Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is a must-do attraction for Star Wars fans and Disneyland guests alike. Nestled in Tomorrowland, this 3D motion simulator whisks riders away on unpredictable journeys across the Star Wars galaxy, featuring characters and planets from all nine films. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor, Star Tours offers a thrilling, immersive adventure that keeps guests coming back for more. Our detailed review covers everything you need to know: ride details, history, queue experience, tips, comparisons to other parks, and frequently asked questions!
General Ride Information
Location
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Its prominent AT-AT walker and Ewok Village-inspired exterior make it easy to spot, just steps from the central hub.
Average Wait Times
Star Tours typically has moderate wait times compared to Disneyland’s most popular attractions. On average, you can expect waits between 15 and 25 minutes, though these fluctuate based on season, day of the week, and time of day. During peak periods and holidays, waits may reach 40-55 minutes, but the ride’s high capacity helps keep lines moving.
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Winter/Spring: 18-19 minutes
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Summer: 16-17 minutes
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Late Summer/Early Fall: 12-15 minutes
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Holiday Season: 15-19 minutes
Height Requirement
Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall. This restriction ensures the safety of younger guests, as the simulator features sudden movements and mild drops.
Single Rider Option
Star Tours does not offer a Single Rider line. All guests must use the standby queue or Lightning Lane.
Ride Duration
The entire Star Tours experience lasts about 7 minutes, including pre-show and boarding. The main ride portion is approximately 5 minutes.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Star Tours is included in Disneyland’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie+). This allows guests to reserve a return window and skip the standby line. Lightning Lane access is highly recommended during busy periods or if you want to maximize your day.
Rider Switch
Disneyland offers Rider Switch for Star Tours. This service lets one adult wait with a non-riding child while the rest of the group rides, then swap without waiting in the full line again. Ask a Cast Member at the entrance for assistance.
Disability Access Service (DAS)
Star Tours accommodates guests using DAS. This service allows guests with developmental disabilities to schedule a return time comparable to the current wait, so they can enjoy other activities while waiting. DAS users typically enter through the Lightning Lane.
Early Entry
Star Tours is available during Early Entry on select days (usually Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) for Disneyland Resort hotel guests. Early Entry grants access to Tomorrowland, making this a great time to ride with minimal waits.
Best Times to Ride
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First hour after park opening
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During parades or nighttime spectaculars
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Last two hours before park closing
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During Early Entry (for hotel guests)
The History of Star Tours
The Original Star Tours (1987-2010)
Star Tours debuted in 1987, marking the first Disney attraction based on a non-Disney property. The original ride featured Captain Rex (RX-24) as your bumbling pilot, with R2-D2 and C-3PO assisting. The story took guests on a wild trip to Endor, with a single adventure sequence and practical effects.
For over two decades, Star Tours was a Tomorrowland staple, but as the Star Wars universe expanded, Imagineers began planning a major update.
The Reimagining: Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Disney and Lucasfilm envisioned a new Star Tours experience that would incorporate the prequel trilogy and future films. After years of development and technological advances, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue opened at Disneyland in June 2011.
This update introduced digital 3D, randomized ride sequences, and a new storyline set before the original ride. Instead of Captain Rex, C-3PO is now your reluctant pilot, with R2-D2 still at his side. The new ride system allows for over 700 possible adventure combinations, keeping the experience fresh for repeat riders.
Design and Architecture
The exterior features a towering AT-AT walker and Ewok Village elements, instantly transporting guests to the Star Wars universe. The queue mimics a bustling spaceport terminal, complete with flight status boards, droid security checkpoints, and animatronic C-3PO and R2-D2 working on a Starspeeder 1000. The ride vehicles themselves are advanced motion simulators, each seating 40 guests.
The Ride Experience
Queue and Pre-Show
The Star Tours queue is an attraction in itself. After passing under the AT-AT, you enter the spaceport, where C-3PO and R2-D2 work on a Starspeeder 1000. Flight status monitors display departures to famous Star Wars planets, and droid security officers scan luggage filled with Easter eggs from the films.
The pre-show video sets up the story: C-3PO is accidentally assigned as your pilot, and R2-D2 joins him in the cockpit. Guests are then assigned rows and handed 3D “flight glasses.”
