Disney News

Category: Hollywood Studios

  • Photos: Star Wars Land Construction Update

    Photos: Star Wars Land Construction Update

    Last week we brought your some construction updates on Toy Story Land, and this week we wanted to show you some of the latest construction progress on Star Wars Land known as Galaxy’s Edge.

    Set to open in 2019, we have we have long time to go, but these pictures give us some real perspective on how the new land is developing.

    These awesome photos from bioreconstruct show how fencing blocks off the land from the rest of the park.

    These are some really great aerial photos showing us the newest work in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, near the transition with Toy Story Land.

    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct
    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    And here we get to peer into the Millennium Falcon attraction at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct
    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

  • Father’s Search for Son’s Lost Water Bottle Has a Fairytale Ending in Disney World

    Father’s Search for Son’s Lost Water Bottle Has a Fairytale Ending in Disney World

    Disney is always a magical experience, but sometimes when you lose something special to you, it can be tough to just bottle it up. Just before christmas Paul Miller and his son were visiting Walt Disney World and his son lost a water bottle that was very special to him.

    This is a water bottle that his son had taken to all his favorite places over the past 10 years. He lost in the queue while in line for Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios and since the bottle meant so much to him, Miller took a chance and sent out a tweet to Disney world.

    Two days later there was a hint of progress as Disney replied asking him for a description of the item.

    Water Bottle Tweet

    As it turned out Disney Magic was in the still air of the Tower of Terror and Guest Relations had recovered the water bottle. They quickly informed him that the item had been located and was on its way to a safe location.

    Water Bottle Tweet

    What they neglected to mention is that on its way, the water bottle would be getting a VIP tour of the Tower of Terror by none other than, Dillion one of the Tower’s most well-known bellhops in the Hotel.

    The bottle was transported outside where it got to enjoy a special view.

    The Bottle was then escorted inside where is was offered some tea while it waited.

    Water Bottle Tower of Terror Dillon

    Somewhere along the tour Dillion even escorted the bottle on to the ride since it didn’t get the full experience before.

    Water Bottle Tower of Terror Dillon

    Finally the beloved water bottle made its way to Guest Relations where it could wait to be picked up.

    Shortly after Disney sent a tweet informing Miller of that “he did enjoy his stay at the Hollywood Tower Hotel”, and they even invited him back.

    Afterwards Miller took the whole thing in good spirit and laughed about how it even got to ride the attraction.

    Water Bottle Tweet

    When he finally got the water bottle back, he posted a reunion photo with the caption, “pure happy”.

    water bottle Reunited

    So all in all, it truly did have a happy ending. With a little bit of Disney Magic, the missing item ends up right back where it belongs.

    We’re glad this story turned out well for Miller and his son, but we have to take a moment to recognize these amazing cast members. Guest Relations at Walt Disney World is like no other in the world and they can always turn a negative situation into a positive one. This lighthearted search, rescue and recovery is certainly going to give this family a magical memory that will last a lifetime.

  • Five Facts We Know About Toy Story Land

    Five Facts We Know About Toy Story Land

    It’s 2018 and quite possibly the best thing about this year is the long-awaited grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In this new land guests will shrink to the size of a toy so they are able to explore Andy’s backyard, which is filled with toys from the “Toy Story” films.

    Here are five things we know about Toy Story Land so far.

    Toy Story Land

    1. You Can View The Toy Story Land Model Now At Walt Disney Presents – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can view the Toy Story Land model in person at the Walt Disney Presents exhibit. The full model is on display, as well as ride vehicle maquettes for both Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash.

    Toy Story Land

    2. Slinky Dog Dash Looks Sweet! – This a family coaster themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some of his other favorite toys. The attraction’s adorable ride vehicles were inspired by Slinky from the film and will send guests dipping, dodging and dashing around Toy Story Land.

    Toy Story Land

    3. Toy Story Friends Like Rex, Jessie, Sarge & Others Can Be Spotted In The Land – Late last year, Rex and Jessie were installed as a part of the Slinky Dog Dash attraction. A peek at the rendering of Woody’s Lunchbox hints at even more characters that will soon be added, like Sarge.

    Toy Story Land

    4. Guests Will Dine At Woody’s Lunchbox – Andy has used his lunch box and thermos to create a walk-up quick-service window that will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats. In the rendering above, you can see that Woody’s Lunch Box is surrounded by some of Andy’s favorite toys and lunch items. Stay tuned to the blog in the coming months for specific menu details.

    5. It Opens This Summer At Disney’s Hollywood Studios! – We don’t have an exact opening date yet, but be sure we’ll post it as soon as we know.

     

  • Special Sneak Peek of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Coming to Disney Parks

    Special Sneak Peek of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Coming to Disney Parks

    It’s officially 2018 and the New Year is already bringing us exciting news from Disney Parks. Very soon, Guests visiting Disney Parks will be able to preview scenes from Disney’s epic adventure “A Wrinkle in Time” in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

    At Disney California Adventure park, this short preview of “A Wrinkle in Time” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater, while Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at clips from the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction.

    A Wrinkle in Time

    From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

    A Wrinkle in Time

    Here’s a special New Year’s message from two-time Academy Award® nominee Oprah Winfrey, Oscar® winner Reese Witherspoon, and Emmy® nominee Mindy Kaling, who portray Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who in “A Wrinkle in Time.”

    Be a warrior, and catch this sneak peek, along with a display of costumes used in the production of the film, for a limited time starting February 9 at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and prepare to tesser into theaters on March 9 when Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” opens nationwide.

  • AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    One of the most anticipated openings for 2018 is Toy Story Land and now we have a look at some of the latest aerial construction photos at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These aerial pictures give a fantastic view of the progress being made on the transformation of the former “Hollywood East” park.

    Slinky Dog Dash Scaffolding

    Overviews of Toy Story Land

    Woody’s Lunch Box Area

    These photos from Bioreconstruct give us a great birds eye view on the developments. Still plenty of work left to do, but we will keep you up to date as Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newest toy box progresses.

    The 11-acre land will be themed around toys from the “Toy Story” movie series, like the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster and Woody’s Lunch Box, a quick-service window serving soda floats and more. Another ride will be Alien Swirling Saucers, where aliens circling in flying saucers pull along rocket ships full of guests.

  • New Details Revealed About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – X-Wing Fleet

    New Details Revealed About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – X-Wing Fleet

    New details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were revealed during last night’s discussion panel at Star Wars: Galactic Nights and it has fans over Endor about it. From the Millennium Falcon ride to a fleet of X-wings, Disney Imagineers are really starting to bring Batuu to life.

    They discussed the Millennium Falcon Ride which Disney teased earlier in the week on their twitter feed. “We’ve all seen her on screen, but until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside the cockpit, power her up and actually FLY her yourself, it’s not quite the same.” Here is a photo of the inside of the ship!

    Millennium Falcon Ride

    The team’s progress includes the building of a fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters. One tap on the metal side of these ships tells you that they are real, and ready for action!

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge X-Wing

    They also discussed the depth of storytelling you can find in this remote outpost. Imagineers researched the exotic markets of Istanbul and Marrakech which were a great source of inspiration for the marketplace in the village where you can explore a rich collection of shops and merchant stalls. Here is a piece of concept art for what that toy stall will look like.

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Concept Art

    And inside, you’ll be able to discover all kinds of fun and cool toys straight out of the Star Wars galaxy. Exclusive to this outpost, all these offerings look hand-crafted by local artisans. They’re going to be really fun, unique, and completely in-story.

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won’t arrive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland until 2019

  • First Look: Disney Parks’ Millennium Falcon Ride

    First Look: Disney Parks’ Millennium Falcon Ride

    And there it is… She’s the fastest ship in the fleet! You know, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! Disney took to their twitter feed today to give small glimpse of the inside of the Millennium Falcon flight simulator ride coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

    Construction on both lands at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are well under way, but we are still a good two years away from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening.

    Going by the tweet we should learn more this Saturday at Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Until then take a look at this fly-through video of a model of the new land.

  • AERIAL PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    AERIAL PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

    Construction is forcefully underway on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the Back Lot area of Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The now demolished area that used to make up the Streets of America, the Back Lot Tour, and the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt show which was closed to make way for Star Wars.

    Most of the construction can’t be seen by guests, so aerial pics really give some perspective on what progress is being made on the transformation of Batuu, a planet on the edge of the Star Wars galaxy.

    Cast members were excited to see the new land coming to life recently celebrated a major construction milestone with the signing of a support beam that’ll top out the new land. The beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Here we can see some rock forms at the new hillside isolating Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Note also dirt piled up and inside the section next to the concrete of the Grand Avenue tunnel.

    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Here is the current state of the separation and tunnel between Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Grand Avenue. At right, note that construction walls are down at the new backstage gate.

    Galaxy's Edge Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Peering into the Millennium Falcon ride. There are two more turntables under the roof at left.

    The land will be split into two sections; one for the First Order and one for the Resistance/Rebels. The First Order side is the side closest to the newly renamed Grand Avenue area that many believe will be used as a holding area for those waiting to enter Galaxy’s Edge.

    After crossing through a tunnel into the new land guests will encounter the more urban decay style First Order area with a large, possibly multi-level restaurant, in the middle of it. The central feature of the First Order area will be a massive trackless ride, currently known as “Battle Escape.”

    Coming out of the merchant’s alley area guests enter into the Rebel side of the land. This more lushly landscaped area will feature the 100-foot wide Millennium Falcon that will be near the entrance of the Millennium Falcon ride where groups of six guests can pilot the Falcon in a simulator experience.

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

  • Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    At Disney the resort experience is out of this world, but they now have plans for a resort that comes from a galaxy far far way. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced to fans at D23 Expo last summer that a “Star Wars” hotel will be coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

    According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

    Star Wars Resort

    “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

    Star Wars Resort

    Chapek didn’t reveal a date for the opening of the “Star Wars” hotel, but with the new themed land coming to Disney World in 2018, it probably can’t be too far behind.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other.  Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

    ENTERTAINMENT

    Experiences available only during this special event:
    Star Wars Galactic Nights Projections
    • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
    • Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
    • Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
    • DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
    • Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
    • Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
    Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
    • Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
    • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
    • Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.

    ATTRACTIONS

    The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
    • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay
    • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
    • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
    • Muppet Vision 3D
    • Toy Story Mania
    • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
    • Walt Disney Presents

    CHARACTERS

    Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
    Kylo Ren Launch Bay
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
    • Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
    • Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
    • Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
    • Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
    • Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
    • Echo Lake – Olaf
    • Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
    • Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot

    PHOTO BACKDROPS

    There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.
    Backdrop locations:
    • Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
    • Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
    • Batuu – Grand Avenue
    • Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
    • Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
    • Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
    • Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
    • Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase

    MERCHANDISE

    Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.
    Star Wars Shirt
    Special event merchandise is available at:
    • Mickey’s of Hollywood
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Once Upon a Time
    • Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
    PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE
    This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
    1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
    2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
    3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.