Category: Disney Parks

UPDATE: Latest On Galaxy’s Edge Construction at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort, when guests will land in the middle of the action as they live their own Star Wars stories. Construction for the massive project is of galactic proportions and these are the updates you are looking for.

The grand opening is just over a year away and anticipation is building just as fast as the construction is coming along. These aerial photos of the site gives a great view of just how much progress is being made on the upcoming land.

Below you can see some aerial views of the arched structure for the Battle Escape attraction which will be a trackless ride that puts guests in the middle of a fight between the First Order and The Resistance.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

And here you can see a wider angle that shows the scope of this attraction.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

The tunnel between Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Grand Avenue is also coming along and here you can some of the newest concrete forms being added.

Newest concrete forms near the tunnel between Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Grand Avenue. pic.twitter.com/qAZRkp4QxN

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 1, 2018

Here’s a great shot of the infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers known as Black Spire Outpost!

Aerial view of Black Spire Outpost section of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. pic.twitter.com/6i4oV7Syvx

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 1, 2018

Here’s another angle that also shows that the rock-work on the Millennium Falcon is to be eroded petrified trees, or black spires.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort at Walt Disney World Resort were unveiled last summer and below you’ll see an aerial view of the site with Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at the top. At the center is path where a raised conveyor belt transferred dirt from a staging area on the West side of World Drive.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

This week Disney announced the exact location of the new resort which is currently under development on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive. Here is another aerial overview of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and you can see the Star Wars Resort site is upper right.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

The progress on Galaxy’s Edge and the Star Wars Resort is just amazing to see and if you want to see how its been shaping up take a look back at our previous updates:
June 2, 2018
Minnie Van Service Now Open to all Visiting Walt Disney World Resort
Last summer Walt Disney World Resort started it’s new Minnie Van transportation service, but it was only available to select resorts. Throughout the year it has opened up to more resorts and today Disney has officially announced that the service is now available for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort, through the Lyft app.

The service offers a comfy and convenient way for guests to travel to and from our theme parks, to dining reservations at our resort hotels, family gatherings, shopping sprees at Disney Springs and much more in a jiffy.

The private vans are roomy, comfortable and usually only minutes away. Each driver is a friendly Disney Cast Member trained to take you where you need to be—safely and with a smile.

How does it work? Just download the Lyft app on your mobile device, open it from anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort and select the Minnie Van service option. Then, follow the steps below:
- Confirm your current pickup location.
- Enter your Walt Disney World Resort destination and tap “Request.”
- The app will display a map tracking the vehicle en route and give you an identifying vehicle number to help you spot your car.
With Lyft, you can request your ride from your smartphone and pay right through the app. The new Minnie Van service is an easy and friendly way to whisk your family off to the magic!

The service is available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (Hours subject to change.)
June 1, 2018
‘Moana: A Homecoming Celebration’ Stage Show Now Open at Hong Kong Disneyland

The first new entertainment offering of Hong Kong Disneyland’s multi-year expansion – “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” – is now open for guests! This atmosphere stage show combines visual storytelling, dancing, puppetry and music to recount the adventures of Moana after she returns to her home village of Motunui.

Set in an all-new outdoor, open space venue in Adventureland, “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration” invites guests to interact with the performers as they share Moana’s travels with the demigod, Maui, to restore the heart of Te Fiti. This is the first show at any Disney park to feature the beloved and brave heroine.

The show features dozens of tailor-made props, specially created costumes and handcrafted decorations, all based on the animated film, “Moana”, and traditional Polynesian culture. The costumes themselves are more than a year in the making, inspired by styles traditionally worn in parts of the Pacific Islands including Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti.

In addition, guests can now meet Moana herself in Adventureland, with more offerings themed to the heroine coming to the resort later this summer.

This is just the beginning of Hong Kong Disneyland’s expansion. New experiences will open almost every year through 2023, including an attraction featuring Ant-Man and The Wasp, immersive areas themed to Frozen and Marvel, and a transformation of the iconic castle with new daytime and nighttime shows.

June 1, 2018
Super Photo Ops During the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo

The Incredibles have suited up and taken over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park!

