PHOTOS, VIDEO: Star Wars Land Construction Update at Disneyland Park for June 10th, 2017
Thanks to our friends over at Fresh Baked Disney, we have another weekly look at how the construction of Star Wars land is going over at Disneyland Park. Here is a look at the project as of June 10th, 2017:
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
The race is on to complete the new riverbank for the Rivers of America before the 4th of July crowds arrive.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Trees are being moved into place currently, a good sign as landscaping usually is one of the last phases of a project like this.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Looking at the Star Wars site, we can see that they are getting close to enclosing the strange circular room which may be part of the pre-show experience for the “Battle Escape” attraction.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Meanwhile, the show building for Disney’s most advanced attraction ever built continues to grow…
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Another look at this strange circular room which will present some special effect that will transport guests to the battle.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Back in Disneyland, the train trestle is getting painted.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
The riverfront looks to be nearing completion.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
A peek through a knothole reveals a pathway that will go along the shoreline and into Star Wars Land, passing under the train tracks.
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 10th, 2017
Our friends over at Fresh Baked Disney have provided us with some photos of the newly reopened Big Thunder Trail at Disneyland Park, the first part of the park which was closed for the construction of Star Wars Land to return into service: What has been construction walls for the better part of a year and a half is now open again. While this bridge was here before, it now has some new lanterns on it. Work continues on the new edge of the Rivers of America, as well as the new train trestle for the Disneyland Railroad. Thankfully, the old cave from Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland survived. The trail looks fairly different now, with extensive rock work and props taking the place of the entrance to Big Thunder Ranch. The new elements are just as well themed as anything around it and look as if they have been here since the early days of Big Thunder Mountain. These new structures will block the guest view of Star Wars Land from Frontierland. The Big Thunder Ranch logo can be found on the lamp sitting on the rock in this picture, a nod to the past. The opposite side of the path is still pretty much as it was before. The D23 Expo 2017 will have entire pavilion dedicated to the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Today, the creative minds behind the pavilion unveiled the amazing logo for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts: A Galaxy of Stories, exclusively at D23 Expo 2017. In just a few short weeks, guests can catch a glimpse of the locations, starships, creatures and droids that will populate this remote village on the Outer Rim, and experience the world premiere of a detailed model showcasing the immersive 14-acre lands coming to Disney Parks in 2019. There will be plenty of artwork and media on display to show guests the creative process bringing the Star Wars, galaxy to life. On Saturday of the D23 Expo, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, will also take the stage for a special Hall D23 presentation on what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe. In addition, guests can sit in on three other unique Disney Parks panel presentations: Friday, July 14 Saturday, July 15 Sunday, July 16 They’re also bringing back Mickey’s of Glendale, the Imagineer-exclusive merchandise store chock full of limited-edition collectibles and souvenirs. It’s all coming up at D23 Expo 2017 on July 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, across the street from Disneyland Resort. Tickets and more information are available now at D23expo.com. Thanks to our friends over at Fresh Baked Disney, we have another weekly look at how the construction of Star Wars land is going over at Disneyland Park. Here is a look at the project as of June 3rd, 2017: Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 The two structures towards the back, which we assume to be part of the Millennium Falcon ride, are now apparently attached to each other. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 The AT-AT walkers are now pretty hard to see through all of the steel, but they are still there. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 The multi-level show building for the “Battle with the First Order” (we’re still waiting on a real name) ride just looks like a mess of steel at the moment. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 It is quite the behemoth. The two steel sections at the top will likely support themed elements on the roof of the building, parts of the facade basically. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 Work continues on the new waterfront for the Rivers of America, hopefully still opening sometime this Summer. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 Dirt. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 Things are starting to look more like structures, which is good. Maybe soon we’ll be able to figure out what some of this other stuff around the major attractions is. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 Lots of steel framework. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, June 3rd, 2017 I’m not even going to pretend to know what is going on in this picture… As always, Fresh Baked Disney also has a video of the construction that you should check out: It’s time to check on the latest progress on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the addition of the Star Wars and Toy Story themed lands. First-up, we have a video of the current progress to share with you: Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Work continues on what is left of New York Street and what will be the transition area into Star Wars Land. Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios It is still unknown what is happening to the space that once was the Writer’s Stop, but we are hoping for a Sci-Fi Dine-In Lounge. Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios They are testing out different paint colors for the facades. Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Some structural steel is visible from the end of PIXAR Place facing into Star Wars Land. Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios It is unclear exactly what is happening to Soundstage 12 adjacent to One Man’s Dream. Will it be re-themed to Toy Story or simply demolished slowly to ensure that One Man’s Dream will not have to close? Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Toy Story Land concept art was moved near the entrance to One Man’s Dream. Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios The walls then transition to a Toy Story theme just around the corner. Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios A peek through the construction walls reveals the coaster track for the Slinky Dog Dash ride. You can get a better look at the track from above the park here. Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios An opening date for Toy Story Land will be announced at the 2017 D23 Expo next month, but it is expected to be sometime in early 2018. Thanks to our friends over at Fresh Baked Disney, we have a look at how the construction of Star Wars land is going over on the west coast. We hope to make this a weekly column in collaboration with them, and hope you will enjoy watching the project come together, week by week and piece by piece. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 From inside of the park, guests can see work wrapping up on the new north edge of the Rivers of America, complete with a new path for the Disneyland Railroad. No re-opening date for these attractions has been given yet other than Summer 2017. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 The train rolling above the river should offer some spectacular views. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 As you can see, even though the Summer tourist season has begun, a lot of work remains to be completed. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 New themed pavement makes us giddy… Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 A lot of painting still to be done. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Heading up to the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, we now look at Star Wars Land from behind. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Walls and steel continue to rise. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 We’ve seen a lot of construction over the last ten years, but nothing quite like this show building for the “battle” attraction. It is already being billed as the largest, most complex E-Ticket ever constructed. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 We can see the new tressle for the Disneyland Railroad in the distance. Star Wars Land construction at Disneyland Park, May 27th, 2017 Fresh Baked Disney also has a video of the construction that you should check out: It has been a while since we have seen any major changes in the Hollywood Studios landscape, but now with the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom complete, it’s full speed ahead to Toy Story Land and the much-anticipated Star Wars themed land. We have a video of all of the construction to share with you below, but we’ll then share pictures and give you a more in-depth description of the work following that. We start over by MuppetVision 3-D… The former Writer’s Stop has been stripped down to its bare steel. A lot of work now happening in the area the was New York Street. The barrier of Star Wars Land is just steps away, still rising. A look from the balcony of PizzeRizzo doesn’t reveal much. Most of the facade of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is covered with tarps, with the image of Walt removed from the marquee. The backside of the marquee is completely gone. This area will be the entrance to Toy Story Land, but it remains unclear how this transition will work. For now, it appears that these original structures from 1989 will survive the demolition. At the end of PIXAR Place, the walls are now appropriately Star Wars-related, as Toy Story Land is not actually located on this side. The walls also extended right up to the exit of the 3rd track at Toy Story Midway Mania. The walls feature the artwork for Star Wars Land, but it is strangely not-centered and instead located in an alley behind some trees. A cast member access pathway is all that is down this alleyway. As always, stay tuned for more updates on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it progresses. Our latest photo report brings us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the midst of Disney’s Hollywood Studios appreciation week for a look around at what’s new and exciting in tinsel town. Ready when you are C.B.! Streetmosphere characters Mayor Sonny Burbank and Evie Starlight welcome guests to the park. Officer Percival Peabody of the Hollywood Police Department also ensures that guests walk, and not run to their first destination. Happy 28th Anniversary On May 1st 2017, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated its 28th birthday! The park of course opened as the Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, changing its name in Early 2008. The only opening day attraction left standing at this point is the Great Movie Ride, but rumors persist of even that closing in the next 2 years. For whatever reason, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MagicBand is now available at the Studios. A number of older designs have been updated for the MagicBand 2, some even using the new white and black band base colors. 