The current version of Star Tours will close down in October of 2010, and the new version will open sometime in 2011.  They’ve released piece of concept artwork and a short video.

The upgrade will include a digital projection system that will give passengers a 3D experience.  At the news conference after the presentation Rasulo hinted at the ability to change the ride’s video – sounds a lot like the earlier reports that it will feature many alternate beginning, middle and end action sequences, allowing different ride experiences every time.  I’m curious to how it will all play out – but I wouldn’t be surprised if they slowly bring in the new video, every year announcing a “new destination” for Star Tours.

They also said the simulators will feature new in-cabin special effects.  This is matching up 3 for 3 with the rumors and information that spread earlier this year.

There was no word about the holographic Admiral Akbar or if the ride would feature a chase by Boba Fett (both items reported by Slashfilm back in May).

The only content that was confirmed was a Pod Racing scene, which was shown in 3D to the audience during a presentation (video below).  In 2002 the Pod Racing story was first rumored to be the new version of Star Tours.  Considering how long it’s been since that rumor first surfaced, the technology available today, and the hint of different ride videos, I’m sure Pod Racing on Tatooine will just be one of many different locations riders will encounter.

The concept artwork they released shows off a new red paint job for the Starspeeders. This is another reason why I believe Pod Racing will be just one of many locations. If it was just going to be based on Pod Racing they wouldn’t still be using the Starspeeders, they’d just have people riding in actual Pod Racers.

Here is the video from the announcement at D23. It’s definitely worth watching.

Disney has also released a high quality video of the Pod Racing clip.

08.17.09 — Star Wars Rumor Control!
In response to inquiries from Star Wars fan sites about Storm Troopers at the D23 Expo, D23 issues the following statement: “We were contacted by the Galactic Empire and have been advised that Imperial dignitaries will be attending Disney’s D23 Expo,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “As a result, a legion of Storm Troopers from the 501st Battalion will be patrolling the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday, September 12.”

I don’t think they would be asking them to be at the convention if they didn’t have a big Star Wars related announcement to make.  Since there hasn’t been any other Star Wars related attraction rumors, I’m 99.9% sure that the announcement will be about Star Tours 2.  I would expect Jay Rasulo (chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts) to announce it in his opening speech to the D23 Expo on September 12.

Starting at 1:00 p.m. CST, there were be a two-hour block devoted entirely to the previous day’s Star Wars events, including a table read of an upcoming episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars by the show’s voice cast.  There are also unsubstantiated rumors that there may be some sort of announcement regarding the upcoming live-action television series.

Then, starting at 3:00 Central, G4 will air three hours of coverage live from the con’s exhibition hall.

Several sources have reported that the project is no longer on hold, and already in development.  Apparently we have the Oriental Land Company (the owners of Tokyo Disney) to thank, since they want their own version of Star Tours and have contributed a lot of money to the project.  The source at Theme Park Insider confirmed rumors  that the new Star Tours will be in 3D and have extensive in-cabin effects.  What kind of in-cabin effects you ask?  Well it sounds like they will be borrowing the badass ideas from DisneySea’s StormRider simulator ride which involves your ship being hit by flying debris from the storm and a piece breaking through the roof of the cabin itself (StormRider also lets you look at the action through the sides of the cabin -  but no word if Star Tours 2 will feature this).  It is also being reported that the ride could have as many as 25 beginning, 25 middle, and 25 ending sequences, giving hundreds of possible ride experiences.   This would be a great idea that would constantly keep the experience a little different every time you ride it.

The ride’s story will be set in the Star Wars timeline between episodes 3 and 4.  According to Slashfilm the ride’s main action sequence will be a chase by Boba Fett and feature Admiral Ackbar (It’s a trap!) holographically communicating to you.  LA Times has also reported that Frank Oz recorded dialogue as Yoda.  All this sounds much better than the old pod racing themed replacement that was heavily rumored back in 2002.  No word yet on when the ride will be updated – most suspect 2010 or 2011.

Here is the top of the list for retirement:

Micheal Bay

Eddie Murphy

Stan Lee

George Lucas

The stage show is not what you might expect from that title; rather than being a tasteless, production-number-filled travesty (like the Star Wars Holiday Special), it’s a celebration of John Williams’ classic scores for the film series.

Host Anthony Daniels performs live narration, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs roughly two hours worth of Williams’ music, all of which is backed by numerous film montages on a big cinema screen.

The production is expected to begin a world tour later this year, but details have not been announced.

Filoni talks about the recently-completed first season, and about the direction the show will take heading into its second.