PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 6/6/16 (Star Wars, Echo Lake Eats, Toy Story, ETC.)

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

There is a lot going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios these days, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting in our very latest photo report:

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Welcome to Hollywood

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Trolley Car Cafe now offers two unique lunch sandwiches

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Work continues on the two fairly un-themed towers for the new Star Wars fireworks show

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Billboard for Finding Dory up behind the Great Movie Ride

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Displays for now-cancelled ABC shows still up in the ABC Commissary

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Writer’s Stop now has this sign outside to attempt to draw more guests in

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There are scrims up in the Muppetvision exit so guests can’t peek at the demolition nearby

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Lots of ads for The Muppets still up

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Oasis Canteen added a kid’s meal and a Mickey Brownie to the menu, check out our review to see what we thought of the nuggets…

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Finding Dory window display at Mickey’s of Hollywood

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A Finding Dory phone case available

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The projectors for the new Star Wars fireworks have been installed

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Meanwhile, the old speaker towers are being covered to match the surrounding buildings

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Echo Lake Eats opened recently

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This contains three food booths to help with the overwhelmed counter service establishments at the park

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Heading back to Oasis Canteen, we had to try the Mickey brownie

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It’s pretty cute…

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It was as pretty as it was terrible unfortunately, very dry and no flavor, certainly not anything that resembled a brownie at least…

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Still not much to see by the exit of the new Toy Story Midway Mania track

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Even though the area was cleaned out, the Tower of Terror bar idea has been shelved for now

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A new mug for sale at 5 & 10

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Pins have moved into The Darkroom for some reason, just open edition though

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Celebrity Spotlight finally got some permanent signage

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Work continues on Pizza Rizzo, the replacement for Pizza Planet

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Inside Muppetvision 3-D, a few new interactive elements await activation

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Another look at Pizza Rizzo

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Red Carpet Dreams also received new signage as well

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There are signs between the two meet and greets as well

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Instead of holding stroller parking for Mickey and Minnie back here, Chip and Dale have found a home here instead

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The speaker tower on Mickey Avenue is covered as well

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At the end of PIXAR Place, a merchandise cart and Churro cart have taken up residence where the new Toy Story Mania track exits

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Limited release Star Wars phone cases and MagicBands for sale, only at Star Wars Launch Bay

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The thrid track at Toy Story Mania is helping, just 55 minutes at 2:00PM on a weekend

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Honestly, the wait was probably even shorter than 55 minutes

REVIEW: STK Orlando at Disney Springs Begins Lunch Service, But Is It Worth Your Time?

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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Hopefully you have already read our extensive dinner review of STK Orlando before you delve into this one, but STK quietly began offering a lunch service on June 1st so we decided to see if lunch was near as good as the (what I thought was great, albeit expensive) dinner offerings.

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First off, a lot of items carry over from dinner, which I don’t think is necessarily a bad thing. If you read my dinner review, I thought it was very good and seemed to be priced on par with similar steakhouses in the area. That being said, lunch adds just a few different plates to the mix: 4 burgers/sandwiches and 4 lunch entrees, which are smaller versions of dinner entrees.

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I had the STK Wagyu Beef Burger, which I was assured was essentially a larger version of the Lil’ BRGs offered as an appetizer. While the hamburger quality was certainly as good, I was not a big fan of the topping choices. The bun had great flavor, but the blue cheese and cherry peppers just didn’t work well together (of course the bacon was fine). I opted for the french fires as a side, which was my favorite part of my meal. I’m not sure if they just ran down to McDonald’s to get these, but they tasted just like their french fries. Seriously, they taste just like those you would find at McDonald’s, but expensive I guess…

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The Grilled Chicken Club was a disaster. The bread in no way held the sandwich together, ti just absorbed all of the juices and then proceeded to implode upon itself.

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The few bites we had of the sandwich together were good, but it was just too big of a mess to enjoy.

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Josh ordered the Crispy Mahi Mahi sandwich, which overall was everyone’s favorite. This was just about perfect: the bun, the sauce, and the perfectly cooked fish just made for a really pleasant taste. I would seriously come back for this, but I would skip the side salad I think as it was rather plain. Yes, I would get the McDonald’s french fries instead…

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Since we only had three of the lunch entrees, I won’t tell you that lunch at STK Orlando isn’t worth your time. If you refer to the dinner review, there are plenty of items carrying over to lunch that I would highly recommend (along with the Mahi Mahi sandwich), so the question really becomes when is the best time to dine here. The atmosphere for Lunch is fairly quiet, so if you are afraid of the slightest chance of loud music, I would go during the restaurant’s lunch hours. If you would rather dress up a little and get more of a dinner experience for your money, I would stick with dinner. Otherwise, I still highly recommend STK Orlando, I just wouldn’t recommend many of the lunch specific options.

VIDEO: Latest Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update – Pizza Rizzo, Star Wars Fireworks, and More

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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As work continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is so much more happening than just the construction of two new themed lands. There’s plenty of other changes happening around the park, and since it’s hard to see what’s happening way back in the demolition zone currently, this is where we will turn our focus in our latest video update:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkM5MgwWIYk]

“Zootopia” Crosses The $1 Billion Dollar Mark At The World Wide Box Office

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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Disney’s “Zootopia” has become the second Disney film to reach $1 billion dollars at the box office this year along with “Captain America: Civil War”. “Zootopia” has grossed $337 million domestically and $663 million international with a total world wide gross at the box office of $1,000,019,682.

Kind of like the tale of The Little Engine That Could, but this time the engine is a rabbit and a fox. Before this movie was released, most people never expected this film to come near to the $1 billion mark. There was no princess with ice powers, no superhero team trying to save the world, but what we did have was an animated feature that had a well written story for both children and adults, along with an excellent voice cast and memorable and fun characters. A very funny teaser trailer showcasing Judy, Nick and Flash, critical praise and positive word of mouth didn’t hurt things either.

Currently, the top 3 highest grossing movies for this year are all Disney movies:xsxsasax

 

And here is a list of the 20 Highest Grossing Disney Movies Of All Time:

Row Rank Title Studio Worldwide Domestic / % Overseas / % Year^
1 3 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Buena Vista $2,067.0 $936.7 45.3% $1,130.3 54.7% 2015
2 5 Marvel’s The Avengers Buena Vista $1,519.6 $623.4 41.0% $896.2 59.0% 2012
3 7 Avengers: Age of Ultron Buena Vista $1,405.4 $459.0 32.7% $946.4 67.3% 2015
4 9 Frozen Buena Vista $1,276.5 $400.7 31.4% $875.7 68.6% 2013
5 10 Iron Man 3 Buena Vista $1,215.4 $409.0 33.7% $806.4 66.3% 2013
6 12 Captain America: Civil War Buena Vista $1,131.5 $388.9 34.4% $742.6 65.6% 2016
7 18 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest Buena Vista $1,066.2 $423.3 39.7% $642.9 60.3% 2006
8 19 Toy Story 3 Buena Vista $1,063.2 $415.0 39.0% $648.2 61.0% 2010
9 20 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Buena Vista $1,045.7 $241.1 23.1% $804.6 76.9% 2011
10 23 Alice in Wonderland (2010) Buena Vista $1,025.5 $334.2 32.6% $691.3 67.4% 2010
11 26 Zootopia Buena Vista $1,000.0 $337.2 33.7% $662.8 66.3% 2016
12 29 The Lion King Buena Vista $968.5 $422.8 43.7% $545.7 56.3% 1994^
13 30 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Buena Vista $963.4 $309.4 32.1% $654.0 67.9% 2007
14 35 Finding Nemo Buena Vista $936.7 $380.8 40.7% $555.9 59.3% 2003^
15 40 The Jungle Book (2016) Buena Vista $895.1 $347.5 38.8% $547.6 61.2% 2016
16 49 Inside Out Buena Vista $857.4 $356.5 41.6% $501.0 58.4% 2015
17 63 Guardians of the Galaxy Buena Vista $773.3 $333.2 43.1% $440.1 56.9% 2014
18 66 Maleficent Buena Vista $758.5 $241.4 31.8% $517.1 68.2% 2014
19 73 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Buena Vista $745.0 $291.7 39.2% $453.3 60.8% 2005
20 74 Monsters University Buena Vista $743.6 $268.5 36.1% $475.1 63.9% 2013

Source: Box Office Mojo

PHOTOS: Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom Gets a New Look

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

Slowly over the last few years, we have seen Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom undergo a radical color change as various attractions have slowly received new, more colorful paint schemes. Carousel of Progress is the latest victim of the winds of change:

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The facade is mostly white, but one segment of the lower section sports the new look.

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I don’t know about you, but the color and styles remind me a lot of the old Space Mountain entrance…

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We’ll keep you updated on the “progress” as the facade continues to be painted (since this minor paint job seems to be major news to us Disney fans).

What do you think of the new look for the Carousel of Progress?

Animal Kingdom to Offer Premium Nighttime Safari Experience for $169

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

Taking advantage of the new nighttime hours for Animal Kingdom, Disney is introducing a new add-on event at the park starting June 26th.

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Definitely no ordinary day at the park, the Savor the Savanna Evening Safari Experience offers you the opportunity to hop aboard a private safari vehicle and enjoy an expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The highlight? A stop at an exclusive viewing area where you get to sample a selection of regional beers and wines (well, for those 21 and over, anyway) and savor African-inspired tapas while taking in the impressive savanna.

As you roll through the reserve on this incredible outing, you can watch it come alive with magic as a spectacular world of creatures roam about and grip your imagination. A guide paints a picture of the wildlife, pointing out fascinating facts along the way. A special keepsake commemorating your unforgettable evening trek is yours to take home as well.

Bookings opened today and the event is being offered with 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm starting times beginning June 26th. Your palate will thank you. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). The cost is $169 per guest. Valid Theme Park admission is required, and each participant must be at least 8 years old. Each experience is limited to a maximum of 12 Guests. Inclement weather conditions and other factors may affect schedules, and offerings are subject to change without notice.

VIDEO: “Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition” – These Are The Collectibles We Have Been Looking For

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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Disney and Lucasfilm have launched the Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition line. I have seen many collectibles, replicas and props from the “Star Wars” movies that come close to the original thing but these just take it a step further by digitaly scanning the original and having them created in Pinewood Studios.

Just watch this video. Amazing stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2H9wFeBkDQ

Star Wars Launches Most Authentic Line of Prop Replicas Ever Created

Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition offers fans a completely new way of experiencing ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

Disney and Lucasfilm today launched Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition bringing an unprecedented level of authenticity to prop replica products for fans. Made to order by propmakers at Propshop in Pinewood Studios using digital data collected during filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the production process marries cutting edge 3D printing technology with master craftsmanship to produce replicas virtually identical to those seen on screen. Available initially in the U.S., starwarsultimatestudioedition.com is the exclusive location to purchase these products.

“We’re delighted to be able to produce such a groundbreaking line of merchandise,” said James Enright, Assets Director and CEO of Propshop. “Designed, made and finished by the hands of specialist motion picture prop makers and artists, we’ve worked extremely hard to create something that we know would make fans and filmmakers proud.”

The initial offering from the Star Wars Collectibles line features eight prop replicas from Star Wars: The Force Awakens including Darth Vader’s melted helmet, Rey’s lightsaber hilt, FN-2187 Stormtrooper helmet and more. Each replica item is a limited production piece due to the high level of craftsmanship required to create them.

These made-to-order replicas will come with custom display pedestals, packed in branded wooden crates that are inspired by the real crates used to ship the film props. Each one is custom built to accommodate the shape of the replica inside.

“We are continually looking for new ways to extend the storytelling from movies in innovative ways,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing at Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’ve worked hand in hand with the film makers and talented team at Propshop to create a unique product experience for fans and we’re excited to see their reactions to these incredible prop replicas.”

Visit Disney’s YouTube channel to view the latest installment of their “Boxed” series to get a behind-the-scenes look at Darth Vader’s melted helmet being created; then tune in each month to see reveals of new items added to the Star Wars Collectibles: Ultimate Studio Edition line. For more information, visit starwarsultimatestudioedition.com.

Some more images:

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Details Of The “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Reshoots

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. It all depends on how you look at it. The Disney executives that viewed the first cut of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” really saw some  things that they did not like and the reshoots are a lot bigger than what I was expecting.

According to MakingStarWars.com:

  • Some crew initially heard J.J. Abrams was supervising the reshoots.
  • Gareth Edwards is doing the reshoots himself but with a partner, Christopher McQuarrie.
  • Christopher McQuarrie, the final writer on Rogue One will be working extensively with Edwards onset to make sure they’re on the “same page” with the most recent draft of the film.
  • Christopher McQuarrie’s draft of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was considered superior to the film they shot previously.
  • It was not Edwards’ fault as McQuarrie’s draft wasn’t completed when much of the film was shot and revisions kept coming in that made the film feel uneven.
  • 32 sets have been recreated for the reshoot.
  • The crew expects they are reshooting 40% of the film.
  • They are working 6 days a week for 8 weeks.

They are reshooting 40% of the film and for two months? That’s a lot! They are bringing in J.J. Abrams to help with the reshoots? I don’t think they would do so if there were not some major issues. And for the “Star Wars Story” not to be finished while they were filming, sounds like they may have been rushing things.

Yes, it seems bad but the good thing is they are addressing the issues, taking things seriously and it makes me feel better to know that Abrams is supervising the reshoots.

Will the movie be delayed? “Rogue One” is scheduled to be released on December 16th. If they cant work all of this out in two months, it has a strong possibility. Let’s hope that things work out but I would rather them delay the film if it’s not all that it could be then be stuck with a bad movie.

Source: Making Star Wars

Finding Dory: Just Keep Swimming Now on Mobile

WDWNT on June 7, 2016

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Disney Interactive has just released Finding Dory: Just Keep Swimming, a new mobile game available now for $3.99 on iOS, Android, and Windows 10.

Throughout the game’s 13 levels, players guide Dory across the map through mazes while journeying through the story of Finding Dory. Currently, only the first 11 levels are available. The final two levels will be released after the film hits theaters. Dory and Marlin tell the narrative together and along the way players encounter characters such as Nemo, Hank, Bailey, and Destiny.

Before each level, Dory asks the player to select two items from a handful of options, these items appear later in the levels to fill in the gaps of the story. This adds a Mad Libs-esqu element to the game that makes the story more fun for the younger audience that the game is clearly intended for.

The game is also coming to Apple TV and the Amazon Appstore later this month.