The Best Christmas Stuff at Disney World You Can’t See Anymore – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7,  a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Because seven ate nine. Wait…

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With the Christmas season looming, along with the debut of some new holiday offerings at Walt Disney World this year, I though it might be fun to look back at some of the holiday stuff that you can’t see anymore. From extensive light displays to parades and shows from Holidays past, let’s take a spirited trip down memory lane. The best part? We actually have video of each of the offerings so you can relive them all one more time.

While it may seem a bit early to start celebrating, here are my Top 7 Christmas Shows that you can’t see at Walt Disney World anymore.

1. The Lights of Winter & Epcot Tree Lighting Ceremony

While it was never quite the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, people did really love the Lights of Winter as part of the Holidays Around the World at Epcot. I more so miss watching the tree lighting ceremony with characters that they used to do here, illuminating the tree and the Lights of Winter every evening around dusk. There was never any real reason given for the removal of the Lights of Winter, other than Disney claiming it was old technology. Still, it was a nice atmosphere piece.

 

2. Celebrate the Season

What began as a show at the Top of the World at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the early 1990’s became the longest running Cinderella Castle stage show in the history of Walt Disney World. Celebrate the Season packed more performers in than any other show to ever perform at the venue and was for the most part enjoyed by everyone who saw it. That being said, it probably was time for it to go. Celebrate the Season will be replaced by Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration on November 9th at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

3. Cinderella’s Holiday Wish

Since replaced by a Frozen Holiday Wish, the original Cinderella Castle lighting show was Cinderella’s Holiday Wish. When the Cinderella Castle Holiday Dreamlights debuted in 2007, they were an immediate hit with guests. It’s hard to deny the magic of the holiday lights on the castle, but was the Cinderella lighting show better than Frozen? I’m not so sure. I’m not one to jump on the Frozen hype train, but Elsa creating a layer of shimmering ice on the castle makes a lot of sense. Regardless, the old show was still good, maybe just because it was the first time ever that we got to see the Castle decorated for the holidays in some significant fashion.

4. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

What seemed to some like a haphazard overlay of a parade to give Animal Kingdom some sort of holiday season offering was actually a pretty clever concept. Costuming and music changes, as well as the addition of a hot chocolate smell coming from Donald’s truck, made Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade a tremendous amount of fun. I still believe that every version of this parade was vastly underrated and I wish they would ring it back. Last I heard, all of thew floats were still in one piece. Glad to hear that they didn’t “SpectroMagic” this one…

5. The Country Bear Jamboree – Christmas Special

A true classic that it is hard to believe has been gone for 10 years now. There were three versions of the Country Bear Jamboree show at the Magic Kingdom, the original (1971-1986, 1991-present), Country Bear Vacation Hoe-Down (1986-1991), and every holiday season starting in 1984, the Country Bear Jamboree Christmas Special. Supposedly, the budget from this went into the Cinderella Castle Dreamlights, which without a doubt more guests see every year than ever saw this show. Regardless, I would still love to see this return someday (a version of it can still be seen at Tokyo Disneyland though).

6. Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas

Perhaps the greatest character stage show ever presented at the Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas combined live musicians, dancers, and Disney characters for a fun retelling of a holiday classic. The show ran for many years at the Galaxy Palace Theater before the theater was torn down. In its place, the often despised “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” was created.

7. (Yeah, Seven) The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

I know this one still looms heavy in the hearts of many, myself included. The Osborne Lights were a staple of the Studios before they ever danced, but once the display moved to Streets of America and was sychirmnoized to music, it became an indelible piece of Walt Disney World history. It was everything the holidays at the parks should be: larger than life, covered in lights, a display of cutting edge technology, all while still being incredibly heartwarming. Will they ever return to Walt Disney World? With the amount of money being left on the table by not offering this, I can’t imagine a Walt Disney World theme park won’t someday host the lights one more time.

Sadly, the display was a victim of where it was. The only thing that made the display possible was a large, mostly underutilized empty street towards the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not to defend Disney, but there is nowhere that logistically could make this work today. Disney Springs would be overcrowded as the offering would be made free, no resort hotel has the parking area large enough, and no park currently has a space that could handle it. The only hope I see is a custom built area that is an expansion of a park, otherwise the Osborne lights will likely never return to Disney World.

