PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 10/25/17 (Sunset Seasons Greetings, Christmas Shopping, Toy Story Land, Star Wars, ETC.)
Our latest photo report brings u back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it prepares for a transitional Holiday season, offering up a new lineup that Disney hopes will fill the void left by the Osborne Lights over the last two years.
Christmas Shopping
Plenty of blown-glass ornaments for sale at Celebrity 5 & 10, including a new Monorail ornament.
They’re a little pricey at $19.99 each, but they are pretty cool.
Some new holiday apparel for sale.
A few new Beauty and the Beast ornaments have joined the existing collection this year, including this light up rose ornament.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse have both received their own action figures of sorts, exclusive to the Disney Parks. They retail for $14.99 each.
The new Mickey Mouse ear baseball cap is already out.
Sunset Seasons Greetings
As the park prepares for the new Sunset Seasons Greetings offering, a whole lot of new infrastructure is going into place on Sunset Boulevard. The old, white lights for the palm trees have been replaced with these beauties, capable of color changing for show elements.
Some extra hardware was also installed on the star lights, likely to be used to integrate them into the show.
The Fantasmic billboard is likely gone for good as a new billboard that can be projected onto will go in its place. Maybe it will return in some form down the road.
Behind the billboard hides the infrastructure for the projectors that will turn the Hollywood Tower Hotel into a number of holiday items during the shows.
The projectors sit on the stands you can see behind these windows.
People seem confused about a new Paradise Pier billboard that appeared recently at the Studios. I don’t see the confusion as both lands exist in roughly the same time period. Sadly, Paradise Pier will become PIXAR Pier, but this will be a nice nod to the past.
Dirt Street U.S.A.
Construction continues on Two Story Land, opening Summer 2018.
The remnants of the catwalk above the soundstage waits to be sealed in.
On the other side, we still have no idea what this weird, tall section of building is supposed to be.
A dirt wall now seals PIXAR Place, which eventually will be no more once Toy Story Land opens and the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania moves there.
Just before this dirt wall will lie a cast access road, with PIXAR Place then becoming a backstage area.
The construction walls behind Muppet Vision 3-D expanded outward, now coming into the attraction’s exit.
Here we see the building for the “Battle Escape” attraction in Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge.
This and That
Sunset Showcase courtyard was open, being used for extended queue for Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, as well as some character meet and greets.
The show building for Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster was recently repainted blue to blend into Toy Story Land better. It’s too bad it now doesn’t blend with anything on this side of the park. Why is every “soundstage” building a different color?
Work on Echo Lake continues, with the “logs” under the water now repainted.
With the Coco preview coming soon, the final room of Walt Disney Presents is pretty barren at the moment. The stickers on the walls were taken down and only on display case remains in use.
Star Wars – Galactic Nights took over Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Friday, April 14th, 2017 during Star Wars Celebration Orlando, turning the park into a fanboy’s dream. While we are still formulating a review (as it is expected the event will return), please enjoy our videos of the various festivities: Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster drops Aerosmith and adds the magical musical core of John Williams in this attraction overlay. The ride portion is mostly dark except for some projections of stars, a nice upgrade over the last time this overlay was installed in December 2015 for the premiere of The Force Awakens. Rey from the new Star Wars trilogy joins the cast of this show for one night only. Darth Vader and the stormtroopers march through Disney’s Hollywood Studios in this event exclusive offering. A Rogue One sequence replaces Both in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. You can see the Both version of the show below this one in case you are wondering what’s missing. A celebrity motorcade welcomes the stars to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Right before the fireworks show, the event is recapped and the guest lanyards come to life with some Disney magic… Just for this event, the Seventh Sister is turned into a face character in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. The Chinese Theater is turned into a living canvas as tableaus of Star Wars planets come to life. Alright, they can’t all be winners. Witness this strange and almost useless stage show/powerpoint presentation on the history of Star Wars. 6 unique photo-ops were offered to guests during this event. The very first Star Wars Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is taking place on April 14th, 2017 as part of Star Wars Celebration Orlando, but it is now expected that the event will become a regular offering for the park in the weeks to come. Disney has released a full schedule and list of events for the evening (finally) ahead of the debut just hours away: Stars in Cars – 8:05PM Grab your spot to view a star-studded motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars celebrities. The motorcade begins at the front of Hollywood Boulevard and travels towards Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Inside the Saga – Celebrity Chat Show – 9:00, 10:00, 11:00PM Hear from host Vanessa Marshall and Star Wars cast members and go behind the scenes of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” to learn what it takes to make remarkable cinematic moments. 