The old Star Tours was, to be frank, just that. OLD! I never used to like it, since it would make me motion sick. It felt like you were in a big box that's moving and shaking you around (which, well, it what it is) and not like a flight through space. Let's face it, the technology utilized in Mission: Space left Star Tours in the dust, with wait times declining more and more, and going up and up on other rides.
The technology on this one is completely awesome. It no longer makes me motion sick, because it feels more real than the old technology did. And get ready for it: It's in 3D!!! Even if 3D normally gives you a headache, like it used to do for me, this technology is much better and is less likely to make you dizzy or give you a headache.
Another problem with the old attraction was the lack of it being "Star Wars". If you come to a park expecting Star Wars, you want Star Wars. You saw the Death Star and some rebel troups, and that was it. Additionally, the only three characters from the films in the original were Chewbacca, Threepio, and Artoo, and all of them made brief appearances. In this attraction, Threepio plays a prominent role, and you can see other characters too, but not all at once. Why?
There are many new combinations of experiences on Star Tours. There's around 15 elements that can be combined in many different ways. So sometimes, you'll see Darth Vader. Other times, you meet Gunguns on Naboo (Episode 1 reference) with Jarjar Binks, the most unpopular Star Wars character ever, making a brief cameo. Princess Leia may send you a hologram, with specific instructions to help the rebellion. You may get to visit the ice world of Hoth (Episode 5), but not without encountering a few imperial walkers. The possibilities are endless. Characters appearing include Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, among others.
Although the actual layout of the ride hasn't changed much, the Queue area is very cool. There are many droids doing their duty throughout, signs, and information boards to make it seem like a real spaceport. And the droids? Be careful, you may get picked out by them. Captain Rex (from the original Star Tours) even makes an appearance, so look out for him.
Consensus? The new Star Tours is a MUST SEE!!!
The ride is set in between the events of episodes 3 and 4, and is a prequel to the original, set after episode 6. It is now open in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. They are supposed to be similar, nearly identical, so you can see it at either one.
