Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Page 58

Haunted Mansion and Toy Story Midway Mania Test New Child-Rider Policy

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

There may be no windows and no doors, but Disney believes those under the age of seven should have an older guest sitting with them when they ride the Haunted Mansion or Toy Story Midway Mania. From TouringPlans.com:

Beginning Monday November 5, 2012 the Haunted Mansion and Toy Story Midway Mania attractions in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will temporarily testing a new seating policy for the rest of the month and gauge guest reactions.

According to the new policy, children under 7 years of age must ride with someone over the age of 14 in the same row. The previous Toy Story Mania policy was that an adult must be in the same vehicle. There will be a sign near the entrance informing guests of the new policy. There will also be Cast Members at the ride exit surveying guests about how they feel about the policy.

VIDEO: The Legend of Jack Sparrow Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

Despite being billed to open on December 6th, The Legend of Jack Sparrow has now soft-opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction is located on Mickey Avenue between Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream and Toy Story Midway Mania and is pretty hard to miss with its spiffy new facade:

The attraction begins with a short pre-show where guests are introduced to the narrator: a talking pirate skull that should be recognizable from the original attraction at Disneyland and from the film’s logo:

Guest then enter the main show room, a circular set where projection mapping (think Cinderella Castle during Celebrate the Magic) is used to bring scenes from the films to life for about 8 minutes. After recreating some famous scenes from the film series, guests finally get to see Captain Jack Sparrow via projection technology very similar to what brings talking fish to life in The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot. In my 3 experiences, I have seen differences in this portion of the show, meaning you will see a different Jack Sparrow introduction portion in the show from time to time (think Star Tours randomization).

Personally, I think the attraction is very well done. Guest interactions throughout thew show are a bit corny, but the projection technology that brings you into each scene is amazing. Bullets leave marks on walls, sails swing and sway, and the entire room even becomes submerged at one point, all simply through projections. The computer animation is spotless and the novelty of living envoronment around you is sure to entertain guests for years to come. I was ready to hate this attraction based on previous experence with various movie-set walkthroughs that have existed within this soundstage, but I have to say I really enjoy this one. It’s not just publicity for a movie, it’s actually a fun show with great modern technology that does its very best to leave guests smiling. It’s not going to be something you do every time you visit Hollywood Studios, but it is another worthwhile attraction in a park that probably needs some more.

This attraction is a bit of a challenge to film, but we have video of the entire attraction which may help you judge it a lot better. Regardless, you should see this next time you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

MR. SPELL WORKS! After 4 Years of Waiting, PIXAR Place Prop Finally Operates

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

Since Toy Story Midway Mania opened in May 2008, we have been staring at this particular prop waiting for it to do something. We always assumed that just like the real Mr. Spell toy, it would scroll text and speak at some point. Well, 4 years have gone by and finally, this has happened:

So, it’s not completely working yet, but there are signs of life at least. We can only hope that he’ll start speaking as well in the coming days… stay tuned.

FastPass+ Ride Reservation System Gets Cleaned Up For a Third Test Run

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

Walt Disney World cast members are currently testing FastPass+ at the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios through Saturday. I got to play around with the registration system a bit earlier today and I have to say it is looking a lot better than it was during the last testing period. Here’s what we have learned about the process:

Once you log-in, each guest can choose a character avatar (only 8 available now) and mark if they are celebrating anything

The current test allows one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You pick the day you want to visit that park…

The current test allows you to pick one experience from the first category and 2 experiences from the second

You will then get 4 options with different times for each experience

You can always make changes based on availability

You can change times or experiences, you can even change it for individual guests in your party

All other available times are listed if you want to change times

The main menu has a variety of options

We will be out in the field testing FastPass+ this weekend, so stay tuned for complete coverage!

VIDEO: Mr. Spell Finally Speaks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

WDWNT on May 31, 2012

Just a few days ago, we showed you video of the Mr. Spell prop near Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios actually displaying text. Well, now there is some audio to go along with it. It still isn’t exactly working properly, but it seems we are getting closer and closer to a fully operational Mr. Spell:

AJ P’s 2/12 Walt Disney World Resort Photo Report

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

WDWNT reader AJ P. was nice enough to offer us some newsworthy photos they took on their recent trip to Walt Disney World, so let’s take a look around all 4 parks and Downtown Disney:

Land clearing continues for the Grand Floridian DVC wing

the rain left some large puddles

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

Chamber of Commerce behind tarps

The Bakery as well

On to New Fantasyland

Work being done on the facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Large walls popping up on the site of the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

Supports and such for the Mine Train in the foreground, Storybook Circus tents in the background

A green and red wall will separate the forest from Storybook Circus

A look across to Belle’s Village

The remains of Dumbo right in front of an expanding Castle Wall

Dumbo is coming along quickly

The backside isn’t themed in any way, but it faces the Speedway, so it will match nicely…

The Barnstormer tower

Circus tents

Walls still up near the Haunted Mansion

The Sunshine Tree Terrace is still behind tarps

Tarps still up at Pecos Bill’s

The planters have been repaired in Tomorrowland, but they have temporary covers until plants are placed

On to Downtown Disney, work continues on Splitsville

Doesn’t look like much has happened inside yet

Rainforest Cafe is open while work is done on the exterior

Concept art shows the new exterior and the new Lava Lounge

Stitch is gone from the World of Disney sign

Work being done on the pavement outside the store

Moving over to Epcot

Flower and Garden Festival preperation

Work continues on the entrances to the Seas with Nemo and Friends

The water play areas in Future World are being fixed-up

Tutto Italia is finally being remodeled after 5 years in the former Alfredo’s building

The exterior is being ripped apart

The old waiting area is gone…

The horror… THE HORROR!

I hope they are fixing the menu here as well, because Via Napoli makes this place look silly

The other water play area behind walls

Modifications being made to the Spaceship Earth queue in preparation for the eventual roll-out of Xpass…

We’re going to animal Kingdom!

For one piece of news… they are still repairing the rock-work in the Oasis

Adam Roth’s 12/26/11 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 28, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth recently visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom and took a TON of newsworthy photos to share with us, so strap in for a lengthy look around Walt Disney World:

Adam caught the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special inside the ABC Sound Studio, former home of Sounds Dangerous

In case you don’t know, Comedy Warehouse was a club at Pleasure Island

Just a sticker, but shows effort for a very temporary attraction

Control booth

The show is improv, comedy’s ugly cousin…

OK…

I’ve been running this site for five years, and this is easily the lowest moment…

Adam enjoyed it and so did guests, so we’ll see what the future holds…

Booths from the Food & Wine festival being used to meet dining demands

The Magic of Disney animation added a campus map a while ago… it’s trying to look like a real animation studio

Nothing says Italian like fast food meatballs…

The Premiere Theater is showing holiday cartoons

“Curse you Perry the Platypus!”

The daily schedule

The “italian” restaurant

It looks awful…

The stage is set for New Year’s Eve

Adam is a good colorer…

I’m so proud…

The Monsters University logo now up inside the Magic of Disney Animation

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, we arrive at Sleepy Hollow

What could we be here for?

Of course!

Here is the chicken sandwich without the usual spread

The ham, prosciutto, and swiss sandwich

The Diamond Horseshoe was open

Somewhere, a child cries…

“MICKEY!”

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is performing daily now

“Yay! We didn’t have to buy a party ticket! But this place is packed…”

Christopher Robin was added to the parade this year, but the Pooh tree float is gone

Duffy joins the fun

The skiers were new for this year

Awwwww…

Bo Creep… I mean, Bo Peep

A personal favorite

Another personal favorite

However long that is, it’s too long…

Too long!

Could we cut out this step thing!

Storybook Circus construction as seen from the TTA

The lower level rock-work taking shape at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The back of the Dumbo queue building was painted green

Three digits…

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas is performing daily

Spot the Captain EO reference?

Eye did! Get it? Eye did!

Instead of having him on screen, Stitch appears on stage now

Some new props had to be made for the changes

The new tower at Barnstormer is rising up around the track

There is a lot of color on the Dumbo queue

They are pretty much rebuilding the old tents

Oooooo, I spot a dirty word…

Scaffolding up over the Dumbo queue building

The roof over the two covered queue areas is coming along

You can see the new Dumbo spinner through the queue

The train station is almost done

Another look at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The caverns are now visible

Belle’s Village is starting to look good

Another look at the Storybook Circus train station

Back to Under the Sea

Prince Eric’s castle

Notice Mr. Stork at the top of the new Dumbo spinner

Back to Belle’s village

Maurice’s cottage

Be Our Guest restuarant

A panoramic view of construction

Some of the Storybook Circus pavement has been revealed

wagon wheel marks and horse footprints litter the path, a beautiful detail

The mountain range looks great

The sun sets on the old Dumbo…

Some work has been done on the Castle Wall

A stone wall has popped up next to it

The edge of the rock-work

A chimney through the trees

Holy Nana!

You’d have to have a hook for a brain to wait in that

“it’s a long line”

Nice sign

The new path near the Haunted Mansion is being worked on

Non-alcoholic sangria from Tortuga Tavern

YUM!

Time to light the Castle

Purty…

New details were unveiled in the Town Square Theater queue for Mickey

Notes for advertisements made by Mickey sit on a bulletin board

Gotta love these details

Mailboxes

A reference to the first attraction in this space, the Walt Disney Story

The Bill Justice character mural that used to stand in this space lives on with these rolled up pictures of it in one of the mailboxes

A great addition to a pretty bland room of the queue

A new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom window in Fantasyland

Hidden camera

Another window in Fantasyland

This appears to be Merlin’s house as you can see Archimedes’ bird house in the back

Another Fantasyland window

Not so hidden

The last reference to Tinker Bell’s Treasures has been turned into a Sorcerers window

The Main Street Electrical Parade is supposedly leaving before Summer 2012, so get in your last views while you can

The holiday edition of “The Magic, the Memories, and You!” is still performing

Some Holiday Wishes! photos

Yowza…

Quick, let’s take the secret exit out of this photo report!

Tower of Terror Race Returns to Walt Disney World

WDWNT on December 21, 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Dec. 21, 2011) – Reviving the scarily popular Twilight Zone Tower of Terror theme, runDisney unveiled its newest race today, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, which debuts next year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

The nighttime race, scheduled for Sept. 29, is the reincarnation of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K last held in 2009. The new event has a similar race course – through the set of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” and past Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat – but featuresrunDisney’s first-ever 10-mile distance that finishes, appropriately enough, near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Runners will receive a finisher medal inspired by the Tower of Terror and then celebrate their achievement at a villainous post-race party with their family and friends, where they will enjoy live music, characters – including your favorite Disney villains – and have exclusive access to attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania.

“The 10-mile distance has emerged in popularity as beginning runners, who are fast becoming super fans of the sport, consider it the next big challenge after a 5k or 10k,” said veteran race director Jon Hughes, who will serve as race director for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror event. “Take into account the unique night race combined with Disney’s Tower of Terror theme, and it’s ‘the must do’ event for 2012!”

The new The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race is the sixth signature runDisney event and the second nighttime race at Walt Disney World along with the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which shifts to Nov. 9-10 next year during the final weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. As with all runDisney events, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race weekend will involve a variety of events, including a 5K and Kids’ races, plus a Health and Fitness Expo, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney.

Race registration opens Feb. 14, 2012 at runDisney.com. For more information on runDisney events and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, visit www.runDisney.com.

Comedy Warehouse is Back For The Holidays!

WDWNT on December 10, 2011

Here is one of the strangest stories I have ever seen from the Disney Parks Blog:

What says “holidays” better than laughter? At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, laughter will ring out thanks to a special family comedy show scheduled for a limited run at the ABC Sound Studio (theatre) in the heart of the park.

From December 25 through December 31, “The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” will present the best of improvisational comedy as performers – including alumni from the Comedy Warehouse on Pleasure Island – take suggestions from Guests and add their own brand of humor, right on the spot.

The performers hilariously reinvent holiday classics based on suggestions they solicit from the audience, including holiday songs, stories, poems and movie scenarios. Show times (subject to change) are 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. daily.

”The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” is included in park admission.

It appears that the park would rather bring back Comedy Warehouse than bring back Sounds Dangerous or replace the now closed Narnia exhibit. Merry Christmas!