PHOTOS, VIDEO: Streets of America New Paint Scheme, Star Wars Land Rises, and More in Latest Hollywood Studios Expansion Update

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

As construction continues on the two new themed lands for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the last remaining section of the Streets of America is coming back to life, while the “Battle Escape” attraction is finally rising upon the Star Wars Land site. We check in again in our latest photo and video update…

We begin with our latest video update:

And now on to the photos…

width=

“Battle Escape” is quite visible from several locations now.

width=

width=

Meanwhile, they continue to paint the remaining Streets of America facades. It should be interesting to see what these become.

width=

width=

width=

The facade is also being completed so it is no longer a movie set.

width=

Still not entirely sure what this barrier between Muppets Courtyard and Star Wars Land will be, but it is taking shape.

width=

width=

width=

We’re still hoping that the former Writer’s Stop is becoming a lounge for the Sci-Fi Dine-In, but it is still unclear what exactly the space is becoming.

width=

width=

width=

width=

Some work is being done on the facade of Muppetvision 3-D.

width=

width=

The construction walls were expanded out towards the FastPass+ kiosk.

width=

The extended queue for Muppetvision #-D still exists, but a walk down here is quite disturbing. It’s what the kids might call “Creepy AF”.

width=

And now a look from the balcony of PizzeRizzo.

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

width=

As always, stay tuned to WDWNT.com for further updates of the progress on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

SaveSave

VIDEO: Preview 2017 at Disney World, Race to the Death Star Plans and More on WDW News Tonight

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Last night on WDW News Tonight…

[sc name=”YouTube Embed 825w” id=”RTyBWZJyoco” ]

Subscribe on iTunes

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly, audio and video program presented on 105.5 FM, 660 AM, and AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando, Florida, as well as online at WDWNewsTonight.com every Wednesday from 9-11pm EST. The show covers the Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney news. The show combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, call in games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind 2-hour program covering the Disney Parks. While the show is being live-streamed in both audio and video, listeners and viewers also interact via a live chat online. The show is also available on demand as an audio download, online audio stream and can be watched live or recorded on YouTube.

The Famous Muppets Courtyard Fountain at Hollywood Studios is Becoming a Planter

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Without a doubt, you are familiar with the iconic fountain outside of MuppetVision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, that iconic piece of Studios history is now becoming a planter…

muppets_fountain

Don’t worry though, the change is only temporary. The fountain will return in some form at some point in the future, but Disney is not stating when. It is believed that the nearby Star Wars construction requires the pipes for the fountains to be temporarily removed and the rerouted.

The temporary Miss Piggy planter will be completed by October 28th.

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

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

Constantine

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:

Dirk Wallen’s 1/15/14 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week and has some newsworthy photos (and video) to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

Banners for The Jungle Book on Blu-Ray now hanging in the Animation Courtyard

A billboard up as well

A billboard for Maleficent is also up near PIXAR Place, and yes, the horns stick out of the top…

The scanner boards at Star Tours have still not been activated to work with MagicBands yet

There’s also a new sign that will interact with guests installed in the pre-show area at Muppet Vision 3-D

The Etch-A-Sketch in the queue at Toy Story Mania was finally turned on last week, here’s a video showing the device in action:

Osborne Lights are coming down

All clear on this end of the street

The AFI exhibit is quietly being updated at the exit of the Backlot Tour

A few props have been switched out and moved around

Among the new additions is a costume from Batman

There are also now some items from E.T.

The croissant doughnut (or Cronut) is our only photo from Epcot, but you can pick up this incredible snack at the Refreshment Port

The Let The Memories Begin signage has been removed from the front of Animal Kingdom

Some walls are up near Island Mercantile where FastPass+ kiosks once stood… not sure if they are moving this help desk or not

Walls now up blocking guests from Camp Minnie-Mickey as it transforms into AVATAR

Camp Minnie-Mickey signage around the park has been removed

Work continues on the new home for Festival of the Lion King and the former Dawa Bar has now been absorbed by walls to accommodate queue construction

A look at the theater construction from far away

Not too long ago, Dug and Russell got some permanent signage for their meet and greet

Since Camp Minnie-mickey is closed and Animal Kingdom is down one show, Dinoland is now hosting a dance party

Here’s a short clip of the new offering that is full of obscure characters:

Conner Purzycki’s 1/9/13 Photo Report

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Conner went to the Disneyland resort on the 9th of this month. He was able to capture photo’s of the Main Street U.S.A train station refurbishment and continued construction on Royal Hall. He also grabbed photo’s of all the renovations and entertainment happening in Frontierland. Conner captured some photos of Muppet Vision 3D which recently returned.

Main Street U.S.A Train Station in construction. 
Royal Hall Construction 
Royal Hall, formally known as fantasy faire, is set to open spring 2013.
Castle starts to peak above the walls. 
While construction continues in Frontierland, shops remain open. 
Big Thunder Mountain went under refurbishment Jan 8th, 2012 and will reopen in fall of 2013.
Big Thunder Tail is closed some days of the week to assist with Thunder Mountain construction. 
Sinage of Big Thunder Trail closing from Fantasyland. 
Mark Twain is under refurbishment. 
Haunted Mansion closed to take down holiday overlay. 
Billy and the Hillbillies playing to excite guests about the Golden Horseshoe Revue. 
Muppet Vision 3D back from vacation! Kodak signage soon to be removed due to Kodak not renewing their sponsorship. 
 

“Oz, The Great And Powerful” Preview Coming To Hollywoodland

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Get a Sneak Peek at ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ at Disney California Adventure Park During ‘Limited Time Magic’
If you’re – like me – counting down the days until “Oz The Great and Powerful” opens in theaters March 8, I’ve got exciting news for you. From February 16-March 31, Disney California Adventure park guests can experience a special sneak peek of Disney’s new fantastical adventure as part of “Limited Time Magic.” Throughout the day at the Muppet*Vision 3D theater, guests will have the opportunity to see an extended preview of the film in 3D, mixed with special in-theater 4D effects.

And don’t forget – you can experience these “Limited Time Magic” offerings and more at the Disneyland Resort for less with our special limited-time ticket offer.