Starbucks to Open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015, Replacing L.A. Cinema Storage Shop

The L.A. Prop Cinema Storage shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing on June 16th for what is expected to be a conversion into a Starbucks location. The store is scheduled to be closed until March 2015, which would be about 8 months until we would see the Starbucks location completed, but it may be done a few weeks earlier than that. There’s no word of if the exterior Red Car Trolley Barn theme of the building will remain, but we are hopeful.

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Starring Rolls was rumored to be the new Starbucks location for the park, but the space was deemed too small to handle the amount of guests expected daily. L.A. Cinema Storage is a fairly large location and is conveniently placed at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, which should be a easy-to-find location for guests especially when entering the park.

Disney has not confirmed Starbucks will be taking over this space, but it seems highly likely at this time. This would be the 5th Starbucks to open at Walt Disney World with locations at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and 2 at Downtown Disney/Disney Springs.

VIDEO: #1 Criminal Steals Scenes from #1 Pre-Show at Muppetvision 3-D

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In promotion for Muppets Most Wanted, some changes were made to the beloved pre-show film at Muppetvision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure. Constantine, the villain from the new film, has been added in some snippets that interrupt the existing pre-show several times before leading to a lengthy interlude with the world’s number 1 criminal mastermind. to make room for this, some beloved segments have been removed, including Gonzo dancing with a potted plant on his head. Hopefully these missing sequences will return soon, but until then, here is what guests will see:

Limited Edition Star Wars “Vanity” MagicBands To Be Released This Weekend

Some time ago, we told you that Disney would eventually sell “vanity”, or character/movie themed MagicBands to guests at some point in the future. Well, that point will be the final weekend of Star Wars Weekends 2014 June 13th-15th:

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The bands come in a special Star Wars Weekends box and are a limited edition of 2500 each. Yoda and Darth Vader are the two styles that will be available to guests. No retail price has been provided at this time.

The American Idol Experience Set To Close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015

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Typically, some hardcore Disney World fans will make up a rumor every now and then that the American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing. For once, it seems the rumors are true and the attraction will close forever at the very beginning of 2015 in early January. Starting in July, the show will be decreasing the number of daily performances offered as well.

The American Idol Experience opened to mixed reviews in early 2009 amidst a tremendous amount of hype. The attraction was a first of its kind as everyday park guests could compete for a front of the line pass to any American Idol audition around the country. Many American Idol Experience golden ticket winners went on to be finalists on the actual television program, making it hard to argue that the attraction managed to find some really great talent and serve its purpose during its nearly 6 year run.

The American Idol Experience holds a special place in our hearts here at WDWNT as we were the very first website to post photos and a review of the show during the short soft-opening period in January 2009.

While Disney and Freemantle Media have quietly confirmed the closing of the attraction, there has been no word on the future of the Superstar Television Theater. Rumors indicate that somewhere down the line the building will be demolished for the long-rumored Star Wars land project, but the proximity to the center of the park and Hollywood Boulevard leads us to believe otherwise. This theater was vacant for seven years prior to the opening of the American Idol Experience, so there is always the possibility that it will remain dormant. Only time will tell…

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios July 5th – September 1st

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Update – Disney Parks Blog has officially acknowledged the event and we have even more details. Frozen Summer Fun will be taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios everyday from July 5th through September 1st.

This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be celebrating “Frozen,” the hit animated feature film from Disney, with a daily character procession, sing-alongs with Anna and Elsa, fireworks, a polar playground, ice skating rink, ice carving demonstrations and a nightly party featuring a live band, all themed to the worldwide phenomenon.

From July 5-Sept. 1, 2014, “Frozen Summer Fun Live!” will bring to life the world of royal sisters Anna and Elsa and their fairy tale kingdom of Arendelle.  Most activities are included in theme park admission.

Special experiences will immerse guests in lots of Frozen fun. Here are some highlights (*schedule subject to change without notice):

Olaf on Summer Vacation
As a special feature before the fireworks, guests will have a chance to be a part of a pre-show celebration by hashtagging photos of themselves in the park with a “Take-Along Olaf.”  Throughout the day, Take-Along Olafs will be distributed at various locations in the park.  Guests are then invited to take Olaf along with them on their Disney’s Hollywood Studios adventures.  By sharing their photos with the unique hashtag #OlafSummerVacation, their photos may appear on the big screen in this special pre-show feature.

Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome
Each day at 11 a.m., Anna and Elsa, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, will travel in a royal procession down Hollywood Boulevard.  Rugged mountain man Kristoff is along for the fun joined by a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters, all dressed in their Arendelle best.

For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration
Inside the park’s Premiere Theater, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the history of their kingdom amidst projections, lighting and special effects.  Guests will be invited to join in special sing-along moments from the film’s chart-topping soundtrack.  At the end of the performance, guests might find themselves becoming “Honorary Citizens of Arendelle.”  The 20-minute show will be presented multiple times each day.

Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland
There’s a “big summer blowout” happening inside the park’s Soundstage One, where Oaken – the film’s trading post owner – and his cousins have created the “Frozen Funland” amidst a winter wonderland.  Living up to its name, there will be plenty of frozen festivities inside the makeshift adventure park Oaken and his cousins built to make the most of the sudden snowstorm. Part of the Oaken’s Frozen Funland will be an ice skating rink with demonstrations by some of Oaken’s talented cousins on the Arendelle ice. In addition, icy artisans will put their talents on display, creating carvings of favorite “Frozen” characters from giant frozen blocks.  Kids can enjoy frozen wintertime activities in the “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” area.  For all of his Frozen Funland friends, Oaken has plenty of merchandise at his Trading Post, along with hot cocoa and sweet treats available for purchase.

Skating sessions are $10 for 30 minutes on the ice, including the use of ice skates, socks and a helmet. Guests can also bring their own equipment. Oaken’s Frozen Funland will be open daily from park opening to 8 p.m., and skating sessions are available on a first come, first serve basis. (Note: Skating availability may be limited to the sizing of skates. Waivers for all guests are required and minors must have an adult/responsible party age 18 or older present to sign for them).

“Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party
From 5:30-9:30 p.m. each evening, a live band will take the stage to celebrate the Frozen summer fun with contemporary songs and a few familiar tunes from the film.

“Frozen” Fireworks Spectacular
At 9:45 each evening, the giant Sorcerer Mickey Hat on Hollywood Blvd. gets the full Frozen treatment with special projections of snow and ice images, in an eye-popping spectacular above Hollywood Blvd.  Set to the film’s soundtrack, the fireworks show will feature some special guests – including a very magical appearance from Elsa in which she will show how her powers flurry “through the air and to the ground” to produce magically icy blue and white gleaming fireworks.

 


 

Details have leaked from the My Disney Experience app (which have been pulled since) for a special event being hosted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 5th, 2014. The event will be themed around “Disney’s Frozen” and will be included with regular park admission. Disney has not officially confirmed this event and as of right now its strictly a rumor. Below are the details that were included on the My Disney Experience app:

Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 5th
Olaf on Summer Vacation in Hollywood Boulevard
Coolest Summer Ever Dance Party taking place in Hollywood Boulevard
Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome taking place on the Sorcerers Stage
A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration taking place on the Streets of America
Oaken’s Frozen Funland in Pixar Place
Frozen Fireworks Spectacular happening above Hollywood Boulevard

Stay tuned for more information on this event as it becomes available.

Dirk Wallen’s 4/1/14 WDW Photo Report (Polynesian, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, ETC.)

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen recently visited the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Polynesian lobby lives to see another day…

ABC’s The Middle was filming at the Magic Kingdom this week

The cake cups at Chshire Cafe were changed recently

The card is edible…

Work continues in the Magic Kingdom moat as part of the hub remodeling project

You can still make out the old Swan Boat track

Carnage in the old smoking section by Plaza Restaurant

We found the other cake cup…

Moving on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is an ad for the “it’s a small world” animated series in the parking lot

After almost 25 years, the Kodak signage on the Darkroom has changed to Nikon

The ABC Sound Studio will soon be host to a preview of Maleficent

Some random Constantine wanted posters have appeared in the Streets of America

Some new Muppets t-shirts available

Stage 1 is one of the stores now selling MagicBands to guests, and they have a ton

Easter cupcakes are available at most counter service restaurants

Legends of Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. is also selling MagicBands

They also have some Captain America merchandise

More MagicBands at the Darkroom

Moving on to Disney Springs, work continues on the new parking structure

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen Dazs are now moving to the other side of DisneyQuest after having closed to make way for Starbucks

Starbucks on the West Side is coming along nicely

No visible progress on the BET Soundstage

Work is picking up in The Landing

Nothing new to see here either

Soon guests will be able to pass through behind Raglan Road

A designated Food Truck area is coming to the West Side this summer

Here’s what’s open…

Continuing work the bridge for The Marketplace

The latest progress on the Starbucks in the Marketplace

Pollo Campero has already been leveled

Another look at the parking structure

Star Wars Weekends D-Tech Me Offerings Expanded for 2014

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Star Wars – D-Tech Me has been one of the most talked about merchandise offerings at Star Wars Weekends over the last several years, so it is no surprise that Disney will be adding to the line-up of offerings in 2014. This year, the D-Tech Me location will be located inside Darth’s Mall, located in Soundstage 1 between Studio Backlot Tour and Toy Story Midway Mania.

