Mouse Extra

Perhaps the longest running rumor in Walt Disney World’s history is that of a new Star Tours attraction. Since the time of Pee Wee Herman’s movie theater fiasco, we have heard rumors that a new attraction was in development. Then with the prequel trilogy, rumors were hot and heavy that an updated movie would replace the old with a focus on the newer films. Now it seems every spring with the arrival of Star Wars weekends at Disney MGM Studios, these rumors start anew. The latest one had George Lucas spotted at the park discussing new ideas with Imagineers.

A newer film representing the prequels would be nice (especially if its 3D), but this, I feel, would be too small-scale. I think we need a Star Wars area or “land.” Universal has created a series lands based on movie tie-ins and this one is the best Disney’s got. With the continued hardcore fan base, merchandise bonanza, upcoming TV series, pending re-release of the movies in 3D, and the aforementioned weekends at the park, its a perfect choice for expansion.

First of all, I would keep the current Star Tours as is. I have always found the ride fun and would hate to lose an attraction based on the better of the two trilogies. Instead, I would add and one idea is this: you and other passengers in your vehicle are padawans in a chase through the city planet of Coruscant pitted against bounty hunters, droids, and, for the grand finale, Darth Maul. This would combine a track system, motion simulation, and 3-D technology for a great experience.

Here’s another idea: You board an individual starfighter designed like the pods of CyberSpace Mountain. These motion simulators would be linked via a computer system in one great space battle based on either trilogy. This would seem to be relatively easy in light of today’s computer power and the interplay of shared on-line fantasy/role-playing games. You would all be in the same five to ten minute battle, steering and firing in real-time with others.

Now, lets say we can expand the area even more. Lucas himself has been instrumental in the advancement of sound technology for the movie industry. You could easily convert Sounds Dangerous into an attraction based on recent tech from THX using Star Wars and/or other films using that systems, including many recent Disney films.

Disney-MGM Studios is also famous for its heavily themed eating establishments. I can’t understand why the Studios hasn’t created a Mos Eisley Cantina. CMs walking around in costumes as aliens and stormtroopers could mix with people eating bar food and cocktails with strange sounding names. Who wouldn’t want an autograph from Greedo? You could even have an audio-animatronic band playing famous tunes from the movie every half hour or so. So lets demolish the Backlot Express and create a little futuristic desert town.

Finally, Star Tours is right next door the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. With the new Indy film coming soon, rumors are out there about a possible redo here, or maybe even a ride. You could create an entire LucasArts area. Heck, the Sci-Fi Dine Theatre next door fits the theme, as well. Lucas has always been a great admirer of those cheesy flicks.

Todays installment of Building My Imagineering Resume is by Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra