The force behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones discusses his participation in the various park attractions inspired by his films. Readers can expect to be immersed in the creative process as Disney twenty-three reveals multiple concepts for rides that were never made. More specifically, readers will be privy to the unique brainstorm that brewed the new Star Tours ride and learn about a distinctive new twist in the experience. The feature article is by Steve Sansweet, and an excerpt of it appears below.
George Lucas says of the new ride, "It's like Star Tours on overdrive."
Tom Fitzgerald talks about the need to create a new 'captain' for the attraction after they changed the ride's overall timeline because the original Starspeeder pilot, Rex -- who now comes later in the Star Tours timeline -- admitted to guests that it was his first day on the job. :We tried to do something 180 degrees from Rex," Tom reveals. "So we came up with AC-38, or Ace, who's a little cocky -- a Top Gun type. We tried different voice talents and combined those tracks with the animatics [the animated storyboards], but it was clear that George wanted something more along the lines of Rex's personality: high-strung, nervous, a bit out of control.
"We were trying to come up with a new character when a light bulb went off while I was driving to work," Tom recalls. "I told the team we didn't have to design a new character; one already existed -- C-3PO!" With the golden droid's originator, actor Anthony Daniels, back to help develop and record the new dialogue, everything fell into place. Ace still appears, and for nostalgic fans, even Rex has a cameo."
George's Disneyland roots run deep, very deep. On the day the park opened, in July 1955, George Lucas and his best friend braved the crowds and long lines. "It was one of the most amazing experiences an 11-year-old could have," George recalls. "I had been to a lot of typical amusement parks, but this was beyond belief."
"I love working with Imagineering," George says. "They are great, talented people, and it's always fun to do something with them." As for the future, although there's nothing currently planned, he says, "I'd love to see more Star Wars rides at Disney parks."
And there's even more for Disney fans to explore. As with every issue of Disney twenty-three, Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club receive an added bonus. This issue comes with one of two scented Cars 2 air fresheners featuring either racing star Lightning McQueen or his devoted best pal Mater. These limited-edition gifts will be sent only to members. To become a D23 Member, and learn more about membership and the spring issue of Disney twenty-three, visit www.disney.com/D23.
Beginning May 3, Disney twenty-three is available at select retail locations for $15.95.
Can't get enough Star Tours news? There's more on the way, as well as more announcements about this year's Star Wars Disney Weekends. Be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blogs for more updates, and if you're on Facebook, be sure to like Star Tours -- another source of breaking news, exclusive announcements, and amazing new imagery, like the kind seen below!
