Disney Store Unveils New Star Tours StarSpeeder 1000 Toy for May the Fourth

Last year, the D23 Expo captivated collectors and Star Wars enthusiasts alike with the introduction of a stunning toy that rekindled nostalgia for one of the franchise's beloved attractions. This particular piece was a massive, 3.75-inch figure-scaled replica of the iconic ride vehicle known as the StarSpeeder 3000. Designed to accommodate up to 25 action figures, this elaborate toy went above and beyond by featuring a video screen that played snippets from the original Star Tours ride, making it a must-have for Disney fans.
For those whose memories of Star Tours are more aligned with its contemporary revampan upgrade that took place nearly 15 years agothis upcoming weekend brings exciting news. io9 has secured an exclusive first look at the return of the Star Tours Starspeeder toy, reimagined as part of the Disney Store's offerings for the much-anticipated Star Wars Day, celebrated every year on May the Fourth.
This time around, the electronically-enhanced vehicle sports a vibrant new orange paint job. This fresh aesthetic aligns the toy with its counterpart, the StarSpeeder 1000, which was introduced when Star Tours was updated to The Adventures Continue in 2011. This enhancement not only refreshed the ride experience but also incorporated new footage featuring beloved characters from both the prequel trilogy and the original saga.
Despite the new exterior paint job and the accompanying box art inspired by The Adventures Continue, the toy preserves its core features, remaining quite similar to the version that debuted at D23. It still offers seats for 25 3.75-inch scaled figurescomplete with essential seatbelts for securing those action figures during intergalactic adventures! Additionally, the enhanced electronic features include opening doors that emit the classic chime familiar to fans of the ride, as well as light-up functionalities for the headlights, thrusters, and cannons affixed to the vehicle. An impressive 4.75-inch LCD screen located at the front of the StarSpeeder's interior plays authentic ride footage from the Adventures Continue iteration of the attraction, allowing fans to relive their favorite moments.
One notable change in this new version is the shift in the character voice features. While the original StarSpeeder 3000 boasted voice phrases from the beloved Captain Rex, the updated StarSpeeder 1000 will feature lines from C-3PO, the character who became the unwitting pilot of Star Tours during its overhaul. This change is also reflected in the included figures, which now feature R2-D2 and C-3PO from the popular 'Droid Factory' 3.75-inch figure line sold in Disney parks, replacing Captain Rex from last year's release.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect for collectors is that this time, they will not need to attend a special event like D23 to acquire the StarSpeeder 1000. Fans can look forward to purchasing the Star Tours: The Adventures Continue StarSpeeder 1000 playset directly from the Disney Store. The sale will commence at 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT this Sunday, May 4, making it easier than ever for fans to add this exciting piece to their collection.