Star Tours – WDWNT Archive

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 12/12/17 (Star Tours, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Muppet Subtractions, ETC.)

WDWNT on December 21, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on this park in transition.

Welcome to Construction

The new sections of parking lot were completed some time ago, removing greenery and palm trees in favor of more parking spaces that will be needed sorely come 2019.

This expansion of the lot took place on both sides.

Work continues on the Disney Skyliner station for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which you can see the concept art for here.

Welcome to Hollywood

More stuff was thrown onto the left projection tower in the Center Stage area as Disney tries to make this thing look like it belongs there.

It’s certainly better than it was, but these things still look completely out of place.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration now features Olaf and music from the Olaf’s Frozen Adventure short. They might want to change the sign that says it is playing in theaters with Coco.

Guests can now sit and eat in the former AOTAS Hall of Fame area, while Disney hopes the vines around the former sign grow in at some point…

Nothing but Star Wars…

Signage at Star Tours was changed to reflect the recent additions to the ride.

Nearby, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is taking shape. For a better look at this, be sure to check out our latest Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update video:

Some palm trees were planted off to the side of the tunnel.

This and That

The “Muppet Babies” section of Stage 1 Company Store has been closed for a while now, and sadly looks like it will not return. Why must Grand Avenue take everything Muppets away from us?

Not only is it sealed off from inside, but there is a fairly permanent looking Cast Member access door now visible.

A brick wall now separates Muppets Courtyard, I mean Grand Park from Star Tours. This will make for the most terrible crowd flow when Galaxy’s Edge opens.

A new backstage gate has been constructed near the exit of MuppetVision 3-D. This was once a path through the Backlot, but now it will be a dead end.

Work continues on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Toy Story Land

Work continues on the entrance to Toy Story Land, set to open next Summer.

The corner of the Toy Story Mania building (where the catwalk was ripped off) is now being patched up.

Mousecellaneous

Both of the billboards behind the Chinese Theater are for The Last Jedi. I guess this movie needs to be advertised heavily…

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looms in the distance from PIXAR Place.

The highest point in the land was topped off with a flag and a tree.

To help guests visiting Toy Story Mania, Disney added these rope signs. This is somewhat helpful as the average guest never seems to know where to go.

iPhone X cases are now available from D-Tech on Demand at the Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo Bay store.

The store was also shaken up quite a bit, removing the onstage counter where the D-Tech devices were made. Now they are just made offstage and brought to the checkout counters when they are done.

Guests can now partake in the Droid Factory here as well.

More 2018 pins have hit shelves at the parks.

Despite debuting over a month ago, they are still not finished building the projection booth for Sunset Seasons Greetings…

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Disney Announces Another New Star Tours Destination, Reveals New Crait Concept Art

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Today the Disney Parks Blog has released some concept art of the new Crait scene debuting on November 17 at Star Tours in Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and later at overseas parks).

Disney also hinted in the Parks Blog post that there is another new scene coming, and this is likely the new opening sequence featuring characters from Episodes 7 and 8 that we reported yesterday.

We’ll be on the scene on November 17 to bring you all the details, so stay tuned!

BREAKING: Star Tours Will No Longer Mix Places & Characters from Different Eras, Ride to be Separated Into Two Paths

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

When Star Tours opens on November 17th, 2017, guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park will only find characters related to the latest Star Wars trilogy and will likely never see these characters mixed with classic faces and sequences moving forward.

What does this mean? Well, an entirely new opening sequence featuring characters from Episodes 7 and 8 will debut, followed by the Jakku sequence, a transmission from BB-8 (and maybe even some other new characters), and then finally, the new Crait sequence featuring the planet from The Last Jedi.

At a later time to be determined, guests will then have a choice between two paths in the attraction, culminating in ride sequences that either feature characters from the current trilogy (episodes 7-8) or those from the past (episodes 1-6). Think of this like Mission:Space at Epcot, where guests can choose between two different versions of the ride.

It is unknown when this will begin, but it should be somewhere in the timeframe of 6-12 months after the debut of the Crait scene later this month.

This separation would alleviate confusion for guests, as characters from very different eras in the series have appeared concurrently in the Star Tours attraction since its overhaul in 2011. That being said, the classic version would span Episodes 1 through 6, which still covers a wide range of time in the saga.

