PHOTOS, VIDEO, & REVIEW: Frozen Summer Fun Adds Hours of Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

Frozen Summer Fun kicked off on July 5th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we here at WDWNT were on the scene to give you the full run-down of the 2-month-long event at Walt Disney World. Let’s look at this special event centered around the worldwide phenomenon of Frozen:

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome

Daily at 11:00AM, guests can welcome Anna and Elsa to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a short parade that travels up Hollywood Boulevard, pauses at the Sorcerer’s Hat stage for a short presentation, and then travels through Echo Lake towards Star Tours.

The parade is short, but a fun way to start your Frozen-filled day at the park

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post

Located inside Soundstage 1 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a Frozen superstore!

If you are looking for anything Frozen, there is no reason to shop anywhere else at Walt Disney World.

They are doing a great job of keeping everything in stock and the variety is the best of any store carrying Frozen items at Walt Disney World.

If you are looking for one of the iPhone 4/4S or 5/5S cases or the Anna, Elsa, or Olaf MagicBands (retailing at $19.95 each), this is where you will need to go.

The store is really well-themed, even down to the pine smell being pumped in. There’s even a small counter selling Frozen-themed treats.

Oaken’s Frozen Funland

Oaken’s Frozen Funland is a little bit of a frosty winter in Florida. Guests can play in the snow at the “Do You Want to Build A Snowman Playground”…

Enjoy some ice skating for 30 minutes for a fee of $10…

Purchase a Frozen treat… or even buy hot cocoa in July in Orlando…

But my favorite offering had to be the hourly ice skating show performed by two very talented professionals to some of Frozen’s more popular songs:

For The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

If you’ve seen the sing-along version of Frozen, get ready for a condensed version of what you have seen with fancy lighting and a few character appearances. Oh, and snow. Lots of snow. Ticketing is being done on the Streets of America and is given out for each show on a first-come, first-serve basis. The theater holds over 1000 guests and there are several shows a day, so don’t worry about running over here hours before the first show to get a ticket.

The show has two storytellers who jump in between songs to move the story along and keep the show around 30 minutes. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff make sporadic appearances before appearing all together on stage for the finale. The moment at the end is cute and your kids will probably love the sing-along portion, but this really isn’t much. It’s better than waiting 3 hours to have your family meet the characters individually, but isn’t much of a unique offering if you saw the sing-along in theaters. It’s well-produced and a nice escape from the heat, but it isn’t anything to write home about either.

Frozen Fireworks

A second nighttime show at Studios is always a good thing, and Frozen fireworks are no exception. Preceded by a now seemingly customary dance party starting earlier in the evening, this show combines live characters on stage with pyrotechnics in the sky:

Thoughts

Frozen Summer Fun is a great offering because it adds so much more to do in a given day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Oaken’s Frozen Funland is a great way to spend an hour or so of your day ice skating, watching ice skating, playing in the snow, or just enjoying the air-conditioning and you inhale a Frozen-themed sweet treat. The sing-along will keep smaller guests entertained and out of the Florida sun, and the parade is cute and well-done for what it is. The main attractions is definitely the fireworks show, a must-see if you are visiting during the limited run. Overall, it’s always nice to get more entertainment added to a day in the park, and frankly this isn’t the best or worse seasonal event ever held at Walt Disney World. If someone in your party loves Frozen, chances are they will think this is the coolest thing ever, and that’s probably enough reason to go. You’ll certainly find at least one or two of the offerings worth the trip and chances are you were going to visit the Studios on your trip anyway. Frozen Summer Fun is a worthwhile addition, but probably not the highlight of anyone’s vacation. Oh, and don’t forget to get an Olaf on a stick to tweet about…

Frozen Summer Fun festivities will be offered daily through September 1, 2014. Fireworks will not be offered on August 23rd due to the Villains Unleashed party.

7/21/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and Epcot this past weekend and have a number of newsworthy photos to share with you, so let’s take a look at what’s new around Walt Disney World:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

A new Elsa mug for sale at Oaken’s Trading Post

If you spend $25.00 on Frozen merchandise, you can get this lithograph for $14.95, it’s a Limited Release item

Some Yoda MagicBands remain in the Darkroom, Vader has sold out…

Moving over to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs…

Work on Food Truck Park and the elevated walkway on the West Side is progressing

Pleasure Island’s transformation is really starting to take shape

The large building on the waterfront in The Landing has most of its framework completed

New structures also taking shape in the center of the island

This will mostly be new dining options

Heavy dirt moving happening where the Town Center will be, the former main entrance of Pleasure Island

Some work occurring in the waterway by T-Rex

Pavement work continuing near Portobello and Fulton’s

The first large details on the Marketplace bridge are showing

You may recognize this blue steel truss from the concept art

With the construction mess there currently, you may want to stay away from Downtown Disney this summer

There is a new display when you enter Marketplace Co-Op

Items from the Wonderground Gallery at Disneyland are now being sold in the center

