Originally posted 09/12/99

Chantelle sends us this quick report, updating us on the status of the Star Tours rennovations and new gift shop that was planned to re-open this fall:

I just got back today from Orlando Florida. Not sure if somebody has mentioned this or not but Tatooine Traders opened on Friday September 10th. I was there on the 9th and was told this by an employee, so I missed seeing the new store by a day.

The management employee mentioned to me that there would be some type of opening ceremony with either costumed guests or a visit from somebody. I asked if they would be selling any merchandise that is not normally available in regular stores, and the employee said that he could not comment on that.

I know, not alot of info, but at least it will be open. Oh, I asked if they would be changing Star Tours and he mentioned that they had no plans to change that. It was my first time there and it was grand!

Thanks! We are looking for more information and pictures if you have access ...

UPDATE
Talon sends this report in, and another fan is going to be there with a camera next week.

Well I stopped by TFN today and found out that somebody had posted a report on Tatooine Traders and they said that they hadn't gotten in. I believe I can follow that up because I was at MGM on the 11th, Saturday, and got to go on Star Tours and take a trip through Tatooine Traders. Sorry I didn't take any pictures.

The inside is still very much like the Endor Vendor. You come down a long ramp, but the old Darth Vader replica is gone, as is the Stormtrooper. There's still an area for books, magazines, and comics right next to the ramp. Across from the ramp they had some of those fake laser guns and stuff, generic toys that they sell pretty much anywhere. They had a really nice selection of COMMtech Episode 1 action figures. Almost everyone was there, except for some of the most recent like Adi Gallia, the Destroyer Droid, and Padawan Anakin. Lots of t-shirts in Tatooine Trader, most I had not seen before.

They're also selling some of the SW computer games. I took a look at a copy of Dark Forces II : Jedi Knight that they were selling. They want $70 for it. I got a nice little chuckle out of that.

Overall, the store hasn't changed greatly from Endor Vendor. They offer pretty much the same stuff and the physical makeup of the store hasn't changed much. Outside where it says Tatooine Trader, above it they have it written in the Aurabesh Tatooine Trader (I don't know if that will come through in Aurabesh, but I wrote it as such). Also, on the ramp they didn't appear to be done. There were so 2x4's going up to the ceiling, making it look like they still have a little bit of work to be done.

Overall, the store is still cool, if not outrageously overpriced. Getting in was surprising because I hadn't heard anything about it being open, so that was just a little bonus to my trip. Hope this helps fill you in on what's happening at MGM.

Look for the pictures soon!