Thanks for joining us on our Jingle Jungle holiday adventure! – Mickey Mouse

While these offering can not be seen anymore at Walt Disney World, it still promises to be an exciting holiday season with a new castle stage show and new fireworks spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Before we get into the new, I was feeling particularly nostalgic, so I wanted to give everyone a refresher course on the older offerings so as we can compare them to the new once they debut. Here’s hoping for a merry and bright holiday season at Walt Disney World, even without the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

What do you think? Which of these was your favorite? Are there any you missed that you wished you had seen in person? Let me know in the comments below.

CONFIRMED: Dr. Strange Meet and Greet Coming to Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

It’s happening! Dr. Strange will be the first MARVEL character to host a meet and greet experience at Walt Disney World.

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Starting Friday, November 4th, Dr. Strange will be meeting guests and performing illusions towards the end of PIXAR Place by the third track exit of Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Meet and Greet will not be publicized anywhere by the company, be it online, in a times guide, or in any cast member publications. This is a biproduct of restrictions caused by the MARVEL-Universal contract.

Man Dies Hours After Riding Star Tours

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

According to the Florida State Database for theme park illnesses, injuries, and deaths, a 67-year-old man died last month within 24 hours of riding Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Ralph Lyles of Memphis, Tenn. was reported to be listed under deaths after Disney submitted their quarterly report to the state. Florida law does not mandate state inspection for rides, though every three months the theme parks are required to send an updated list to the state that includes any illnesses or injuries that sent the victim to the hospital for at least 24 hours.

The cause of death was listed as “hypersensitive cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions contributing to death listed as obesity.”

The report stated that Lyles had pre-existing heart conditions and even mentioned feeling ill after riding.

The Famous Muppets Courtyard Fountain at Hollywood Studios is Becoming a Planter

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Without a doubt, you are familiar with the iconic fountain outside of MuppetVision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, that iconic piece of Studios history is now becoming a planter…

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Don’t worry though, the change is only temporary. The fountain will return in some form at some point in the future, but Disney is not stating when. It is believed that the nearby Star Wars construction requires the pipes for the fountains to be temporarily removed and the rerouted.

The temporary Miss Piggy planter will be completed by October 28th.

Disney World Theme Parks Adjust Security Screenings Following Guest Attempting to Bring In Loaded Gun

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Following Monday’s incident where a Louisiana man attempted to bring a loaded gun into Epcot, Walt Disney World Security has altered the way in which they are screening guests entering the park.

Gates force all guests without bags to funnel into a now mandatory metal detector screening at Hollywood Studios

Gates force all guests without bags to funnel into a now mandatory metal detector screening at Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests without bags are now being directed down a new route where they are forced to be screened a metal detector. Previously, these screenings were at random, although it was not uncommon at select times to find occurrences where Disney security cast members would send everyone coming in through metal detector screenings.

It is unknown if this will be the new standard procedure or if it is just being done temporarily placate guests fearful after Monday’s incident.

PizzeRizzo at Hollywood Studios Opens November 18th; Menu Revealed

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

PizzeRizzo – the classic family pizzeria owned by Rizzo – will open in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18. While enjoying personal-sized pies, guests will find décor inspired by Rizzo, as well as his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story eatery. Be sure to head upstairs to Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, where there’s a wedding reception already in progress; join the party and show off your best moves under the disco ball.

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Disney today shared some details of the menu for the first time. Entrees are served with a side Caesar salad, and include personal-sized Pizza Pies, available in four varieties—vegetable, pepperoni, meat lovers and cheese, as well as a Meatball Sub. If you’re looking for a lighter option, the Antipasto Salad features a bed of Romaine lettuce piled high with tomatoes, Mozzarella, Kalamata olives, ham, pepperoni, salami and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

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For dessert, indulge in traditional Italian sweets like Cannoli and Tiramisu. Specialty drinks will also be available, including a non-alcoholic Peach Bellini, and a Wildberry-Basil Lemonade Limoncello in addition to beer and wine for adults.

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What do you think of PizzeRizzo?

Dr. Strange Meet and Greet Not Happening, Moana Preview Coming to Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

For a limited time starting November 5, a sneak peek of Disney’s next big adventure, the sweeping animated feature “Moana,” will be presented as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering guests an advance look at scenes from the film. The removal of the Doctor Strange preview shuts down any hope of a character meet and greet coming, despite Disney casting for actors to portray the hero. The work inside of One Man’s Dream is likely related to some sort of new theme park model, possibly for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or the Star Wars & Toy Story Lands at Hollywood Studios.

