Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Ride Running Out of Time After Almost Four Decades at Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has said goodbye to several beloved attractions over the years, and another longtime favorite could eventually face an uncertain future.

Star Tours has welcomed guests since 1989, making it one of the park’s oldest surviving attractions. Although Disney has continued improving the experience, newer Star Wars attractions have changed its place within Hollywood Studios.

Today, guests can explore an entire land dedicated to the franchise, complete with elaborate environments and attractions that go far beyond the original simulator.

That raises questions about whether Disney will eventually decide Star Tours has served its purpose.

No permanent closure has been announced, but the attraction’s age, location, and competition could influence its future.

Disney Has Already Replaced Hollywood Studios Classics

Star Tours opened on December 15, 1989, when Hollywood Studios was known as Disney-MGM Studios.

For years, the attraction offered guests an opportunity to experience the Star Wars universe.

Disney upgraded the ride in 2011, introducing Star Tours – The Adventures Continue with updated technology and randomized adventures.

Additional improvements brought characters and destinations from newer Star Wars movies and television series into the attraction.

Despite those investments, Star Tours isn’t guaranteed a permanent place in the park.

Hollywood Studios has undergone considerable redevelopment, and Disney has shown that even attractions with decades of history can disappear.

The Great Movie Ride serves as an example.

Disney permanently retired that attraction and eventually opened Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in its former location.

Star Tours could face a similar situation if Disney identifies another redevelopment opportunity.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Changed Everything

The biggest difference between Star Tours’ early years and today is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

When the land opened in 2019, Disney introduced an entirely new way to experience the franchise.

Instead of boarding a motion simulator, visitors could explore Black Spire Outpost, encounter familiar characters, and experience attractions surrounded by detailed environments.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run lets guests pilot the iconic spacecraft.

Meanwhile, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance delivers an adventure featuring multiple ride systems, detailed sets, and impressive effects.

Both attractions provide experiences that weren’t possible when Star Tours debuted.

There’s also a geographical difference.

Star Tours sits outside Galaxy’s Edge, meaning Hollywood Studios has two separate locations dedicated to Star Wars.

That doesn’t automatically mean Disney needs to change anything. However, it could become a consideration if the company explores redevelopment opportunities.

Star Tours Faces Competition From Newer Attractions

Another factor involves guest interest and wait times.

Star Tours continues welcoming visitors, but it generally doesn’t experience the same lengthy lines as Rise of the Resistance.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run can also draw larger crowds, especially during busy periods.

For many guests, Star Tours’ shorter waits are a benefit.

The attraction offers a Star Wars adventure without spending a substantial portion of the day standing in line.

Its capacity and efficient loading process also help keep wait times manageable.

Still, Disney must consider how attractions contribute to the guest experience.

A new ride featuring a different franchise could attract additional interest while giving Hollywood Studios something different.

Disney wouldn’t necessarily have to limit those changes to the existing simulator.

Several Disney Franchises Could Take Over the Area

If Star Tours closes, Disney could transform the surrounding space rather than simply install another attraction inside the building.

Several recognizable Disney characters and stories could provide inspiration.

Stitch could provide the foundation for a science-fiction adventure.

Another option could involve Big Hero 6 (2014), bringing Baymax and San Fransokyo into Hollywood Studios.

Disney could also explore WALL-E (2008), using the Pixar film’s robots, space-travel themes, and futuristic environments to create a family attraction.

Of course, these are imagined possibilities rather than actual Disney proposals.

The company has not announced plans to replace Star Tours with Stitch, Big Hero 6 (2014), WALL-E (2008), or another franchise.

However, these examples demonstrate how Disney could approach the space differently.

Is Star Tours Nearing the End?

Star Tours has remained part of Hollywood Studios for more than 36 years, and Disney has continued updating the experience.

That history gives fans reasons to believe the attraction could remain for years.

At the same time, Hollywood Studios has repeatedly replaced older experiences when new opportunities emerge.

Galaxy’s Edge now provides the park’s primary immersive Star Wars destination, while Star Tours operates separately.

Disney hasn’t confirmed any permanent closure or replacement plans.

For now, guests can continue enjoying the classic attraction. Whether it survives another major wave of Hollywood Studios redevelopment remains to be seen.