Beginning 11/30, ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer a “fast-casual dining experience” for dinner, providing Guests with an enhanced menu focusing on made-to-order, healthy and specialty items at the counter service location.
After ordering at the register, Guests will receive a pager and then find a seat while their food is prepared. Their food will then be brought directly to their table. The fast-casual dining begins daily at 3:30 PM. Lunch will remain the same as it is now.
The mystery construction inside off Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was finally completed yesterday when a Moana character meet and greet was unveiled, just in time for the new movie hitting theaters.
Wait times and hours for the meet and greet are posted outside of the exhibit
The meet and greet replaces a large portion of “The Legacy Continues” section of the exhibit which featured models of Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and other display pieces.
The entrance, just steps away from the 1964-65 World’s Fair exhibit area and Walt Disney’s EPCOT
While it will utilize a pager system to let guests know when it is time to get in line, I needed up waiting about 30 minutes yesterday when the system was not in use.
The pagers, not in use at the time
The space is surprisingly well-themed, with a rocky grotto constructed, complete with a projection based waterfall. The rest of the experience is mostly wall-stickers and small plants, but it is cute enough for something temporary.
There are no ropes separating guests in the switchbacks, just lines in the “sand”. I have too wonder if this will continue to work…
Moana has a backdrop straight out of the film, flanked by tropical rocks and plants.
Our interaction with Moana was pretty awesome, especially considering it was her first day meeting with guests. You can see that in our video below:
While I lament the loss of exhibit space, I understand the need to have this in the park and it has been a noticeable void since the Magic of Disney Animation closed last year. In fairness, it is in “The Legacy Continues section” of the attraction and the latest animated film is certainly continuing in the traditions of Walt Disney. I am curious if the rest of the exhibit will return when the expansion of the park is completed, but we will have to wait to find out.
We once again take to the skies to give you the best view possible of the ongoing expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Things are actually starting to get exciting over on the Toy Story Land area as structures are beginning to rise, meanwhile, Star Wars Land remains mostly a dirt pile. (Click images for larger res if you are into that kind of thing)
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
This side of the park is a disaster currently, and guests can really see this if they come in through the World Drive entrance to the park. A new car entrance and a parking lot expansion rounds out the construction you can see beyond the current borders of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Here you can see guest vehicles entering what’s left of that entrance, while just behind the fence, land clearing continues.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Here we see the one set of facades remaining from the Streets of America.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
The billboard is the only sign of what was the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground area.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Some temporary trees were rolled into the PIXAR Place area as otherwise the view beyond the walls would be nothing but blue skies.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
This road going through the middle of the site likely separates the Star Wars and Toy Story Lands.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
I’m kind of amazed at the one tree and small piece of concrete still standing from the Premiere Theater area…
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
They are beginning to carve out space for the attractions.
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Aerial View of Construction at Hollywood Studios, Latest Progress on Toy Story & Star Wars Lands
Disney recently released the above concept art for the Star Wars land at Hollywood Studios, which matches the shape of the site above pretty well if you turn it around (as our photos are looking from what will be the backside).
We now focus our view over towards the Toy Story Land area.
That square is the extent of Toy Story Land, minus the eventual new entrance that will cross into the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction just across that road.
You can already make out the main thoroughfare of Toy Story Land, although it is just a dirt path winding down the center of the above photo.
This big concrete box is most definitely part of the Slinky Dog Dash attraction, as it can bee seen behind the buildings of the load station in the concept art for Toy Story Land (included below). The attraction features a launch of a moderate speed and this box will likely hold the mechanics that can make that launch happen. The foundations for the Alien Swirling Saucers ride system are in place below that site. It seems this land is racing ahead, possibly not as far off as we once imagined.
It’s nice to finally start to see things that are recognizable after so many months of prep work. You can almost envision what this area will look like now if you compare it to the concept art.
We also have a video flyover of the site to share with you:
Of course, we will continue to keep you in the loop as work progresses on all facets of the massive expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Stay tuned for more!
We head back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for our latest photo report, checking in on Star Wars land, the continuing progress in the Muppets Courtyard, and much more around the Hollywood that never was, but always will be in our minds. At least what is left of it…
Rock ‘N’ Roller Closed-ster
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is closed for refurbishment.
