It’s time once again to check in on the latest progress of the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
This update includes the latest progress on PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard, the demolition of the backlot for Star Wars and Toy Story Land, the construction of a Dr. Strange meet and greet inside One Man’s Dream, and more! Enjoy:
Buckle up for one of the longest photo reports in recent memory as Disney has been making no shortage of new merchandise available as the holiday season grows ever closer. While Halloween and Autumn celebrations are underway, in about a month’s time, the Christmas season officially kicks off at Disney World and the store shelves will be ready for it.
The Star Wars Galactic Outpost shop, formerly D Street, now shares no resemblance with the former store.
Mao’s rules from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, can now be found in the ceiling above, along with a number of insignia flags.
Guests can now find a Build Your Own Lightsaber location here as well.
One of those new-fangled digital pressed penny machines can be found here as well.
What makes them limited edition???
The large Starspeeder Playset is back, now with the Jakku sequence added.
A new large Chewbacca plush for sale.
A Halloween droid is now for sale at Once Upon a Toy.
Even shortbread cookies have a Star Wars theme now.
These rather odd Mexican art style character shirts can be yours for $27.99 each…
R2-D2 tablet case.
A new engraved I.D. tag machine showed up inside Once Upon a Toy.
There is also a new Kylo Ren statue for sale at the parks, JUST $99.99!!! (Sarcasm)
The Super Hero Headquarters store was finally rebranded with the MARVEL logo recently.
I guess Disney keeps finding loopholes in the Universal theme park agreement.
A digital MARVEL pressed penny machine can be found at Once Upon a Toy.
Dr. Strange merchandise has started to arrive at the parks.
Work continues on Planet Hollywood Observatory. Hopefully the covering for the building will end up being more than a plastic sheet.
The planters outside probably aren’t helping guests see that STK Orlando is open…
They did in fact add that greeter stand mentioned in a recent new piece, but no one was standing there when we visited.
Work on The Edison continues.
KUNGALOOSH!
Here is where Wine Bar George will be located.
Work continues on the Paddlefish, still advertised to open this Fall.
Disney was surveying guests leaving Portobello. Rumor has it that they will undergo a major overhaul in 2017.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has moved, so the old location is being used for a Princess meet and greet test through the month of October.
The Disney Food Trucks in Expo Park now have a centralized ordering area.
Some of the menus were also updated. World Showcase of Flavors now has a bunch of different tacos.
Amorette’s Patisserie has some seasonal offerings.
Music and entertainment at Disney Springs right now has a holiday overlay for Halloween that will last throughout the month.
AristoCrepes is offering a seasonal crepe and frozen lemonade currently.
Disney’s Days of Christmas recently received new signage, which apparently is best viewed from underneath.
There is also a ton of new ornaments, including a Minnie Mouse graduation ornament to match the Mickey one.
Two more ear hat ornament boxed sets were release: Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.
There’s also some new apparel ornaments with character costumes hanging on hangers.
A new Pluto reindeer ear hat, sure to be a popular item this holiday season.
Some new blown-glass ornaments for sale.
Some amazing new theme park plush sets were recently released, $34.99 each.
There are so many new mugs for sale, it’s getting hard to keep track of them all.
There is also a ton of new apparel for sale.
The popular Princess mugs were redesigned and re-released recently.
There is finally a Little Orange Bird 28 & Main shirt.
For whatever reason, new plush of Lady and Marie were released, $21.95 each.
This Minnie Mouse MagicBand can only be made at Marketplace Co-Op.
I finally found the Animal Kingdom glass in stock at Marketplace Co-Op as well.
Some of the coasters are back in stock as well.
Some new pins for sale.
This week, with Hurricane Matthew coming through, some of the tarps and such that would regularly obstruct the views through the walls and fences surrounding the Star Wars and Toy Story Land construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios were temporarily removed. With those coverings gone, we got a nice clear view of exactly what is going on in the former Backlot area of the park, and we share that with you now in our latest video update of the ongoing expansion:
Work continues on two massive themed lands as a bevy of modest options prepare to open in the not-to-distant future at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. PizzeRizzo is nearing completion, the Dr. Strange preview has finally opened, and something else is brewing at One Man’s Dream in our latest photo report.
The projection towers for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are indeed being repainted as the blue tower is already completed.
The beige tower still awaits a new paint scheme. I’m not sure these make the towers look any better, but at least someone is trying.
Rogue One merchandise can be found throughout the park at various locations.
A Rogue One poster was also installed at the entrance of Star Wars Launch Bay.
A bevy of new D-Tech on Demand phone cases are available with Rogue One designs at Launch Bay.
Walls are up at the Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Speculation is that this is being removed.
While the Doctor Strange preview has opened, the rumored meet and greet has yet to materialize. Could this be a model of an upcoming project or something else?
