Disney News

Tag: Hollywood Studios

  • Detectives Investigating Mimi Kaboom Actresses Death as Possible Suicide

    Detectives Investigating Mimi Kaboom Actresses Death as Possible Suicide

    Stacy Fulford, who played Mimi Kaboom in Streetmosphere at Hollywood Studios passed away Thursday and investigators are now saying it was not an accident or natural causes.

    We spoke to officials at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office who confirmed there is an active investigation in to the beloved cast members death. “The evidence suggests suicide”, according to detectives. “We can say no foul play is suspected in the death of Ms. Fulford-Morreale.” OCSO’s spokesperson Jane Watrel said.

    OCSO responded to a call for an attempted suicide at 1:10am on the morning of December 28th and they arrived on the scene minutes later. She was pronounced deceased at her home, but the exact circumstances are still unclear at this time as it is still an ongoing investigation. According to the medical examiner’s office the preliminary cause of death is suicide pending toxicology results of course.  No further information is available at this time until detectives conclude the investigation and the medical examiners report is finalized.

    There has been an outpouring of support for the actress who was only 29 years old. The recent news came as such a shock to friends, cast members and fans alike, as she was adored by all who knew her. Her daily performances in the park and infectious spirit brought so much joy to guests and her loss is felt by so many.

    We talked to several of her friends who shared their feelings and memories. Those close to Stacy recall her as a person of high character who could entertain anyone. “She was kind, talented, contiguously fun, and just frankly, better than i can properly put into words.” one friend said. Another friend said, “There was a levity to being around her that’s hard to find. Plus that huge smile of hers could brighten anyone’s day.”

    One of Stacy’s closest college friends, Chaya (Erica) Goldman recalled, “She was so beautiful and so funny, so committed.” She continued, “Stacy was a ball of sunshine. She could make anybody laugh.”

    She posted her fond memories recently on Facebook.

    Fans from all over the world took to the internet to show their support for the entertainer as well.

    Fulford worked full-time at Walt Disney World as a Citizen of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as various other venues around the parks. Specializing in improvisation, she was also skilled in and passionate about both Shakespeare and musical theatre. Outside of Disney, Stacy could be seen onstage at various theatres around the greater Orlando area. She was also very passionate about rescue animals and rescued her dog and cat and encouraged others to rescue as well.

    Stacy was loved so much and was a light to all who knew her and her light will shine forever. Our sympathies go out to her family, friends and to all the Citizens of Hollywood who worked with her. Memorial Services for Stacy Fulford take place on Sunday January 7, 2018 at 2:00pm at Indian River City United Methodist Church in Titusville, FL Florida.

  • VIDEO: ‘Mimi Kaboom’ of Hollywood Studios Passes Away

    VIDEO: ‘Mimi Kaboom’ of Hollywood Studios Passes Away

    In the same week that The Mayor of Main Street USA passes away, the Disney family is now mourning the loss of yet another cast member.  Stacy Fulford, who played Mimi Kaboom in Streetmosphere at Hollywood Studios, has passed away.

    So many guests enjoyed her street antics and she bought so much joy to the park.  Check out the video below as one guest tries to help her with her Husband Auditions.

    She worked full-time at Walt Disney World as a Citizen of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well as various other venues around the parks. Specializing in improvisation, she was also skilled in and passionate about both Shakespeare and musical theatre. Outside of Disney, Stacy could be seen onstage at various theatres around the greater Orlando area.

    In march Stacy had just signed her 5th contract for her 5th year as a member of the Citizens of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. She became of member of the Citizens of Hollywood in spring of 2013, and loved bringing Mimi Kaboom to life every day in the whimsical world of 1940’s Hollywood.

    She was a tremendous singer and she touched the lives of so many people both inside and outside of the park.

    Our sympathies go out to her family, friends and to all the Citizens of Hollywood who worked with her.

  • 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.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Blast Off Tonight

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Blast Off Tonight

    Star Wars then there is only one part of the galaxy you want to be tonight as Star Wars: Galactic Nights returns at Hollywood Studios.

    Following a sold-out event last April, this gala evening will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score will fill the park all evening long.  So get your tickets online while you still can.

    Among the many thrills in store, guests will be treated to a red-carpet arrival, iconic attractions with little to no wait time, amazing fireworks and projections, and experts sharing details about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an entirely new land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019. Below you can find some of what to expect or check out our complete guide to the event.

