Where does Star Tours take place in the Star Wars Universe?

Star Tours is a classic Disneyland, Disneyworld, Toyko Disney, and Disneyland Paris attraction. They all have the exact same ride with the exception of Paris. But where do the rides take place in the Star Wars Universe? Can we even answer that question? I can.

"Passengers, please prepare for immediate boarding."

Note before we continue the take the information at hand with a grain of salt. The Star Tours attraction are in no way meant to be part of the Star Wars "Cannon" Meaning that they weren't meant to be story elements to expand upon in movie or book form. They are simply very fun rides at the Disney Theme Parks. But, that doesn't mean we don't have to try to make them Cannon. Before you continue reading this article, I'd like you to watch the video above of the original Star Tours ride to give you a better understanding of what I'm talking about.

The first incarnation of Star Tours was opened at the Disneyland resort in 1987 and was opened at every Disney park (At the time) by 1992. The original Star Tours attraction only runs at Disneyland Paris today. The other parks have upgraded to "Star Tours: The Adventure Continues."

We will start with finding the place of the original Star Tours attraction. The attraction's story was that you were on a Star Tours flight to Endor. You take a slight detour while going out of the space station and go through the maintenance bay. After jumping to light speed you go through some comets. After escaping that you get caught in the empire's tractor beam in a restricted fight zone. After escaping the Death Star you make it back to the Star Tours station. You come back a little shaken but you'll be alright.

But where does it take place? The attraction states that your going to Endor. But the Death Star you fight is the one from Episode 4. So you could say it takes place in Episode 4 done and done. But I'm not going to go the easy route. I want to figure out the exact location of this ride.

First, lets see if we can prove if this ride takes place in Episode 6. We know for a fact that we are going to Endor which was first introduced in Episode 6. But the planet was obviously there before Episode 6. We also know that we could be in Episode 6 by the way R2-D2 looks. He looks batter and been through a lot of battles. We could also say that it is part of Episode 6 because the scene of the Ewoks on Endor is of them celebrating. Much like how they did in the movie after the Empire was defeated. 

Star Tours logo at Disneyland from 1987-2010.

Now, let's see if we can place this attraction in Episode 4. We know that the Death Star is from Episode 4. Other things that point to this being in Episode 4 is the towers on the Death Star itself. Those only appear in Episode 4. But, there is one very critical thing to look for which makes this ride take place in Episode 4. The ship your Star Tours flight is behind fires two proton torpedoes into the exhaust port of the Death Star. This fact alone tells me that it takes place in Episode 4.

Let's move on the Star Tours 2. Before we continue, I'd like you to watch this video. It shows everything you'll see on Star Tours 2 except for the holograms. While reading this article the video will help you understand and visualize what I am talking about.

This is going to be a bit tougher due to the nature of the ride. As mention in my "In's and Out's of Hidden Disneyland" article. There are 54 different ride combinations. 2 openers, 3 first destinations, 3 holograms, and 3 final destinations. I have to attack this a little differently than Star Tours 1.

Let's start with the two openers. There is an opener with a droid scanning the ship looking for the "Rebel Spy" after he finds the rebel spy, you are escorted out by the Millennium Falcon and you jump to light speed. This opening I believe is part of the original trilogy. Although the episode number I can't tell.

The other opener is you meeting Darth Vader and a bunch of Storm Troopers looking for the rebel spy. You end with blasting Darth Vader with him deflecting the blasts with his lightsaber and you jumping to lightspeed.   This one takes place between episode 3 and 4 for sure because the Storm Trooper uniforms are changing from clone troopers to storm troopers.

The next three locations are pretty self explaining where they come from. Podrace from episode 1, Kashykk from episode 3, and Hoth from episode 5. But we need a general time frame for these to come from. Well, the podrace has been around for many years. We can only assume that they didn't die off when the empire took over. Since Kashykk was killed off in Episode 3 by the empire, we can only assume that everything takes place in Episode 3.