Doctor Strange signage can be found all around the surrounding area.
Thankfully, someone realized that the Studio Store Coloring Station was dangerous, so outlet covers were installed.
As we previously reported, The Writer’s stop is now permanently closed.
If you missed it, a great look at the Star War and Toy Story Land construction sites is offered in this week’s expansion update video:
Hurricane Matthew forced Disney to remove some netting and tarps around the construction areas this week, allowing us a better view of the construction of Star Wars land.
The base of the supports for the facades that once stood at the end of the street are all that is left of it.
Moving down towards Muppets Courtyard, there isn’t much left to see.
The fire escapes off of the New York facades all lay in a pile just behind the walls.
Work on PizzeRizzo continues, with the sign now appearing weathered.
Meanwhile, a trip down to the old Jack Sparrow queue offers a look at what will be an entrance to Toy Story Land.
The old Prop Shop is now completely demolished.
We have to wonder how much longer this tree will be left standing.
Some Dr. Strange merchandise available at Mickey’s of Hollywood.
There is a Jack Skellington cupcake available at Sunset Ranch Market. Be sure to check out our review of the carrot cake treat.
Disneyland reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back to the Disneyland Resort for our latest photo update, looking at both parks as well as Downtown Disney. Let’s jump right in!
Construction continues on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park, visible from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.
The tram route around the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is currently being reconfigured.
World of Disney is open while the facade is being refurbished.
The space next door to Jamba Juice is currently vacant, rumored to be home to Sprinkles, which will open in November.
Naples has blocked off an area for needed outdoor seating for guests.
Some work happening at the former House of Blues space, rumored to be an west coast home to The Edison.
Some work also happening on the bridge area.
Still unsure what will happen to the space next door to this Starbucks.
Let’s take a ride aboard the Disneyland Monorail.
The Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is gone, visible from the Monorail.
Even though Season of the Force is over, it should be returning in November, thus why all of the lighting and such was left up in Tomorrowland. Hyperspace Mountain will likely switch off with Ghost Galaxy until Star Wars land opens, so don’t expect to see regular Space Mountain anytime soon.
All of the Star Wars banners were changed over to generic Tomorrowland banners.
Some work is being done to the Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters FastPass area, which is also used for Star Tours FastPass.
A nifty, yet temporary, Tomorrowland sign replaces the one for the Season of the Force.
I’m honestly surprised that it isn’t flat.
Definitely prefer this to the 1998 signage.
Some work being done to the sidewalk on Main Street U.S.A.
Star Wars construction, as seen from Frontierland.
Work continues on the Rivers of America while its many attractions are closed.
The Columbia is getting ready to host the Pirates of the Caribbean in an updated Fantasmic!
A fangless, new-faced Mickey meets guests on Main Street.
The canon is missing…
The old Millionaire soundstage now sits vacant, but has seen better days on its exterior.
After 6 years, the backlot stage is finally coming down.
It might actually be nice to see this area back to normal, as ugly as it is.
As we reported last week, the Hollywood Tower Hotel sign is already gone from the Tower of Terror.
The attraction will close in January to become Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.
To infinity and beyond!
A lot of guests are angry about this, personally, I still don’t think it actually matters, but to each his own.
Our latest photo report trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to us courtesy of Jose Castillo. In this visit, we take a look at the continuing demolition in the Backlot, the latest progress on PizzeRizzo, the opening of Gonzo’s Royal Flush, and more.
The Backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reduced to rubble. The space will someday be home to Toy Story Land and the Star Wars-themed land.
Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America at this point.
Gonzo’s Royal Flush opened next door to PizzeRizzo over the weekend.
Sadly, the interior of the restroom is not themed.. and yes, we made sure no one else was in the restroom before we took these.
Based on the last few new restrooms added in themed areas (like Tangled restrooms at the Magic Kingdom), we assumed these would be themed somehow, but they aren’t.
PizzeRizzo is nearing completion next door in the former Pizza Planet location.
The exterior was being painted while we were outside.
The exterior lighting was also installed on both floors recently.
Some of the brick work on the main facade is being replaced now as well.
In our last report, we showed you the first of the new merchandise stands to arrive in the park’s Center Stage area. Since it was dark we figures it might be a good idea to show you what it looks like in the daylight.
The control and lighting towers for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular show are a bit of an eyesore, so it looks like Disney might be doing something to at least make them a little more tolerable.
A bunch of these strange markings could be found on both of the towers.
It appears that something will be tacked on to the sides of both towers.
New merchandise celebrating Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is coming Disney Parks starting September 30, 2016. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story revolves around a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. The film arrives in theaters on December 16, 2016. Here is an overview of items created especially for Disney Parks.
