Star Wars Fun in Orlando
// May 14th, 2011 // 1 Comment » // Joe's Blog
Hanging out with C3PO and R2D2 at the Florida Mall in Orlando.
Jedi Mickey Mouse at the Florida Mall Star Tours 3D Preview Event
Star Tours is true to it’s former counter part, but very updated with the latest digital 3D technologies and visual effects. The theme of the line cue has been for the most part revamped drastically, complete with bio luggage scanners that guests get to see the humorous contents of the luggage. I saw random items in the briefcases ranging from mickey ears, an ewok, Madame Leotta’s head, Mickey’s sorcerer hat, broomstick from Fantasia and even scuba gear, bowling balls. The luggage scanner also projects in 3D, much like the end of the line cue at Haunted Mansion. Pretty amazing to see it up close in the second room of the line cue. The motor conveyor belts are gone, and a new LED wall of celeb Star Wars passengers shows up, much like the one in DLC. There’s also a thermal imaging camera as you make your way up the last walkway toward the loading areas. I won’t spoil every little detail…
The ride itself is perfected in terms of motion, visuals and sound. C3PO whisks you away to random areas through the Star Wars universe. There is an “in-ride” camera that takes a picture of a guest, and you become part of the ride, and part of the rebel spy alliance. I saw some repeats on the ride, but for the most part, each of my 5 rides were different. I saw two different intro sequences, two different endings, three different hologram messages from 3 of Stars Wars noted rebel alliance Akbar, Yoda and Leia. The holograms are stunning 3D, and done in the style of R2′s holographic message system. I visited a number of planets, each ride being unique and in different orders. My favorites are Hoth, Naboo and Tatooine. The new 3D glasses are form fitted, much like the same style of IMAX 3D glasses.
All in all, fans will not be disappointed, it’s a nostalgic look back, and a giant leap forward in terms of today’s neatest modern tech tricks of the trade. It would be well worth a long wait to see this, and you’ll be thrilled and cheering aloud much like I was I’m sure.
May the Force be with you.
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