But, lets also remember that the Podrace sequence has characters from Episode 1 characters that either died off or where never heard of again. So, does this mean it takes place in Episode 1? Yes and no I think. Because in Episode 1 Anakin won the Podrace. There is no Anakin in sight on this Podrace portion. So, could it have taken place after Episode 1? Yes, and for one reason. C-3PO himself. You see, in Episode 1 he is nothing but an unfinished robot. In Episode 2, he is silver. It's not until Episode 3 he is turned gold, and he is gold in Star Tours. So, the Podrace had to have taken place around Episode 3. It is possible, however, it took place in between Episode 2 and Episode 3.

C-3PO (Episode 1)

C-3PO (Star Tours/Episode 3-6)

C-3PO (Episode 2)

The reason this is possible is because in the original Clone Wars cartoon that ran in 2004, we see in the first season C-3PO is Silver, he then unveils his new gold color in the second season. So the possibility is their for this to be during that time. But it's almost impossible because Darth Vader is in this new Star Tours and C-3PO show Anakin and Padme his gold coloring first. So, with all of this information at had, the Podrace sequence takes place after the events of Episode 3.

But there is one thing we can't forget about any of these. Both Kashykk and Hoth have Empire themes. Kashykk has a scout trooper. For those of you who don't know what a scout trooper looks like, he is the Storm Trooper from Episode 6 that is on Endor. Those are the troopers who are on the speeder bikes Luke chases. 

Getting back on topic, the scout trooper is in Kashykk, just like on Endor in Episode 6. Hoth is in the time frame of episode 5 when the rebels are fighting the Empire because the Empire found the Rebels secret base. So, from this statement alone, we need to ask ourselves one question. Is Kashykk really where we land on? In the ride at Disneyland, C-3PO says once you see the trees "The Wookie Planet" but we must also remember that C-3PO never went to Kashykk in Episode 3. But he did go to Endor in Episode 6. So, wouldn't he remember Endor? Not if this takes place before Episode 6.

Scout Trooper from Episode 6

Allow me to explain, if the Podrace can take place around Episode 3. That would mean that C-3PO hasn't been to Kashykk nor Endor, and because he's a droid he wouldn't know much about any of the planets he hasn't been too. So that would mean him calling it "The Wookie Planet" because he saw a Wookie would make sense. But lets look at some other reasons this could be Endor and not Kashykk.

It wouldn't be surprising if it was Endor because it would be a reference to the original Star Tours. Only you make it to Endor. Since Disney is known for putting references to previous rides this would make sense. Another reason this could be Endor is because of the platforms. If you look back in the video, you can clearly see the platform and all the creatures dancing. Much like the end of Episode 6. This is another reason this could be Endor.

A fun fact about Star Wars is that the original concept for Endor was to be the Wookie Planet. Again, making it very possible to be Endor. So, all this said. I think it's Endor and takes place around the same time that the Podrace sequence.

Now onto Hoth. This sequence seems to take place during the battle of Hoth in Episode 5. Which does not line up with the rest of the story so far taking place between Episode 3 and 4. But this section during Hoth gives use one indication it's before Episode 5. C-3PO and R2-D2. In Episode 5 they are working for the Rebellion on Hoth. Here, they are not. They are working as droids for a travel company. This, however, is the only way we can tell if it can take place in between Episode 3 and 4.

Now we finally move on to the holograms. Admiral Ackbar and Princess Leia's hologram can easily be placed in between Episode 3 and 4. But there is three holograms. One is of Master Yoda. This is going to be tricky to place since Yoda went into hiding after the events of Episode 3. So where does he fit into all of this?

Master Yoda Hologram (3D Glasses off)

Well, we see the Yoda from the prequels for one. So we know that this is before he went into hiding. But the things he says during his short time we see him may be a way to place where this takes place. He says that "On your ship, one vital to our cause their is." But he was never part of the Rebellion. So does this mean if you land here your ship is during Episode 3? Could very well be.

Master Yoda looks like he did at the end of Episode 3. So did he deliver this message after the events of Mustafar in Episode 3? Could be very likely. So, I think we have just place all the holograms in their correct time period. Lets move on.