The gates were closed and the courtyard off limits to guests while the work is being done.
Doctor Strange Arrives
The area was still being set up when we arrived at park opening. Kind of “strange” that Toy Story Mania exits into Bleecker Street…
Seating is already in place at PizzeRizzo, set to open on the 18th.
A really large crane has appeared at the Star Wars land construction site.
Mousecellaneous
Streetmosphere out in front of Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster while it is closed.
Reel Vogue now has a large selection of The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise. Note that the frames on the display art is reminiscent of the stretching room portraits from the Haunted Mansion.
Guests can find prepackaged candy apples should they not want to wait in the line at Sweet Spells.
An Admiral Joe Fowler sweatshirt was released in the Twenty Eight and Main collection.
Some new vintage style Mickey Mouse shirts for sale, some featuring the original Magic Kingdom map artwork.
Just as they have tested at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will now test the addition of an auxiliary guest relations and ticket sales location out in the park.
Hollywood Junction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Starting November 18th, guests can find help with ticket sales, ticket upgrades, and special event bookings at Hollywood Junction on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
While the locations in the other two parks are much further away from the existing guest relations location, there honestly just isn’t anywhere else for this to go at Hollywood Studios. At least is is pretty centralized and should be easy for guests to locate.
You may recall that this space was used in the past for some guest relations functions, but has been shuttered for some time now.
Join us this evening at 6:45pm for a live video stream of the premiere performance of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM nighttime Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walls around the soon to open PizzeRizzo Muppets-themed eatery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios came down today, allowing us a better view of the fantastic-looking new counter service restaurant.
Pretty neat garbage can, huh?
The menu is posted on the window.
I took another trip past the windows, but there still wasn’t much to see.
PizzeRizzo officially opens on Friday, November 18th.
The “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” has been quite popular, selling out on many evenings already. We had actually missed getting tickets to the first party when they first went on sale, but we continued to check for availability everyday. Last week, we did finally find two spots for the very first one and booked it immediately. The moral of the story is to keep checking back if it isn’t available when you first attempt, tentative guests will often cancel just a few days out.
The party starts 1 hour and 15 minutes before the show begins. Check-in begins about a half-hour before that and allows guests to obtain a wristband so they can just walk-in when the party starts. Tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you absolutely want a table with seats, get here early.
Unlike the indoors Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular dessert party (version 2), this one is held outside in the courtyard of the Great Movie Ride. While it seems a bit strange to put this outside in the colder months, especially for an evening event, the backdrop is pretty wonderful. The space was a little cramped though and it was often difficult to not find a line for food or beverage throughout the night. They may need to either add a few stations or decrease the number of guests, but I assume neither of those will ever happen “because MONEY”.
This was taken before everyone had gotten in, but it filled in real fast.
This was later…
I often waited between 5-7 (yeah, seven) minutes for a drink at the bar, which seems like a bit much considering the amount you are paying here for a premium experience. If I’m out in the park, I understand that lines are inevitable and a part of life. If I’m paying an up-charge for something, I expect some better service. If you wait a long time at a restaurant for your food to arrive, you get angry. At $69 per adult and $39 per child (Which jumps to $79/$45 December 18th-31st), I expect not to wait very long.
Let’s talk about the food and drink…
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party Snack Stations
I recall my very first Star Wars dessert party was disappointing as they really hadn’t prepared for it at all. That was not the case this time around as all of the stations were decorated just right. My first Star Wars dessert party still featured FROZEN-colored table cloths…
There are 4 food stations overall, two featuring the same “handheld” desserts, while another features non-dessert snacks, and the last has cakes, ice cream, and a snack mix. There are also two bars adjacent to one another and then a non-alcoholic drink station.
The chocolate cupcake with mint frosting and peppermint bark was one of the highlights for us. A larger version of this cupcake is sold in the park throughout the day now.
I also LOVED these gingerbread cookies. Sadly, no one could give me a full description of it, but it is enjoyable if gingerbread is your thing.
The lemon meringue tart was solid as well.
The ubiquitous crispy rice treats were also on hand, and tasted the same as always.
The “non-dessert” food station befuddles me. It is an expanded line from the Star Wars offerings, but I’m still not certain that all of these items need to be here.
The holiday antipasto looked kind of gross, but I took one for the team and tried it. It was surprisingly tasty.
