PHOTOS, VIDEO: Up Close Look at the Controversial Facade for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Walt Disney Imagineering today shared an in-depth look at the model for the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout attraction which will be replacing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure.

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The model pictured here was created by Walt Disney Imagineering to guide the transformation currently taking place on the exterior of the attraction. Every shade and detail you see here will be replicated in full size, as designers, builders and artists work to bring The Collector’s realm to life here at the Disneyland Resort.

This “warehouse, fortress-like power plant” (as described here by Joe Rohde, Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering) is designed to be intimidating and imposing, but also shimmering and regal. It will be the ideal location for The Collector to secure and show off his most prized acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy.

It does seem odd that Disney is acknowledging that they are changing the facade while the Tower of Terror is still open, but it is happening (see our photos from earlier today of the current state of the facade). It also is strange to see Disney devoting so much publicity to a facade that so many have taken to social media to attack. Regardless, it should be interesting to watch the rest of this process unfold over the next several months.

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 10/3/16 (Star Wars Land, Rogue One, Tower of Terror, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back out to the Disneyland Resort in his latest photo report. Today, we check in on Star Wars Land, the “desecration” of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and a number of smaller projects taking place around the resort.

Star Wars Land

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Work on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park rolls on (as it will be a few years).

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This looks familiar…

The tunnel above is likely the one that will greet guests at the entrance to the land. An X-Wing and assorted items will greet guests just outside on the passage from Critter Country and Frontierland.

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Welcome to Disneyland

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The cannon in Town Square is moving into a planter to make more walking space for guests, something much needed during parade and fireworks time.

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Here is the new pedestal that the cannon will call home.

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Work on the Market House facade has wrapped up.

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The sidewalk work on Main Street has already wrapped up.

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While the Diamond Celebration ended over a month ago, the castle decorations will remain until November.

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The facades behind the New Orleans Square train station are being touched up.

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Mickey’s Toontown is getting some TLC (and I don’t mean tables, ladders, and chairs).

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Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin is open while the facade is being fixed up.

Rogue One – A Star Wars Story Merchandise

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On Friday, Disney Parks released dozens of new items inspired by the upcoming Rogue One – A Star Wars Story film.

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This and That

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The Crush sipper cup is now available on the West Coast at Award Weiners.

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The Doctor Strange preview will be opening soon, but Disney is already stating that a Beauty and the Beast preview will occupy the space in the Spring.

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The Mad T Party/Jammin’ on the Backlot/elecTRONica stage is finally coming down.

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AP Days are rolling on through the Fall.

The Tower of Terror Enters Its Twilight

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Scaffolding is now going up around the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Odds are that it won’t even look like the attraction by the time in closes in January.

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The attraction is being replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout, opening Summer 2017.

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Quicksilver is now closed as well… WILL THIS BE THE SPRINKLES LOCATION???

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 9/27/16 (Goodbye Tower, Star Wars Land, New Fantasmic!, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Disneyland reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back to the Disneyland Resort for our latest photo update, looking at both parks as well as Downtown Disney. Let’s jump right in!

Star Wars Land Construction

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Construction continues on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park, visible from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.

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Tram Lane Reconfiguration 

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The tram route around the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is currently being reconfigured.

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Downtown Disney

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World of Disney is open while the facade is being refurbished.

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The space next door to Jamba Juice is currently vacant, rumored to be home to Sprinkles, which will open in November.

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Naples has blocked off an area for needed outdoor seating for guests.

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Some work happening at the former House of Blues space, rumored to be an west coast home to The Edison.

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Some work also happening on the bridge area.

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Still unsure what will happen to the space next door to this Starbucks.

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Disneyland Monorail

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Let’s take a ride aboard the Disneyland Monorail.

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The Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is gone, visible from the Monorail.

Star Wars: Season of the Force Moves Out (For Now)

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Even though Season of the Force is over, it should be returning in November, thus why all of the lighting and such was left up in Tomorrowland. Hyperspace Mountain will likely switch off with Ghost Galaxy until Star Wars land opens, so don’t expect to see regular Space Mountain anytime soon.

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All of the Star Wars banners were changed over to generic Tomorrowland banners.

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Some work is being done to the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters FastPass area, which is also used for Star Tours FastPass.

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A nifty, yet temporary, Tomorrowland sign replaces the one for the Season of the Force.

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I’m honestly surprised that it isn’t flat.

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Definitely prefer this to the 1998 signage.

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This and That

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Some work being done to the sidewalk on Main Street U.S.A.

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Star Wars construction, as seen from Frontierland.

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Work continues on the Rivers of America while its many attractions are closed.

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The Columbia is getting ready to host the Pirates of the Caribbean in an updated Fantasmic!

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A fangless, new-faced Mickey meets guests on Main Street.

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The canon is missing…

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Disney California Adventure

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The old Millionaire soundstage now sits vacant, but has seen better days on its exterior.

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After 6 years, the backlot stage is finally coming down.

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It might actually be nice to see this area back to normal, as ugly as it is.

Hollywood Tower Hotel sign removed from Tower of Terror

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As we reported last week, the Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is already gone from the Tower of Terror.