Now through September 3, not only can you see characters like Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, Frozone and Edna Mode during the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo at the Rockettower Plaza Stage, but throughout the land, you’ll be immersed in the world of Pixar’s The Incredibles with themed décor, music and photo opportunities!

With Supers now once again embraced by the world, you can let out your own Super side with photo ops staffed by Disney PhotoPass Service photographers.

To take home these and other incredible memories captured by Disney PhotoPass during your vacation, purchase Memory Maker! With Memory Maker, you’ll get digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos for one price!

Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters June 15, 2018.

May 31, 2018
Disney Announces Location For Star Wars Resort at Walt Disney World Resort

Plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort at Walt Disney World Resort were unveiled at the D23 Expo last summer and today Disney has announced the location of this exciting addition.

The project is currently under development on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive. This location will allow the experience to be seamlessly connected to the highly-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, enabling guests to fully immerse themselves in the story of Star Wars.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.

May 30, 2018
Get a Sneak Peek of ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’ Starting June 8 at Disneyland Park

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” is the next big Super Hero action-adventure to hit theaters this summer, and Disney is shrinking it down to give you a preview of scenes from the new film in a special sneak peek planned for Disneyland park.

For a limited time from June 8 – July 15, Disneyland guests can get an advance look at scenes from “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” presented at the Tomorrowland Theater.

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” brings a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

Here’s a look at the latest trailer for the film:

Team up with a partner – or your whole family – and catch this sneak peek, starting June 8 at Disneyland park, and look for “Ant-Man and The Wasp” when it buzzes into theaters nationwide on July 6.

May 28, 2018
Guest Sues Disney After Being Run Over By Scooter At Hollywood Studios

If you’ve been to a Disney Park then you know getting the occasional hit and run by a stroller or a scooter is common pace. Well now yet another Disney World guest is suing the company after she says she was injured after being run over by another park guest on a motorized scooter at Hollywood studios.

The action was filed earlier this month in Orange Circuit Court against Walt Disney Parks seeking more than $15,000 in damages. The lawsuit states that while on vacation from Ohio, Vicki Denton perused browsing in a Hollywood Studios’ gift shop when the alleged incident occurred in 2016.

According to Denton’s attorney Michael Sanchez, the woman on the scooter tried to go in reverse but mistakenly moved forward instead. She hit Denton, pinning her against a checkout counter, and Denton fell over the scooter.

Denton was taken to the hospital, said Sanchez, who declined to release details about her injuries, although the lawsuit said they were permanent in nature.

“This happens a lot. It’s becoming more of a problem as Disney gets crowded,” he said about scooters running into pedestrians. “When they hit someone, they do damage.” said Sanchez in an Orlando Sentinel report.

Sanchez pointed to a 2015 lawsuit filed by his Orlando firm where a guest was allegedly hit by a scooter in the line for Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain ride in 2013. In the still pending lawsuit it states the alleged incident broke the man’s femur, the lawsuit said.

“Our focus is on providing a safe environment for our guests and cast members,” a statement released by Disney said. “Both of these lawsuits center on incidents from several years ago between guests, and both involved personally owned motorized scooters. We will respond to the allegations as appropriate in court.

May 28, 2018
Disney Reveals The Name of Village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Those who attended the panel discussions at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last Sunday, were among the first to hear some exciting news about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney revealed for the first time that the name of the village is called Black Spire Outpost.

Story editor, Margaret Kerrison also shared some of the history behind the name and how this village is closely associated with the geological formations that surround it.

The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

The addition to both parks is the largest expansion of any theme park Disney has ever undertaken. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 or at Walt Disney World Resort in late fall 2019.

May 28, 2018
Celebrate The Dads This Father’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is the place to give Dad the special treatment this Father’s Day. Day or night, it’s all about celebrating Dads, husbands and all the special guys who deserve the very best on their special day.

