It wasn’t quite so long ago in our very own galaxy that Star Tours: The Adventures Continues opened its gates to Disneyland guests just two years ago. On this day, guests were able to line up to experience the new locations for the very first time. While we still remember Star Tours’ actual birthday as January 9, 1987, the updated version turns 2 years old today. Have you gone on a celebratory ride today?

The Little Mermaid Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure also shares this same milestone with Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

Take a look back in time to the opening ceremony at Disneyland.

http://www.endorexpress.net/2011/06/star-tours-grand-opening-ceremony/

We just got the news that Star Tours in Tokyo Disneyland will be getting The Adventures Continue update. The attraction that opened in 1989 will close down for a while, while imagineers prepare the space adventure for the 3D upgrade. The opening is setfor May 7th, 2013. Next year will also mean the 30th anniversary for Tokyo Disneyland. Read the rest of this entry »

One year ago, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue made its debut at Disneyland Park in California, shortly behind Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.  Step back in time with us as we revisit the grand opening of one of our favorite Disney attractions.

Grand Opening Ceremony

Interview: Tom Fitzgerald – Executive VP and Senior Creative Executive for WDI (2011)

Interview: Tom Fitzgerald – More with Tom Fitzgerald at the D23 Expo (2011)

Interview: Marianne McLean – Visual Effects Producer WDI (2011)

Interview: Michael Giacchino – Composer (2011)

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue officially turned ONE, sending thousands of guests across the galaxy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then later at Disneyland Park.  EndorExpress takes a look back to May 20, 2011 when it all began.

While Star Tours celebrated its 25th year in January, we salute the newest version of the attraction and wish it a Happy Birthday and hopefully many more to come.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Official Press Release

Disneyland May 20,2011 “Early Departure”

This weekend, the TEA (Themed Entertainment Assoiation) celebrated its 20th anniversary in grand fashion at The Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California.  What began as several workshops and networking experiences capped with the grand finale: The 2012 THEA Awards.  The TEA organization, representing creators of compelling places & experiences worldwide, honored several wonderful experiences around the world, including our favorite, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

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Starting last weekend the Star Trader store in Disneyland began selling a few new items to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Tours. Supplies are limited so check with the store for availability.

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Star Wars and Star Tours veteran Anthony Daniels was kind enough to share with us some personal insights in the 25 years of Star Tours. Read his entire exclusive text here.

A duo of Stormtroopers have been having some extra curricular fun in Tomorrowland these days in between showings of the Jedi Training Academy.  Our Bothan spies tell us that this pair of Stormtroopers (who aren’t at their post) visit with Disneyland guests, pose for photos, and even have some fun with the poor souls waiting in the over-flow queue area of Star Tours.

Click ahead to see more photos of this activity and go ahead and see them for yourselves!  If you do see them, feel free to comment on your experience below.

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Congratulations to Industrial Light & Magic as they have been nominated for a Annie Award for Best Animated Special Production for their work on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

More images of the Star Tours Starspeeder 1000 vehicle – playset courtesy of Disney.

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