The Adventure
Once aboard the Starspeeder, the doors close, and your adventure begins. The randomized system means you never know where you’ll go or who you’ll meet. Each ride features four main segments:
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Opening Escape – You’re discovered as a Rebel spy and must make a quick getaway.
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First Planet – Could be Hoth, Tatooine, Kashyyyk, or another iconic world.
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Hologram Transmission – A Star Wars hero (Leia, Yoda, Poe, etc.) gives your group a secret mission.
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Second Planet and Finale – More action, chases, and a safe (or not-so-safe) landing.
The simulator’s movements sync perfectly with the 3D visuals, creating the sensation of flying, dodging blaster fire, and navigating asteroid fields. The sound design and John Williams’ legendary score complete the immersion.
Music and Sound
Star Tours features a dynamic soundtrack blending Richard Bellis’s original ride music and John Williams’ iconic Star Wars themes. The queue and pre-show are filled with Star Wars sound effects, droid chatter, and clever announcements referencing planets and characters.
Special Overlays and Updates
Unlike some Disneyland attractions, Star Tours doesn’t get seasonal overlays. However, it’s updated with new scenes to coincide with Star Wars film releases. Scenes from The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker have all been added, ensuring the ride stays fresh and relevant.
Tips for Riding Star Tours
Maximize Your Experience
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Ride early or late: Lines are shortest during Early Entry, the first hour, or the last two hours of the day.
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Use Lightning Lane: Reserve a return time to skip the standby line.
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Repeat rides: With over 700 combinations, riding multiple times gives you a better chance to see different scenes.
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Watch for Easter eggs: The queue is packed with Star Wars references and hidden details.
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Motion sickness: If prone to motion sickness, request a seat in the middle rows and focus on the screen.
Best Seats
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Front row: Most immersive view, but the motion can feel more intense.
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Middle rows: Balanced experience and best for those sensitive to motion.
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Back row: Slightly less intense but still offers great visuals.
For Families
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Rider Switch: Take advantage if you have young children who don’t meet the height requirement.
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DAS: Use Disability Access Service for guests who have difficulty with long waits.
Comparing Star Tours at Other Disney Parks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney World)
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Opened May 2011, nearly identical to Disneyland’s version
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Slightly different queue design, but same ride system and randomization
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Wait times are often shorter due to higher capacity
Tokyo Disneyland
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Opened May 2013, with Japanese language and cultural adaptations
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Queue and ride experience are nearly identical to the US versions
Disneyland Paris
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Opened March 2017, located in Discoveryland
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Multilingual ride experience and European-themed queue elements
All versions share the same core ride system and randomization, but each park adds its own local flavor through queue details and language options.
FAQ: Top Star Tours Questions
Is Star Tours good?
Star Tours is widely regarded as one of Disneyland’s most enjoyable and re-rideable attractions. The randomization, Star Wars theming, and moderate thrill level make it a hit with families and fans.
What is the height requirement for Star Tours?
The height requirement is 40 inches (102 cm). Children under this height may not ride.
How long is the Star Tours ride?
The ride experience lasts about 7 minutes, with 5 minutes of actual ride time.
Is Star Tours scary for kids?
Star Tours is moderately intense, with sudden movements and 3D effects. Some young or sensitive children may find it a bit scary, especially during action sequences with villains like Darth Vader or Kylo Ren.
What is the best time to ride Star Tours?
The best times to ride are during Early Entry, the first hour after park opening, during parades/shows, or the last two hours before closing.
Warped Speed Ahead!
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is a shining example of how Disney blends beloved franchises with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. With its ever-changing ride sequences, immersive queue, and authentic Star Wars atmosphere, Star Tours remains a must-visit attraction for guests of all ages. Whether you’re reliving your favorite moments from the films or introducing a new generation to the galaxy far, far away, Star Tours delivers excitement, nostalgia, and adventure every single time. For Disneyland guests, it’s a journey you won’t want to miss – and one you’ll want to take again and again! Be sure to check out our friends over at Yeti Travel, they can help plan and book your next trip at the lowest prices offered for no extra cost! Let someone else stress over the planning and booking of your next vacation!