DAYTIME WITH DAD
If Dad’s an adrenaline junkie, start the day with exhilarating rides and shows at any of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- For the ultimate out-of-this-world adventure, take Dad to Pandora – The World of Avatar to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. Fly on the back of a banshee and soar between floating mountains in this one-of-a-kind journey.
- After returning to Earth, guests can grab their passports and head to Asia for a thrilling, high-speed climb into the Himalayas on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
Epcot
- Car aficionados will get their fix on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, where guests design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-octane spin. Afterwards, Dad can pose for a picture with a Chevrolet dream car.
- Head over to Soarin’ Around the World for a breezy, airborne adventure above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Only a boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! In this show, viewers can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. Dad can even volunteer to be part of the action.
- Take a trip down memory lane on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, where Dad can relive his rock star days in a super-stretch limo featuring songs by Aerosmith.
SPORTS AND SNACKS
If sports are Dad’s thing, head over to the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. With nearly 100 video monitors, each featuring global satellite feeds, families can watch virtually any televised game while enjoying a pub-style menu that includes popular items such as wings, loaded tots and craft-beer batter fish & chips. Dad can relax with delicious specialty cocktails and craft beers on tap, while surrounded by the best in televised sports entertainment—including a 108-square-foot video wall!

A Round of (Foot) Golf with Dad
What’s better than hitting the course with Dad? This Father’s Day, golfers 18 years-old and under play for free with Dad at all Walt Disney World Golf courses.

And for the very first time, Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, is proud to offer the game of FootGolf on Disney’s Oak Trail golf course. The 18-Hole FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States.

SUMMER NIGHT DELIGHTS
After a day of park-hopping and sports, head to Disney Springs and treat Dad to specialty shops, amazing dining and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:
- The Boathouse is the only place in the world where Dads can thrill to a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar that drives on land and enter the waters of Lake Buena Vista with a splash. The Boathouse is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of fully restored Dream Boats from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s – from classic Chris-Crafts to a one-of-a-kind jet boat that once reached speeds of over 200mph.
- Live Entertainment – Treat Dad to great music and entertainment with any of the 25 live performers and acts that appear nightly at Disney Springs.
- Tommy Bahama, the retail location known for its island flair and garden-grove ambiance, is celebrating Dads and the “Boys of Summer” with MLB® With its new MLB Collection, on the field or in the stands, Dads can be game-ready in ball club gear.
- The Art of Shaving serves up high-end grooming greatness for the modern man. Fathers can choose from essentials that go from brushes and creams to razors and travel kits.
With over 50 food and beverage locations, including five restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Disney Springs is the go-to place for a lunch or dinner date with Dad.
- Start with a meal fit for a champ at Paddlefish. This on-the-water restaurant will serve a special “T-Bone & Tail” Father’s Day meal – a 20oz T-Bone and cold water lobster tail with a classic béarnaise sauce for $59.
- Families can treat Dads to tasty drinks carefully paired with delicious dishes in the new Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs experience. Whether Dad is a bourbon aficionado or just enjoys sipping and savoring new drinks, this experience is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening out with family.
- For a sweet snack, Amorette’s Patisserie will offer dipped “Tuxedo” strawberries and special treats honoring a beloved Disney Dad – Geppetto from “Pinocchio.” The treats will be available June 14-17, 2018.
May 28, 2018
OFFICIAL: Talking Mickey Meet and Greet Now Gone From Magic Kingdom

As we reported back in January, there have been rumors of the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet getting the hook at Disney World. Well those rumors proved true last week and the Talking Mickey Mouse Meet and Greet at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has now gotten the silent treatment permanently.

Back in 2013 guests were amazed when Magician Mickey Mouse started interacting and talking with them. Looking dapper in his magician suit, Mickey could carry on conversations, blink, say cheese for the camera, and even perform magic tricks with guests.

Reports are that the closure is due to multiple issues, including technical difficulties, cost and general confusion from guests since other Mickey characters in the park do not talk.

For the curious guests that may ask why Mickey isn’t talking anymore, cast members have a cute little response prepared stating that Mickey no longer talks is because he needs to rest his voice for all of his show appearances that he makes around Walt Disney World.

Mickey will continue to meet guests at this location, but from now on he will no longer communicate with guests in the same way.

May 23, 2018