For those unfamiliar with Star Wars – D-Tech Me, this 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. The captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine.

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The existing Carbon-Freeze Me and Stormtrooper programs are returning this year, joined by two new figurines – Alderaan Princess and X-Wing Pilot. There are both male and female options offered for X-Wing pilot, Carbon-Freeze Me and Stormtrooper figurines.

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For children, Alderaan Princess and Carbon-Freeze Me figurines will be available in more youthful appearances.

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For the first time, a 16-inch figurine will also be available. You can see the size differences of the Stormtrooper figurines in the above image.

Disney is also promising that on May 16 on DisneyParksMerchandise.com they will let guests know how to have their image from last year added to a new figurine this year.

The Star Wars – D-Tech Me 7-inch figurines are $99.95 each, plus shipping and applicable sales tax. For the 16-inch figurines, retail is $1,499.95 each, plus shipping and applicable sales tax. All participants will receive a specially designed button. Completed figurines will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally).

To book your experience, please call 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324). Disney will only offer the experience during Star Wars Weekends 2014 (May 16 – 18, May 23 – 25, May 30 – June 1, June 6 – 8, and June 13-15).

Finally, guests attending the Rebel Rendezvous event on May 15 will be some of the first individuals to experience Star Wars – D-Tech Me this year. Registered event guests should look for an email soon that will explain how to sign up.

Star Wars Weekends 2014 Introduces Add-On VIP Package

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For $499 per person, you can now add a VIP tour package to any Star Wars Weekend day:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends will introduce an ultimate day filled with the most sought after service and experiences. A team of Disney VIP tour guides will take you on your journey designed to surprise and delight the most avid Star Wars fan for $499per person, plus tax.

Includes:

-Best seats in the house for shows at the Premiere Theater including Stars of the Saga

-Expedited access to attractions including Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Toy Story Mania, and more

-Private continental breakfast at the Hollywood Brown Derby

-Reserved location to see the Legends of the Force Motorcade

-Table-service lunch inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios

-Shopping time at Darth’s Mall

-VIP Viewing and dessert party for the new Symphony in the Stars fireworks

The Ultimate Day at Star Wars Weekends bookings open April 11th by phone at (407) 934-7973.

 

Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary – We need your help!

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With the anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios just around the corner, we would like some help from you, our fans!

Over the past 25 years we’re sure you’ve made some memories or had something amazing happen at the Studios. We’d like for you to record yourself or write a paragraph describing a favorite memory or moment you’ve had at the Studios for us to play on WDWNTunes in celebration of this momentous occasion. If you submit a write-up of your memory, someone from WDWNT will record it for you.

Please include your name, where you’re from, and try to keep it to 2-3 minutes in length if you can. We’ll add some background audio and things of that sort for you. Please send all submissions to dhs25@wdwnt.com.

Thanks so much!

Disney Reveals 25th Anniversary Merchandise for Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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On May 1st, 2014, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will celebrate its historic 25th anniversary in style with a plethora of exclusive commemorative merchandise items. Soundstage 1 between the Studio Backlot tour and Toy Story Midway Mania will be turned into a special merchandise location for the day and all of the following will be available:

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Here are the men’s, women’s, and children’s shirts (including a polo shirt)

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Keychain, pre-dressed Duffy the Disney Bear, messenger bag, logo pin, and “I Was There” pin

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An assortment of other pins and pin accessories including an annual passholder pin and some open edition pins that will be available throughout 2014

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A mystery pin collection featuring Disney characters

The Disney Parks online store will also carry the four shirts pictured in this story from May 1-5, 2014. The shirts will ship in 6-8 weeks once orders are completed (express shipping is not available). To order the shirts starting May 1, visit http://www.DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents.

WDWNT will be covering all of the festivities for the 15th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1st, so stay tuned!