Hollywood Studios – Page 7

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

Toy Story Mania Closing For A Week To Prep For Toy Story Land

The Toy Story Midway Mania! attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to be closed for an entire week this June in preparation for the opening of Toy Story Land. According to Disney the attraction will be unavailable June 11-18 and is expected to reopen on June 19.

The closure will allow work to progress on the reconfiguration of the main entrance of the attraction. Currently Toy Story Mania’s entrance and exit are located in the park’s Pixar Place area, but after Toy Story Land opens they will both be located in the new land. When it reopens, the entrance will remain in Pixar Place until it permanently moves to Toy Story Land for the grand opening of the new land.

Toy Story Mania will also return to full capacity on May 20 2018, with all three tracks becoming available following queue reconfiguration work. FastPass+ reservations should already be available for rides beginning May 20, if there not already booked up.

When Toy Story Land debuts on June 30, guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

Check out the list below for more stories on the new Pixar experiences coming to Hollywood Studios.

May 10, 2018

First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney Imagineering released new images Wednesday of the highly-anticipated Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, which is part of the Toy Story Land expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Toy Story Land will “shrink” guests to the size of a toy and allow them to explore Andy’s backyard – and all the fun he’s set up for his toys to have. At Alien Swirling Saucers, which is an attraction that’s been designed to look like a toy from Pizza Planet and placed in his backyard next to his Buzz Lightyear’s Star Command playset, Aliens fly around in their toy flying saucers while “The Claw” appears overhead. As you whirl around the toy planets and space stations as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of a fun electronic space music soundtrack that includes eight songs that may sound familiar, but will be heard in a quirky way you’ve never experienced before. Guests will also see pizza details throughout the attraction, including pizza columns, a pizza space station and the Planet Pepperonia.

Alien Swirling Saucers is one of two new attractions planned to debut at Toy Story Land on opening day. The other is Slinky Dog Dash, where guests can take a ride on a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit – and placed Slinky and Jessie on top. Guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, a current guest-favorite attraction at the park.

In addition to experiencing attractions in Toy Story Land, guests can also be entertained by the Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps, who will march through the land several times a day and stop to play “Sarge Says” with guests, and other games with a larger-than-life Pixar ball and crayons. Guests also have the option to join in on their interactive boot camp to see if they have what it takes to become an official recruit in Andy’s Backyard.

For more on what to expect when Toy Story Land opens on June 30, check out the list of related blog posts below.

May 3, 2018

Special Appearances And Merchandise Coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights

Star Wars: Galactic Nights, a one-night special event, will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It will celebrate the entire Star Wars saga – including the release of the new film Solo: A Star Wars Story – with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverages, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

This week we’re sharing a sneak peek at a few of the exclusive merchandise opportunities guests will be able to enjoy at the event.

Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano) Star Wars

Appearance by Actor Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano) – Ashley is known to Star Wars fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano, but she’s also known as the person behind the company responsible for filling fandom’s closets and wardrobes with stylish apparel and accessories. Ashley will appear at the event in the Once Upon a Time gift shop with an assortment of her merchandise. She will also sign her new book, “IT’S YOUR UNIVERSE,” in which Ashley shares her life lessons, as well as lessons from iconic Disney characters, as a way to inspire girls to create big dreams and work to make them a reality. The book will be released May 8.
- A wristband is required to meet Ashley and will be distributed with purchase at the signing location on the day of the event.
- Merchandise available while supplies last.

Shop Skywalker Vineyards – Stop by Launch Bay Cargo to meet Tom Johnson, the General Manager of Skywalker Vineyards. Tom will be available to sign your purchased wine or olive oil bottles from 7 p.m.-midnight (intermittently).

Shop For Exclusive Star Wars: Galactic Nights Merchandise – Limited-edition event-exclusive merchandise will be available featuring art from the upcoming movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, including a T-shirt, stainless steel water bottle and pin.
Grab a Solo: A Star Wars Story Droid Factory Set – Stop into Tatooine Traders to purchase this set of Droid Factory action figures which includes the newest Astromechs – R2-F1P, R5-232, R2-S8 and R5-PHT – featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Want to know more about what there is to do and see at Star Wars: Galactic Nights? Check out the list of blog posts below!

May 2, 2018

First Look: Toy Story Land Merchandise Coming To Walt Disney World

Oooooohhhh!!! Disney just shared a first-look at some of the fun merchandise that will be available exclusively at Toy Story Land when the area debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30.

First up, guests can make a fashion statement with these playful headbands inspired by characters featured in Toy Story Land, with styles inspired by aliens and Slinky Dog.

Guests can find this Light-Up Slinky Dog, which doubles as a toy and fashion accessory, with playful light-up rings.

Also available will be “I Played There” commemorative T-shirts for kids that will let the world know they were among the first guests to experience Toy Story Land.

Of course, shopping for these adorable items is just one way guests can enjoy themselves when Toy Story Land opens on June 30. Guests will also be able to ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet, or walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games. Families can also head to Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land for tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats.

Which item above is your favorite? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. And be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog over the next few weeks for more coverage on this exciting expansion.

Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land, opening on June 30!

May 2, 2018

Top 10 Highlights of Hollywood Studios Park History

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the third theme park built at the Walt Disney World Resort, officially opened 29 years ago today – on May 1, 1989.

In honor of today’s anniversary, take a fun-filled walk through the park with the top 10 highlights of the park’s history:

1. The Chinese Theater – Modeled after the Hollywood landmark, this near replica is a 9/10 scale of the original building. In 2019, the theater will be home to the first attraction dedicated to the mouse himself: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

2. Gertie the Dinosaur – Created by Winsor McCay in 1914, Gertie sprang to life on the vaudeville screen as who many believe was the first animated character to show a distinct personality, paving the way for our own cast of characters – including Mickey Mouse himself.

