I thought some may be interested in this:
There's a podcast of all-things-Star-Wars called the 'ForceCast', and on their most recent episode (see link below) they interview Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter, the guy most responsible for bringing Disney and Lucas together from the inception of Star Tours through the recent update. The interview is packed with interesting tid-bits and insight on the Disney / Lucas relationship and history of Star Tours. Some of the topics covered:
- The first concept of a Disney / Star Wars attraction -- a roller coaster with an alternate story line chosen by the guests: starting on Dagobah with Yoda, and you ultimately choose to destroy the Death Star by taking the coaster into the trench, or delving into the core.
- George Lucas' thoughts on building his "own park", but not having the time or money -- making Disney the perfect marriage for him.
- Baxter & company's research and development of the motion simulation technology.
- The Imagineers' struggles to work through Michael Eisner's bad ideas to make it happen --- including narrowly avoiding an Eisner name change to "Star Ride", when George quickly vetoed the name change.
- The original idea of being able to change the video to keep the ride fresh --- and why that never happened.
It's good stuff, really interesting --- whether you're a Wars fan, Disney fan, or both. Here's the link:
http://forcecast.net/story/topstory/Weekly_ForceCast_June_3_2011_138579.asp
Or, just go to iTunes and search for "ForceCast" --- it's the June 3rd episode. If you want to cut directly to the interview, it starts around the 28:50 mark. But if your a fan of the Wars and haven't listened to ForceCast --- definitely check it out. It's one of the highest quality podcasts out there, like a full production radio show.