PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 8/30/16 (Gonzo’s Royal Flush, PizzeRizzo, Star Wars & Toy Story Land)

WDWNT on September 2, 2016

In our latest photo report, we take a trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see what’s new (and what’s left) of the park, including new additions in the Muppets Courtyard, and the latest progress on the ongoing expansion of the park.

Disney's Hollywood Studios star

Disney’s Hollywood Studios star

Not sure when this happened, but Launch Bay is now on the star at the park entrance.

Disney's Hollywood Studios star

Disney’s Hollywood Studios star

Star Wars Land

Streets of America

Streets of America

In case you have been living under a rock for over a week, the Streets of America demolition is in full swing for Star Wars land.

Streets of America

Streets of America

We have both video of the demolition process and an aerial look at the removal of the Streets of America, just in case you have missed them.

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

Streets of America

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PizzeRizzo

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Work walls have expanded as construction continues on PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard.

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Signage featuring Rizzo the Rat has been installed.

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush, straight out of The Muppets film is now the name of the nearby restrooms. I can’t wait to see how themed these are on the inside…

Food Changes

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Echo Lake Eats has come to an end. I guess Food and Wine needed their booths back…

Sunshine Day Cafe

Sunshine Day Cafe

Sunshine Day Cafe has still yet to open, but at least it is Roger Rabbit related, right?

Sunshine Day Cafe

Sunshine Day Cafe

Merchandise Changes

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Some new Frozen pins for sale.

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Still no sign of the red car trolley cart on Sunset Boulevard.

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Halloween merchandise in full swing at Reel Vogue.

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Descendants kids’ costumes for sale.

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Too many guests were touching the very expensive statues in Star Wars Launch Bay, so they put them behind a railing…

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Several new limited release phone cases and MagicBands are available at Star Wars Launch Bay.

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Billboards for the new LEGO Star Wars series and Rogue One out in the… Animation Courtyard? Star Wars Courtyard? I don’t even know anymore.

Toy Story Land

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The prop shop is being emptied out before the bulldozers come in and level the building.

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Most of the tank area of the Backlot Studio Tour has bee removed already.

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A look over the walls (extending a tripod mind you).

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More work happening backstage…

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There’s a new bar by the exit of Toy Story Midway Mania’s 3rd track.

PHOTOS: The Food Is Strong with New Specialty Star Wars Offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on December 7, 2015

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While the Season of the Force event is not coming by name to Hollywood Studios, it seems everything but the Fireworks show has come to fruition by December 1st at Walt Disney World, including a wide array of Star Wars themed food and beverage options around the park.

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Backlot Express is running an entirely new menu from top to bottom, offering some of the items from the Rebel Hangar that was offered for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

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The Death Star and Millennium Falcon glow cubes are back.

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Yes, there is now a $24.99 popcorn bucket…

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Two new cupckaes are being made now as well, in addition to the Darth Vader

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Min & Bill’s also has some items, including the return of the Blue Milk Shake!

So, what are you going to be getting?

Star Wars “Season of the Force” Cancelled for Walt Disney World; Star Wars Fireworks to Run Nightly Instead

WDWNT on November 13, 2015

Despite a HUGE announcement at the D23 Expo, it seems Walt Disney World has decided to make several changes in regards to the roll-out of the many aspects that would have been part of the Season of the Force event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With many fragments of the event rolling out in small bursts from now until January 5th, it seems Disney will simply advertise all of the pieces individually rather than market it as some seasonal event. In short, Season of the Force will not exist.

Launch Bay

 

That being said, all of the advertised pieces of Season of the Force are still happening. In fact, the fireworks show that was originally announced as only a weekend offering will now be offered nightly:

“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’ – Starting Jan. 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

There will also be an added-charge dessert party offered for the show:

Guests will soon be able to purchase admission to a dessert party during the fireworks show featuring themed desserts, specialty drinks and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.

But specialty snacks will also be available throughout the day:

Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Another new offering beginning on January 5th will be the First Order Stormtrooper patrols:

As guests enjoy the sights and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they may come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers who will patrol various areas of the park, interacting with guests during their mission to find members of the Resistance.

These pieces come in addition to the Path of the Jedi clip show, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue additions, and the new Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Show that will all be in place by December.

RUMOR: Opening Date Set for Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 7, 2015

The new star Wars Launch Bay attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soft-open to guests on November 27th, 2015 if all goes according to plan.

 

This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings.  Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing the Magic of Disney Animation.