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The attraction will close in January to become Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.

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To infinity and beyond!

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A lot of guests are angry about this, personally, I still don’t think it actually matters, but to each his own.

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PHOTO: The Hollywood Tower Hotel Sign Already Removed from Tower of Terror

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

While the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure still has a few months left until it closes in January to make way for the Guardians for the Galaxy – Mission Breakout attraction, Disney has already removed the trademark Hollywood Tower Hotel signage from the attraction overnight.

Courtesy of the HoJo Anaheim Mattercam

Courtesy of the HoJo Anaheim Mattercam

It is a little strange to remove the sign with so much time still left for the current ride to operate, but likely work like this will continue to be done to make the transition into the new ride a much quicker process.

Here is what the sign once looked like on opening day…

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RUMOR: Possible Universe of Energy Closing Date for Guardians of the Galaxy Ride at Epcot

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

According to cast members who work at Epcot’s Universe of Energy, they have been informed by managers of a closing date for the Ellen’s Energy Adventure attraction.

Epcot's Universe of Energy

Epcot’s Universe of Energy

If the cast members are to be believed, the attraction will shutter in January 2017 to make way for the rumored Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster attraction. The Guardians of the Galaxy ride is likely to be announced at the upcoming Destination D event by Bob Chapek according to internal rumblings at the company.

The Guardians of the Galaxy ride for Epcot was originally slated to be announced at Comic Con alongside the Mission: Breakout attraction replacing Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure. It seems as though the Epcot ride was simply not completely “green-lit” in time to make the announcement a dual one.

Do keep in mind that much of what you read above is still in the realm of rumor at this time (as is anything until finally confirmed by the Walt Disney Company), but with the rumblings growing stronger and stronger each day, it is seeming more and more likely to become a reality.

RUMOR: Is Vekoma Constructing A Revolutionary Flying Roller Coaster for Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Ride?

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

The plot is thickening for the rumored Epcot “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction. Long time Disney roller coaster manufacturer Vekoma is now building a test track that may be the earliest version of a new coaster ride system that would replace the Universe of Energy.

A Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster ride is rumored to replace Epcot's Universe of Energy.

A Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster ride is rumored to replace Epcot’s Universe of Energy.

Vekoma has in many ways been the coaster manufacturer of choice for the Walt Disney Company over the last 25 years, producing the ride systems for The Barnstormer, Big Grizzly Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, and many more.

Photos from a Vekoma fan show a Vekoma test site with a strange coaster test track being erected. The following photos were posted by user MrRC:

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But why do we think this could be related to the Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy ride? An interesting Disney patent form a few years back looks like it may tie-in to this very design, featuring a unique load system and track for a suspended, “flying” roller coaster:

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A ride system for giving passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that each has a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along a length of the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.

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Does this patent and the Vekoma test track mean anything? That is the real question. Disney seems like a likely customer for an experimental ride system like this, especially considering Vekoma and Disney worked together on building a whole-new sort of vehicle for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train together.

The track in the patent and what is being built at the Vekoma test site are eerily similar. The Disney patent is for a sideways loading roller coaster and Vekoma is building what looks to be a sideways loading flying coaster track. It is an awfully big coincidence if not related.

Annual Passholder “AP Days” Event Coming to the Disneyland Resort This Fall, Includes Guardians Ride Preview

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

AP Days will return this Fall at Disney California Adventure to celebrate Annual Passholders with special experiences and giveaways. The various events will take place over two phases from September 6 –October 2, 2016.

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

Part 1, taking place Sept 6-18 will be themed to Halloweentime and will include:

  • AP Days Showcase – Stage 12 in Hollywoodland
    • Character Meet & Greet inside Stage 12 with Wizard Donald and Skeleton Goofy
    • A Showcase of Halloweentime décor from Horticulture, Resort Enhancement, and Food & Beverage (weekends)
    • A showcase of up and coming content for the Resort (Guardians, Main Street Electrical Parade, Food & Wine, and More to be Announced)
    • Information Center for amenity distribution, AP Days questions
    • Activity tables with coloring sheets
    • Complimentary water
  • AP Days Welcome Center -Paradise Gardens Gazebo
    • Vacation Planning Ticketing Cart for renewals/activations
    • AP-branded photo-op
    • Button distribution
    • Social Media presence to promote @DisneylandAP and Pin Trading
Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

  • Passholder Offerings
    • Unique artwork button by artist Jeff Granito
    • Free recipe cards (Pumpkin Twists, Pumpkin Bread, Rosemary Lamb Chops, and Sweet Potato Biscuits)
    • AP Days inspired menu items at Paradise Gardens and Schmoozies (Specialty Pizza, Mickey Mouse cupcake at Paradise Garden, Malibu Mocha drink at Schmoozies)
    • Exclusive Merchandise at Seaside Souvenirs and Studio Store
    • PhotoPass special discount offers
    • ‘More or Less’ and ‘Fall Mystery Shopper’ AP Adventure Activities
AP Days Exclusive Merchandise