The kale, collard and pomegranate onion slaw seemed a bit out of place, but it really wasn’t bad.
The meatballs were fine too, albeit seemingly out of place at such as event with a dessert-heavy spread.
The spinach dip was solid as well. Again, I didn’t hate any of the “non-dessert” offerings, I’m just not sure that we needed more of them. I would have rather they spent the time on the dessert line-up as it is a little thinner than the previous incarnations.
I could have done without the “warm salted caramel cottage pudding”. It was way too salty, and yes, I know that salted is in the name.
My favorite thing we had the entire night (other than alcoholic drinks) was the warm chocolate torte with cream cheese glaze and candy cane dust. It reminded me of a homemade chocolate cake and the cream cheese icing was absolute perfection. Add ice cream to this at the end of the station and you won’t regret it.
The only thing missing was the nitro-based dessert from the Star Wars party, which is a real loss. I was surprised that it wasn’t offered here, but I understand the need to differentiate these parties from one another at some point.
The winter spiced party mix was solid and fit the party well.
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Party Beverages
The bars offered two specialty beverages and a good selection of beer and wine.
I enjoyed the Apple Cinnamon Cocktail quite a bit, but the other specialty drink was my personal favorite.
The Gingerbread Martini was… everyone say it with me… PHENOMENAL. I think I ended up having three of these, including the one they handed me when I walked in. I enjoy creamy alcoholic beverages, as you might know by now, but even those in my party who usually do not found this to be their favorite offering from the party overall.
We also tried some the wines. Pictured above is the Cabernet and the Pinot Noir. Both were enjoyable, not the worst quality wines I have had in a Disney theme park.
As always, a selection of juices, teas, canned soft drinks, coffees, and water is available at a separate station.
Viewing location
The viewing area for the fireworks show was no different than Star Wars, located just off to the left side of the Center Stage area in front of the Chinese Theater. This is still the best place to see fireworks from in this park, and especially this show. There are snow and laser effects that are only best seen from this general area, so you will either need to book this party or show up at least an hour before the show to grab a spot up here. My viewing tips for the dessert party remain the same as from previous reviews, just stay off top the right of the viewing area if you want to see more of the show.
The show itself is fine, even lighter on pyrotechnics than the Galactic Spectacular show. That being said, there are two segments using the lasers that I absolutely adore, but overall, it’s fairly “meh” and far from any sort of substitute for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, or dare I say it, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
Overall
A dessert party is only as good as the show it is for, and I don’t think anyone was too crazy about this one. The food and beverage had a lot of good offerings, but there were a few misses. The biggest problem for me was the lines and overcrowding. Again, when you pay this much money, you expect somewhat better service. I had not waited in lines for food or drink like this at any of the 5 other dessert parties I had attended at this park, and I don’t expect it from this one.
While there was no large gift like at the Star Wars offering, guests at the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Holiday Party get to meet Santa Goofy and also get an exclusive pair of HoloSpex glasses.
The HoloSpex glasses are cool as they make reindeer shapes when you look at lights or fireworks.
The Santa Goofy meet and greet that comes to each table is a nice gesture, but the lighting is terrible in the area for something like this.
While it some ways it feels like a downgrade from the previous incarnations, the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! is a viable option for anyone who wants to drink, eat, and be merry instead of standing in a packed crowd for an hour waiting for this nighttime show to start. While I don’t think it was as good as my previous dessert party experiences, I’m still not sure that I wouldn’t recommend it to those interested. This is a busier time of year, and sometimes avoiding crowds is just worth the uncharge if you can afford it.
For quite a while now, Fairfax Fare at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been home to barbecue dishes (and more recently sharing that menu with loaded baked potatoes). Well, just this week, the main barbecue dish from this establishment picked up and moved over to the ABC Commissary, but was replaced with a number of “tex-mex” options.
New Fairfax Fare Menu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New Fairfax Fare Menu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The new menu features three tex-mex options, while keeping the Loaded Baked Potato, Fairfax Salad, and the Chili-Cheese Foot-Long Hot Dog.
