What is Star Tours and Is It Closing Right Now?
Star Tours is a motion-simulator attraction located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland and formerly at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of now, Star Tours is not closing; both Disneyland’s original location and the updated version at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios remain open. There have been periodic refurbishments, technical upgrades, and brief maintenance closures, but no permanent shutdown has been announced. Below, we explain what Star Tours is, how it has evolved, and what this means for guests planning visits today.
The Origin and Core Concept of Star Tours
Star Tours opened at Disneyland in 1987 as a Star Wars-themed simulator that took guests on a turbulent hyperspace journey in a Republic Commando starship. The attraction replaced the previous Adventure Thru Inner Space and was among the first to use a motion base with multiple degrees of movement. Its premise centers on the comedic mishaps of an inept interstellar travel agency, delivering a short, family-friendly ride that combines physical motion with a 3D film experience. The core appeal lies in the combination of simulated flight, practical theming, and reliably quirky humor.
Key Milestones and Version History
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Star Tours opens at Disneyland | Establishes Star Wars simulator as a themed attraction |
| 1991 | Disney’s Hollywood Studios version opens | Brings the attraction to Walt Disney World |
| 2010 | Closing of Disneyland and Hollywood Studios versions | Prepares for major upgrades |
| 2011 | Reopening as Star Tours–The Adventures Continue | Updated with new film, preshow, and enhanced motion |
| 2015 onward | Periodic maintenance and tech refreshes | Ensures reliability and addresses ride systems |
| 2023–2024 | No announced permanent closure | Both parks continue to operate the attraction |
Current Status at Disneyland
At Disneyland, Star Tours–The Adventures Continue remains an active attraction in Tomorrowland. Occasional short-term downtime for preventative maintenance or refurbishment happens, as is typical for older simulators, but these are planned, temporary closures rather than permanent changes. Recent updates have focused on improving reliability, queue experiences, and ensuring the pre-show and film elements function smoothly. There is no public timeline or Disney announcement indicating that the Disneyland location will be replaced or shut down permanently in the foreseeable future.
Current Status at Walt Disney World
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, Star Tours–The Adventures Continue also continues to operate in the Streets of America area (the former location of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror). The Walt Disney World version received the same 2011 upgrade as the Disneyland installation and has since undergone routine maintenance. As with Disneyland, brief maintenance closures may occur, but these are operational pauses rather than indicators of an upcoming permanent closure. No formal replacement attraction has been announced for the Hollywood Studios site as of now.
What to Expect When You Visit
- Queue: Themed environments with Star Wars props and preshow video that set the comedic tone.
- Ride Experience: A short simulator ride featuring motion seats, environmental effects (mist, wind), and a third-person space adventure.
- Target Audience: Suitable for most guests; consider motion sensitivity for younger children or riders with mobility needs.
- Tips: FastPass or Genie+ availability varies by park and season; arrive early or use mobile app tools to secure a boarding time.
- Duration: Total visit time is typically 25–45 minutes, including preshow and boarding.
Addressing Rumors and Past Changes
Over the years, intermittent rumors have suggested that Star Tours is closing due to age, licensing changes, or park retheming. These often stem from temporary maintenance, construction activity nearby, or confusion with attraction retirements. Disney has instead treated Star Tours as a stable, mid-tier simulator that can be periodically updated rather than replaced. When changes have occurred, they’ve been upgrades to film content, queue technology, and ride systems—not removal of the attraction.
Practical Advice for Guests
If you’re planning to experience Star Tours, check the park’s official app or website for the most current operating status. Arrive during early park hours or use Genie+/Lightning Lane where available to reduce wait times. If you’re sensitive to motion, consider seating in the center row for a smoother ride. Understand that downtime is typically brief and related to maintenance rather than permanent removal. For the most reliable information, rely on official Disney channels rather than third-party reports that may misinterpret routine upkeep as closure.
Summary Takeaways
Star Tours is not closing at Disneyland or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It remains an operational attraction with a mix of original design and later enhancements. Guests can expect periodic maintenance-related closures, but these are standard for long-running simulators and do not signal permanent removal. The attraction continues to deliver a compact, family-friendly Star Wars experience that aligns with its enduring theme of chaotic space travel.