The last three destinations are Naboo/Gungan City, The Death Star over Geonsis, and a battle over
Coruscant. Lets start with Geonsis. When you enter the planet you are being chased by Boba Fett. After escaping, you see an unfinished Death Star. You then see Boba Fett again, he throws a sonic boom at you. Then, you jump to lightspeed and your ride is over. The one thing we have to look at when discussing this scenario is the Death Star itself.

You see the Death Star not yet completed as if they were still building it. It looks like the Death Star from Episode 6. The inside also looks like the Death Star from Episode 6. But you must remember that each Death Star is a duplicate of each other. So, since the rest of this of this ride has been in between Episode 3 and 4, we can only assume that this is the first Death Star built. Since your Star Tours ship or any other ship for that matter didn't destroy the Death Star. We can say that this takes place in between Episode 3 and 4.

We will talk about the battle over Coruscant next. This one is tricky to place since Coruscant was never mentioned after Episode 3. But that hasn't stopped us before has it? I think you can place this in between Episode 3 and 4. The only problem with that is you are fighting with clones. In between Episode 3 and 4 the clones were Storm Troopers. Maybe the Rebels were piloting those ships? It's hard to tell. It is possible that this battle is the Storm Troopers are taking out the last of the separatists. But that also seems like a stretch even for this post.

The best place I can put this section is around the same time I felt Master Yoda delivered his message. This is nearly impossible to pin point the exact location of. So, I'll leave that up to you guys.

Battle over Coruscant (Star Tours 2)

   Our last place is Naboo. This one seems to have all the makings of taking place during Episode 1 but we know that's not possible based on our C-3PO theory that this has to take place between Episode 3 and 4 because of his gold coloring. So, how can we pin point Naboo? For one, they are fighting Vulture droid ships. Those ships didn't make their debut until Episode 3 as they were an advanced fighter. Other instances we can pin point this being in between 3 and 4 is their is no ground war. The war is only in space. So that would mean the droid army may be trying to take over from space. But they aren't capturing people like they were in Episode 1.

I think we can safely say that this takes place in between Episode 3 and 4. So, after all the information given about both versions of the attraction. The videos, the pictures, the facts. I hope I have informed you of the wonders of Star Tours. I also hope if you have been reading regularly you know can realize that Disney is not what meets the eye. Thank you for reading and have a great rest of your day.

Reponse to "Top 5 Thrill Rides at the Disneyland Resort"

To read the original article, please visit this link. The post will be at the bottom of the front page.
 The best thrill rides at the Disneyland Resort are hard to pick. There are so many, but narrowing it down to 5 is very hard. There is a blog out there called disneylandtraveler.blogspot.com and he tried to make a list of the best based on his own opinions. But I think he could have elaborated a bit more. He also could have picked better rides. So, here's a response to disneylandtraveler.blogspot.com's "Top 5 Thrill Rides at the Disneyland Resort."

Posters of Disneyland. 

Before continuing, I suggest that you read the list before hand. It's not very long and it's simply just a list.

The list itself isn't bad, I just think it needs improvement. The first ride on his list was the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Not a bad choice at all. It's got great thrills, it's themed beautifully, and it's become a staple in Disney Parks all over the world. But should it be number one? That's a toss up. On the one hand, there is the "Floating" effect you get because off how fast the drop is. But on the other hand, Space Mountain you can't see anything. Then there is California Screamin' which goes from 0 to 55 in 2.3 seconds. You can make the argument that Tower of Terror is just a free fall in the dark. But it's fun factor is so high. You may just get lost in the Twilight Zone...

That's what they all say.

Next on his list is Space Mountain. This and Tower of Terror you can toss around as both are equally as thrilling even if they are completely different rides. Space mountains thrills however, aren't thrilling at all. You see, the rides top speed is 30-35mph depending on the weight of your car since the ride is momentum based. That's about the same speed as Big Thunder Mountain. Putting into perspective also is that a car on the average freeway goes anywhere from 60-70mph depending on what state or country you live in.

