New “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Fireworks Show To Debut Early On December 18th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

It appears that when “The Force Awakens” in theaters, the new nightly Star Wars-themed fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will awaken as well.

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Originally the show was going to be presented only on weekends in early 2016, but it was then extended to nightly starting January 5th, 2016. However, it seems Disney doesn’t want to wait to unveil the new show and wants to use it to entertain the extra large holiday week crowds and stir even more interest in the new film.

The show will premiere to the general public at 11PM on December 18th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (after premiering to guests attending the special AMC Theaters event with park after party the night before). The show will then be presented nightly from that point onward, joining Fantasmic! in the park’s nighttime show lineup.

The new Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular is a brand new fireworks show using classic Star Wars music, as well as some musical entries from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Zootopia Preview Coming to Hollywood Studios, California Adventure; New Trailer Released

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Guests at Disney Parks here in the U.S. will soon be getting an exclusive preview of Walt Disney Pictures latest animated release, Zootopia, in theaters March 4th. At Disney California Adventure Park, the “Zootopia” preview will be presented at the Bug’s Life Theater with special in-theater effects. Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at clips from the film as the end film of the One Man’s Dream attraction.

The Zootopia preview at Walt Disney World was expected to take home in the Magic Eye Theater at Epcot, but it appears the new Disney and PIXAR Short Film Festival will be a more permanent offering than we expected.

Today, Walt Disney Animation Studios has released a brand new trailer for their upcoming animated film as well:

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore and co-directed by Jared Bush, opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

RUMOR: Pizza Planet at Hollywood Studios to Become Muppets Restaurant?

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Pizza Planet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing January 11th, 2016. If no further information was provided, we would assume this has something to do with the construction of the Star Wars themed land, but the restaurant is scheduled to re-open in late 2016. So… are the Muppets moving in?

Provided Muppetvision 3-D is staying, it would make sense to finally turn this establishment into a Muppets themed restaurant, as originally intended back in 1991. With a refurbishment this long and an entire Toy Story Land being built on the other side of the park, it makes little sense for it to return as a Toy Story-themed eatery. While it may not be a Muppets re-theme, something is definitely happening to Pizza Planet in 2016.

We have no solid details at this time, but stay tuned for more on this as it develops.

Star Wars “Season of the Force” Cancelled for Walt Disney World; Star Wars Fireworks to Run Nightly Instead

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Despite a HUGE announcement at the D23 Expo, it seems Walt Disney World has decided to make several changes in regards to the roll-out of the many aspects that would have been part of the Season of the Force event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With many fragments of the event rolling out in small bursts from now until January 5th, it seems Disney will simply advertise all of the pieces individually rather than market it as some seasonal event. In short, Season of the Force will not exist.

Launch Bay

 

That being said, all of the advertised pieces of Season of the Force are still happening. In fact, the fireworks show that was originally announced as only a weekend offering will now be offered nightly:

“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’ – Starting Jan. 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

There will also be an added-charge dessert party offered for the show:

Guests will soon be able to purchase admission to a dessert party during the fireworks show featuring themed desserts, specialty drinks and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.

But specialty snacks will also be available throughout the day:

Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Another new offering beginning on January 5th will be the First Order Stormtrooper patrols:

As guests enjoy the sights and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they may come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers who will patrol various areas of the park, interacting with guests during their mission to find members of the Resistance.

These pieces come in addition to the Path of the Jedi clip show, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue additions, and the new Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Show that will all be in place by December.

Annual Passholders Receive Special Glasses to View Final Osborne Lights on Mondays and Wednesdays

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

 

The Walt Disney World Passholders Facebook group announced the following today:

Add a dash more dazzle to your holiday cheer with special specs! Amidst a flurry of “fa-la-la-la-las,” Passholders can celebrate the last year of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights with a yuletide souvenir—exclusive spectacles that brighten the shine and create sparkling snowflake effects!

To pick up your complimentary pair, simply stop by Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (directly to your left upon entering the park, just beyond Guest Relations). Offer valid after 5:30 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays during the final season of Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which runs from November 6, 2015 to January 3, 2016. One per Passholder while supplies last—Passholder card and photo ID required.

