Category: Attractions

Tomorrowland Speedway Closes for Tron Coaster Construction at Disney World

As we previously reported, a clouser for Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom at Disney World has been imminent and it seems the plans are right on track.

The attraction has officially closed on Jan. 2nd for refurbishment to make way for Tommorowland’s new Tron Coaster.

The attraction will be closed for about four and a half months. The exact date is yet to be determined but reports suggest it should reopen on May 18, 2019.

The Tron coaster will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain and the closure is necessary because parts of the giant coaster hang over Tommorowland Speedway. Parts of the track will be adjusted, but when it reopens it will be the same attraction guests know and love, according to Disney Parks.

Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. It is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

January 3, 2019
VIDEO: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Attractions’ Names Revealed and More

At the recent D23’s Destination D event, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared exciting new details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge including the names of the new land’s two marquee attractions.

Disney Parks released a few videos that will give you a sneak peek into the two major attractions coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Take a look at the names of the attractions and the videos below:

MILLENNIUM FALCON: SMUGGLERS RUN

This attraction will put guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy. There will be three unique flight crew roles guests will be able to take on. Honestly, it sounds like a dream come true to this Star Wars fan!

STAR WARS: RISE OF THE RESISTANCE

Guests will be in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order in this attraction. The sneak peek above was shot in the actual attraction!

We also learned that the legendary John Williams will be creating new and original Star Wars themes exclusively for the land. Prepare your emotions for this preview of the all-new music, recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios:

The attractions are to open at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and at Walt Disney World Resort in the fall.

November 26, 2018
Disney Reveals Guardians of the Galaxy ‘Storytelling’ Roller Coaster Ride Vehicle

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired attraction at Epcot is going to be an out of this galaxy experience like no other. Earlier this week, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared the first details on the innovative new ride system planned to bring the adventurous attraction to life.

According to Bob, building an adventure this big will require a ride system and ride vehicles unlike anything our guests have experienced before. What guests will encounter on the Guardians of the Galaxy Attraction can best be described as a one-of-a-kind storytelling coaster that connects the adventure of a storyline with the thrills of a coaster.

“On most coasters, the vehicles point straight ahead throughout the ride,” Bob explained. “But on this attraction, each individual cab will be programmed to direct your eye to the story happening around you.

That means instead of whizzing by the action, you’ll be fully immersed in the story from the minute you launch.”

The attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it opens in Future World at Epcot. Earlier this year, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete poured the foundation of this mammoth attraction, which will be housed inside a building so large that the volume of four Spaceship Earth attractions could fit inside it!

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

November 15, 2018
Man Banned from Disney World After Holding Trump 2020 Sign on Splash Mountain

A man who several weeks ago was banned from Disney World after hanging a huge Donald Trump 2020 banner in the Magic Kingdom has been banned — for a second time.

Disney officials took away Don Cini’s annual pass back in September, after he posted a video of him waving a Trump 2020 banner over the Main Street Train Station. Disney reconsidered the position and allowed him to come back to the parks with the stipulation that he would not hang anymore flags.

Now his latest political antics have gotten him banned — again. And this time permanently. Cini was captured holding a Trump 2020 banner on Splash Mountain. After, the ride picture came with more than the usual decorative boarder. This one came with a note from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office saying that Cini trespassed and his conduct is not welcomed on Disney property.

Cini says that after taking the picture, he was escorted off property and he is now banned from all Disney World properties, including the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.

A picture of Don Cini’s latest guerilla style political support shows him riding down Splash Mountain with a “Trump 2020” sign and on Expedition Everest, he held a “Keep America Great” sign.

We spoke with Cini and asked him if he thought it was worth it. He said, “Yes, because I shouldn’t have been trespassed.” Cini is currently meeting with attorneys to find out what options are available to him. “I didn’t expect them to trespass I just wanted to get the picture,” Cini said.

Disney has now permanently revoked his annual pass, which he says he had for 24 years. Disney’s park rules state that, “the usage of any flag, banner or sign to incite a crowd” is prohibited.

November 13, 2018
BREAKING: Spaceship Earth Shutdown Due To Leak at Epcot

At Epcot today, a “minor water leak” forced Spaceship Earth to shutdown, according to Walt Disney World.

