Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Tours Shutdown Raises Questions as Disney Blocks Entrance

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 26, 2025, encountered an unexpected closure at Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, a fan-favorite motion simulator attraction in the park’s Echo Lake area. While ride closures are a common occurrence at Disney theme parks due to maintenance, technical issues, or operational resets, what stood out this time was the unusually high number of Cast Members stationed outside the attraction.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Credit: Disney

An Unusual Scene at Star Tours

A guest visiting the park took to social media to ask:

“Does anyone know what happened at Star Tours today? 2/26
It’s been closed for a couple hours and there’s about 20 Cast Members blocking both available entrances to that and the gift shop? Any idea what happened?”

While temporary ride closures happen daily at Disney parks, the presence of nearly 20 Cast Members actively blocking entry to both the attraction and its connected gift shop, Tatooine Traders, was unusual enough to raise speculation among parkgoers.

Does anyone know what happened at Star tours today? 2/26
byu/Liquatic inWaltDisneyWorld

Routine Downtime or Something More?

It’s important to note that ride closures at Walt Disney World are routine, and attractions can shut down for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Technical malfunctions requiring a system reset
  • Safety concerns related to ride vehicles or guest behavior
  • Routine maintenance or inspections
  • Weather-related issues, particularly for outdoor attractions

However, a closure with such a large cast member presence could indicate a more complex operational issue, such as an evacuation, an incident involving a guest, or even an emergency requiring additional staff support.

Disney has not provided an official statement regarding the Star Tours closure on February 26, leaving guests to speculate on potential causes. The heavy cast member presence suggests that this was not simply a standard ride breakdown. When Disney deploys a large number of Cast Members to an attraction, it can sometimes indicate:

  • A guest-related medical emergency that required additional assistance
  • An issue inside the ride building that needed Cast Members to prevent guests from entering
  • A potential ride reset requiring extended downtime
  • Unplanned operational changes affecting nearby areas

While Star Tours is known for being one of the more reliable attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, even classic rides occasionally face unexpected downtime.

Stormtrooper wields a gun outside Star Tours
Credit: Disney

Ride Status Moving Forward

As of now, Star Tours has since reopened, and no reports suggest a lasting issue with the attraction. Guests planning to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios should always check the My Disney Experience app for real-time ride status updates.

While ride closures may be par for the course at Disney, this particular instance has left fans wondering what exactly went on behind those closed doors. Did you happen to be in the park during the closure? Share your experience in the comments!

Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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