Star Wars – Page 12 – WDWNT Archive

VIDEO: See the Tower of Terror Transform in “Star Wars: Season Of The Force” Ad for Disneyland Paris

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

A new trailer showcasing new visuals from Season Of The Force has been released.

It shows the new effects to be projected onto the Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror, alongside lighting effects (minus pyro) similar to those found in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In true Disneyland Paris fashion, Season Of The Force will feature free-roaming fan favourites such as Chewbacca and Stormtroopers for photo opportunities.

What do you think of the new visuals? Let us know in the comments section below.

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 10/28/16 (Star Wars Land, Christmas Decorations, Tower of Terror, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

The holidays are coming (yes I know what date it is, it’s located right next to this text in fact) to Disneyland, meanwhile, work continues on removing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and adding the Star Wars themed land to Disneyland Park. Let’s check it all out in our latest photo report from Conner Purzycki.

Star Wars Land Construction

Construction continues on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park.

Above is one of the tunnels that will lead guests into the remote outpost.

Some Imagineers were on the site yesterday, gaping into the giant whole excavated for the “Battle with the First Order” attraction, reportedly the single largest E-Ticket ride Disney has ever created.

Downtown Disney

The former Valet Parking area is now open to self parking.

Curl Surf and what we expect to be Sprinkles will be going between Sunglass Hut and Jamba Juice.

The facade work on the World of Disney store is finally complete.

The windows were already updated for the holidays (yet don’t reflect the changes to the Tower of Terror).

The Holidays come to Disneyland

It isn’t even Halloween yet, but Sleeping Beauty Castle is already decked for the holiday season.

The last of the Diamond Celebration decorations are finally gone, now replaced with snow-covered towers.

Fantasmic 2.0

Work continues on Tom Sawyer Island to prepare for Fantasmic! 2.0 next summer.

A scrim covers work on the new riverbank to hide Star Wars land.

New Orleans Square

Christmas decorations are already up in New Orleans Square as well.

This and That

Moana merchandise was spotted in Frontierland.

“it’s a small world” is now closed for its annual holiday makeover.

The majority of the facade work in Toontown is complete and I would dare say that Cartoon Spin has never looked better.

Yes, it is Christmas in Toontown already as well.

The 2016 Holiday merchandise is out in full force already. We have an entirely separate photo report where you can check out most of the items new for this year.

The 2017 attraction poster calendar is now available on both coasts.

Rogue Oen merchandise is readily available as well.

Some strange new sewer cap shirts are available around the Resort.

Disney Showcase on Main Street U.S.A. has become s full-fledged Christmas store.

Disney California Adventure

Disney Junior Live on Stage is now presented by Pull-Ups.

Work continues to fix the damage of 6 years worth of dance parties in the backlot area.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Removal

I’m still waiting for a “Yes, We’re Still Open” banner like in the movie Clerks to show up at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror as the conversion into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout continues while the ride is still functioning.

A Bug’s Land getting the holiday treatment, while Tower of Terror is getting a whole different kind of treatment…

It’s been out for a bit, but the relatively new line of Grizzly River Run merchandise is pretty terrific.

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 10/17/16 (Tower of Terror Covered, Star Wars Land, New Fantasmic, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki return us to the Disneyland Resort this week to see all of the latest happenings. The Tower of Terror is quickly vanishing, Star Wars land is quickly appearing, and 2 new sneak preview attractions are being offered. Let’s take a look:

Star Wars Land Construction

With the warped Tower of Terror off in the distance, work continues on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park.

One of the portals into the land taking shape already.

While it may appear that the Disneyland version is ahead of Hollywood Studios, all of the additional work required to transition out of the other lands in the park and to separate the new land from the Rivers of America is all far more intricate than any transition will be at Walt Disney World. Guests will not to to enter through tunnels in Florida.

The massive “Battle with the First Order” attraction is being excavated. It reportedly will be the largest single attraction Disney has ever built.

The new waterfront for Rivers of America and new staging area for the updated Fantasmic! will need to be ready by next summer, so they are much further along than anything else in the project.

Downtown Disney Anaheim

Well it looks like Sprinkles isn’t going over here, between Starbucks and Disney Vacation Club.

A number of Food Trucks are currently available to guests at Downtown Disney.

If you were betting the Something Silver location would be home to Sprinkles, it seems unlikely that space could be converted by November.

It seems highly likely that this space between the other Starbucks and Jamba Juice is where Sprinkles will end up.

The facade work on the World of Disney store continues while the store is open.

Welcome to Disneyland

The canon moved to its new home recently, now just behind a fence in the planter. It’s nice to see Disneyland trying to fix the Main Street crowding issues where they can without removing history.

Christmas lights are already reinstalled on the hub trees.

ThisÂ and That

Work continues to get the Rivers of America and Fantasmic! back in action for Summer 2017.

While Disney is trying to hide them from us, we can clearly see projectors for new projection mapping effects in Fantasmic!

They are kind of big and hard to hide in fairness.

Obligatory duck photo.

Rolling refurbishments in Critter Country are now taking place through November 3rd, everything but Splash Mountain opens on weekend during that period.

Star Wars Land as seen from Critter Country.

The facades work on Peter Pan’s Flight was completed and the building looks great.

Now let’s Trolley on over to Disney California Adventure, shall we?

Doctor Strange and Fixing the Backlot

The Doctor Strange sneak peek has moved in at the Sunset Showcase.

The backlot stage is finally coming down after 6 years, hopefully the Sorcerer Mickey fountain will be returning.

The lighting rigs in front of the former Hollywood and Dine are already gone.

The Tower of Terror Breaks Out

Tarps have now expanded to the front of the Tower of Terror facade. It’s hard to believe it is open, but Disney would hate to lose Tower of Terror for the busy holiday season. If all goes according to plan, they would like to have Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout open by late-May.

Interestingly enough, Disney is not using FastPass for the attraction currently. This combined with the demand of guests to see it one last time is making for some crazy wait times.

I would be lying if I said the Tower of Terror at DCA has had an 85 minute wait on a regular basis at any point in its existence. For all the people who knock the advent of FastPass, this is why it exists. It deters people from getting in line all at once by giving them another option.

Moana Sneak Peek

The Moana sneak peek has moved in at the “it’s tough to be a bug” theater.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 10/18/16 (Star Wars, Toy Story, PizzeRizzo, Parking Expansion, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Our latest photo report brings us back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on the park’s expansion, PizzeRizzo, Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, and more.

Welcome to Hollywood

Construction on the roadways around the park has expanded greatly, even beyond the main Walt Disney World Resort entrance on World Drive.

Entering Hollywood Studios from World Drive is quite the disaster currently as Disney prepares to move the entrance in the not-too-distant future.

There are currently two exit ramps to Animal Kingdom as the new one recently opened. No word yet on when the old one will close, but for now you can take two exits in a row to the same place.

The construction as seen from the World Drive road entrance.

AOTAS Hall of Fame Removal?

Rumor has it that the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame is being removed outside of the Hyperion Theater.

This and That

To make sure everyone knows they are back, a large sign was placed on the top of Oasis Canteen advertising the menu.

Celebrity Spotlight was averaging about an 11 minute wait, so Disney cut the capacity in half and now waits have been double the length at least.

Star Wars Land Construction

Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America as land clearing is full speed ahead for Star Wars land.

For a better look, check out this week’s expansion video update:

PizzeRizzo and Gonzo’s Royal Flush

Gonzo’s Royal Flush opens a few weeks ago, but some signage was recently added to the exterior.

Work continues on PizzeRizzo which should be opening soon.

Some flags were recently hung, including the PizzeRizzo logo.

Tables and some wall art were recently installed inside.

Gone are the old planters, railings now separate the outside dining area from the walkway.

Some new lamps were installed by the staircase.

Dr. Strange and the Mystery in One Man’s Dream

The Doctor Strange sneak peek has finally begun inside the One Man’s Dream theater.

Walls are still up in The Legacy Continues area of the exhibit. It is still unknown exactly what the work is for.

The model of the fortress from Tokyo DisneySea is now gone. This model had been in the exhibit for a number of years.

More permanent walls are now up. The door was left open at one point, so I peeked in. There is literally nothing there except some ladders and other work tools.

The Doctor Strange preview is not much more than two of the film trailers put together, but the film looks interesting enough.

Toy Story Land

The tarps are back up over by the former Jack Sparrow location, so we no longer have a clear view of construction down on this side.

Land clearing continues back by Toy Story Midway Mania.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

As discussed in an earlier post, the ark from Raiders of the Lost Ark is now on display at the Great Movie Ride.

New Merchandise

Some new ladies shirts are available in the Disney Boutique collection.

The Disney Parks Attraction Poster Calendar for 2017 is now available, $24.99 each.

VIDEO: Backlot Turns to Dirt as PizzeRizzo Nears Completion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

This week, PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard is nearing completion as the land clearing and demolition continues in the Backlot area of the park for Star Wars and Toy Story Land in our latest video expansion update from Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Episode 224 of Destination Vinylmation Podcast

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

****IMPORTANT**** As of December 31st, 2016, this original iTunes feed of Destination Vinylmation will no longer update. Please go to iTunes and subscribe to our new feed. Do this ASAP, so you do not miss an episode. It can be found by searching Destination Vinylmation and clicking on the feed with our new ORANGE and WHITE LOGO. The old feed has the original black and white logo. The new feed is also noted with the “Lowdown Media” author name. We know it is an inconvenience, but appreciate your loyalty as we grow and find new ways to better deliver our podcast to you. If you use other devices to subscribe to our podcast, here is new RSS feed to use: https://www.lowdownmedia.info/feed/podcast/dv. More info at DestinationVinylmation.com

This week we review the Star Wars Rogue One Eachez, WDW 45th Eachez and the Designer Series 2 created by Jeff Granito. We also preview the upcoming Marvel Star Lord Eachez and get ready for voting for the 6th annual Dee Vee Award show. Download the episode, listen online and subscribe on iTunes.

Episode 18: The Jedi, The Hero & The Princess Podcast “Four Birds and a Rhino”

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Nick and Brendt give a wrap -up of their most memorable NY Comic Con 2016 experiences. The group discuss WDW AP appreciation, Avatar reveals, Disney Parks possibly coming to live-action TV and more. Nick runs down the latest Star Wars headlines, Brendt goes over all the Marvel reveals from NYCC and Zoe talks Tsum Tsum and super Disney merch shopping. All that, and the return of “Dramatic Readings of Comments from the Disney Parks” and “Most Embarrassing Moments.”

Download the episode, Listen online, subscribe on iTunes and visit JediHeroPrincess.com

PHOTOS: First Look at New Star Wars Items Coming to Disney Parks This Fall

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Disney today shared a preview of new Star Wars-themed products coming to the Disney Parks this fall.

One of the coolest items has to be the Imperial Comlink Bluetooth Communicator. A comlink is a standard handheld communication device used by the Empire. You might recall seeing it used in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope when Luke Skywalker communicates from the trash compactor with C-3PO.

This Bluetooth enabled device allows you to take calls and play music when connected to your smart device. It’s rechargeable and comes with a belt clip.

Arriving in mid-December, guests will find a new remote controlled Mouse Droid. You may also recall seeing this droid in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope when Chewbacca roars at one while on the Death Star. This remote control droid makes sounds and includes rechargeable batteries.

On October 17, Disney will release three new Dooney & Bourke handbags inspired by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Look for these handbags in The Star Trader at Disneyland park in California or Legends of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Fans of Star Wars Droid Factory at Disney Parks will find two new carded Astromech droid action figures this fall. The R2-B00 figure is currently available, while the R2-H16 droid will be released during the upcoming holiday season.

Speaking of droids, guests can keep warm this fall with new blankets inspired by BB-8 and R2-D2.

Coming soon to the Disney Parks online store, there will be a second collection of Ewok plush. This collection of six plush includes a variant Wicket, Tokkat, Latara, Widdle, Shodu and Winda. The basket will also have Kaink who will also be released individually at Disney Parks in December.

Finally, the Starspeeder 1000 playset we showed you in a recent photo report is now available. You may recall this playlet was first introduced in 2011. This playset has been updated with a new interchangeable destination disk featuring Jakku from Star Wars The Force Awakens. When placed in the front screen of the toy vehicle, you can hear dialogue from the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction.

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.

EA Releasing Star Wars Battlefront Ultimate Edition in November for Rogue One

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

Although there won’t be a new AAA Star Wars games releasing this Fall, but EA still has something coming to store shelves just in time for Rogue One.

To celebrate Battlefront‘s one-year anniversary, EA will release Star Wars Battlefront Ultimate Edition this November. The package will include the base game and all of the content that has released post-launch through the Season Pass. This means the Outer Rim, Bespin, Death Star, and the upcoming Rogue One: Scarif (which will release in December) expansions will all be included in one release. That adds up to over 30 maps, 14 heroes, and 14 game modes.

According to a listing on Amazon, the game will retail for $39.99 and release on November 18, however, the Microsoft Store has the digital version listed for $69.99.While EA has not yet announced a solid release date or price point, it is unclear which, if either, listing is correct. That said, it seems like the November 18 release is probably accurate. It is not uncommon for Amazon to completely and accurately leak a product ahead of release. It happens all the time.

The Ultimate Edition is nothing too exciting, especially if you already own Star Wars Battlefront, but hey, at least that Rogue One: Scarif expansion is something to look forward to.