Star Tours: One of the Best Disney Rides for Movie Geeks

For starters, "Star Tours" is an absolute must-ride for any Star Wars geeks. I would know, because I am one. There are some things about this ride that may turn others off, and we'll get to those later. But if you are a fan of any of the Star Wars films, but especially the original trilogy, walk, don't run to this line! Even the line itself is packed full of film references, Anthony Daniels' voice-overs, and movie props that'll get you geeking out hard core. The first thing you'll see in the line? A giant AT-AT. The first time I ever saw this, I was ten years old, and it was so cool that I honestly thought I was going to pass out. I'm past the fainting phase of coolness, but I'm still in the thrilled beyond belief phase that typically involves some really cheesy pose with the AT-AT.

The ride itself is a simulator ride. It opened in 1987, and at the time that technology was new and exciting. Now you can find a simulator at almost every theme park, in most arcades, and even in malls. So if you're not a fan of simulator rides and you're not a Star Wars geek, this one might be a bit of a stretch for you.

But wait, I've got another reason to love this ride! It's ever so slightly out of date. There are hairstyles and clothing on the pre-ride video that will rock your world, grey carpeting and fluorescent lighting galore, and don't even get me started on the uniforms the employees wear. It's like kitsch heaven. You know how leggings are cool again along with lots of other fashion and music from the 80's? Well then, this ride should be one of the coolest, because it's pretty much a concentrated blast from the past.

The premise of the ride is that you are about to board a transport that exists in the Star Wars universe. The ride is piloted by a droid, who just happens to be voiced by Paul Reubens. Your transport is on route to the forest moon of Endor, and if you don't know what that is, don't worry about it. It doesn't have much to do with the actual ride; it's just another morsel for us geeks. Soon the Empire foils your pleasant little trip. Before you know it, you're in the middle of a mid-space dog fight between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire.

This ride is an abolsute blast in my opinion. If you're more of a Veruca Salt, sarcastic, unimpressed theme park guest, you might not like this ride. It's not state of the art or high tech, but there may be hope for you whenever Star Tours II comes along, which Wikipedia says is currently in production with George Lucas. But we all know how reliable Wikipedia can be, and we all know how quickly George Lucas works. So maybe your grandkids have a shot at riding the ride.

Until then, I encourage everyone to try this. Even the people who think they may not be impressed. There's an innocent fun about the ride, the line has plenty to look at, it's air-conditioned, and the ride is actually quite an effective illusion despite its now seemingly low-tech concept. If you want an extra kick out of the ride, sit in the back row, the movements will be harsher. But beware; the ride can get a little bumpy. It doesn't quite have the smoothest motion control, but that really helps the overall illusion of your experience.

As with all Disney rides, there is a gift shop as you exit. But unlike all the other gift shops at most Disney theme parks, there's actually Star Wars merchandise available here instead of only High School Musical purses and t-shirts. (By the way, my husband just suggested that I tell all my readers to, "sky run, not walk" to this ride instead of what I wrote about "running not walking" to the line. After which he said, "You know, because of Luke Skywalker." I just thought you should know that.)