Hipster Mickey and Minnie along with “it’s a small world” on one side

Disney Princesses on the other side

Some benches have also been placed in the center

Signage is being replaced on the World of Disney store, so a temporary sign is up

Moving back to Hollywood Studios, Frozen was added to the front of the map this week

A Guardians of the Galaxy photo-op was added near the preview, they add the other characters in if you buy the Photopass picture

New Rebels shirt at Tatooine Traders

#OlafSummerVacation over…

The new Hollywood Studios popcorn bucket features the Disney characters dressed at Streetmosphere from the park

The Red Car building has begun its conversion into Starbucks, the canopy on the front has already been removed

This really cool new book has started appearing around Walt Disney World

You can write down memories and important trip information in here

I love the artwork inside

FUZZY PENS!

SURPRISE!

On to Epcot, where some planter work is happening outside of the park

NEW iPhone cases

Some fairly new Toy Story ear hat ornaments have been released

7/23/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs)

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

WDWNT Reporter John Corigliano visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs/Downtown Disney over the weekend and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

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Olaf made of sand welcomes guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Frozen Summer Fun

Guardians of the Galaxy billboard now up near PIXAR Place

Work has begun to turn the Red Car building into Starbucks for the Studios

Moving to Disney Springs, road work has begun to widen Lake Buena Vista Drive and make other road changes in the area

The latest progress on the parking structure

The roadways over here are going to be a mess for a while

Days are numbered for this sign…

You may want to avoid Downtown Disney for a while…

Marketplace Co-Op is having a hard time keeping most items in Centerpiece in stock…

All that remains of the Orange Bird items in the pillow

Marketplace bridge work is really ramping up now

In the distance, work continues on new buildings for The Landing

goodbye…

Yikes…

More Details On “Villains Unleashed”, Live Action Maleficent Meet-and Greet & More Characters Revealed

WDWNT on August 7, 2014

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Disney has released more details on the “Villains Unleashed” event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 23rd, including the addition of a meet-and-greet with the live action Maleficent character, as well as some rarely-seen baddies, and much more:

  • Hades Hangout – The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.
  • Villains Dominion – For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!
  • The Dark Side – During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.
  • Villainous Encounters – Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!
  • Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show – Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!
  • Fantasmic! – Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.
  • “Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks – Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics!
  • You can get a Villains ExScream Makeover with complimentary face painting at stations around Echo Lake
  • Join in on one of the dance parties taking place in the park
  • Enjoy a wicked cabaret atmosphere – not to mention some delectable, small-plate menu items – at Club Evil in the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Star Wars Weekends 2014: Inside Darth’s Mall & Rebel Rendezvous Review

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

I attended today’s Rebel Rendezvous event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This hard ticketed affair gave guests the opportunity to pre-purchase limited and open edition merchandise. There were also some gifts, meet and greets and artists signings inside the event. Rebel Rendezvous also gave attendees a look inside Darth’s Mall, the Star Wars Weekends merchandise shop, one day before the general public.

Before we take a look at the photos, let’s answer the question everyone was asking me: “Was Rebel Rendezvous worth the $250?” I’d have to say no. It was great being assured all my merchandise without having to brave hours and hours of lines on Friday morning. But the price of the ticket did not seem to cover the entertainment and gifts offered. There was a meet and greet, but it was the same four characters all day… Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Darth Goofy and Stormtrooper Donald. Granted, all 4 at once with no line is a treat, but I would have like more. The artist signing was great, but a presentation would have been welcome. The initial gifts were okay (great messenger bag), but no departing gift was a fail.

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In the end, I wanted a “Wow!” unexpected, unadvertised moment for my money… and I didn’t get it.

Now, take a look at all that awaits guests to Star Wars Weekends…

First, Darth’s Mall this year is located inside Sound Stage One (next to Toy Story Midway Mania). The welcome room area that guests will queue up in before entering the shop itself has some merchandise preview cases as well as some Star Wars props.

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Now we venture inside the shop…

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Rebel Rendezvous RSP pick-up area

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Star Wars Lightsaber Umbrellas and Lamps

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Although this was the Rebel Rendezvous, Stormtroopers freely roamed the halls???

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Latez Jabba

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R2-D2 Bank

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Stormtrooper statues lurked over the crowd

 

 

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As you walk in, you are greeted by plush. A new X-Wing Micky and Yoda Duffy

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Star Wars Weekend logo merchandise

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The 2014 calendar is fulled with the SWW ads over the years

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X-Wing Pilot Mickey

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Chewie Plush

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Bantha Plush

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New Duffy pre-dressed as Yoda visiting WDW

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The 2014 mug is full of detail. Raised lettering, date on handle and Rebel Mickey logo on the inside bottom

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I love the X-Wing Mickey and R2-MK logo and this shot glass is great

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SWW logo tumblers and frame

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Also available is the Jedi costume for Duffy

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Shadowtrooper and R2 bank

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Beach towel has Darth Goofy fighting Jedi Mickey

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This year, the Disney Design Group released a second series of the popular Pixar Cars as Star Wars die cast…

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New this year…

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Luigo as C-3PO and Pitties as Jawas combo pack

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Chick Hicks as Boba Fett

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Ramone as Han Solo

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Red as Chewbacca

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Mater as Vader and Doc as Obi-Wan

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Disney Store Talking 14″ poseable figures. Love these! Real movie lines recorded with clear playback

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Ashley Eckstein, meets with fans

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Trays of Star Wars series 4. And the chaser is…

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Wampa!