So how does Space Mountain feel like it's going faster than 30mph? Disney play's with your sense's a lot. The forced perspective used in the park is remarkable. The Matterhorn for instance uses big trees at the base of the mountain, the trees get smaller and smaller the higher up they go so it looks massive. Main Street also uses an effect similar to this. There is a first floor obviously, and some have second floors yes, but most of the buildings get smaller and smaller the higher up they go. Some getting as small as 5/8th scale at their tallest point.

Space Mountain uses the darkness to it's advantage. Because it's so dark in there, your sense's have a hard time picking up what's going on around you. Since they are thrown off, Disney places fans in strategic locations to make you feel that WHOOSH! Feeling that you get when you are riding fast on a motorcycle or when you have the windows rolled down in your car on the freeway or something like that. The fast paced music you hear also makes you feel like your going faster because of it's up-tempo orchestration type sound. So now you know how the ride feels so fast when it's really not. Taking all this into consideration, the ride shouldn't even be at number two on a list like this. But you have so much fun on a ride like that, you don't care to stop and think about it.

Space Mountain with the lights on. The black thing going up above the rockets is the lift chain before you enter "Space"

Next is California Screamin'. This ride is one of the few opening day attractions left in California Adventure. This ride is based on the wooden coasters of boardwalk amusement parks of old. This ride like stated earlier goes from 0 to 55 in 2.3 seconds. It's also the only ride in the Disneyland Resort to go upside down. The exterior itself looks wooden but it's actually steel. The track is steel and the "Wooden" supports are also steel. It's your typical Magic Mountain type roller coaster. So yes, it's pretty thrilling. The ride also uses the fast paced music to make you feel like your going faster than you actually are.

Fake wood supports. Note that this picture was taken before the mickey head was removed from the ride in 2009.

Next is Big Thunder Mountain. This I don't agree with at all. Big Thunder Mountain is fun don't get me wrong. But it's thrill aspect is not great. It's the theme of the ride that at least I ride it for. It's a good ride but not a thrilling one.

The last one is Splash Mountain. Now before I begin, I just have to say this is my personal favorite ride of all time. It's defiantly a thriller on that final drop and even the smaller drops within the mountain. The history of the ride is interesting but I'll touch on that in another post. Now there is a reason you get so wet that I'll talk about now since it adds to the thrills I guess you could say.

When you go down the first drop Slippin' Falls there are curved walls so the water comes down on you like a waterfall. Same thing with the second drop that puts you in the Laughing Place. The third drop (The Big One) the walls are the same but in a tunnel formation. so it comes down on you like a shower almost. You also feel "Wetter" than you really because there are strategically misters on the big drop too get your face wet so you feel wet. Disney trickery is everywhere.

Now, all of these rides are "Thrilling" but this wouldn't be a proper response without my own list. So, here is my list of the Top 5 most thrilling rides and the Disneyland Resort.

1:  Tower of Terror: The rides theme is unbelievable. The ride itself is as thrilling as you'll find anywhere.

2: Space Mountain: Darkness, Disney Tricks, an amazing soundtrack. The ride is one of if not the best roller coaster in the world.

3: Indiana Jones the Temple of the Forbidden Eye: This ride isn't all that fast, but the technology used makes you feel like your going very fast. Not to mention nearly being crushed by a giant boulder, going through a room full of dead corpses, and 10 foot tall snakes. But just remember, don't look into the eye's of Mara.

Don't look into the eye's of Mara

4: California Screamin': A classic Magic Mountain type roller coaster that goes from 0-56 in seconds.

5: Splash Mountain: Marc Davis' animatronics shine in this log flume for the ages. The end drop is one of the most thrilling 5 seconds of your life. Just make sure to pack and extra set of clothes.

Honorable Mention: Matterhorn Bobsleds.

There you go. A response and my own list of the Top 5 most thrilling rides at the Disneyland Resort. Hope you enjoyed and I hope you now know Disneyland isn't some kiddie place. Take care guys.

Right on the money