40th anniversary banners remain outside of Star Wars Launch Bay. Wait times for the character meet and greets have been short lately. Chewbacca was posted as 20 minutes. Only 15 for Kylo Ren. Even the new BB-8 meet and greet has had short wait times. That sadly hasn’t stopped guests from destroying the walls… It’s a pretty cute meet and greet experience if you haven’t seen it yet: New designs celebrating the 40th anniversary of Star Wars can be found at the D-Tech on Demand location inside of Star Wars Launch Bay. Skywalker Vineyards wines are also available now. We actually bought a bottle and tried the new flight at the Brown Derby, so we will dedicate a post to this in the coming days. Work continues on the Star Wars and Toy Story themed lands. This barrier for Star Wars land continues to rise over the walls. A peek through the walls at the beginning of PIXAR Place reveals the current state of Toy Story Land. There appears to be a structure of some kind being erected in the middle of the Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster now. It appears that the coaster will barrel through it, whatever it is. These pics from a few days later show some progress on the walls going up at the other end of PIXAR Place. The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales preview has moved in at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. The Moana meet and greet recently closed inside, leaving us to believe that the Star Lord and Groot meet and greet coming will be located here. The exit is currently boarded up as well. A costume worn by Javier Bardem in Dead Men Tell No Tales is now on display. The preview is quite good, leading me to believe we might just be returning to form in the series. It is now certain that this lone standing section of New York Street will remain as modifications are being made to the structure. Meanwhile, Star Wars Land rises next door. Not only are the facades being touched up, but new elements are being added. A new awning was installed at the end of the street. With much of the original signage stripped, it will be interesting to see what becomes of this area. The former Writer’s Stop lies behind walls, amidst rumors that this may be the Club 33 location for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. How cool would it be to either here through a facade on New York Street? No trip to Hollywood Studios is complete without a ride on Star Tours. In Tatooine Traders, a number of new items can be found. While Star Wars Land may have eliminated quite a bit of the Streets of America, what’s left of New York Street appears to be getting extended… Two new crossbeams now extend from the New York facades to what was the Writer’s Stop building. The days of this being a movie set may be numbered. Once enclosed, it’s somewhat likely that this will tie into a repurposed Writer’s Stop space somehow. What could it be for? Club 33 perhaps? We suspect more New York Street facade will go in this gap. Meanwhile, construction on the Star Wars themed land continues next door. The old facades are currently being touched up. It should be interesting to watch what this space becomes. What do you think it will be? Disney is surveying guests about a possible Star Wars resort hotel experience at Walt Disney World, which would take place on an “actual” Star Wars Starship… Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World The survey is not being conducted by Disney, but rather by a contracted third party. The survey includes concept art and many details of what the experience would be like… This all-inclusive, 2-night immersive resort experience at Walt Disney World would include: Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World While staying aboard an all-inclusive luxury “starship” at Walt Disney World, guests will stay in luxury accommodations offering: As of right now, the experience would be priced at roughly $900 to $1000 per guest. Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World So basically, in summary, the experience would include… While this is just a survey at this time, it is worth noting that the presence of concept art and the inclusion of the Star Wars themed land in these plans likely means that this is a pretty serious project at this point. Many of the experiences above also sound very similar to aspects of the the Star Wars land discussed in the panel at Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Stay tuned as more information on this proposed project becomes available.
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3:00 p.m. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Bob Chapek
12:15 p.m. Inspiring Women of Imagineering
2:30 p.m. Voices of Disney Parks
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Hooray for Hollywood
MagicBand 2.0
Star Wars Launch Bay
PIXAR Displaced
Pirates of the Caribbean: One Man’s Dream
New York Street Lives!
Star Tours
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Star Wars Land Leads to New York Street Being Expanded at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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