Quite a few months ago, Walt Disney World finally announced that they had purchased new parking trams to transport guests in their theme park parking lots. We of course had spotted the trams long before this, just sitting around in the Transportation and Ticket Center parking lot long before this, but where awaiting the debut of the much-needed replacement vehicles. Now, Walt Disney World is finally getting around to painting these new trams with the color-coding system (somewhat similar to the monorail) that they promised…
The tram was spotted today at the TTC in all of its vintage stylings. While the color seems like a bit much, it is nice to see the older logos and typefaces in use.
There is still no word on when these will debut and what the other colors will be, but we will let you know as we (and fellow readers, like this one) spot more of them around.
Disney is surveying guests about a possible Star Wars resort hotel experience at Walt Disney World, which would take place on an “actual” Star Wars Starship…
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
The survey is not being conducted by Disney, but rather by a contracted third party. The survey includes concept art and many details of what the experience would be like…
This all-inclusive, 2-night immersive resort experience at Walt Disney World would include:
The opportunity to experience a 2-day story set in the Star Wars universe
Be surrounded in a continuous, story-driven entertainment experience as it unfolds over the course of the 2-night stay
Have personal interactions with Star Wars characters, live performers throughout the starship (experience the story or simply observe the action according to personal preference)
Engage in the story with programs such as flight training, ship exploration, lightsaber training, and personalized secret missions (both on the starship and throughout the Star Wars themed planet)
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
While staying aboard an all-inclusive luxury “starship” at Walt Disney World, guests will stay in luxury accommodations offering:
All meals during your stay: buffet breakfasts, lunches, & signature evening dining
Featured entertainment & dinner shows
Exclusive park admission to the Star Wars themed land at the Walt Disney World Resort (a new land opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019)
Star Wars starship amenities including pool area & water garden, fitness area, on-board cantina, and robotic droid Butlers
As of right now, the experience would be priced at roughly $900 to $1000 per guest.
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
So basically, in summary, the experience would include…
2 nights in an immersive luxury resort that looks and feels like a Star Wars spacecraft (set check-in and check-out dates so everyone is immersed on the same “story” timeline)
Room(s) that accommodate(s) up to 4 people, with an interactive “view” (galaxy or pool/atrium)
Every meal from checking-in on day 1 to check-out on day 3 (5 meals total, including 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 signature dinners with evening entertainment)
1 day of Walt Disney World theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to visit Star Wars-themed land on day 2
Story-driven entertainment that unfolds over the course of your stay (including live character chance encounters, and the opportunity to watch or engage in the story through things like personalized secret missions, flight training, starship exploration, and lightsaber training)
Just in time for summer, new alcoholic ice cream beverages have arrived at some of the outdoor food and beverage locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort!
In this review, we’ll stop at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and Oasis Canteen in the Echo Lake area to check out some new offerings that might help you beat the heat (if you’re 21 years or older).
Kahlua and Cream Milkshake ($12.00) – Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Kahlua and Cream Milkshake ($12.00) – Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sadly replacing the Star Wars-themed Blue Milkshake, there is now chocolate and vanilla alcoholic shake offerings at Min and Bill’s. That being said, they now have both vanilla and chocolate regular shakes here as well (as you might guess), which may make some guests happy.
Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In case you are unfamiliar, Min and Bill’s is the large boat sitting in Echo Lake near Hollywood Boulevard, just steps away from For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
Kahlua and Cream Milkshake ($12.00) – Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While it may not look like anything special, a Bailey’s Irish Cream milkshake is a pretty wonderful thing. I opted for chocolate as I prefer it to vanilla, and I think I made the right choice (although I can’t imagine it would be bad with vanilla either). It has an alcoholic coffee flavor of sorts, so if you like such things, you really can’t go wrong here.
Dreamsicle Float with Stoli Vanilla Vodka ($11.50) – Oasis Canteen, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dreamsicle Float with Stoli Vanilla Vodka ($11.50) – Oasis Canteen, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New to the menu, there is also a Barq’s Root Beer Float with the very same Stoli Vanilla Vodka in it.
Dreamsicle Float with Stoli Vanilla Vodka ($11.50) – Oasis Canteen, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This is basically Stoli Vodka, vanilla ice cream, and orange juice. The Dreamsicle Float is probably the perfect dessert option for summer as it is quite refreshing given the fruit juice and fairly plain ice cream. That being said, it was a particularly hot day when we enjoyed this and it was pretty perfect for such weather. I suspect this will be quite popular as the temperature rises in Central Florida.
