The Force is strong with this rumor.

UPDATE 09/12/2009:
Rumors of an update to Star Tours were confirmed once and for all at the D23 expo. Click here to read the details and view a promo video!!

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ORIGINAL STORY:

STAR WARS fansite TheForce.net recently reported that the 501st, an impressive legion of fans who dress up in authentic (and often homemade) Imperial Stormtrooper costumes, will be in attendance at the D23 expo in Southern California. The buzz and speculation was immediate and loud, so loud that Disney released this statement:

In response to inquiries from Star Wars fan sites about Storm Troopers at the D23 Expo, D23 issues the following statement: "We were contacted by the Galactic Empire and have been advised that Imperial dignitaries will be attending Disney’s D23 Expo,' said Steven Clark, head of D23. "As a result, a legion of Storm Troopers from the 501st Battalion will be patrolling the Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday, September 12."

What remains shrouded in secrecy is the exact nature of the new attraction. Will a new ride system be implemented? Will the old ride be re-used with upgrades? Will Disneyland and Walt Disney World both be getting the attraction at the same time? Hopefully, we'll all find out September 12!

Exciting time, STAR WARS fans! Check out this classic TV spot from the original opening of the Disneyland STAR TOURS: