PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2/17/17 (Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Cupcakes, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us on a short trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s see what’s new and exciting (or left, at this point) around the park!

Every Roll a Starring Rolls

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Even though Starring Rolls has closed, select treats from the location have found their way over to the Trolley Car Cafe, including the infamous peanut butter cupcake.

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There’s still no word on what will be occupying this space, but we expect an expansion of the nearby Brown Derby Lounge

One Movie Studio’s Dreams

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In case you missed it, the Beauty and the Beast sneak peek has opened in the One Man’s Dream theater, removing theme park models in favor of movie and television props. Be sure to check out our post for an in-depth look at the changes.

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Toy Story Land

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Walls now block our view into what will be the entrance to Toy Story Land between the former Jack Sparrow soundstage and PIXAR Place.

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Meanwhile, dirt continues to move just behind these walls, visible to guests.

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A peek through the rather larger holes in the gates reveals construction workers on the job, laying steel for the Toy Story attractions (Little Green Men Swirling Saucers in this case).

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A wall of trees makes the area seem slightly more inhabited than it did a few weeks back.

This and That

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This crazy new Buzz Lightyear flying toy is now for sale at the parks. It is hooked to a string, but takes flight when you push a button on the handle piece.

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Getting artsy with birds on PIXAR Place.

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Believe it or not, this is a completely different bird that landed on this letter a second after the other moved. Weird.

Happy Valentine’s Day

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A special Valentine’s Day cupcake is available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios currently, at select locations.
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It’s so pretty that you don’t even notice anything missing in the background, right?

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We decided to take it somewhere where we could have privacy… PizzeRizzo…
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It was just OK… the frosting was really thick but not very flavorful. The cake part was fine. At least it was pretty.

Star Wars Land

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Work continues on the Star Wars themed land, visible from the PizzeRizzo balcony.

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Throwing in the Towel

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A selection of new kitchen towels can be found for sale around the parks.

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They are a little cheaper if you buy 3 sets.

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While the Darkroom is closed, the soda machine has a temporary home inside Celebrity 5 & 10.

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A new candle votive is available, featuring Cinderella Castle.

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VIDEO: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Costumes in Rivers of Light

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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Rivers of Light is Disney’s new ‘kiss goodnight’ at Animal Kingdom and features stunning water projections, an array of colors, a fantastic musical score, and even some live actors to help effectively portray the magic and story to audiences. Recently, Disney released an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the intricately designed costumes were created for this one-of-a-kind show. There are 4 unique costumes, each representing the different elements of earth, fire, water, and air. Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment has collaborated with New York costume designer Irina Kruzhilina produced these wonderful costumes that reflect Native American, European, and Far Eastern cultures. From the Disney Parks Blog, here is the video behind the scenes look:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVAek1nCehA]

Each costume is so complex that they required 81 different embroidery motifs, 180 different fabrics, and more than 250 different beads. On top of that, they also used ancient weaving techniques, and ancient dying techniques to make this look top notch as if an Indian tribesman made it themselves. Rivers of Light officially debuts tonight, February 17th, 2017.

BB-8 Meet And Greet Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

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The Disney Parks Blog has just announced that BB-8 will be meeting with park guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this spring! The meet and greet will debut at Star Wars Galactic Nights.

From The Disney Parks Blog:

Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have more Star Wars fun to look forward to this spring when BB-8, the loyal droid from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, begins character greetings at the park’s Star Wars Launch Bay.

BB-8 will appear in addition to Kylo Ren and Chewbacca, two characters from the Star Wars galaxy who guests regularly encounter at Star Wars Launch Bay.

Source: The Disney Parks Blog

CONFIRMED: Expansions of Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs Resort Hotels

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

From the Disney Parks Blog:

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Whenever it’s time to share exciting news about a new expansion project, I remember one of my favorite Walt Disney quotes. “We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Today, we are thrilled to share with you that changes are on the horizon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort over the next two years and let me tell you, there is a lot to be excited about!

The expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will include a new 15-story tower that will add 500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge level services. The resort will also refurbish its current resort rooms and transform its landscape with floating gardens and an island oasis that connects the resort through a series of bridges.