It is available non-alcoholic as well, which may be a decent Citrus Swirl substitute for when visiting Hollywood Studios.
As the excitement builds for Disney’s next movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, starting April 21st, One Man’s Dream in Hollywood Studios as well as Sunset Showcase Theater at California Adventure will be showcasing a brief 10 minute clip of the film. Not only that, but on all the Disney Cruise Line ships you can expect a preview of the movie on select sailings this summer.
Disney has also released some new movie posters for the upcoming film, which includes shots of the characters themselves.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hits theaters May 26th, 2017.
Scheduled to debut on April 14th, 2017 at the Star Wars Galactic Nights event, the BB-8 character meet and greet experience inside of Star Wars Launch Bay debuted early on Sunday, April 9th, 2017.
The picture is dark because the signage points into the dimly lit cantina area in the Star Wars Launch Bay. This space was originally a hallway with a gaming area for Disney Infinity, which has since moved near the Path of the Jedi film and is what is now called the XBOX Game Port.
There isn’t much queue space because of this, so the line was spilling out into the cantina despite being fairly short. I expect that this will be a daily occurrence.
This is the first queue room, oddly lit from above in rainbow colors. I expect this will change before the formal debut.
The ceiling screams “office of the future” to me with the light panels that don’t seem like something you would see in Star Wars.
The second part of this queue is a hallway with a well-themed emergency exit.
I’m happy to report that the lighting in here is much better.
How cool is this door?
The infamous yellow line you wait behind until they bring you into the meet and greet is even themed. I know this is a small and stupid thing, but I love it.
You then get brought into a private room (which there appears to be two of behind closed doors) where you can have a short conversation with BB-8 and then get your picture taken. This was honestly one of the coolest character experiences I have ever had. While the cast member does have to translate for the droid, the extremely authentic and realistic movements, lights, and sounds that BB-8 emits will have fans young and old smiling.
To see him in action, please check out our video walkthrough of the experience, which includes my “conversation” with the Resistance hero:
As you can see, the backdrop is great as well, making for an awesome photo.
BB-8 will officially starting greeting day guests on April 15th, 2017, but guests at the now sold-out Galactic Nights event can meet him on April 14th, 2017.
When the Satuli Canteen opens with Pandora: The World of AVATAR on May 27th, 2017, it will be one of the first restaurants at Walt Disney World to offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. For those unaware of this new service:
Mobile ordering allows you to pay for meals on-the-go with the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order in the restaurant. Using the app, you can select any of the menu items, customize them as you wish, and pre-pay for the meal. Arriving at the restaurant, guests will simply tap “I’m Here”, which will notify cast members to prepare the meal. When it’s ready, you will be alerted in the app to pick up the food at a designated service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted for this service, with Dining Plan guests still having to use the normal queue, at least as of right now.
Mobile ordering will be also apparently be available for the following counter service locations at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
Columbia Harbor House
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
D-Luxe Burger
Electric Umbrella
Flame Tree Barbecue
Liberty Inn
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus
Satu’li Canteen
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Tortuga Tavern
An exact start date for the service at all of these restaurants is still unknown, but we do know that at the very least Satuli Canteen will be using mobile ordering starting in May. More restaurants may be added in the future should the program prove successful
Please stay tuned to WDWNT.com for more information on this rollout as it becomes available.
Today, Disney shared additional details about new Star Wars products launching this month at both Star Wars Celebration 2017 and at select locations in Disney Parks.
This month, Disney is rolling out a limited release, boxed set with four Astromech droid action figures inspired by characters from the animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Additionally, three limited release action figures are making their debut including C1-10P “Chopper” from Disney XD’s animated series “Star Wars Rebels;” a two-pack featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope; and a red Protocol droid, R-3D0, that was briefly seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This will be the introduction of protocol droids to the Droid Factory line at Disney Parks. There has been no word as of yet if you will be able to build them in addition to Astromech Droids at the Disney Parks locations somewhere down the line, but it seems likely.
Other products include three emitters for the popular Star Wars Build-Your-Own Lightsaber experience at Disney Parks. These items were inspired by lightsabers seen in Star Wars Rebels.
Finally, look for a plush Ewok scout named Paploo as seen in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. This is the 12th character from the limited release Ewok plush collection, and was created especially for Star Wars Celebration 2017.