    Hyperdrive powers the night with:

    • The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga. In between, a DJ will keep things spinning at Center Stage for a Star Wars dance party.
    • The Epic Theater plays host to a special, celebrity-led panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Experts from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will share some of the excitement coming to the 14-acre Star Wars-inspired expansion opening in 2019 at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Panelists will be joined by Warwick Davis, beloved by Star Wars fans since appearing as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi” among many Lucasfilm roles. Actor David Collins will host the special insider’s look.
    • Park-wide, guests will step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including a new backdrop inspired by Star Wars Rebels.
    • Star Wars: Galactic Nights features encounters with Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and stunning projection effects on park icons such as the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Tower, whose façade will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. At Star Wars Launch Bay, the theme park’s home base for Star Wars fandom, guests will meet denizens from the light and dark side of The Force.
    • Darth Vader and a battalion of Imperial Stormtroopers will march menacingly down Hollywood Boulevard.
    • Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
    • Select park attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continues, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.
    • Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their finest Star Wars costumes, however, masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older. Arriving park guests will walk a red carpet that runs the length of Hollywood Boulevard. The street itself will be dressed in all the trappings of a Tinseltown premiere.
  • 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 Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios December 16

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios December 16

    There are holidays, and then there are “Star Wars” holidays. An upcoming special event at Walt Disney World is designed to add cheer and share insights about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the land under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The one-day event — dubbed Star Wars: Galactic…

    The special event, Star Wars: Galactic Nights, which sold out last April, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16.

    Held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight, the event will be filled with out-of-this-world entertainment that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga.

    Among many thrills in store, guests can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, character greetings, a look at the ongoing Star Wars expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and much more.

    Here’s a look at other event offerings:

    • Star Wars Entertainment – Both Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will be enhanced with special saga elements.
    • Sneak Peeks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The Epic Theater will play host to a special one-night-only panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the 14-acre Star Wars expansion that’s set to open in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels and more.
    • Character Encounters – Be on the lookout for Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and more.
    • Exclusive F&B and Merchandise – Even more specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
    • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights access and activities will be exclusive to event ticket holders. Last spring’s event sold out, so booking early is strongly suggested. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9.

    Tickets are now on sale at Disneyworld.com/GalacticNights

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

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

    They’re not playing around on construction as progress on Toy Story Land is really starting to take shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 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 the former “Hollywood East” park.

    This the most recent look, Cowgirl Jessie and dinosaur Rex were put in place by crane this month and Slinky Dog was recently trucked in too as the 10-acre attraction continues to take shape ahead of its summer 2018 opening.

    These new aerial photos of the Toy Story Land construction site come courtesy of Don Gworek (@bioreconstruct on Twitter) and show progress on the expansion to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Unlike the Toy Story Lands found in Paris and Hong Kong, the Orlando version will have a roller coaster themed to Slinky Dog instead of a simple carnival-style ride. The Slinky Dog Dash family coaster looks to be of a similar thrill level as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom, but with multiple launches instead of a traditional lift hill. The bright red track is nearly finished on the new coaster that will be the central feature in the new land. A large wall is being built behind the coaster that will block views of a castmember parking garage.

    Along with the two new rides, the Toy Story Land will feature a new entrance for Toy Story Mania through what is currently the back of the building. New retail, dining and entertainment is also expected in the land.

  • Passholder Gift: Holiday Magnet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Passholder Gift: Holiday Magnet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Celebrate this holiday season at Walt Disney World and Jingle All the Way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to pick up your special holiday magnet.

    This passholder freebie is available December 1 through December 17, 2017 at the following merchandise locations while supplies last:

    • Mickey’s of Hollywood
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Once Upon a Time

    While you’re at Hollywood Studios make sure to check out Flurry of Fun featuring the brand-new Sunset Seasons Greetings! Enjoy a holly, jolly celebration with festive shows, enchanting “snows,” holiday decor and much more.

    If you aren’t able to participate in this offering, don’t worry! They are excited to bring more great Passholder offerings next month with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts and more throughout the new year!

    Walt Disney World looks forward to providing a flurry of Passholder fun this holiday season!

  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Opening Date RUMOR

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Opening Date RUMOR

    The mouse house has so many new attractions and lands coming up that it’s hard to keep track of all of the opening dates, but we may have just gotten another one.  Set to replace The Great Movie Ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and we may have a date to look forward to.

    Imagineering is planning to complete the new attraction’s development and turn it over to the operations side of Disney in April, 2019 according to a report by WDWNT, and the attraction could then open in April or May.

    On this new attraction, guests step through the movie screen and join Mickey and friends on a railway adventure as they take part in the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short.

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty came on stage during the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panel during the D23 Expo and described Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway as a zany, out-of-control adventure with unpredictable twists and turns, dazzling visual effects, and mind-boggling transformations that happen during the scenes.

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is inspired by the Mickey Shorts on the Disney Channel, with a visual style matching those cartoons. Imagineering has partnered with Disney Television Animation to help bring the attraction to life.  Though nothing is official yet this is still great news for those looking forward to the first attraction to ever feature Mickey himself.