The new tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort’s centerpiece lake, will allow guests to experience something truly unique, rooftop dining with panoramic views of popular nighttime fireworks from nearby Disney theme parks.

Also during this exciting time, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort’s current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. This centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

At Walt Disney World Resort, many of our guest’s magical memories start at one of our 27-themed resorts each and every day, which is why we will always continue to “move forward” and “create new experiences” that are integral to the overall resort experience!

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RUMOR: Coronado Springs Resort to Be Remodeled into Business Deluxe Resort

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

A few months ago, we told you about the upcoming expansion of the convention center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Well, it seems there is more to this story.

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Rumor has it that Coronado Springs will become Walt Disney World’s first and only business-class deluxe resort. The idea behind this will be to send all business and convention guests primarily to Coronado or to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (which are currently in the process of expanding their convention space). Eventually, the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort should close, likely after both expansions at the other resorts are complete.

The plan for Coronado Springs includes a massive remodeling and expansion of the Resort’s main building (which includes the demolition of some existing guest rooms), sweeping room remodelings, and more.

Of course, this story remains a rumor until there is confirmation from Disney on the matter.

New Disney Store Retired Attraction Limited Release Shirts

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Disney has done it again! They have released more vintage Disney tee shirts for a limited time! If you like any of the shirts below you will want to get your order in before Thursday February 23, 2017! The t-shirts are just $27.99 and the long sleeve shirt is $34.99.

Fort Wilderness River Country Tee for Adults

Splash down for a fashion flashback from Disney’s vacation kingdom wearing this classic ringer tee dedicated to River Country at the Fort Wilderness Resort. Get yours today at the DisneyStore.com.

Dedicated to River Country at the Fort Wilderness Resort, available for a limited time only.

Dedicated to River Country at the Fort Wilderness Resort, available for a limited time only.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour Logo Tee for Adults

Tour a working tv and movie backlot of the 1990s wearing a fashion flashback from Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this timeless souvenir tee. You can order yours from the DisneyStore.com.

Avflashback from Disney's Hollywood Studios in this timeless souvenir tee.

A flashback from Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this timeless souvenir tee.

Figment Long Sleeve Tee for Adults Epcot

Live in the 80’s with this Journey into Figment’s imagination for a 1980s fashion flashback from Epcot Center in this long sleeve all-cotton tee. Pick up yours at the DisneyStore.com.

Journey into Figment's imagination for a 1980s fashion flashback from Epcot Center.

Journey into Figment’s imagination for a 1980s fashion flashback from Epcot Center.

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New Costuming Building Being Constructed at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

As we all know, Hollywood Studios is undergoing some massive changes. As part of those enhancements, a new cast costuming building is being constructed.

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This new facility is needed to provide more space for the additional costumes needed for Toy Story Land and and the Star Wars themed land, as well as to replace the old facility.

The location of this new costuming department will be behind the Star Wars land in the southeast corner of the park, backstage. To make room for this new facility, the main entrance roadways are shifting to the east just after the main auto plaza.

Cast members will continue to access the Television lot from this area, and an additional stop sign will be placed at the entrance of the Television lot to ensure a safe arrival. No word was given on when this facility will be opening.

“Star Wars Force Friday II” Announced, Release Day Of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” Toys And Merchandise

WDWNT on February 16, 2017

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STAR WARS FORCE FRIDAY II FLIES INTO STORES AROUND THE GLOBE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

 Countdown begins for world-wide release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” products

 New product packaging revealed today features trio of heroes: Poe, Rey and Finn

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Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Star Wars Force Friday II, a global fan event celebrating the launch of new products inspired by the highly anticipated “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more will go on sale beginning at 12:01 a.m. on September 1, 2017, with stores around the world opening for a weekend-long celebration of all things Star Wars.  

“The first Star Wars Force Friday event was truly unique, uniting fans across five continents in an unprecedented global live unboxing event ahead of thousands of midnight openings at retail,” says Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’re excited to confirm that Star Wars Force Friday is back for ‘The Last Jedi’. Plans for this year’s world-wide event are top secret but expect something befitting the excitement around the next episode of the Star Wars saga.” 