These products will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017. On April 17, guests may find action figures and the Build-Your-Own Lightsaber parts in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Later this Fall, the Walt Disney World Resort will present its own version of Club 33, the unique membership club founded by Walt Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
The former entrance to Club 33 at Disneyland
At Walt Disney World, members will enjoy the legendary guest service at four themed locations (one in each of the theme park) uniquely themed to Walt and Lillian’s world-wide adventures, in addition to other unannounced benefits.
Guests interested in joining can email WDWClub33@disneyworld.com for more information.
The membership will be site specific and will not include access to the other Club 33 locations worldwide.
More details will be revealed about the Club in the fall of 2017.
Ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhhhhhhh!!
In a galaxy far far away … (ok, maybe not so far away) we are bringing you this special galactic edition of WDWNT’s Hostess with the Mostess. In honor of Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary I am bringing you my top five favorite Star Wars experiences in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
So grab your nearest furry co-pilot, warm up the sublight engines, and let’s make our jump to light speed! #InLessThanTwelveParsecs
5. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
I know what you are thinking … isn’t this just for kids? Yes, unfortunately it is. The Jedi Council will not accept a woman in her twenties … I have tried. But even though this experience is reserved for the younger Jedi, force wielders of all ages should stop by to enjoy this show at least once. Not only is it entertaining and often times hilarious to watch kids try and fight with lightsabers, but it is also so much fun to see Jedi Masters and their Padawans go up against Darth Vader and the Sith. Located right next to the Star Tours attraction, this training is conducted multiple times a day giving you plenty of opportunities to stop by and cheer the younglings on.
4. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Watching young Padawans learn to become Jedi is certainly fun, but for anyone else who is still itching to be a Jedi Knight, a Star Fighter Pilot, a Service Droid, or even a Rebel Spy, Star Tours is for you! With dozens of different combinations, Star Tours is a unique ride because you never get the same story twice. Each ride consists of a beginning, middle, and ending sequence that rotate for each new ride experience. You may find yourself being interrogated by Darth Vader, escaping to help the Wookies on Kashyyk, and skidding to safety in the hanger bay on Naboo. This ride is always so much fun and to top it off, you exit the attraction right into Tatooine Traders where you can build your own lightsaber!
3. Star Wars Launch Bay
Everything we have talked about so far is just scratching the surface. If you really want to immerse yourself into the galaxy of Star Wars visit the Launch Bay. Ever wonder what it would be like to interact with a Storm Trooper, see Rey’s speeder up close, shake hands with a Wookie, or relive the fateful meeting between Han Solo and Greto in the Cantina? #HanShotFirst You can do all of those things at the Launch Bay! Meeting Chewbacca and Kylo Ren was one of the coolest meet and greets I have done. And now I am very much looking forward to meeting BB-8!
You can also grab a seat in the Star Wars Launch Bay Theater to watch a short film on the creation and legacy of the Star Wars universe. Packed to the gills with props, decorations, scenes, and even characters, the Star Wars Launch Bay is a must do experience!
So far we have watched Star Wars, rode Star Wars, lived Star Wars, now (my favorite) let’s eat Star Wars. I bought this experience for my husband for our anniversary last year and he absolutely loved it. This party gives you VIP access to the Launch Bay and a special viewing area for the Galactic Spectacular show. We had an absolute blast at this thing! The desserts and drinks were out of this world with theming and taste.
Storm Troopers walked around heckling guests and Jawas were hanging out in the Cantina ready for pictures. And yes! We did get that awesome Chewbacca mug in the picture. To top the night off, we watched Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular from a VIP viewing area. And the show was soooo good, it received the number one spot on my list all by itself.
1. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
The force is truly strong with this one. This nighttime fireworks event includes projections, lighting, lasers, and pyrotechnics making it a unique and epic experience. Iconic images from the films play on the Chinese Theater and are accompanied by John William’s memorable score. This spectacle comes at you from all angles, immersing you into the action. When the X-Wings and Tie Fighters are engaged in combat, the lasers are coming right at you, making you feel like you are in the middle of the attack. #PewPew #ItsATrap
My husband and I were pleasantly surprised at how good this show really was. All of the special effects are orchestrated together so perfectly that the entire spectacle was amazing. I cannot wait to see it again on my next trip!
All of the Star Wars Experiences are so fun! Which made making this list so hard! But in the end, these are my top five favorites!