AP Days Exclusive Merchandise

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

AP Days, Fall 2016 at the Disneyland Resort

Part 2 taking place Sept 19-Oct 2 will focus on Fall Holidays and Thanksgiving:

  • AP Days Showcase -Stage 12 Patio
    • Character Meet & Greet inside Stage 12 with Pocahontas & Meeko and Liberty Square Minnie
    • A Showcase of Fall/Thanksgiving décor and offerings from Horticulture, Resort Enhancement, and Food & Beverage (weekends)
    • A showcase of up and coming content for the Resort (Guardians, Main Street Electrical Parade, Food & Wine, and More to be Announced)
    • Information Center for amenity distribution, AP Days questions
    • Activity tables for coloring
    • Complimentary water
  • AP Days Welcome Center -Paradise Gardens Gazebo
    • Vacation Planning Ticketing Cart for renewals/activations
    • AP-branded photo-op
    • Button distribution•Social Media presence to promote @DisneylandAP, and Pin Trading
Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

Button designs for phase 1 of AP Days, Fall 2016

  • Passholder Offerings
    • Unique artwork button by artist Jeff Granito
    • Recipe cards to be distributed at Paradise Gardens (Choux Fritters, Yukon Potato Stack, Choc PB French Toast, Mickey Mouse Beignets
    • AP Days inspired menu items at Paradise Gardens and Schmoozies (Specialty Pizza, Mickey Mouse cupcake at Paradise Garden, Malibu Mocha drink at Schmoozies)
    • Exclusive Merchandise at Seaside Souvenirs and Studio Store
    • PhotoPass special discount offers
    • ‘I Spy with My Disney Eye’ and ‘WEAR In the World?’ AP Adventures Activities
Buttons guests can receive for carpooling

Buttons guests can receive for carpooling

There is also a carpooling incentive for annual passholders during this period:

  • All Annual Passholders who arrive with 3+ in their vehicle will receive half-price parking ($9)
  • Annual Passholders with 4+ in their vehicle will receive free parking
  • All APs with 4+ per vehicle will receive a special AP button

While AP Days for Fall 2016 have not yet been announced by the Disneyland Resort, a formal announcement should be coming later this week.

WATCH: Latest “WDW News Tonight” Celebrates the History of Streets of America

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

On this week’s edition of WDW News Tonight…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkWIrBugL94]

If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to AM 1520 WBZW at show time. For those outside the Orlando area, the show can be heard (and now watched via video stream) at Listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. The show also utilizes new interactive avenues for our audience, including a live chat, the ability to call-in to the show, and live polling. You can also listen on demand on iTunes or watch on YouTube. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.

Tower of Terror to Receive Special Overlays, Entertainment, and Merchandise in Farewell Run

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

Disney California Adventure is hosting a special celebration of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror leading up to its final check-out on January 2, 2017. The salute kicks off during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, September 9 through October 31.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Farewell

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Farewell

Each night, beginning after twilight, Disney California Adventure park guests will be treated to “Late Check-Out.” Experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as you never have before … in complete darkness!

In addition to “Late Check-Out,” guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items throughout the celebration. You’ll also get the chance to picture yourself “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town.

Each day during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will host special performances by Buena Vista Street’s own Silver Lake Sisters. Dolly, Dottie and Ethel Bounds, veterans of the vaudeville circuit known professionally as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical (or the Silver Lake Sisters) performed throughout their glittering career at the rooftop lounge of the famous hotel. The sisters went on to open Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, where a wall inside the restaurant features photos, posters and memorabilia from their many performances. They will make their return to the Hollywood Tower Hotel to join fans during this farewell tribute.

Further events leading up to the closure of the ride, to make way for Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, will be announced at a later date.

Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Ride will be a Roller Coaster Attraction

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

I wish I had better news, but it seems the replacement of the Universe of Energy at Epcot in favor of a “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride is indeed imminent. Today, we are finding out more about what exactly guests may find instead of a slow-moving ride through Dinosaurs and film clips when the blockbuster MARVEL property breaks into the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (if that even still means that anymore).

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy

Rumor has it that the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Epcot will be a roller coaster attraction. This attraction would already be historic as it would be the first Future World attraction to break way from the fundamental “edutainment” theme the park has had for nearly 35 years now. However, it could now be an even more profound statement as it would be the very first roller coaster in the park’s history and only the 6th ride that could be categorized under “thrill”.

Apparently the ride would feature both elaborate scenes and a long roller coaster portion, very similar to the rumored plans for a Captain America roller coaster once-slated for the new land at Disney California Adventure. The existing Universe of Energy building and attraction would be demolished.

The one interesting wrinkle is that the words “MARVEL” nor “Guardians of the Galaxy” appear in any renderings of the attraction that exist so far. This is of course a product of the legal restrictions still in place on Walt Disney World by the parameters of the MARVEL/Universal Studios theme park deal.

Sources seem convinced that this attraction will be announced before the end of 2016, possibly by Bob Chapek at the upcoming Destination D event at Walt Disney World. With that being said, it does sound like the project has been approved and will be moving forward barring any unseen problems.