Tokyo Disneyland Debuts Pixar and Star Wars Theme Park Events

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

The Tokyo Disney Resort is welcoming two band new events, “Pixar Playtime” and “Feel the Force!” with both Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland hosting the events. Here is what to look forward to in these upcoming months:

Feel The Force

December 15th, 2017 to March 19th, 2018

In honor of the worldwide release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, this event at Tokyo Disneyland “Feel the Force” will bring on a brand new update to Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. This update will shine a spotlight on a new planet from “The Last Jedi”.

Not only will a new ride update be revealed, but a ton of new merchandise will be available for purchase as well! Those popcorn bucket collectors out there will be happy to hear that the Darth Vader popcorn bucket will be making its debut at this event as well.

Pixar Playtime

January 11th, 2018 to March 19th, 2018

This new Pixar themed event, coming to Tokyo Disney Sea in January of 2018, will feature many character meet and greets as well as some fun games! Concept art for some of these booths have been released, and include imagery from some iconic scenes within the Pixar universe.

Some of these being Carl’s house from “Up”, the kitchen from “Ratatouille” and a pit stop from “Cars”. The event will have an overarching board game theme, as guests travel across the game.

The characters that are available for meet and greets include the following:

Toy Story

Woody
Buzz
Jessie
Bullseye

Monsters Inc.

Mike
Sulley

Ratatouille

Remy

Carl
Dug
Russel

Cars

Lighting McQueen

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PHOTOS: A Look at Every Item from the D23 Expo 2017, Celebrating Epcot Center, Star Tours, Pirates, and More!

WDWNT on May 31, 2017

Since the Sorcerer’s Package as part of the 2017 D23 Expo offers an advance shopping opportunity for guests who purchased the ultra-expensive tickets, we are now getting our first look at all of the merchandise that will be released at the event this year. While you can’t order any of these items just yet if you are a regular attendee, this may help you prepare for 3 days of shopping at the event (provided the Sorcerers Package) guests don’t gobble it all up first):

Things I Miss (Retired Attractions, Shows, and Events) At Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on May 8, 2017

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? Brakes, brakes… WHERE ARE THE BRAKES?!?

As we celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios Appreciation Week here at WDWNT.com, I couldn’t help but get swept up in nostalgia for the park of old, the days of the Disney-MGM Studios, and a theme park that doubled as a working production center. With that being said, I decided to take a look back at my personal most-missed-list of things you can no longer find at Walt Disney World’s third theme park. Here are my Top 7 Things I Miss At Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

1. Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! (2001-2006)

Eventually replaced by PIXAR Place and Toy Story Mania, Who Wants to be a Millionaire -Play It! fit the Studios well. It brought the world’s hottest game show to the parks and allowed guests a viable shot of being in the “hot seat”, and even if they didn’t make it there, they could play along in the studio audience.

2. The Earffel Tower (1989-2016)

One of and arguably the most famous park icon of the Disney-MGM Studios was the Earfful Tower. The 130-foot tower was located in the Studio Backlot Tour backstage area of the park. Originally sporting the Disney-MGM Studios logo, it was altered to reflect the park’s name change in 2008. The Earffel Tower was reinstated as the park’s icon for a bit after the removal of the Sorcerer’s Hat in 2015, but it would be short lived. The tower was removed on April 29, 2016 to facilitate the construction of the park’s Toy Story Land. Its condition and whereabouts are unknown.

3. Disney-PIXAR Block Party Bash (2008-2011)

Replaced by the dreaded (and thankfully defunct) PIXAR Pals Countdown to Fun, this parade with lengthy show stops was a good change of pace for the park. While the floats rolled out down Hollywood Boulevard, unlike normal parades, they stopped for a full show containing interactive segments, dancing, gymnastics, and eventually, an explosive ending that launched logo Nerf balls into the crowd (which made for fun, free souvenir). I know not everyone loved this, but I thought it was a really good offering. Did it fit the park very well? No. Was it fun? Absolutely.

4. Star Wars Weekends (1997-2015)

While overall there were things I didn’t like about it (insane lines to get autographs, merchandise, and park overcrowding), I can’t deny that I have some amazing memories of Star Wars Weekends. Offered periodically at first, the event became an annual tradition in the mid-2000’s and a reason for many Star Wars fans to book a trip to Walt Disney World every Spring. Some of the highlights for me were the Celebrity Motorcade, A Conversation with Mark Hamill in 2014, and the Stormtrooper pre-shows (luckily, all of which I filmed and can share with you below).

Almost deserving of its own spot on this list was the Hyperspace Hoopla, where Star Wars stars danced-off against each other in a theme park comedy masterpiece. Lucasfilm mandated the show be removed after the 2013 event, and has since also eliminated any Disney characters in Star Wars character clothing.

5. Studio Backlot Tour (1989-2014)

An opening day attraction, the Studio Backlot Tour was a half-day experience that slowly was cut away to about a half an hour over 25 years. While I lament the loss of the original tour, I didn’t care much for the final version of the attraction. That being said, my final ride was an emotional one, saying goodbye to the trams, Catastrophe Canyon, the special effects tank, Walt’s airplane, and more of the remaining shell of what once made for a memorable experience. Without Residential Street and actual production to see, it wasn’t much of anything, but it was the last vestige of the “working studio theme park”.

6. Star Tours (1989-2010)

I love Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, but the original Star Tours will always hold a very special place in my heart. While it was incredibly dated by the end of its run, it was undoubtedly a classic that changed theme parks forever. I owe this attraction my Star Wars fandom as I actually rode this ride before I had ever seen a Star Wars movie. I loved the attraction so much that my dad took me to Blockbuster when we got home from vacation and bought me the VHS boxed set of the original trilogy. Kids, ask your parents what Blockbuster and VHS are.

7. (Yeah, Seven) The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (1995-2015)

I know this one still looms heavy in the hearts of many, myself included. The Osborne Lights were a staple of the Studios before they ever danced, but once the display moved to Streets of America and was sychirmnoized to music, it became an indelible piece of Walt Disney World history. It was everything the holidays at the parks should be: larger than life, covered in lights, a display of cutting edge technology, all while still being incredibly heartwarming. Will they ever return to Walt Disney World? With the amount of money being left on the table by not offering this, I can’t imagine a Walt Disney World theme park won’t someday host the lights one more time.

Sadly, the display was a victim of where it was. The only thing that made the display possible was a large, mostly underutilized empty street towards the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Not to defend Disney, but there is nowhere that logistically could make this work today. Disney Springs would be overcrowded as the offering would be made free, no resort hotel has the parking area large enough, and no park currently has a space that could handle it. The only hope I see is a custom built area that is an expansion of a park, otherwise the Osborne lights will likely never return to Disney World.

“Sorry folks, it was my first flight and I’m still getting used to my programming!” – Captain RX-24 (Rex)

While these offering can not be seen anymore at Walt Disney World, an exciting future awaits Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little nostalgia for what was.

What do you think? Which of these was your favorite? Is there something else from the Studios that you miss? Let me know in the comments below.

Man Dies Hours After Riding Star Tours

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

According to the Florida State Database for theme park illnesses, injuries, and deaths, a 67-year-old man died last month within 24 hours of riding Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Ralph Lyles of Memphis, Tenn. was reported to be listed under deaths after Disney submitted their quarterly report to the state. Florida law does not mandate state inspection for rides, though every three months the theme parks are required to send an updated list to the state that includes any illnesses or injuries that sent the victim to the hospital for at least 24 hours.

The cause of death was listed as “hypersensitive cardiovascular disease with other significant conditions contributing to death listed as obesity.”

The report stated that Lyles had pre-existing heart conditions and even mentioned feeling ill after riding.

Rumored New Disney World Attractions That Could Be Announced Soon – Tom’s Top 7

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Welcome to another edition of Tom’s Top 7, a continuing countdown of my favorite (and occasionally, least favorite) things at the Disney Parks around the globe. Why seven? STOP ASKING!

Rumored New Attractions That May Be Announced Soon for Walt Disney World

Anyway, the first two times we counted down, we visited the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I decided this week it might be time to stop talking about food and get to the real bread and butter of Walt Disney World – attractions. We live in a time of great uncertainty about the future of Walt Disney World. We are 5 short years away from the golden anniversary of the Vacation Kingdom of the World and Disney is already teasing us that they have some major announcements to make before then (as alluded to during the 45th anniversary ceremony at the Magic Kingdom earlier this month. See for yourself:

There is plenty on the table that hasn’t been announced yet, but here are my Top 7 rumored additions to Walt Disney World that we could be hearing about soon.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot

The Guardians of then Galaxy could be exploding through the rubble of Epcot’s Universe of Energy…

I think you’ve probably heard enough about this one at this point, but if all goes according to plan, it seems that a Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster will replace the Universe of Energy in Future World. I’m not going to waste much time on this one as I feel enough has already been said. You are going to notice a recurring theme and this list and that is that everything is tied to an intellectual property of the Disney Company. SURPRISE!

2. Wreck-It Ralph Racing Ride

Will Tomorrowland host a Sugar Rush racing ride straight out of Wreck-It Ralph?

Another one that seems almost definite at this point with Stitch’s Great Escape now operating seasonally, guests may be designing their own Sugar Rush race car and competing against each other in the first VR attraction in the parks since the Aladdin magic carpet ride experience jumped from Innoventions at Epcot to DisneyQuest in the 1990’s. Virtual reality has come a long way since then and is now becoming a theme park stable on rollercoasters, but has not been applied in an attraction quite like this yet.

3. Ratatouille in France at Epcot

Is “the little chef” coming to Epcot?

Since the Ratatouille ride opened at Walt Disney Studios Paris, guests have speculated that it could make its way to the France pavilion at Epcot. The latest rumblings say it will not, but that doesn’t mean something else themed to Ratatouille couldn’t replace Impressions De France, right? 😉

4. Star Tours Scene for Rogue One – A Star Wars Story

The Death Star under construction appears in Star Tours, so it would be a perfect fir for a Rogue One addition

This seemed like a forgone conclusion, but the rumblings on Rogue One being added to Star Tours have gone silent as of late. Walt Disney World running a holiday fireworks show rather than including Rogue One in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular seems a bit odd, so maybe we won’t be seeing much Rogue One stuff in Florida. While Disneyland has replaced their Kylo Ren meet and greet with Darth Vader, we have still not announced any plans to even make that change.

5. TRON Lightcycle Power Run

TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland

One of Shanghai Disneyland’s top attractions, TRON Lightcycle Power Run still seems likely to land in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom or in Future World at Epcot. Who doesn’t want this one to happen? It may not fit perfectly in Epcot, but it’s a pretty nifty concept that should interest most guests.

6. The New Magic Kingdom Fireworks Show

The Magic Kingdom is due for a new fireworks extravaganza

“Tale as old as time.” Wishes has been the main fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom since October 2003. In 13 years, fireworks shows and nighttime spectaculars have come a long way. Despite constant updates of the projection mapping system for Celebrate the Magic, we still haven’t seen much evidence that a new nighttime show for the park is currently in production. Fun fact: The Magic Kingdom is the only classic style Castle park that still doesn’t have a projection-heavy new age fireworks display. We can only hope that 2017 is the year Disney World finally pulls the plug on Wishes for something modern and grandiose.

7. (Yeah, Seven) Inside Out at Epcot

Since Inside Out was released in theaters, guests have been Armchair Imagineering ideas for the human emotions in Epcot, feeling they are a perfect fit as the park once boasted a pavilion about human health and even a show about the inside of a young boy’s mind in Cranium Command.

But where would such an attraction go? Well, we originally though it might inhabit the old Wonders of Life pavilion, but current rumors say otherwise. Some believe that Figment will lose his Epcot attraction so that the Inside Out gang could take over the Imagination pavilion. It’s not too far fetched considering there is an Imagination in everyone’s mind… oh, and Figment makes a cameo in Riley’s imagination the film…

Can you spot Figment in Inside Out?

Improbable, Yes. Impossible, No. – The Timekeeper

Everything you see above may never come to fruition, much like anything not yet formally announced by the Walt Disney Company, but at this point, these are 7 additions or changes that are highly likely for Walt Disney World in the not-so-distant future.

What do you think? Which of these new attractions would you be excited for? Which ones would make you sad? Let me know in the comments below.

WDWNT – The Magazine: The History of Echo Lake

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Since Disney’s Hollywood Studios’s opening on May 1, 1989, Echo Lake has gained has a deep history of extinct shows andattractions.

Monster Sound Show, sponsored by Sony, was an opening day attraction. The film, featuring David Letterman, was played on several monitors while guests were waiting in the queue, and the show aimed to display the value of sound effects in a cinema. In what is currently the vacant ABC Sound Studio, the Monster Sound Show asked four volunteers to be involved in the production as Foley sound artists. Foley is a reference to Universal Studios’ sound pioneer who specialized in synchronized sounds in the 1950s: Jack Foley. The show began by showing a short, comedic film clip starring Chevy Chase and Martin Short with studio developed audio effects. Next, the short film played and the Foley sound artists had to use props to re-create the sound effects. Lastly, the film clip played with the sound effects that the Foley sound artists created. The attraction’s duration was about 15 minutes. After the show ended, there was an area called Soundworks that taught guests how to create sound effects on a more in-depth level. The Monster Sound Show ended its tenure in Hollywood Studios in July 1997.

After July 1997, the show was re-imagined to become the ABC Sound Studio. It featured the cartoon lineup from “Disney’s 1 Saturday Morning” that included the shows: 101 Dalmations: The Series, Doug, Recess, and Pepper Ann. “Disney’s 1 Saturday Morning” ran on ABC from 1997 until 2002. The ABC Sound Studio served a similar purpose to the Monster Sound Show, but it showed a much shorter cartoon film clip that lasted 45 seconds. This show asked for seven volunteers to create sound effects for a cartoon clip. The ABC Sound Studio closed on February 20, 1999.

Superstar Television, sponsored by Sony, was also an opening day attraction. This show took place in what is now The American Idol Experience. Guests were given the opportunity to be part of the live studio audience or participate in acting out individual scenes from well-known television shows, including: General Hospital, Cheers, Bonanza, Gilligan’s Island, and I Love Lucy. After the volunteers acted out their scenes, the finished product was played for the audience to watch. This attraction closed in September 1998.

In March 1999, the space that was used for Superstar Television was transformed into ABC TV Theater, the home of a musical based on the hit children’s show, Doug. The show “Doug: Live!” debuted just days before the release of Doug’s First Movie. May 2001 marked the end of the run of Doug: Live!.

The ABC Sound Studio was transformed into the attraction Sounds Dangerous starring Drew Carey in April 1999. This show lasted for around 12 minutes. The audience was told that they were attending an ABC test pilot television episode of a reality show called Undercover, Live. The theater turned fully dark for the show to begin, and binaural sound was used through provided headphones for intensified audio effects. In 2009, Disney announced that Sounds Dangerous would operate seasonally. In May 2012, Sounds Dangerous officially closed. For the 2012 Star Wars Weekends, the ABC Sound Studio was inhabited by the Carbon Freeze Me experience. This gave guests the opportunity to pay for a miniature eight-inch tall figurine of themselves frozen in carbonite, just as Captain Han Solo was in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

Star Tours opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in December 1989. The first version of this attraction was built in Disneyland just a few years earlier, and it was initially planned to be an interactive motion simulator based on the 1979 movie The Black Hole. The lack of success of this movie, combined with the estimated $50 million cost of the imagined attraction, terminated the plan, and Star Tours was born. Star Tours was sponsored from 1989 to 1995 by M&M’s. The sponsorship of this attraction changed to Energizer in 1995 and was later dropped in 2006. In the show there were animated lasers which were made separately from the film that was shown. The lasers were animated by a small special effects company in Burbank, California: Available Light Ltd. This is the same company that was involved in the creation of Captain EO and Honey I Shrunk The Audience. In Star Tours’s pre-boarding video, the woman who briefs riders on safety tips also played the role of Sherry, the assistant in the original Test Track briefing room video. The area that is now Tattooine Traders, the gift shop that guests walk through as they exit Star Tours, was originally called Endor Vendors. It was themed to appear as if it belonged on the moon of Endor. This was changed to Tattooine Traders around 1998-1999. Star Tours closed in September 2010 to be renovated into Star Tours – The Adventure Continues.

Many previously running parades ran through parts of Echo Lake, including Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun!, and Block Party Bash. For a background of these former parades, please visit WDWNT – The Magazine: The History of Hollywood Studios Parades.

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:

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:

Tag: Star Tours