Now it is your turn to vote! Remember, if your favorite experience is not on the list, you can select “other” and comment below. I cannot wait to see how you vote! May the Force Be With You!
Extra Magic Tip: Be sure to go on Star Tours: The Adventure Continues more than once! With unique beginnings, middles, and ends, there are over 50 different combinations you can experience.
The very first Star Wars Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is taking place on April 14th, 2017 as part of Star Wars Celebration Orlando, but it is now expected that the event will become a regular offering for the park in the weeks to come. Disney has released a full schedule and list of events for the evening (finally) ahead of the debut just hours away:
Entertainment
Stars in Cars – 8:05PM
Motorcade Route (Stars near Main Entrance)
Grab your spot to view a star-studded motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars celebrities. The motorcade begins at the front of Hollywood Boulevard and travels towards Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.
Inside the Saga – Celebrity Chat Show – 9:00, 10:00, 11:00PM
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Theater (Pre-show begins 10 minutes before show time)
Hear from host Vanessa Marshall and Star Wars cast members and go behind the scenes of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” to learn what it takes to make remarkable cinematic moments. 30 minutes long.
Celebrate the Saga – 9:15 & 11:15PM
Rebel Base
Take an interactive journey that chronologically celebrates the milestones of 40 Force-filled years of Star Wars
DJ Dance Party – 7-7:25PM, 9:45-10:25PM
Rebel Base
Sway the night away at a galactic dance party.
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – 7:45, 8:50, 10:50PM
Rebel Base
Experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that juxtapose action-filled character moments on stage, including Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more! (Enhanced for Event)
Galactic Nights Epilogue – 11:40pm
Rebel Base
Prior to the evening’s grand finale, join our event hosts as you marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars Galactic Nights event highlights from the fans!
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – 11:45PM
Rebel Base
Watch the fireworks above bring the entire Star Wars saga to life in a spectacular multimedia experience! (Enhanced for Event)
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – 7:45, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45PM
Near Star Tours- The Adventures Continue
Witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. 25 minutes in length. Visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training. Participants ages 4-12 must be present to register. Space is limited. (Enhanced for Event)
March of the First Order – 8:30 & 10:30PM
Hollywood Boulevard
Captain Phasma leads a unit of First Order Stormtroopers down Hollywood Boulevard to the Rebel Base, stopping for a demonstration of their power and strength.
Imperial March – 7:25, 9:25, & 11:25PM
Starts near Star Tours and travels to Rebel Base
The Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader, leads a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic Imperial March to the Rebel Base.
Characters
The following Star Wars characters will be at the event to meet guests:
Darth Vader
Chewbacca
Kylo Ren
BB-8
Boba Fett
Jawas
Ewoks
Imperial Troopers
AWR Troopers
The following Disney characters will be available in their standard locations:
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
Olaf
Buzz Lightyear & Woody
Moana
Scavenger Hunt
Guests are invited to collect a piece of the saga at photo backdrops featured throughout the Park and affix each piece to your Star Wars Galactic Nights Credential! Disney
PhotoPass Photographers will also be at each location to capture your favorite moments.
Locations:
Jabba the Hutt’s Palace (Near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster)
Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite (Near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster)
Hoth Wampa Cave (Muppets Courtyard)
Trash Compactor (Left of Great Movie Ride)
Emperor’s Throne Room (Echo Lake)
Rogue One (Near One Man’s Dream)
Speeder Bike (Across from Star Tours)
Attractions
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars Edition is a special experience just for the event. Take a journey through hyperspace in this not-to-be-missed Star Wars experience. A version of this experience was run during The Force Awakens premiere hard-ticket event which was held in December 2015.
Other attractions that will be operating are:
The Great Movie Ride
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Muppet-Vision 3D
Toy Story Mania!
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Star Wars Launch Bay
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Food and Beverage
Skywalker Vineyards wines will be available at the bars located near the Rebel Base. Snack carts located throughout the park will feature specialty cupcakes, lightsaber churros, Chewbacca steins, and TIE Fighter popcorn buckets.
Merchandise
Special event merchandise will be available at the following locations:
Legends of Hollywood
Mickey’s of Hollywood
Keystone Clothiers
Launch Bay Cargo
Tatooine Traders
WDWNT will be on the scene tonight to bring you all of the action, so stay tuned for live streams on our social media counts and much more, as well as plenty of photos, videos and thoughts after the event concludes.