While they have done this promotion before, it is nice to see it return one more time, even if it is on select evenings.

RUMOR: Opening Date Set for Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The new star Wars Launch Bay attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soft-open to guests on November 27th, 2015 if all goes according to plan.

 

This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings.  Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing the Magic of Disney Animation.

REVIEW: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Breakfast An Out-Of-This-World Alternative to Other Studios Offerings np

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

On Sunday, November 1st, the Sci-Fi Dine-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began testing a breakfast offering. Similar to the Star Wars version offered seasonally in May & June, the breakfast offers pastries, choice of a fruit cup or yogurt parfait, and an entree. The usual video loop of classic sci-fi films and drive-in theater promos play above as guests dine in vintage-style car facsimile tables.

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The pastry tray to share between every pair of guests

 

The fruit cup and the yogurt parfait

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A look at the breakfast menu

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I had the steak and eggs which was really good. The steak was a nice size, the eggs cooked with cheese and bacon were excellent, and the potatoes and tomato were also delicious.

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The brioche french toast was spectacular as well, very filling.

Breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In is $23.99 for adults, $12.99 for children (Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland both accepted). The price point t is pretty good for a sit down restaurant that can get you in the park pre-opening, and I think the value is really there as far as the amount of food you get for that price. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park fairly short on breakfast offerings, so I think this is a great addition that will prove popular enough to remain year-round. If you’re aren’t a fan of Hollywood and Vine, I strongly suggest you give breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater a try on your next trip.

Disney Finally Announces “Club Villain” for Hollywood Studios, Special Ticketed Dining Event in 2016

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

We told you about Disney casting Villains for a new offering at Hollywood Studios several months ago, well the new Sunset Showcase will start hosting the new offering come Saturday evenings in January 2016:

Sunset Showcase loudly presents Club Villain, a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event—debuting January 16, 2016!

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online or by calling (407) 939-3463.

  • Separate admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required, and is not included in the price of this package.
  • Club Villain will be offered on select evenings only. Please check the booking calendar for specific dates and times, as operating hours may vary.
  • This event will offer banquet style seating, so you may be seated with other parties.
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify age.
  • This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.

Thus far, the event is only scheduled for Saturday evenings beginning January 16th, starting at either 7:45PM or 9:15PM, depending on park hours for that day.

Tom Corless’s 10/26/15 WDW Photo Report (The Good Dinosaur, Osborne Lights, Star Wars, Etc.)

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot over the weekend and have some newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting around Walt Disney World:

There are 4 new character shirts with the vintage Walt Disney World logo now available

There’s a new line of ladies’ apparel with Minnie Mouse on it

There are also some new Tinker Bell items of clothing

New Minnie Mouse active wear for sale


Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Good Dinosaur preview has opened inside Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

The regular film will return December 5th, but until then guests can preview the latest Disney-PIXAR film

The Good Dinosaur merchandise has started to arrive at WDW

Shellie May merchandise is also flooding the parks

Work continues on the Star Wars Launch Bay

New billboards up in the Animation Courtyard

As the new show is being built, the old Jedi Training Academy stage is being dismantled

Installation is nearly complete for the final Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

If Star Wars land is indeed replacing Streets of America, this window display is quite fitting

The Muppets is also being promoted with themed garland

A piece of the Studios’ 26 year history will watch guests enjoy the final year of the Osborne Lights

Posters for ABC’s The Muppets have been put up at Muppetvision 3-D

The We Love Disney music album preview in the Sound Studio brought about a much needed refurbishment of the theater, finally ripping out the Sounds Dangerous seating

The preview is fun and a nice diversion if you’re visiting the park

BREAKING: Special “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Event To Be Held at Disney Springs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

 

It seems the AMC Theaters at Disney Springs will be hosting a very special event where guests can be among the first to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens and then enjoy an after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Also, join the celebration at Walt Disney World as AMC Theatres and Disney Parks celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Opening Night Event will take place on December 17, where participants will be among the first to see the new film at AMC Disney Springs 24 and then celebrate together at a private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tickets are available online only at AMCtheatres.com/StarWarsWDW