The leak occurred in the morning — inside the theme park’s icon — and the ride was temporarily shut down but is expected to reopen by Monday, said a Disney spokesperson.

Spaceship Earth is still closed and the area around the attraction is blocked off. Water is still leaking from it. pic.twitter.com/0anBoGh9dz

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) September 2, 2018

Visitors posted video footage on social media of water dripping down from underneath the ride into large puddles surrounded by yellow cones.

Spaceship Earth sprung a leak pic.twitter.com/Kk4UImhaNE

— Chris Taylor (@Drax008) September 2, 2018

The leak is slightly ironic since the geodesic sphere was designed to funnel rain where they want it to go. The cladding was designed so that when it rains, no water pours off the sides onto the ground. All water is collected through one-inch gaps in the facets into a gutter system, and finally channeled into the World Showcase Lagoon.

September 2, 2018
Tron Coaster Construction Update Adds New Billboard at Magic Kingdom

Last summer, at the D23 convention, plans were unveiled for a new Tron coaster-style attraction to be added at Magic Kingdom Park. Construction is already underway in Tomorrowland and now we have a first look at a new Tron-themed billboard at Magic Kingdom Park that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.

The new attraction will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain, and now, as Disney prepares to welcome Tron into the park, a few modifications will be made to nearby attractions as construction kicks into gear.

First, the Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station starting in December 2018, pausing its grand-circle tours of Magic Kingdom Park. During this time, guests will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the attraction’s track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction guests know and love in the summer of 2019.

Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, which is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

August 11, 2018
New Kidcot Fun Stop Experience Debuts at Epcot Sponsored By Ziploc
The Kidcot Fun Stops located in Epcot’s World Showcase now offer a new experience with a new sponsor. Presented by Ziploc, Kidcot Fun Stops now offer guests a chance to collect stamps and create a personalized souvenir at any or all 11 of these World Showcase craft stations.

Guests with little ones who may not enjoy World Showcase quite as much the grown ups often stop at the Kidcot Fun Stops to keep the kids entertained as you explore each international pavilion or sometimes it’s simply a great place to take a load off while they color and draw.

Drop by any Kidcot Fun Stop for a fun activity. With the art supplies provided at each station, your child can decorate and personalize a loveable keepsake of his or her Epcot experience! Guests will receive a complimentary Kidcot Ziploc brand bag (designed to resemble a traveler’s suitcase) for transporting their traveler’s cards.

Visit the other Kidcot Fun Stops, located in every international pavilion. At each one, friendly Cast Members will share insights about their native country and give your child something representing that country to help them remember their experience. Stop by all the Kidcot Fun Stops to complete your collection!

Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops
- Mexico Pavilion (near Animales Fantasticos)
- Norway Pavilion (at The Puffin’s Roost)
- China Pavilion (near the exit of Reflections of China)
- Germany Pavilion (at Volkunst)
- Italy Pavilion (outside, near La Bottega Italiana)
- American Adventure Pavilion (outside, near Heritage Manor Gifts)
- Japan Pavilion (in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery)
- Morocco Pavilion (at the Marketplace in the Medina)
- France Pavilion (at Souvenirs de France)
- United Kingdom Pavilion (at The Toy Soldier)
- Canada Pavilion (at the exit of O Canada!)
July 18, 2018
Pixar Pier Brings a Midway of Pixar-Themed Carnival Games to California Adventure

Tucked along a favorite corner of the newly reimagined Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park you’ll find a midway full of Pixar-themed carnival style games.

The Games of Pixar Pier feature four colorful and whimsical games: WALL•E Space Race, Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Each booth at this nostalgic midway is uniquely themed to Pixar stories and characters—ready for you to test your skills and try your luck!

Take a closer look at each game booth below.

WALL•E Space Race
Designed after the inspiring dance scene in space from the Disney•Pixar film “WALL•E,” this game features pals WALL•E and EVE. Aim your water cannon at the target to propel them higher and higher, until they reach the top! Winners can claim a large plush WALL•E or EVE, small WALL•E or the loveable M-O as their prize.

Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss
Heimlich, the hungry and adorable caterpillar from the Disney•Pixar film “a bug’s life,” has made his way to Pixar Pier! Toss giant candy corns into Heimlich’s open mouth to win. All the while, a gallery of “bug” characters cheer you on from his side. Prizes may include a plush Heimlich, Flik, Francis or Candy Corn.

La Luna Star Catcher
Based off the Academy Award-nominated Disney•Pixar short “La Luna,” La Luna Star Catcher is a fishing game for the whole family! Players use a magnetic fishing pole to help Bambino, Papà and Grandfather Nonno catch stars from the lunar surface. Staying in theme, the prizes include a variety of plush toys: stars, the moon and even Bambino.

Bullseye Stallion Stampede
Rediscover the fun of racing to the finish line with your favorite “Toy Story” stallion, Bullseye. Aim just right to roll the rubber balls into the perfect spot, making your horse ride like the wind. If your horse crosses the finish line first, you can win a plush Bullseye, Woody or small pony to call your own!

These pay-per play games offer you the chance to win adorable prizes of all sizes. To play the games, you’ll need to purchase a special play card with prepaid credits at a dispensing machine located near the booths.

When you visit Pixar Pier, what game do you want to play?

July 6, 2018
New Show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019

Calling aspiring racers of all ages! There’s a big ol’ Ka-Chow coming on, because beginning in early 2019, there’s going to be another exciting reason to get revved up about a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that’ll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar’s “Cars.”

At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, located near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’ll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who is excited to showcase what he’s learned over the years with you – the next generation of rookie racers. Of course, as Lightning McQueen has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course. With friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

What will happen? You’ll have to speed on over to find out when Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens early next year!

July 1, 2018
Alien Swirling Saucers in New Toy Story Land Are Out Of This Galaxy
Three-eyed Toy Story Aliens take guests on a whirling flying saucer ride in toy rocket ships as part of Alien Swirling Saucers, one of the new attractions inside Toy Story Land, opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

As guests become “honorary toys” in the new land, they encounter Alien Swirling Saucers, a playset that toy-owner Andy of Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films won at the Pizza Planet restaurant. The new attraction whirls and blinks with colorful lighting, electronic space music and nonstop fun.

Alien saucer pilots are straight out of the Toy Story movies, with their pointy ears, three eyes, short antennae and facial expressions designed to convey surprise or delight. Each extraterrestrial has hitched its flying saucer to one of 22 rocket ships; together, flying saucers and rockets spin through the Pizza Planet galaxy.

With “The Claw” dangling overhead, guests climb aboard their rocket ships and hover in Pizza Planet’s version of “deep-dish space” for an out-of-this-world saucer whirl to the beat of new versions of Toy Story songs and musical themes. During the adventure, the Aliens spin guests around toy icons like Planet Pepperonia and a pizza-inspired space station.

Before boarding Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for a photo with a Buzz Lightyear action figure standing more than 14 feet tall on top of toy building blocks near the entrance to his Star Command Space Station Playset. Toy robot guards flank the Pizza Planet-inspired marquee.

Inside Star Command, there are buttons to push, dials to turn and a switch to toggle for audio and visual effects. His creativity never flagging, Andy built a toy gantry with his Construx toy pieces that guests use to traverse from Buzz’s command center to the Swirling Saucers game.

Guests who are spin-averse can swirl vicariously by watching from the viewing area in between and around the playset.

“This is a world created by a boy’s imagination,” said Dave Fisher, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Story Editor. “Andy has brought out all his space toys – it’s a really fun and high-energy attraction.”

Before or after a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for an out-of-this-world selfie with a stationary, photo-ready green Alien in its colorful saucer just outside the attraction. Toys of all makes and sizes – from a 10-foot-diameter “rubber” ball to colorful Cooties – have been carefully placed by Andy among the landscape of overgrown grasses, toy shrubs and playset trees throughout Toy Story Land.

Alien Swirling Saucers: At a Glance
- Type of attraction: Swirl-and-whirl ride
- A Disney first: Three-eyed green Alien pilots
- Number of passengers per seat: 2 to 3 honorary toys
- Number of saucer/rocket ships: 22 (11 in each of two playset areas)
- Height restriction: 32 inches
- FastPass+: Yes
Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!
June 30, 2018