New Fairfax Fare Menu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New Fairfax Fare Menu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
El Pastor Pulled Pork Sandwich ($11.49)
El Pastor Pulled Pork Sandwich ($11.49)
The El Pastor Pulled Pork sandwich is a step up from many similar style sandwiches around Walt Disney World. The pork here has a nice spicy kick and the bun is soft and flaky. The sweet plantains are surprisingly good, but the dish would probably be better off without the roasted corn medley as a side. I would certainly pick this over the pulled pork sandwich at Flame Tree Barbecue at Animal Kingdom.
El Pastor Pulled Pork Sandwich ($11.49)
Empanadas Platter ($12.49)
Empanadas Platter ($12.49)
The empanadas platter is solid, especially considering the inclusion of 3 sides. I wish that the empanada shells were a little crispier, but in fairness they seemed to have been sitting out at the restaurant for a while before we ordered them. They could also use some more beef inside, as you can see below. While I’m not a fan of the roasted corn medley, the rice and black beans were solid. Overall, not a bad dish, but not something I would order again.
Empanadas Platter ($12.49)
Fajita Combo Platter ($12.99)
Fajita Combo Platter ($12.99)
This is a sad, sad, sad imitation of the fajita platter at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe at the Magic Kingdom. There is no stacked condiment/toppings bar here and the advertised inclusion of sour cream didn’t materialize. When I went back to the counter to ask if I could have some sour cream, I was greeted with a dumbfounded look. I had to point to the menu and that it stated that there would be sour cream. The cast member then informed me that they don’t have any sour cream…
As far as the actual food, it was good. The pork is the same as the sandwich and the chicken was fine. Altogether in a tortillas, it comes together nicely, although it was missing something… perhaps some sort of cream-based condiment…
Fajita Combo Platter ($12.99)
Besides that, the meal came with just two tortillas… that’s insane. How on earth can you put all of that into two tortillas? Also, I’ve never been to a restaurant where I didn’t at least receive three tortillas with a dish of this style, Disney-owned or otherwise. When I went back to the counter to ask if this was correct, they said that they indeed only provide two. I then asked if I could have more and again was stared at as if I was a complete psychopath. They did reluctantly hand me another pack of two tortillas. Mind you, when I have asked for additional tortillas at Pecos Bill’s, they have always been more than happy to oblige.
Fajita Combo Platter ($12.99)
Overall
I would return again for the pulled pork sandwich, but otherwise I would skip Fairfax Fare in its current state. The baked potatoes are alright, but otherwise I wasn’t wowed with the new empanadas nor the fajita platter, at least not without some sort of viable condiment station for such dishes. It just feels like they are still not ready for this menu, even though it has now been there for a few days.
If you really just hate the other counter service locations at Hollywood Studios and absolutely need tex-mex in your life, this is where you will have to go, but don’t expect much from anything but that pulled pork sandwich.
The highly anticipated PizzeRizzo soft opened today ahead of it’s official opening on Friday, November 18th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Located in the Muppets Courtyard area, the quick service pizza restaurant takes over the space formerly occupied by Pizza Planet by MuppetVision 3-D.
I didn’t take many pictures of the exterior as we have been staring at it at naesuem for several months now.
Many pictures are just rather plain, but some feature Muppets characters. You’ll have to look real close for the details at this restaurant.
My first stop was Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall as it was the most talked up feature of the restaurant.
It was fairly plain, but had fun lighting and music. In fairness, I haver been to banquet halls in New York that look just like this. But we’re not in New York apparently… more on that in a bit…
Pictures of New York landmarks can be found scattered around both the upper and lower floor seating areas.
This is the upstairs.
Some signs from the Streets of America were reused in the interior of PizzeRizzo, a nice touch.
The two “VIP” booths towards the back of the second floor are surrounded by Muppets caricature pictures.
The balcony upstairs offers nice views of the Muppets Courtyard (and a little bit of Star Wars construction).
The upstairs restrooms are fairly plain.
Some papers hanging upstairs allude to more of the restaurant’s storyline. A “ZARAT” review puts the restaurant in Downtown L.A., meaning Rizzo and his fellow rats have opened this Pizza restaurant far from New York. It is supposedly a secondary location to their New York one. There is also a reference to 1989, when the park opened.
1991 is a reference to when MuppetVision 3-D joined the park.
The lower level dining area, adjacent to where you order your meal.
We will have a full review of the menu for you in the next day or so, so stay tuned!