3. The Hollywood Brown Derby – Inspired by the historic Hollywood locale, this signature dining location features three items from the original menu: the famous cobb salad, grapefruit cake and the Shirley Temple cocktail.

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – A 40-foot-tall guitar greets you at the entrance to the first Disney attraction to take guests upside down. Take off from 0 to 60 to the sound of over 900 speakers blasting the music of Aerosmith throughout the attraction.

5. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Join the 2nd Unit of the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” film crew and experience the thrills of a live set.

6. BaseLine Tap House – Baseline Tap House, which offers “small bites and dreamy flights” was once the Figueroa Printing Company, a mom-and-pop print house that enjoyed great success through the mid- and late-20th century. Look around and you may see some of their work.

7. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Climb aboard a starspeeder and travel the galaxy! Did you know that in the latest version of this fan-favorite attraction you can find yourself landing on a planet in the outer rim of the galaxy known as Batuu? It’s the planet from the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

8. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage – This Broadway-style show enchants audiences with a tale as old as time. The show premiered the same day as the animated feature on Nov. 22, 1991 and is the longest-running stage show at a Walt Disney World theme park.

9. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hold on tight as you’re transported to the 5th dimension via a most uncommon elevator. Imagineers watched 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” in preparation for this iconic attraction.

10. Fantasmic! – With over 50 performers, pyrotechnics, laser lights, one million gallons of dancing water, a 40-foot-tall dragon and five costume changes for Mickey Mouse himself, Fantasmic! is the perfect way to end your day celebrating Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Some imagination, huh?

May 1, 2018

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates 29 Years Today

Places, everyone! Today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates 29 years of Hollywood glamour and glitz right in the heart of Florida. Here’s a look at the park’s entrance 29 year’s ago with its original moniker, Disney-MGM Studios, on its marquee.

Nearly three decades later, the park is in the middle of an exciting multi-year transformation, expanding to add two new lands where guests will become part of their favorite stories and create their own exhilarating adventures: Toy Story Land, which will debut to guests this June 30, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is set to open in 2019. Work is also underway on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, our first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, set to open in 2019.

When the park opened, there were nine attractions for guests to enjoy: Backstage Studio Tour, Catastrophe Canyon, Disney Classics Theater, The Great Movie Ride, The Magic of Disney Animation, The Monster Sound Show, Residential Street, SuperStar Television and Hollywood! Hollywood! at Theater of the Stars. Here’s a unique look at Hollywood Blvd. just prior to opening day.

Still after 29 years of showbiz, there’s always a chance you’ll have a celebrity sighting while visiting the park. (Ok, world-famous character celebrity – but it counts!)

Happy Anniversary, Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Here’s to another 29 dazzling years.

May 1, 2018

Woody Arrives in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort

Toy Story Land is nearing completion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort and Tuesday Imagineers put the proverbial icing on the cake when they installed Woody at his permanent place in the land.

Standing nearly 20 feet tall, Woody will appear as a part of the new Toy Story Land marquee, which sits just in front of one of the land’s most anticipated attractions, the Slinky Dog Dash coaster. He’s tipping his hat (which measures 7’ feet, brim to brim!), next to the marquee, which is made out of blocks and a 4-foot-tall yo-yo – just a few of the many toys that make up Toy Story Land.

When Toy Story Land debuts on June 30, guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

Want more Toy Story excitement? Check out the list below for updates on new Pixar experiences coming to Hollywood Studios.

April 25, 2018

First Look: Toy Story Land Entrance Sign Installed at Hollywood Studios

With less than one hundred days until the opening of Toy Story Land the excitement is hard to bear, but today we got to see just how close we really are. In new images revealed by Disney today, we get a first look at the Toy Story Land marquee that will adorn the entrance into the new land.

The signage features the Toy Story logo on a wooden yo-yo toy atop the word “Land” spelled out in alphabet blocks. The only thing missing is the Woody figure that will tower over guests as he leans against the sign.

When it opens, guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard.

Guests will be also be able to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, or take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet.

Toy Story Land guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

You can see the new marquee when Toy Story land opens up on June 30!

April 23, 2018

The Amazing Eats at Packed in Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land

Woody’s Lunch Box will the go to place to eat when Toy Story land opens up on June 30 and it will be dishing up all sorts of sandwiches and sides that blend classic flavor combinations with a modern twist, plus nostalgic soda floats and specialty beverages.

In the toy-filled backyard that is Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests “shrink” to the size of a toy and explore the world of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and friends. In the middle of all the fun, Andy has taken his vintage Woody-themed lunch box and propped it open with a thermos, turning it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. Here is a peek into whats has been packed in Woody’s Lunch Box.

S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – Oozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat.

Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough – The perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.

Breakfast Bowl – The green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs.

BBQ Brisket Melt – With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough.

Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam – Woody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.

Totchos – Potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love??

Sides include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.

Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon – Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.

The littlest toys can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges. For toys looking for more lighter options, they can grab one of these tasty bites at Woody’s Lunch Box or check out the many other healthful offerings available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, and grilled meats and fish.

Banana Split Yogurt Parfait – Layers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day!

Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.

Soda Floats – All toys would agree that a refreshing soda float is the perfect nostalgic beverage!

The adorable Alien Sipper may be purchased and filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.

The team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen – has described just how much fun (and challenging) it was to take sentimental food favorites and give them a modern make-over…in flavor and presentation.

“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World, about the year-long menu development process. “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?”

The big kids can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider. It all looks so good! This is a lunch box that only your mother could pack!

April 9, 2018

Tag: Hollywood Studios