30 minutes long. Celebrate the Saga – 9:15 & 11:15PM Take an interactive journey that chronologically celebrates the milestones of 40 Force-filled years of Star Wars DJ Dance Party – 7-7:25PM, 9:45-10:25PM Sway the night away at a galactic dance party. Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – 7:45, 8:50, 10:50PM Experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that juxtapose action-filled character moments on stage, including Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more! (Enhanced for Event) Galactic Nights Epilogue – 11:40pm Prior to the evening’s grand finale, join our event hosts as you marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars Galactic Nights event highlights from the fans! Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – 11:45PM Watch the fireworks above bring the entire Star Wars saga to life in a spectacular multimedia experience! (Enhanced for Event) Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – 7:45, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45PM Witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. 25 minutes in length. Visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training. Participants ages 4-12 must be present to register. Space is limited. (Enhanced for Event) March of the First Order – 8:30 & 10:30PM Captain Phasma leads a unit of First Order Stormtroopers down Hollywood Boulevard to the Rebel Base, stopping for a demonstration of their power and strength. Imperial March – 7:25, 9:25, & 11:25PM The Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader, leads a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic Imperial March to the Rebel Base. The following Star Wars characters will be at the event to meet guests: The following Disney characters will be available in their standard locations: Guests are invited to collect a piece of the saga at photo backdrops featured throughout the Park and affix each piece to your Star Wars Galactic Nights Credential! Disney Locations: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars Edition is a special experience just for the event. Take a journey through hyperspace in this not-to-be-missed Star Wars experience. A version of this experience was run during The Force Awakens premiere hard-ticket event which was held in December 2015. Other attractions that will be operating are: Skywalker Vineyards wines will be available at the bars located near the Rebel Base. Snack carts located throughout the park will feature specialty cupcakes, lightsaber churros, Chewbacca steins, and TIE Fighter popcorn buckets. Special event merchandise will be available at the following locations: WDWNT will be on the scene tonight to bring you all of the action, so stay tuned for live streams on our social media counts and much more, as well as plenty of photos, videos and thoughts after the event concludes. Even though there isn’t a whole lot still open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now (just look at our aerial photos and video if you don’t know what I’m talking about), Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith will closing for a refurbishment this Fall. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith The ride will be closed October 27th through November 9th, 2016 for some regular maintenance. This will likely be bad news for guests visiting during this period as it will lengthen waits at the other remaining attractions in the park. I visited Disney Springs/Downtown Disney, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week and took a ton of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look: Work continues on the Town Center in Disney Springs The new pedestrian bridge is nearing completion Some new concept art can be found as you arrive from the parking garage Time is running out for the old globe Artwork of what the new Planet Hollywood will look like Portions of Paradiso 37 are being remodeled Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar is coming along nicely Vivoli Il Gelato is now open in Disney Springs Inside Out Tsum Tsums are now available at Once Upon a Toy There’s also plenty of other Inside Out items Not sure how new these are, they are called “Snuggle Snappers” There are now Once Upon a Time phone cases available at D-Tech on Demand Also, new Star Wars designs The Sign Shoppe in Marketplace Co-Op also has some interesting new items The Wonderground Gallery has some really fantastic items The expansion of the World of Disney Store is moving full steam ahead New ceramic mugs have been released at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort There’s also a new window display between Captain Cook’s and BouTiki If you wanted your MagicBand to be a watch, your wish has been granted in MagicSlider form The launch screen at Rock’N’Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith was replaced There are some new graphics guests will see before they launch into the ride
WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty also visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Thursday and has some newsworthy photos from around the park to share with us: The exterior refurbishment at Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster is completed The guitar now has a shiny finish Looks nice Did you know Superman’s cape is in the AFI exhibit? Near PIXAR Place, one billboard now advertises The Lone Ranger The other is a cute billboard for Monsters University Since the parades in the park are gone, characters are staying out later by the Sorcerer’s Hat While Britto isn’t a new item, the Art of Disney stores are now carrying a lot more of them I think they are really strange WDWNT Reporter Tom Corless visited the Walt Disney World Resort last week and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip, so let’s take a look: There is now an official Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card book, $34.95 WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot yesterday and has plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look: The parks are dead You can see FastPass+ installed at the end Probably a 5… FastPass+ installed at Tower as well Ummmm…. The old Carthay Theater on Sunset Boulevard Eat your heart out DCA How am I supposed to take a shortcut through Starring Roles if you are fixing the path? Heading into Magic of Disney Animation John Lasseter in Wreck-It Ralph form Fantastic video game humor on dispaly Ha Artists working hard on the new Ink and Paint Cells There is a Fix-It Felix machine on display, although it is behind glass 🙁 The movie ads on the wall have been updated Will do a barrel roll? OK, I MUST see this film… The Animation Gallery still has railroad merchandise As well as 40th anniversary and “it’s a small world” merchandise Neat! Work continues on The Legend of Jack Sparrow Some strange white markings have appeared on the walls I’m guessing these are supposed to be the dotted line on a treasure map, but it is too early to tell I originally thought they might be markers for something, but I don’t think so We’ll find out soon enough A crane backstage for some reason NO WAY… Yep… Wow, a TRON penny machine This machine probably made more money than the movie did… ZING Phineas and Ferb merchandise has taken over the old Loony Bin Wait… Yeah, that isn’t what that was meant for… The smoking section near Star Tours is behind walls This planter in front of Sounds Dangerous is also behind walls American Idol Experience is ready for FastPass+ Moving over to Epcot, Adam was so excited about the blue vehicles at Universe of Energy that he couldn’t hold his camera still The Test Track facade is getting ripped apart Wow… Food and Wine Festival preparations are well underway After months of work, the La Hacienda fountain is out from behind walls! Ummm, you’re in the wrong area, Italy is behind you… AHHHHH! Wendell from the Country Bears was out as well “Am I early? “ Cool World Showcase shirt! Some work being done near the waterway in the France pavilion Work continues on what is believed to be a DVC booth near the Canada pavilion More walls up near the Refreshment Port KHALUA PORK SLIDERS! SOON! WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Thursday and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:
First stop: The Backlot Tour…
Posters for War Horse, John Carter, and The Muppets up
Muppets ad inside the Backlot Tour tram
Block Party Bash cones still sitting around
You’ve probably already read our story about it, but here is another look at the Beauty and the Beast statue
There appears to be a damaged or unfinished Beast statue off to the side as well Pan-Am poster
KUNGALOOSH!
Happy birthday Walt!
It may be time to take down the TRON Legacy billboards…
Phineas and Ferb are dressed for the holidays
Lines remain long
OOOOOO, my favorite part!
“No you don’t Ethan… Ethan, no you don’t!” BANG!
If you need me to tell you where we are, you’re visiting the wrong site…
If I have to tell you this one, you might have larger problems…
I suggest a room on the 13th floor, views are sublime
Current day citizens of Hollywood were out filming
Looks like they are having fun
Time to make another flip book!
AMAZING!
The Disney difference is in the details Plenty of alcohol available for the season
Everyone awaiting the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Duffy is hidden in this year’s holiday cup…
The only show where a switch is the star
TA-DA! The new canopy really is stunning
Prep and Landing on TV in one of the windows
Kind of scary…
Cupcakes complete with light-up ice cubes available Cookies! Yes Adam, we’ll include this photo!
The window screens have not ben working nightly, but were on at this time
A tribute to Jennings Osborne
The booth by the stage in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat has a very neon glow
The stage is up already and will be until 2012
Goodnight Studios WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Pop Century Resort on Wednesday, and luckily for us, he took a TON of newsworthy photos: Sounds Dangerous has made the board, but Star Tours is still closed too
VIDEO: Star Wars Takes Over Rock ‘ N’ Roller Coaster, Rogue One Joins Galactic Spectacular, Rey Appears, and More from Galactic Nights
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster – Star Wars Edition
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away adds Rey
Imperial March
Rogue One added to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Stars in Cars Celebrity Motorcade
Galactic Nights Epilogue and Lanyard Reveal Moment
The Seventh Sister Reveals Her Face in Jedi Training
Planetary Projections
Celebrate the Saga
Photo-Ops
Full Schedule and List of Events Released for Star Wars Galactic Nights; Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Overlay Returns
Entertainment
Motorcade Route (Stars near Main Entrance)
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Theater (Pre-show begins 10 minutes before show time)
Rebel Base
Rebel Base
Rebel Base
Rebel Base
Rebel Base
Near Star Tours- The Adventures Continue
Hollywood Boulevard
Starts near Star Tours and travels to Rebel BaseCharacters
Scavenger Hunt
PhotoPass Photographers will also be at each location to capture your favorite moments.
Attractions
Food and Beverage
Merchandise
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Refurbishment Scheduled For This Fall
Tom Corless’ 6/16/15 WDW Photo Report (Disney Springs, New Polynesian Merchandise, ETC.)
Joe Hogarty’s 4/11/13 Hollywood Studios Photo Report
Tom Corless’ 2/12-2/17/13 WDW Photo Report
Adam Roth’s 9/6/12 WDW Photo Report
Adam Roth’s 12/1/11 Hollywood Studios Photo Report
Adam Roth’s 5/4/11 WDW Photo Report