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Star Wars headphones for $199.95

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Star Wars headphones listening stations

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Star Wars car wraps

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An anamatronic Admiral Ackbar drinks out of the new Stormtropper stein

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This amazing custom Vinylmation sold within an hour of shop opening

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There is a character meet and greet area

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Star Wars name tags are available again this year. This one was exclusive to Rebel Rendezvous event.

VIDEO: Hyperspace Hoopla Replaced By New Stage Show & Symphony in the Stars Fireworks at Star Wars Weekends 2014

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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A few months ago, we reported that the Hyperspace Hoopla show that has annually been a part of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would not be returning in 2014. Well, while we knew that the Symphony in the Stars fireworks would replace it, we did not know much about the short finale show that would precede the fireworks:

The show is fairly short and really isn’t much more than some pyro and some photo-ops for guests before the fireworks start. Hopefully, this will be built upon in years to come and be more of a spectacle on the scale of Hyperspace Hoopla.

Here is video of the Symphony in the Stars fireworks show, including some new pyro not seen in last year’s show:

We also have a neat video of the fireworks taken from outside of the park:

Videos by John Corigliano

One-Night-Only “Villains Unleashed” Hard Ticket Event To Be Announced

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

We told you in 2013 that the Limited Time Magic Friday the 13th “Unleash the Villains” event was a test for a possible hard-ticket event to be added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the not-too-distant future. Well, Walt Disney World is expected to begin ticket sales for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members tomorrow, June 5th, for the very first “Villains Unleashed” after hours party to be held on August 23, 2014 from 8PM-1AM. Tickets will be sold to the general public starting June 9th.

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Ticket prices for APs and DVC members will be $67 adult/$62 child in advance, $71 adult/$66 child day of.

No further details are available at this time as the event has not been officially announced yet. We expect the event to carry over some of the more popular offerings from Friday the 13th, 2013, which you can watch below:

Tickets On Sale Now; Entertainment Line-Up Revealed for “Villains Unleashed” Event at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

As we reported yesterday, the “Villains Unleashed” party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios did indeed have tickets for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members go on sale today, even though the event has still not been formally announced by Disney at this point. Today, we got some details on the event offerings that will take place during the party on August 23rd from 8PM until 1AM:

  • Special Fantasmic! pre-show
  • Star Wars villains character zone
  • Hades Hangout and Dance Party
  • Themed variety show in the Theater of the Stars
  • Villainy in the Sky fireworks
  • Appearances by over 50 villains, some in meet & greets
  • Specialty merchandise, food, and beverage

Tickets are on-sale now at this link, but you must be logged in as a Walt Disney World passholder to do so.

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VIDEO: Mark Hamill Recalls Memories of Playing Luke Skywalker & The Joker at Star Wars Weekends 2014

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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For one weekend only, a bit of Star Wars royalty dropped-by Star Wars Weekends 2014 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A special “Conversation with Mark Hamill” was held in the Premier Theater on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and we were lucky enough to catch the very last presentation of the show yesterday afternoon. Please enjoy our video of the entire presentation:

Pretty cool, huh?

“Guardians of the Galaxy” Preview Coming to Disneyland, Walt Disney World

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Starting July 4, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is coming to Disney Parks with an exclusive sneak peek, offering guests an extended look at the film before it opens in theaters.

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At Disneyland park in California, you can catch this limited time intergalactic preview in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Magic Eye Theater in Tomorrowland, where Captain EO is typically shown. Captain EO is expected to return in August.

For those visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you’ll be able to experience the cosmic adventure of “Guardians of the Galaxy” at the ABC Sound Studio at Disney’s Hollywood Studios presented in RealD 3D. This will be replacing the current Maleficent sneak peek attraction in that space.

It’s no accident that there is no Marvel logo in the image Disney is using for this preview, the logo and all mention of the company will be missing at Walt Disney World thanks to the existing theme park rights deal Universal has in place with Marvel.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” finds space adventurer Peter Quill the object of a bounty hunt after stealing an orb coveted by a treacherous villain, but when Quill discovers the power it holds, he must find a way to rally the quartet of ragtag rivals hot on his trail to save the universe.

“Guardians of the Galaxy,” releases in U.S. theaters on August 1, 2014.