
When did Star Tours open?
Star Tours debuted on January 9, 1987 at Disneyland. It opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 15, 1989. The original ride was not 3D and featured the droid Rex as the pilot. While the overall story was different, the basic idea (you’re on a tour, things go wrong, Star Wars stuff happens) was the same.
When did Star Tours change?
The current version of the ride, Star Tours — The Adventures Continue debuted in 2011 with 3D and new scenes. Since then, new scenes have been added as new Star Wars movies have been made.
Is Star Tours Scary?
Not really. While the ride motion and some scenes can be intense, the overall atmosphere is lighthearted and fun enough that that I wouldn’t call this a scary ride overall.
Is Star Tours a roller coaster?
No, Star Tours is not a roller coaster, it is a 3D motion simulator ride. We have a ranking of Disney World’s Roller Coasters here, though.
How Many Star Tours Scenarios are there?
Depending on exactly how you count, there are up to 700 possible scenarios. This count includes all variations of the smaller elements like mid-scene holograms and the introductory sequence, some of which may not ever actually be utilized together. As for the main two scenes, each has five options, leading to 25 total possible combinations.
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.