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This special preview of “Moana” is also currently playing at Disneyland Resort, where guests can catch the sneak peek in Disney California Adventure park at the Bug’s Life Theater, featuring a 3D presentation with exclusive in-theater effects.

Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess and the Frog”), produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa‘i, “Moana” sails into theaters in 3D on November 23, 2016.

Zootopia Meet and Greet Coming as Part of the 2016 Holiday Season

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Deck the halls! Walt Disney World Resort does that and plenty more this holiday season – turning up the yuletide magic with new shows, thrilling spectaculars, beloved characters to create lasting memories, yummy and festive holiday treats, and theme parks and resort hotels all aglitter with holly, jolly decorations.

Here’s a sampling of the holiday fun in store for guests:

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· Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyful music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and the Magic Kingdom decked out and even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages. Disney princes join princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall. Guests can meet Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” in Tomorrowland. The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Dates for this year:

November 7,8,10,11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29

December 1,2,4,6,8,9,11,13,15,16,18, 22

For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours spectacular: Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty

· All new! Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: New to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey and his pals host some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas soiree filled with medleys of delightful classic and contemporary holiday songs, and magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle building to a sensational, snowy finale. (Also available Dec. 23 – 31 during regular park operating hours).

· Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: The enchanting holiday parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party transforms Main Street, U.S.A. Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey and his pals. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf from “Frozen” join in the fun.

· A Frozen Holiday Wish (Castle Dream Lights): This season, the wintry wonder and magic of Disney’s blockbuster “Frozen” enchants park guests as Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace for the holidays.

· Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: The night sky bursts with color high above Cinderella Castle with a holiday fireworks spectacular.

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· New Holidays Around the World Marketplaces – Explore what the holidays taste like around the globe at five new marketplaces: indulge in duck confit and dumplings from the Alpine Haus Marketplace, celebrate with the shredded beef tamale from the Three Kings Feast Marketplace, toast with Williams Punch from the Germany Marketplace, and more.

· Holidays Around the World entertainment – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase, as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music and time-honored traditions.

· A cherished Epcot tradition, the Candlelight Processional captures the spirit of the season in the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre from Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Narrators in 2016 include Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Meredith Vieira, and Cal. Ripken, Jr. Candlelight dinner packages are available through Disneyworld.com/holiday.

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· An all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 14-Dec. 31, sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.

· A new dessert party themed to the show will be offered nightly, one hour prior to each performance, in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater. Guests who book the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Party enjoy holiday-inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages. Guests can call 407/WDW-DINE or visit Disneyworld.com to reserve their spot (November 14-December 17, $69 adults, $39 children, including taxes and gratuities; December 18-31 $79 adults, $45 children, including taxes and gratuities).

· New for 2016 is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the Once Upon a Time shop. The beautiful and vintage setting reflects the bygone days of Santa’s visits to the great department stores across the country.

· During the holiday season, “Tinsel Town” takes on a new meaning at the theme park celebrating the magic of movies and television. A giant Christmas tree towers over the main entrance, holiday displays capture the imagination, shops along Hollywood Boulevard welcome holiday shoppers and colorful garlands and lights sparkle throughout the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s adventure park presents holiday themes in a whole new “dark.” Decorations park-wide frame new daytime-into-night experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest.

· Guests will be greeted, at the park’s entrance, by a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree.

· Mickey and Minnie don their holiday best to meet and greet guests at Adventurers Outpost. Their friends Santa Goofy, Baloo, King Louie, Donald and Chip and Dale also show off their holiday finest.

Disney Springs

With a multi-year makeover nearly complete, every corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for its first full season of holiday cheer. Disney Springs becomes “the place to be” as each of its four neighborhoods is transformed through festive décor, entertainment and holiday shopping at exciting new retail locations, from name-brand to cozy boutiques to everything in between.

A sampling of what’s new:

· Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail: To capture the spirit of the holidays, Marketplace guests can stroll among 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme.

· At the Once Upon a Toy Fountain (Marketplace), toys have magically come alive for an interactive holiday dance party nightly on the plaza. There’s pin trading, a nightly tree lighting ceremony and more.

Marketplace will be a holiday shopper’s delight. Seasonal offerings will fill shelves at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds and Marketplace Co-Op. Goofy’s Candy Co. is the place for yummy holiday treats. At Art of Disney, guests can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Meantime, some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors at Town Center, alongside venues unique to central Florida.