Women will find a variety of stylish shirts featuring characters from the upcoming film including Jyn Erso or the Rebel Forces Tactical Droid, K-2SO. There is also apparel from the Her Universe collection including a most impressive dress covered with images of the Death Star.
Other apparel items will include hooded sweatshirts, a sleeveless zip fleece with Jyn Erso’s image, and graphic tees.
There is also a limited release Vinylmation Eachez of Shoretroopers. Each box contains one randomly selected figure with some variant figures being rarer to find than others.
Guests who enjoy collecting pins will find a variety of open edition pins with images of characters, ships, or graphics from the film. There will also be a limited release, 14-pin mystery collection. Each box will contain two pins – 1 of 7 revealed pins that guests can see, and 1 of 7 mystery pins.
Fans of the Star Wars Droid Factory will find a set of four Astromech droid action figures inspired by the new film.
For guests at Walt Disney World Resort, there are two limited release, retail MagicBands.
Finally, guests can create and personalize phone cases for select iPhone and Samsung devices with 15 new designs at the D-Tech on Demand stations in Disney Parks.
Select items from the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are also available for purchase on the free Shop Disney Parks Mobile app.
At Disneyland Resort, guests may find select items in World of Disney and D-Street at Downtown Disney District; Emporium, The Star Trader, and Star Wars Launch Bay in Disneyland park; Elias & Company and Gone Hollywood in Disney California Adventure park; and Fantasia at Disneyland Hotel.
At Walt Disney World Resort, look for select items at World of Disney, Once Upon A Toy, and Star Wars Galactic Outpost at Disney Springs; Emporium and Merchant of Venus in Magic Kingdom Park; Mouse Gear at Epcot; Tatooine Traders, Star Wars Launch Bay, Legends of Hollywood, and Mickey’s of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Disneyland Reporter Conner Purzycki brings us back out to the Disneyland Resort in his latest photo report. Today, we check in on Star Wars Land, the “desecration” of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and a number of smaller projects taking place around the resort.
Work on the Star Wars themed land for Disneyland Park rolls on (as it will be a few years).
This looks familiar…
The tunnel above is likely the one that will greet guests at the entrance to the land. An X-Wing and assorted items will greet guests just outside on the passage from Critter Country and Frontierland.
The cannon in Town Square is moving into a planter to make more walking space for guests, something much needed during parade and fireworks time.
Here is the new pedestal that the cannon will call home.
Work on the Market House facade has wrapped up.
The sidewalk work on Main Street has already wrapped up.
While the Diamond Celebration ended over a month ago, the castle decorations will remain until November.
The facades behind the New Orleans Square train station are being touched up.
Mickey’s Toontown is getting some TLC (and I don’t mean tables, ladders, and chairs).
Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin is open while the facade is being fixed up.
On Friday, Disney Parks released dozens of new items inspired by the upcoming Rogue One – A Star Wars Story film.
The Crush sipper cup is now available on the West Coast at Award Weiners.
The Doctor Strange preview will be opening soon, but Disney is already stating that a Beauty and the Beast preview will occupy the space in the Spring.
The Mad T Party/Jammin’ on the Backlot/elecTRONica stage is finally coming down.
AP Days are rolling on through the Fall.
Scaffolding is now going up around the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Odds are that it won’t even look like the attraction by the time in closes in January.
The attraction is being replaced by Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout, opening Summer 2017.
Quicksilver is now closed as well… WILL THIS BE THE SPRINKLES LOCATION???
It has been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Death Star DLC, but we now have confirmation that season pass holders can jump in starting on September 20.
EA posted a new trailer for the DLC, which you can see below, that showcases the new maps, weapons, and yes, Chewbacca.
https://https://youtu.be/eRtNR_1fMv4
Of course Chewie isn’t the only new hero that will be added in the DLC. Bounty hunter Bossk makes his debut appearance and offers players more variety in their arsenal of heroes. Each character offers a variety of new abilities, including Chewbacca’s roar, Multi-Bolts, and ground slam, as well as Bossk’s health regeneration and Micro-Grenades.
Battle Station is the DLC’s main attraction though, as it will put players in the action of the famous Death Star battle (who knows which one). Battle Station will feature three distinct phases of action. In phase one, players will fly X-Wings and fight off incoming TIE fighters. Phase two takes place inside the space station where an on foot battle will commence. Finally in phase three, players will fly through the trenches of the Death Star to take it down for good, or until the next sequel.
As usual, the DLC will be available for season pass holders first, so players looking to buy the DLC separately will have to wait at least another two weeks.
It’s time once again for a Disney’s Hollywood Studios expansion update. This is a pretty big one as it includes our final glance at the Streets of America and the removal of all traces of the original Studio Backlot Tour, the headlining attraction from when the park opened back in 1989.
We will have photos of the wreckage later this week in a photo report, but the above video does a pretty good job showing the size and scope of this project.