The site is not live yet, but we expect that tickets should go on sale sometime tomorrow to coincide with the trailer release, but that is purely speculation at this point. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

UPDATE: Here is the official information from Disney –

Starting at AMC Disney Springs 24 between 7 and 8 p.m., guests of the Opening Night Event will have a confirmed seat at the first few public showings of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and then enjoy a private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios until 2 a.m. The party will include access to the new Star Wars Launch Bay exhibit, the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, and a DJ dance party. The night will be highlighted with the preview of a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic “Star Wars” score. Event attendees will also get a commemorative souvenir event ticket. Guests of the Event are encouraged to come dressed in costume showing allegiance to the light side or dark side of the Force. Please see the Costume Guidelines in the FAQs.

The newest “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” trailer will debut in ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” Monday, October 19, during halftime of the National Football League (NFL) game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. Tune in to ESPN to watch the premiere of the final trailer or join your fellow Star Wars fans at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA to watch the trailer on a giant screen outside AMC Downtown Disney 12 theatres. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. counting down to the trailer release.

Following the trailer launch, tickets to the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Opening Night Event will be on sale. For tickets to the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Opening Night Event at Walt Disney World Resort, visit amctheatres.com/starwarswdw to purchase.

How can I get tickets to this event?
This event will go on sale on Monday, October 19, 2015, at www.amctheatres.com/starwarswdw.

Why does the price for this event vary?
Ticket prices reflect a variety of format options for the movie, including 2D ($94.99), 3D ($98.99) and 3D ETX ($99.99).

Can I purchase a ticket just for the private after-hours party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®?
No, the event includes both admission to the movie at AMC Disney Springs™ theatres as well as the after-hours event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Separate admission is not available.

Are any discounts available for this event?
No. Discounts are not available for this special engagement event.

Will transportation be provided between Disney Springs™ and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®?
Participants will need to provide their own transportation between Disney Springs™ and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel the night of the event and prefer not to drive, complimentary transportation will be provided from Disney Springs™ to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and back to your resort. There will not be transportation provided between Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disney Springs™ at the end of the event. Parking at Disney Springs™ is complimentary. Parking at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is included in the event ticket price. Please allow extra time for parking at Disney Springs™ due to construction in the area. More information about parking and event logistics will be communicated closer to the event.

What time should I arrive at Disney Springs™?
By purchasing a ticket to this event, participants are confirmed to receive a seat to see the movie at a specified time in the format chosen. There will be two steps to check-in for this event:
Anytime after purchasing a ticket online and up to one hour prior to the event, participants will need to bring their online confirmation number to the theatre box office or Automated Box Office kiosks during normal operating hours to print a AMC Disney Springs™ 24 Theatres ticket.
On Thursday, December 17, 2015, Disney Springs™ will open at 8:00 a.m. for guests to begin checking in for the event. Plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to the show time to allow ample time to check in. Guests should bring their printed AMC Disney Springs™ theaters Box Office Ticket (with Auditorium Number) to the check-in location that will be communicated prior to the event. Please be aware that Guests are not able to enter Disney Springs™ prior to 8:00 a.m.

Will there be any characters at this event?
Yes, characters will be appearing at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Will anything else be open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for the private after-hours party?
Yes, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will operate during the after-hours party in addition to Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours The Adventures Continue attraction. There will be additional entertainment throughout the park. No other attractions are planned to operate.

Can we come in costume?
Yes, participants are encouraged to attend in costume, provided they follow these guidelines:
Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by AMC and Disney.
Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
At AMC Disney Springs™ 24 Theatres, masks must be carried and can be worn for photos. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for this event, masks may be worn, but they must not obstruct vision, and eyes must be visible at all times.
Guests who dress like Disney characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.

Will I still be able to see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at AMC Disney Springs™ 24 theatres if I don’t attend this event?
Yes. Visit amctheatres.com or the AMC Disney Springs™ 24 theatres box office for later show times and details.