The opening of Star Tours in 1987 drew large crowds.

I have fond memories of Star Tours, the motion-simulated spaceship ride through the “Star Wars” galaxy. I went on the ride with my parents when I was a child and took my own kid as an adult. It was always my favorite ride, dodging meteors and enemy fire, and feeling the jump into hyperspace. But the last few times I’ve visited Disneyland, Star Tours appeared a little lackluster compared with the newer rides across the park at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

While Star Tours’ flight simulator may have been cutting-edge when it opened to long lines 37 years ago, it doesn’t have the same impact today as technology has advanced. The shorter lines and wait times, hovering around 30 minutes, are also a sign that its popularity has waned. It all makes me wonder whether Star Tours is reaching a point when its space travels will come to an end. Or if it should at least be moved out of Tomorrowland and into Galaxy’s Edge with the other “Star Wars” rides.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Star Tours’ wait times have waned through the years, now averaging at around 30 minutes.

“I personally have noticed a severe downtick in its popularity, and even more so at Hollywood Studios [in Florida],” Mark Brickey, a Disneyland YouTuber since 2014, told SFGATE. He recently posted a video also wondering if it’s the end of Star Tours on his YouTube page. 

“I’m not a Star Tours hater, but you know, it does feel a little outdated and........

© SFGate