A Star Wars motion simulator with randomized destinations — over 700 unique combinations of opening, mid-ride, and ending segments. Each ride is potentially different. The OG Disney motion simulator.
Star Tours opened at Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) in 1989 — Disney's first major Star Wars attraction and the launch of the entire Disney/Lucasfilm theme park partnership. The original ride had a single fixed storyline. The current version, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (2011), randomizes the experience using a combination of pre-shot footage and procedurally selected scenes — each ride combines an opening segment, a mid-ride planet, and an ending sequence in one of 700+ possible orders.
You must be at least 40″ (102cm) to ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
Rider Switch (child swap) is available for parties with kids under the height requirement. If your child is close to the line, the cast member at the queue entrance will measure them against the post.
After a queue lined with Star Wars artifacts and a brief pre-show featuring C-3PO and R2-D2, you board a Starspeeder 1000 (a 40-passenger motion simulator capsule). 3D glasses on. The ride begins with a hyperspace jump and unfolds across multiple Star Wars locations — possibilities include Jakku, Hoth, Naboo, Coruscant, Geonosis, the Death Star, and Crait, with various villains (Darth Vader, the First Order, Boba Fett) and rebel allies appearing.
Motion is synchronized to the screen. The capsule pitches, drops, and banks in coordination with the on-screen action. Total ride time is about 7 minutes including pre-show.
Star Tours is a comfortable Lightning Lane Multi Pass pick when standby exceeds 30 minutes. It's not as competitive as Slinky Dog Dash or Tower of Terror, but waits in summer can climb above 60 minutes.
If you're prioritizing Hollywood Studios LL: book Slinky Dog and Tower of Terror first; Star Tours is a strong third or fourth pick.
Average standby wait by season (observed over 2024-2025 data):
| Season | Morning | Midday | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | 20 min | 35 min | 25 min |
| Moderate | 30 min | 55 min | 40 min |
| High season | 45 min | 75 min | 55 min |
| Holiday peaks | 60 min | 95 min | 70 min |
First 60 minutes after rope drop (most rope-droppers head to Toy Story Land or Galaxy's Edge first). Late evening (after 7pm) is also reliable.
The randomized destinations include nearly every era of Star Wars. Original trilogy fans, prequel fans, and sequel fans all get content.
Tech-forward simulator with good 3D and synchronized motion.
The combination of motion and 3D can be disorienting. Riders who get sick from VR or 3D films should skip.
Disney lists multiple physical conditions that should not ride.
Re-ride for a different experience. Each ride uses different combinations of opening, mid-ride planet, and ending. Two rides in a row will usually be different.
Sit in the back row. Motion is more pronounced at the back. Front rows are gentler but still convey the experience.
Look for the Rebel Spy. One audience member is randomly identified as 'the Rebel Spy' early in each ride — their face appears on the screen briefly. Watch the briefing room scene closely.
Skip if motion-sick. If you've ever felt off after a 3D film or VR experience, this isn't worth the risk.
The 60-Day ADR Countdown calculates your Lightning Lane booking window — so you know exactly when to wake up and tap.
Calculate My Booking Dates →