Category: Hollywood Studios

  • Disney After Hours Events Now Expanding to More Disney Parks

    Disney After Hours Events Now Expanding to More Disney Parks

    Disney After Hours events have been such a huge hit at Magic Kingdom that they are expanding them to more parks. More event nights have been set for Magic Kingdom and for the first time, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will also host Disney After Hours events.

    Disney After Hours events are your opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings! You can even enter the park early – at 7 p.m. on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and select beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

    Take a look below to see what you can expect at each park:

    Magic Kingdom Park
    Enjoy classic favorite attractions from Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain as well as newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event nights will run on: Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019.

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    Imagine having little-to-no wait for newly opened Toy Story Land attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and other attractions will also be available. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019.

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    Enjoy the best Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer at night, including heart-tugging Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019.

    Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on-sale November 15. All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

     

  • New Parking Lot Entrance for Hollywood Studios Opens on November 8

    New Parking Lot Entrance for Hollywood Studios Opens on November 8

    Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been undergoing its largest expansion in decades with the recent opening of Toy Story Land and the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. To accommodate all the new additions, a new entrance for vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening and it will change how guests arrive and access parking at the theme park.

    Disney is currently reimagining Disney’s Hollywood Studios and preparing for the park’s exciting 30th anniversary in 2019. Along with the work, they are also transforming the park’s arrival experience to make it easier and more convenient to come and go.

    Looking at the map you’ll see the transportation change you need to be aware of. Beginning November 8, guests driving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will use the new entrance and exit located off of Osceola Parkway. The current main entrance off World Drive and Osceola Parkway will be repurposed for Disney cast members only and the satellite entrance on Buena Vista Drive will be dedicated to buses.

    When the new entrance opens, drivers will just need to spot one of the many updated roadway signs throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to easily navigate to the Disney Hollywood Studios parking lot. Vehicles coming from southbound Victory Way will also find a connecting road leading to the park.

    Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for future updates on work to improve the arrival experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including expanded parking, adjusted tram lanes, additional bus parking and the Disney Skyliner.

  • Holiday Fun Coming to Toy Story Land This November

    Holiday Fun Coming to Toy Story Land This November

    Toy Story Land will be joining in the Holiday fun this year with decorations, holiday music, and special outfits for your favorite characters!

    Starting November 8th, 2018 guests will greeted with new holiday decor, including oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland, the chance to take a holiday card “selfie” of “Toy Story” pals, an oversized Hamm sugar cookie, Green Alien ornaments and more. There will also be holiday music to really spruce up this new land! Guests will hear sleigh bells ringing on Slinky Dog Dash, while Alien Swirling Saucers will offer two holiday tracks, and holiday themed lighting.

    Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear don’t want to be left out of the fun, so they’ll be joining in the festivities with new holiday accessories. Woody’s trading in his cow print vest for a red holiday version, featuring a Christmas tree, and a present. He’s also adding an oversized candy cane to his holster, which looks like a perfect photo prop to me! Jessie will be wearing a green vest with peppermints adorning it, and Buzz is celebrating with a sparkly Santa hat.

    Make sure you don’t miss any of the Holiday fun this year at Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land. Contact Kimberly at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to start planning your Magical Vacation now!

  • Trip Report: Playing At Toy Story Land During Disney’s Early Morning Magic

    Trip Report: Playing At Toy Story Land During Disney’s Early Morning Magic

    Are you ready to Play Big at the new Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Now you can take advantage of Disney Early Morning Magic, which allows you entry into Andy’s backyard before the park opens!

    I got to experience this magical time first hand and we were able to ride Slinky Dog 3 times with no wait, and met Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear. This limited entry experience guarantees little to no wait times, character meets, and breakfast. This is the perfect opportunity to zoom around Andy’s Backyard on Slinky Dog Dash, escape into space on Alien Swirling Saucers, and rack up some points on Toy Story Mania.

    I’m all about the pictures, so if you want amazing PhotoPass pictures, then this is the event for you. Below are a few of the photos we took last week and as you can see it looks like we’re the only ones in the Park!

    Hollywood Studios Taft

    The experience also includes a continental buffet featuring yogurt, fruit, pastries, and assorted cereal as well as your choice of a tasty main dish like avocado toast or fried chicken and donuts with maple glaze. The breakfast setup will be available at the ABC Commissary, a quick service dining location outside of Toy Story Land.

    After you’re done eating and riding I recommend taking some time to soak in the ambiance on Hollywood Boulevard. There are a lot of little hidden details in this part of the park. Don’t forget to look up at the windows! When the park opens at Rope Drop most guests will be heading to Toy Story Land, so this is the perfect opportunity to get more great pictures around the park with no people in them.

    Toy Story Land Morning Magic Taft
    Tropic Lion Photography

    Toy Story Land Morning Magic Taft
    Tropic Lion Photography

    Disney Early Morning Magic will take place on select dates, beginning Sept. 17, 2018, and is a separate offering than the Extra Magic Hours enjoyed by guests staying at Disney resorts. Select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Breakfast will be available until 10 a.m.

