Disneyland sets opening dates for Little Mermaid, Star Tours 2

February 25, 2011 at 4:42 PM · Good to finally know the official opening dates. Kind of weird they are opening on the same day. Regardless, this is great news and the summer crowds will be able to enjoy these two new rides starting June 3.

February 25, 2011 at 7:01 PM · Anyone else disappointed WDW gets the Star Tours premiere when they initially passed on the project? I think the parks that pushed for the project and committed the cash (Anaheim and Japan) should have the honor of opening it first.

February 25, 2011 at 7:25 PM · WDW is trying to time their event with Star Wars Weekends, so it makes sense to have the new ride ready for fans. Additionally, DLR is doing a more extensive makeover, which may explain the extra time required (according to Al Lutz over at Miceage, WDW went "cheap" and passed on making improvements to the ride system, vehicles, queue, and gift shop).

Regardless, I am torn... head to Disneyland/DCA in the late summer, or head to Universal Orlando for some Harry Potter action? Personally, I'd love to visit Walt's original park again (my last visit was in 1981!), but with Carsland just around the corner, it might be best to wait one more year. Decisions, decisions.... maybe I will just stay home and dream!

February 25, 2011 at 8:10 PM · I'd wait a year on Disneyland, so that you can see a complete California Adventure next door.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to see a soft opening of the DL ST2 by May 20, but I wouldn't plan a trip around it.

February 25, 2011 at 8:39 PM · You're probably right, Robert. Besides, there is a lot of new stuff at Universal for me and mine (we last visited in 2007), and both my boys are now tall enough to ride the big coasters. Plus, I can't wait to see what my 48" daughter thinks of the Mummy!

As for DLR in 2012... I just need to make sure I don't get hit by a bus between now and then! =)

February 25, 2011 at 9:44 PM · Two openings on the same day? From a business standpoint, is that wiser than spreading them out to keep attendance peaking? I suppose that two new attractions opening simultaneously would be a huge draw for folks that haven't seen the parks in awhile.

February 25, 2011 at 10:35 PM · You gotta figure that the two attractions are targeting some fairly diverse audiences, overall. And, if nothing else, the crowds will be somewhat dispersed between the parks.

February 26, 2011 at 12:13 AM · Interesting.....

APers have a choice to make on June 3rd. They will get the chance to ride one that day. Trying for two, those lines are going to be loooooooooong.

February 26, 2011 at 6:15 AM · Honestly, I think the idea of a park getting the "honor" to open an attraction is a little silly. Disneyland has gotten A LOT of love and attention over the recent years while WDW stands idly by. I think opening at DHS during starwars weekends will make the most financial sense and is much more targeted to an audience already expected to be interested in coming to the park for a special event. Why not clinch the deal by giving them a new attraction. I just think it makes pragmatic sense to get it open during star wars weekends.

February 26, 2011 at 8:46 AM · Star Tours 2 opening is a pretty good turn around time. It seems to not have been down for very long. Less than a year? not too bad!

February 28, 2011 at 10:29 AM · I'm with James, I am holding off on a DLR visit until 2012. And much like James, I am avoiding being hit by a bus as well for this trip. But honestly, I would have probably been doing that anyway.

February 28, 2011 at 11:25 AM · There is wisdom in avoiding collisions with objects much larger than oneself.