If you didn’t see the behind the scenes look video posted last month, click here.

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.

The bar took the place of La Familia Fashions (clothing and jewelry/silver shop) next to San Angel Inn.

The title “La Cava del Tequila” translates to “Tequila Cave”.

The logo above the entrance references the agava plant that tequila comes from.

This mural shows the process of making tequila.  Starting at harvesting the agava plant (in the far left) to pouring the tequila in wooden barrels for the aging process.

The lighting is a little dark in this one, but this corner of the bar has wooden barrels similar to those used for aging tequila.

This is the “tequila ambassador” that gave us a lot of information about tequila.  She actually comes from Tequila, Mexico and spent five years at Jose Cuérvo as a tour guide.

These are the tequila “flights” we had.  Our flights consisted of half shots of Silver, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas.  The tequila ambassador explained Blanco (or “white”) and Silver Tequila is either un-aged, or aged less than two months in oak barrels.  Reposado (or “rested”) Tequila is aged two months to a year, and Añejo (“aged”), is aged one to three years.

Using salt before a tequila shot and lime after it (some call it “training wheels” or “snake bite”) is mostly used for Blanco or Silver Tequila.  Reposado Tequila is followed with Sangrita (not to be confused with sangria, sangrita is a tomato juice based cocktail mixer).  Añejo Tequila is usually tasted by itself without any salt or chaser, in order to appreciate the taste that comes from the aging process.

The bar has a great display for their tequila bottles.  I wouldn’t mind having something like this at my house.

These are just the prices for shots of the white and silver tequilas.  The Reposado and Añejo tequilas are more expensive.

I know being in a theme park (Disney no less) it will be a little more expensive than an average bar, but I’m pretty sure the Rose and Crown pub in the UK has shots of tequila that cost less.  I’ll make a trip over there this week to verify that and update when I find out.

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.

Assuming that the deal is approved by Marvel shareholders, Disney will now own popular characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, and the Fantastic Four, amongst many, many others.

It is not immediately clear how this move would affect the various film franchises Marvel has in the works (such as the Iron Man films and the upcoming Thor and Captain America movies) or the licenses to Marvel-based movies owned by other studios (such as Spider-Man and the X-Men).

It is also unclear how this would affect the theme park license Universal owns on the Marvel characters.

The Tequila bar will offer an impressive collection of 70 varieties of tequilas.  The authentic agava-based spirits will range from the major brands, to the smaller and more rare varieties.  A “Tequila Ambassador” will inform guests on the process of making tequila and the history of its Mexican heritage.  La Cava del Tequila will use its décor and art work to celebrate the history of the most famous (or infamous) spirit from Mexico.  The drinks will be offered both straight and in margaritas.

I’ll be checking in on the Mexico pavilion frequently to find out when the soft opening has started.

Candlelight Processional
Nov. 27-29 – Isabella Rossellini
Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2 – John O’Hurley
Dec. 3-5  – Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 6-8 – Anika Noni Rose
Dec. 9-11 – Andy Garcia
Dec. 12-14 – Vanessa Williams
Dec. 15-17 – Abigail Breslin
Dec. 18-20 – Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 21-23 – Brian Dennehy
Dec. 24-6 – Edward James Olmos
Dec. 27-30 – Angela Bassett and
Courtney Vance
Maybe one year they’ll have an event for the Flying Spaghetti Monster…