    The Disney Early Morning Magic experience costs $79 plus tax for adults (ages 10+) and $69 plus tax for children ages 3-9. Tickets are limited. A separate ticket for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the experience price.

    For more information or to book this experience contact me at Facebook.com/EKVwithKimberly

  • New Toy Story Land Refillable Popcorn Buckets Now Available at Hollywood Studios

    New Toy Story Land Refillable Popcorn Buckets Now Available at Hollywood Studios

    If you love playing in Andy’s back yard at the new Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios and collecting novelty popcorn buckets then this the perfect news for you! New this week is a Toy Story Land Refillable Popcorn Bucket and you’re going to love it to “infinity and beyond.”

    The popcorn bucket features Jessie and Bullseye on one side and Stinky Pete and Woody on the other. The popcorn bucket features a picture of the whole gang is hanging out in front of a fence on an old west ranch with Woody’s Round Up sign printed on it .

    I love the design so much, but the pop corn is my favorite part and if anyone tries to take any… I’ve set my laser from stun, to kill. They will only cost $10 and of course they are refillable! You can take a closer look at both sides in the photos below.

    Toy Story Land Popcorn_928ej Toy Story Land Popcorn_928ej

    Stop by select popcorn cart locations throughout Hollywood Studios to purchase the newest refillable popcorn bucket. Then, simply take your bucket to any participating popcorn cart location in either park for $1 refills.

     

  • Toy Story Land Offering Early Morning Magic Before the Park Opens

    Toy Story Land Offering Early Morning Magic Before the Park Opens

    Early Morning Magic launched at Magic Kingdom Park in 2016 giving guests early access to select attractions and it has been a big success. Disney announced Wednesday, they are expanding this offering to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning Sept. 17.

    Toy Story Land, which allows guests to experience all the “Toy Story” fun in Andy’s backyard, has been a smash hit with guests since the land opened earlier this summer. And now there is a fun way to experience everything the land has to offer, with less wait.

    Available on select mornings before the park opens, Disney Early Morning Magic offers exclusive, limited-time access to Toy Story Land, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania!, plus character greetings with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear. The experience also includes a continental buffet, featuring yogurt, fruit, pastries, and assorted cereal as well as your choice of a tasty main dish like avocado toast or fried chicken and cronut with maple glaze.

    Disney Early Morning Magic will take place on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Breakfast will be available until 10 a.m. The experience costs $79 plus tax for adult (age 10+) and $69 plus tax for children ages 3-9, and valid theme park admission is required.

    If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

  • Check Out The New Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Check Out The New Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Hooray for Holly-FOOD! In addition to the yummy new eats at Woody’s Lunch Box at Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has welcomed some other new menu items this summer at restaurants across the park. With new menus, vegan offerings, Star Wars-themed desserts, funnel cakes, and more, you’re definitely in for a tasty time.

    First up, if you’re craving anything Star Wars, this park is the place to go! There are plenty of ways to satisfy your hunger for the force here, like the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party!

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    This dessert party is an experience that you just CAN’T miss out on! With Star Wars-themed desserts, drinks, and charcuterie and cheeses, this is definitely the dessert party you’re looking for. The party begins at Launch Bay, where you’ll get to enjoy reserved seating and a buffet with sweets such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta with crispy pearls, chocolate Darth Vader-themed cupcakes with peanut butter icing, and Raspberry Mousse Domes just to name a few.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    On the savory side, there are options such as cheese, charcuterie, roasted red pepper hummus, black bean dip with sriracha sauce, and smoked sea-salted flatbread. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available and for guests 21 and over, you can enjoy out-of-this-world beverages like the Lightspeed Margarita with tequila, blood orange, sour mix, and lime juice in addition to beer and wine selections. After enjoying the delicious selection of desserts and drinks, you’ll be escorted to an exclusive reserved viewing area where you can watch Disney Movie Magic and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. This sweet dining experience fills up fast, so be sure to make your reservations today!

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Now if you just can’t get enough of those Star Wars desserts, you DEFINITELY need to get your hands on the BB9-E and Kylo Ren Cupcakes! Found at Backlot Express, the BB-9E Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake with caramel cheesecake buttercream and the Kylo Ren Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    And at various locations throughout the park, you can also get some pretty awesome novelties, LIKE THE AT-AT POPCORN BUCKET! This thing is seriously so cool by itself, but then you add popcorn to it and it’s even better! You can also find an ADORABLE BB-8 Sipper and a Darth Vader Stein – which both come with your choice of fountain beverage.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Speaking of sweets, have you tried the new Cookies and Cream Funnel Cake at Oasis Canteen? Not only is it tasty, it has mouse ears too! This classic funnel cake is topped with powdered sugar, crushed cookies and cream pieces, chocolate sauce, and your choice of vanilla or chocolate soft-serve. There’s also a yummy S’mores Brownie at Dockside Diner with fudge, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    Drive on down to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant to find a bunch of new menu items – like the Sci-Fi Appetizer Sampler with boneless buffalo tenders, shrimp and crab fondue, house-made tortilla chips, and fried dill pickles and served with blue cheese and horseradish. And if you like Shrimp and Crab Fondue, well you can also get it as a full-sized appetizer! This dish is a blend of shrimp, crab, and cheeses with roasted red peppers, fresh dill, and corn tortilla chips. Another new appetizer is the Sci-Fi Wedge Salad with crispy iceberg wedge, grape tomato, bacon, red onions, blue cheese crumbles, radish, balsamic glaze, and blue cheese dressing.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    New entrees include Buffalo Chicken Salad, a Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich, Pan-Seared Shrimp or Chicken Pasta, Beef and Blue Burger, and Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps! These wraps comes with salt and pepper crispy-fried tofu, lettuce cups, water chestnuts, shredded carrots, spicy cucumber, Szechuan sauce, and soba noodle salad.