At Every Corner of Our World: Holiday Displays

Disney bakers and magic-makers transform Disney resort hotels and theme parks for the holidays. Just a few of the festive sights to greet guests:

· Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature an African Marketplace – made of gingerbread.

· Guests of Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Grand Canyon Concourse) will marvel at a world of majestic mountains and fjords anchored by a 17-foot-tall Gingerbread Holiday Ice Castle, inspired by Frozen and adorned with sugar snowflakes, gingerbread shingles and chocolate-coated trees.

· An annual treat, a life-sized holiday gingerbread house, is an eye-filling (and aroma-savoring) sight in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Bake Shop uses a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria for its cookies and ornaments.

· A life-sized, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort while a holiday village with miniature train holds forth at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

No holiday is complete without a special dining experience. Holiday menus that celebrate the season may be found at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. For holiday dining information and reservations, call 407 WDW-DINE.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 10/18/16 (Star Wars, Toy Story, PizzeRizzo, Parking Expansion, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Our latest photo report brings us back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on the park’s expansion, PizzeRizzo, Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, and more.

Welcome to Hollywood

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Construction on the roadways around the park has expanded greatly, even beyond the main Walt Disney World Resort entrance on World Drive.

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Entering Hollywood Studios from World Drive is quite the disaster currently as Disney prepares to move the entrance in the not-too-distant future.

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There are currently two exit ramps to Animal Kingdom as the new one recently opened. No word yet on when the old one will close, but for now you can take two exits in a row to the same place.

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The construction as seen from the World Drive road entrance.

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AOTAS Hall of Fame Removal?

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Rumor has it that the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame is being removed outside of the Hyperion Theater.

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This and That

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To make sure everyone knows they are back, a large sign was placed on the top of Oasis Canteen advertising the menu.

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Celebrity Spotlight was averaging about an 11 minute wait, so Disney cut the capacity in half and now waits have been double the length at least.

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Star Wars Land Construction

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Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America as land clearing is full speed ahead for Star Wars land.

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For a better look, check out this week’s expansion video update:

PizzeRizzo and Gonzo’s Royal Flush

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush opens a few weeks ago, but some signage was recently added to the exterior.

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Work continues on PizzeRizzo which should be opening soon.

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Some flags were recently hung, including the PizzeRizzo logo.

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Tables and some wall art were recently installed inside.

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Gone are the old planters, railings now separate the outside dining area from the walkway.

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Some new lamps were installed by the staircase.

Dr. Strange and the Mystery in One Man’s Dream

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The Doctor Strange sneak peek has finally begun inside the One Man’s Dream theater.

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Walls are still up in The Legacy Continues area of the exhibit. It is still unknown exactly what the work is for.

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The model of the fortress from Tokyo DisneySea is now gone. This model had been in the exhibit for a number of years.

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More permanent walls are now up. The door was left open at one point, so I peeked in. There is literally nothing there except some ladders and other work tools.

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The Doctor Strange preview is not much more than two of the film trailers put together, but the film looks interesting enough.

Toy Story Land

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The tarps are back up over by the former Jack Sparrow location, so we no longer have a clear view of construction down on this side.

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Land clearing continues back by Toy Story Midway Mania.

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Raiders of the Lost Ark

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As discussed in an earlier post, the ark from Raiders of the Lost Ark is now on display at the Great Movie Ride.

New Merchandise

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Some new ladies shirts are available in the Disney Boutique collection.

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The Disney Parks Attraction Poster Calendar for 2017 is now available, $24.99 each.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: The Ark from “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” is Now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Every now and then, the props in the queue of the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are switched out. Over the years, the exhibit space has been home to hundreds of legendary pieces of film history, from the chess table in Star Wars: A New Hope, to actual costuming pieces from Gone with the Wind, and so much more. This week, a new prop arrived for display. Some people call it “a transmitter… A radio for speaking to God…”

The Ark from Raiders of the Lost Ark, now at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Ark from Raiders of the Lost Ark, now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The actual Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark is the latest addition to the queue at the Great Movie Ride. Talk about a prop with some film provenance…

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Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones with the prop in Raiders of the Lost Ark

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones with the prop in Raiders of the Lost Ark

We also have a show video overview of the prop in its new home for you to enjoy:

So, what do you think? Are you excited to see this piece of film history on your next trip to Hollywood Studios? You should probably hurry up and tell Jock to get the plane going so you don’t miss it.