Star Wars fans around the globe embraced Force Friday in 2015, with hundreds of thousands turning up to stores at midnight to be the first to get their hands on merchandise from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Toys from the new line were revealed via a global live-stream unboxing event that unfolded over 18 hours, 15 different cities and 12 countries, attracting millions of views on YouTube. Fans took to social media to share their experiences with nearly 3 billion Twitter impressions about the events, using #ForceFriday.  

Jill Wilfert, Vice President of global licensing and entertainment from The LEGO Group comments, “It was so much fun to be a part of Star Wars Force Friday, and we can’t wait for fans to join this year’s celebration as we reveal new ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ products during Force Friday II – a global event that will connect fans and families, and allow them to build, create and share their experiences with others.” 

Details of how fans can participate will be revealed closer to the event but the world-wide launch will tap new technology and Star Wars mythology to create a unique experience for fans. Just like 2015, products for “The Last Jedi” will be kept under wraps until Force Friday II to preserve surprises for fans. As well as introducing new characters from the movie in toy form, the line will build on the success of products like Sphero’s BB-8, introducing more innovative technology to bring the characters and stories from the film to life in unique ways. 

“Toys play a unique role in the Star Wars universe, and we’re proud to have been part of that incredible legacy for the past forty years. The new line for ‘The Last Jedi’ is our most innovative yet, and we’re excited to unveil it on Force Friday II,” said Samantha Lomow, Senior Vice President at Hasbro. 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the highest grossing movie of all time domestically and that success was mirrored at retail. NPD reported that Star Wars was the number one toy property in the U.S. for 2016 and 2015, and that during the week of Force Friday, $1 for every $11 spent on toys was on a Star Wars item. Additionally, the popularity of the movie propelled Star Wars onto the top ten toy list for both boys and girls for the first time ever in 2015. 

Also being revealed today is a first look at packaging for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” products which feature leading heroes: Poe Dameron, Rey and Finn. The trio will be featured on Star Wars packaging beginning September 1, 2017. 

Fans can stay tuned to StarWars.com for more details on Force Friday II events, and can follow the conversation on social using #ForceFridayII.

 

 

New Medals for Disneyland’s Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend

WDWNT on February 16, 2017

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Medal

On your marks, get set, run! This year’s sponsor for the Tinkerbell half marathon is PANDORA Jewlery. David Brotherton, who is the Art Director at Disney Yellow Shoes, was the mastermind creator behind this new medal in collaboration with PANDORA jewelry. David has been designing runDisney medals for last 6 years, but he says making this Tinkerbell half marathon was indeed his most favorite. Graphic designers from PANDORA have said that Daivd truly is a genius when it comes to design and that his expertise and knowledge was immeasurable and sparked this amazing creative partnership.

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For the marathon weekend, they have medals for the runDisney kids races which feature Disney Captain Jake and the Neverland Pirates, as well as the adults race medals for the Neverland 5k and Tinkerbell 10k which feature some beloved characters from ‘Peter Pan’. They even have a medal for those brave enough to conquer the Pixie Dust Challenge, which combines the 13.1 mile Tinkerbell Half marathon PLUS the 6.2 mile Tinker Bell 10k.

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Pixie Dust Challenge Medal

Registration is still open for these races including the Pixie Dust Challenge. For registration and more info on these runs, please visit the official site for the Tinker Bell Marathon Weekend, here.

*All of these run events listed are all at the Disneyland Resort.

TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/15/17) – The Dating Game, Rivers of Light, Gondola Rumors, & More!

WDWNT on February 16, 2017

Tonight on WDW News Tonight, we go in depth on getting around Walt Disney World (including rumors of a Skyway-type gondola system), we review Rivers of Light, and we play WDWNT: The Dating Game…

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If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents and announcer Michelle Wargo.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • An in-depth discussion on transportation and getting around Walt Disney World (including the rumored gondola additions)
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • “WDWNT: The Dating Game”, presented by Theme Park Connection
  • A review of Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Who’s Hates Tom Now?
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!

If you missed last week’s show, be sure to watch it: