Starspeeder 3000: The Ultimate Star Wars Collectible For Star Tours Fans

9/23/2024

The Starspeeder 3000 has finally arrived, and it's making waves among Star Wars fans and collectors worldwide. This iconic vehicle, created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, is now featured on GalacticFigures.com. Initially released as a convention exclusive at the D23 Expo on August 9, 2024 for $300, the Starspeeder 3000 was limited to just 3,000 units. The limited availability of the Starspeeder 3000 sparked a frenzy, and when additional units briefly appeared on shopDisney.com, they sold out instantly. This scarcity caused secondary market prices for the Starspeeder 3000 to skyrocket to over $1,000.

Hope was restored when the Disney Parks Instagram account announced that remaining units of the Starspeeder 3000 would be sold at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, specifically at the Tatooine Traders store. This unexpected opportunity allowed more fans to secure the Starspeeder 3000, fulfilling the dreams of many who thought they had missed out on this amazing vehicle.

Disney's Starspeeder 3000 - The vehicle came in a huge box which was authentically themed based on the 1980s Star Tours ride

Starspeeder 3000: A Long-Awaited Addition to the 3.75-Inch Figure Line

The Starspeeder 3000 is designed specifically for 3.75-inch Star Wars action figures, marking the first time this iconic vehicle from the 1980s has been produced at this scale. The anticipation for the Starspeeder 3000 was immense, and it's clear why—the vehicle is packed with features that make it a standout piece in any collection.

The Starspeeder 3000 fully assembled. The paint application on the hull of the Starspeeder 3000 is exceptional, featuring blue colors that match the original ride.

Key features:

• Limited Edition of 3,000
• Includes collectible RX-24 and R2-D2 Droid Factory figures
• 4 3/4'' LCD screen with authentic attraction content
• Button-activated attraction content, display sequences, and Captain RX-24 character phrases
• Button-activated authentic door opening with chime
• Removable side panels, rooftop carrier, and roof panel
• Immersive interior lighting sequenced to media
• Extending and retracting landing gear that locks
• Authentic exterior light effects
• Includes 25 3.75'' scale seats with elastic clip-in seat belts
• Authentic premium decoration and details
• Includes reversible light-up display stand
• Light-up cannons and headlights
• Light-up rear thrusters
• Includes decal sheet for customization

There were three smaller boxes inside the huge Starspeeder 3000 box, one for the carded RX-24 figure, one for the two cables and one for the display stand

The Starspeeder 3000 out of the box, the plastic tray contained the two loose figures and the two plastic pillars for the display stand

Parts included with the Starspeeder 3000 include the roof, two sticker sheets, the display stand with two clear see through plastic parts, a removable outer panel, two cables, the screen door inside the cabin, and the Captain RX-24 control panel

Assembling the Starspeeder 3000 Made Easy

Assembling the Starspeeder 3000 is straightforward and user-friendly. Attach two plastic pieces to the base, connect the cables—one from the base to a USB outlet and another from the base to the Starspeeder 3000—and place the roof panel on the cabin. Apply any desired stickers using the included decal sheets to personalize your Starspeeder 3000. There aren't many loose parts, and most features of the Starspeeder 3000 are built-in or easily accessible. 

The instructions for the Starspeeder 3000, batteries are optional since you can plug it into a USB outlet to power the base and the vehicle

Unparalleled Features and Electronics of the Starspeeder 3000

This vehicle boasts an impressive array of features and electronics that set the Starspeeder 3000 apart from other vehicles made for 3 3/4" Star Wars figures. A built-in 4.75-inch LCD screen plays authentic attraction content from the original Star Tours ride. With each press of the "A" button, the Starspeeder 3000 continues to cycle through to play scenes, bringing the magic of the ride into your hands. The "B" button activates phrases from Captain RX-24, enhancing the interactive experience of the Starspeeder 3000. If you hold both buttons, the "A" and the "B" button pressed for two seconds together the screen will display a starfield.

The cabin lights in the Starspeeder 3000 are synced to what happens on the screen! Wow!

The Starspeeder 3000 features authentic exterior light effects, including light-up cannons, headlights, and rear thrusters.

The exterior lights on the Starspeeder 3000

Opening the doors of the Starspeeder 3000 triggers the iconic Star Tours chime, and the cabin lights up to reveal space for 25 action figures. Each seat in the Starspeeder 3000 includes an elastic clip-in seat belt, adding to the immersive experience. Two floor pegs ensure figures stay securely in place, and when the doors close, the lights dim out gradually, adding a touch of realism to the Starspeeder 3000 experience. Inside the cabin, a small panel next to Captain RX-24's seat can be opened, just like the panel used by cast members to check passengers' seat belts on the actual ride.

When you press the button on the back of the vehicle the doors will open and the Star Tours chime will sound (you'll need to press the button pretty hard to get it to work)

Removable side panels reveal mechanical details underneath the hood of the Starspeeder 3000, and an additional hatch opens to expose more internal components. An on/off switch is cleverly concealed under a compartment on the top of the Starspeeder 3000, maintaining the sleek exterior design while making it easily accessible.

A WEG-1618 droid working on the Starspeeder 3000, the mechanical details were nicely weathered and look rusty

The landing gear of the Starspeeder 3000 extends and retracts, locking into place for display or play. We had a difficult time however to get this to work properly, but after messing around with it for a while we finally got it to snap in place.

Power options include plugging the base of the Starspeeder 3000 into an electrical USB outlet or using six AA batteries. If you use batteries only the LCD screen conserves power by turning off after two minutes of inactivity. The vehicle also includes decal sheets for customization—one with blast effects for the hull and another with warning signs for the cabin—allowing collectors to personalize their Starspeeder 3000 to their liking.

Attention to Detail and Authenticity in the Starspeeder 3000

The Starspeeder 3000 pays meticulous attention to detail, capturing the essence of the original Star Tours attraction. The exit doors on the opposite side of the Starspeeder 3000 are manually operated, mirroring how cast members manually opened doors on the actual ride—a thoughtful nod to authenticity. The entrance and exit doors are numbered on the top, just like on the original ride, and Disney used the exact same font.

The exit doors can be opened manually

If your Star Wars action figures need a ride, or if you need to find a home for them in your collection, you'll be able to fit a whopping 25 of them into the cabin. It can get a little bit tight but with patience it's possible to get them all in there.

The Starspeeder 3000 cabin seats 25 3.75" Star Wars action figures

Another look at the cabin with 25 figures inside (plus Captain RX-24)

Comparing the Starspeeder 3000 to the Starspeeder 1000

The previous Starspeeder 1000, released in 2011 at $75 and based on the re-imagined Star Tours attraction, was compatible with 3.75-inch figures but was notably smaller in width, height, and length. The Starspeeder 3000 not only offers increased size but also vastly improved features, electronics, and attention to detail, making the Starspeeder 3000 a significant upgrade. The inclusion of immersive interior lighting sequenced to the media and the extensive use of authentic attraction content sets the Starspeeder 3000 apart from its predecessor. The cabin of the Starspeeder 1000 had seats for nine figures while the Starspeeder 3000 has seats for 25. 

The Starspeeder 3000 is much wider, longer and taller than the Starspeeder 1000 from 2011

Included Figures: A Collector's Delight with the Starspeeder 3000

Each Starspeeder 3000 comes with collectible figures that enhance its value and appeal. The set includes a loose R2-D2 figure using the Build-A-Droid sculpt, which can be disassembled into the dome, body, two outer legs, and middle leg. R2-D2 can be placed on the exterior of the Starspeeder 3000, adding to the authenticity.  Additionally, two Captain RX-24 (Rex) figures are included—one carded and one loose. This thoughtful inclusion allows collectors to keep one figure in its packaging while displaying the other. Clearly, Disney paid attention to how people collect and made sure that carded and loose collectors were covered with one release (thank you!). Captain RX-24 comes with his own control console inside the Starspeeder 3000 cabin, further enhancing the interactive experience.

There were three figures included with the Starspeeder 3000, one carded RX-24 figure, one loose RX-24 figure and one loose R2-D2 figure (the RX figures are identical)

A closer look at the included RX-24 pilot and R2-D2 figure

The Starspeeder 3000: A Stunning Display Piece

The Starspeeder 3000 is more than just a vehicle; it's a showpiece that stands out in any collection. When illuminated, especially in low-light conditions, the Starspeeder 3000 becomes a centerpiece that captures the essence of the Star Wars universe. The reversible light-up display stand not only supports the Starspeeder 3000 but also enhances its visual appeal with its own lighting effects. The combination of interior and exterior lights, along with the authentic sounds and media, makes the Starspeeder 3000 a captivating display that draws attention even in a busy collection.

The Starspeeder 3000 on display with some Star Tours droids which were released between 2002 and 2005. Who knew we had to wait almost another 20 years to give them a proper display?

Looking Ahead: The Future of Star Tours Collectibles

The release of the Starspeeder 3000 sets a new standard for Star Wars collectibles, raising the bar for quality and interactivity. Fans are hopeful that Disney will continue this momentum by releasing more figures to go with the vehicle, such as cast members in their original silver jackets which featured the Star Tours logo on the back. Different versions of the Starspeeder, such as the Starspeeder 1000 in various paint schemes would be an amazing addition to the Star Tours line-up as well.

Final Thoughts on the Starspeeder 3000

While the $300 price tag is significant, the Starspeeder 3000 justifies the cost with its extensive features, attention to detail, and overall quality. The Starspeeder 3000 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creators listen to fans and strive for excellence. This vehicle not only meets expectations but exceeds them, setting a high bar for future releases in Star Wars action figure lines. Compared to other premium collectibles, such as Hasbro's HasLab projects, the Starspeeder 3000 delivers outstanding value and features at a more affordable price point. It sets a strong example of how a customer-focused approach — like including both a carded and loose figure with the vehicle — will be celebrated by fans.

The Starspeeder 3000 is a must-have for any serious Star Wars collector and fan of the original Star Tours ride from the 1980s. Its combination of nostalgia, interactivity, and attention to detail makes the Starspeeder 3000 a standout piece that celebrates the legacy of the Star Tours attraction. Whether displayed on a shelf or simply trying out the various buttons to explore new features, the one word which comes to mind about the Starspeeder 3000 is FUN! Thanks for reading!