The original $54.95 was certainly too low for a toy this good and a price increase is understandable.  But $69.95 might be a bit too high. Still, it beats what many are paying on eBay for these things.

The Starspeeder 1000 is now in stock at Disneyland but currently sold out at Walt Disney World though they should be getting more in soon. Call Disney Delivears at 1-877-560-6477 to order from California’s stock.

“Our next stop – a new mystery pin set coming this summer to the Disneyland Resort. This limited release set contains 12 pins (plus a few chasers), and was designed by Disney Design Group artists Quynh Kimball and John Henselmeier (from Starspeeder 1000 Vehicle Playset fame). Product developer Jeanne Lewis told me that this collection “highlights favorite Disneyland attractions in license plate form.”“

Image © Disney

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/disney-parks-merchandise-on-the-horizon/

First up is the 25th Anniversary of Star Tours pin for $12.95.  The pin has an edition size of 1000 and features a two two-sided display.

The 25th Anniversary Commemorative Tee is available at $27.95 to annual passholders only.  The front display shows the Star Tours logo with “25 Years” behind it.  The back is an action shot of the Starspeeder 1000 escaping from the Slave 1.

Also still available from last year is the Annual Passholder Silver Plated Commemorative Coin.  Limited to 2011, this is a neat collectible in support of the attraction.

Of course if nothing else, there’s still plenty of time to get a loveable Ewok plush, as soon in the Star Tours safety video.  Happy Hunting!

“If you’re looking for a way to celebrate this galactic milestone, this is definitely the way to go. This shirt will be available in January 2012 at Star Trader in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, so make sure you watch ArtofDisneyParks.com for release dates. The force is certainly strong with this one, so don’t miss out!“

Images © Disney/Lucasfilm

Image © Disney/Lucasfilm

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/pin?id=60647

Image © Disney/Lucasfilm

For months, perhaps years, there was a Star Wars Muppets PVC set that was available at the parks, but the figurines were non-poseable.  These figure pairings are probably some of the finer action figures produced by Disney ever.  Yes, there really is a huge difference in production quality over the Mickey Mouse Star Wars toys.

For $19.95 a set, you get two articulated figures with accessories:

•         Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia

•         Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew as C-3PO and R2-D2

•         Fozzie Bear and Link Hogthrob as Chewbacca and Han Solo

•     Sam the Eagle and Gonzo as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader with Camilla as Stormtrooper

These figures are not the same scale as the Palisades The Muppets action figures but are of a pretty decent size.

Camilla is not articulated but has a removable Stormtrooper Helmet.  Dr. Bunsen Honeydew also wears an astromech dome.  Gonzo and Beaker both have swappable heads which makes for added play value.

If you want to see more Muppets as Star Wars characters, head to your nearest park and pick these up!  Buy them at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resorts or try Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to
merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com

To read up on the 31 year history of Star Wars and The Muppets, visit
http://www.starwars.com/news/star_wars_muppet_figures.html

Updated 12-13-11 more photos added

The all new Starspeeder 1000 features authentic lights and sounds, functioning passenger doors, changeable destination screens, and concealed laser cannons.  The set also comes with two figures: R2-D2 and IC-360 Camera Droid.  R2 has articulated dome and can be swapped out with any astromech droid of your choosing.

The four plastic changeable destination screens when not in use can be stowed in the back of the cabin. Each one when plugged into the front activates a different sound effect:

•  Tatooine – C-3PO dialogue: “Oh my, a Podrace! I always wanted to do this!”

•  Hoth – C-3PO dialogue: “Hold onto your circuits!”

•  Yoda Hologram – Yoda dialogue: “May the Force be with you.”

•  Death Star – C-3PO dialogue: “I have a bad feeling about this.”

(l-r) STARSPEEDER 1000 R2-D2, Hasbro Vintage Collection R2-D2

Fully compatible with your Hasbro Star Wars action figures, the Starspeeder 1000 can hold up to ten standard figures; eleven if you count the astromech port on the exterior.  There are three rows that fit three figures each and a pilot chair that can fit one more.

The pilot chair is removable and can be substituted with RX-24 or Captain REX!

This Starspeeder 1000 playset is not messing around and is the most impressive toy that Disney has produced so far.

You can purchase the Starspeeder 1000 vehicle – playset and other exclusive Hasbro figure sets – “Star Tours Travel Agency” – “Ambush at Star Tours” – and “Star Tours Boarding Party” at Disney Theme Parks or try Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com

First up is the highly sought after Starspeeder 1000 VEHICLE PLAYSET ($54.95).  This large recreation of the vehicle from STAR TOURS: THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE features authentic lights and sounds and compatible with your Hasbro Star Wars action figures.  For those who have the RX-24 droid will be happy to know that he’ll fit right in.

Star Wars and The Muppets have long had a great working relationship in the past with both The Muppet Show and Muppet Babies as well as the character of Yoda.  Now available are four sets of figures of your favorite Muppets as your favorite Star Wars characters.  These are smaller in scale than the Palisades action figure line but are sure to please the young ones in the family.   Each set of figures is $19.95 each.

Lastly, is something I’ve been looking forward to adding to my wall is the Star Tours attraction poster ($35.00).  This pre-matted print is ready for framing.

All items are available at the Disney Parks and also for ordering with the Disney Delivears service.  They can be contacted at 1-877-560-6477.  Happy Hunting!

Images © Disney/Lucasfilm