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    There’s also the Sci-Fi Barbecue Platter or the Drive-In BBQ Burger. The burger is a signature blend of beef with BBQ spice, house-made BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar, and crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws served on a brioche bun. The Sci-Fi Barbecue Platter features smoked pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, grilled chicken, sausage, cheddar cornbread, southern coleslaw, and cowboy beans finished with a Coca-Cola barbecue sauce.

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    Next door at ABC Commissary, there’s a ton of new dinner entrées to choose from! Among these new items are the Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl (stir-fried Napa cabbage, snap peas, red peppers, carrots, onions, edamame, shitake mushrooms, and broccoli tossed in a house-made teriyaki sauce over brown rice) and the Southwest BBQ Burger (flame-broiled 1/3 lb angus burger topped with sweet BBQ pulled pork, bacon, bread and butter pickles, and cheddar cheese finished with garlic aïoli and crisp onion rings between Texas toast and served with signature southwestern steak fries dusted in chili-lime seasoning).

    Hollywood Studios Food Hollywood Studios Food

    For a couple healthful options, available for both lunch and dinner, you’ll love the Mediterranean Salad with Chicken or the Vegan Burger. The salad comes with grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed in a Mediterranean vinaigrette and served with hummus and flatbread. The Vegan Burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, sautéed peppers and onions in a balsamic glaze, vegan mayonnaise ketchup, and sriracha mustard and served on a brioche bun with french fries.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    New desserts include a Chocolate Banana Cream Almond Crisp as well as the Toy Story Land Cupcake (which can also be found at The Trolley Car Café). Celebrating the grand opening of Toy Story Land this summer, this chocolate cupcake is topped with vanilla buttercream and a white chocolate piece.

    Hollywood Studios Food

    So there you have it! If you’re planning a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to try out a few of these new eats.

  • Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update As Seen From Toy Story Land

    Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update As Seen From Toy Story Land

    Toy Story Land Just had its grand opening on June 30th, but a new presence in the force is on the horizon. Construction on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been underway since April 2016 and the progress is astonishing. Especially from the perspective of a toy.

    As Buzz Lightyear towers over Andy’s playground you can see what the construction looks like from his point of view as he seemingly welcomes their new neighbors.

    Take a look at the photos below for some close up shots of exactly how the new land is shaping up.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction

    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    These rocky spires in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will actually be petrified tree trunks making it look as if trees equivalent to Earth’s 300+ ft Redwoods once towered over the space.

    When you enter Toy Story Land look to your left for a view of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    Here is a view of the detailed painted rock work in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge from Toy Story Land on July 4.

    Galaxys_Edge_Construction
    Photo: @bioreconstruct

    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. Stay tuned for more construction updates as the new land continues to develop.

  • Massive Hollywood Studios Power Outage Shuts Down Most Rides

    Massive Hollywood Studios Power Outage Shuts Down Most Rides

    A Hollywood Studios Power Outage caused a pause in the magic today for guests visiting the park. It seems a problem with the cooling system shut down several rides at the theme park earlier this evening, a spokeswoman said. 

    Most of the rides are up and running now or in the process of starting back up. Reports on social media described it as a power outage.


    Park operators are working to fix the issue as quickly as possible, according to the spokeswoman. and the park remains open.

    Duke Energy’s map showed outages in the area. One theme-park goer posted a screenshot of the MyDisneyExperience app showing a substantial number of rides were “temporarily closed.”

    No other details were immediately available.

  • Walt Disney World Surprises U.S. Military Families with Magical Toy Story Land Visit

    Walt Disney World Surprises U.S. Military Families with Magical Toy Story Land Visit

    Support for the military is a longstanding tradition that dates back to Disney’s earliest days. And that legacy continued when Walt Disney World Resort surprised some special military families with the chance to be among the first guests at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    During the visit, Sarge and his Green Army Patrol joined Disney Parks leaders to welcome the group and share the day’s “top mission” – to have a magical time at Toy Story Land!

    “Our military keeps us safe, keeps up our ideals and we in turn have a responsibility to them and their families, who often times are separated, to make sure they can have a magical time whenever they come through our gates,” Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products said.

    Many of the U.S. military service men and women who were among the first to “play big” at Toy Story Land had been separated from their families for months and spent the day reuniting in Andy’s backyard.