PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/19/17 (Goodbye Backlot & New York Street, No Drinking Water, New Mugs, ETC.)

In our latest photo report, we take a dark and dreary evening trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on the demolition around the back of the park, as well as some other minor changes and newsworthy happenings. Welcome to Hollywood!

New Mugs & Tumblers

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For some reason, Walt Disney World is currently rolling out dozens of new mugs and ceramic tumblers at the resort. I know mugs are one of the highest selling items at the parks, but I have never seen so many released at once, including the character sports team variety we had in our last Studios report.

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Bye-Bye Backlot

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The entrance of thew Backlot Studio Tour and the remains of the tank pre-show are were completely bulldozed over the last week.

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The end of PIXAR Place is now just a big open sky and some construction vehicles.

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This panorama does a pretty good job showing off the current scene. You may also want to check out this week’s expansion update for video of the area, as well as the removal of New York Street:

Cash Register Turns Dangerous Coloring Station

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I have seen some weird and wacky things at the parks in my time, but this is easily one of the weirdest… the second bank of cash registers at the Studio Store has been turned into a coloring station.

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That’s right, this store is down from 3 cash registers to 1, and the larger bank of registered was covered into a coloring station.

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While it is a nice gesture, it looks pretty terrible as it is a ragged piece of furniture that has been there for 25 years and is fairly decimated at this point. Beyond that, it has had Disney Junior characters shoddily laminated and plastered all over it.

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The worst part? There are easily exposed electrical outlets. While we had to peel this one back to find them, they were very much exposed nearby.

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I feel like this is something I might find at a Six Flags, but never any a Disney theme park. Hopefully this will be corrected.

Sorry, We Have No Water

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During construction on Saturday, a water main was struck, forcing Disney to close all of the park’s water fountains. On the plus side, any guest who asked about the water fountains was offered a complimentary bottle of water from a nearby location.

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Streets of America is No More

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Just the Chrysler building facade now stands at the end of the street where New York Street once stood.

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The walls were expanded outward to accommodate the latest phase of the demolition.

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I’m not sure why this one piece got left behind…

New Merchandise Stands

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A number of new merchandise carts and stands are on their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the first of which arrived in Center Stage over the weekend.

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It carries on the art deco styles of the area, and actually is a big improvement over the silver carts that once stood here.

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VIDEO: PizzeRizzo Signage Goes Up, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Comes Down in Our Latest Hollywood Studios Update

It’s time once again to check in on the latest progress of the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! By popular demand (although I still don’t really understand why anyone wants to hear me talk), this edition is the first narrated by Tom Corless, as he explains what exactly you are looking at throughout the update.

This update includes the latest progress on PizzeRizzo and Gonzo’s Royal Flush, the demolition of the Streets of America for Star Wars and Toy Story Land, and more! Enjoy:

PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Resort 9/7/16 (Tower of Terror Farewell, Star Wars Land, AP Days, New Character Heads)

Conner Purzycki brings us a fairly news-heavy photo report from the Disneyland Resort on the first day of its transition from the Diamond Celebration into HalloweenTime. Heavy promotion has started for the Tower of Terror final check-in, Star Wars land continues to rise from the dirt, Mickey and Minnie are getting an entirely new look, and the popular AP Days promotion has returned. See, I told you there was a lot going on! Let’s get started, because there is so much to see:

Tower of Terror Final Check-In

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Banners around the resort promote HalloweenTime and the Tower of Terror send off events.

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Billboard by the tram station don’t even mention Halloween Time, it’s all Twilight Zone Tower of Terror promotion. Halloween Time is a pretty big deal at the Disneyland Resort, so giving Tower of Terror the headline billing for this season is kind of a big deal.

Star Wars Land Construction

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Construction of the Star Wars themed land continues in the back of Disneyland Park.

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While it may appear that this project is ahead in schedule compared to Hollywood Studios, this version of the land features more tunnels and an elaborate mountain range to separate the area from Frontierland and Critter Country.

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The Tower of Terror off in the distance, making this an interesting snapshot in Disneyland history.

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Some of the Paint the Night floats are visible just beyond the Star Wars site. The parade is set to return for the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort before the finale run of the Main Street Electrical Parade begins.

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The Diamond Celebration Slowly Vanishes

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Promotional signs for AP Days out in force at the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure.

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The Diamond Celebration still lingers at the Disneyland Resort, including the Diamond Days promotion, which is still going for some reason.

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Halloween Time and the Diamond celebration decorations clash on Main Street.

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Some work being done outside of the Disneyland Railroad station.

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Some tarps still up on the Market House, but Starbucks remains open through it.

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Some other Main Street facades are now also behind tarps.

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The hub Jack-O-Lanterns are back.

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While the “60” came down overnight, the rest of Sleeping Beauty Castle is still sporting the 60th decorations.

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New Mickey & Minnie Costumes Arrive

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The heavily discussed new look heads for Mickey and Minnie Mouse debuted at the Disneyland Resort yesterday.

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These style heads also appear in Mickey’s Royal Friendship Fair at the Magic Kingdom and at the Shanghai Disney Resort.

Rivers of America

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Work continues on the Rivers of America as it prepares for a Summer 2017 reopening, including a newly enhanced Fantasmic show.

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The Columbia is being re-rigged for a new segment in Fantasmic, themed to Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Haunted Mansion Holiday

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The Haunted Mansion is currently closed for its Haunted Mansion Holiday makeover.

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A new cemetery has been placed up on the hill in the queue, featuring some fo the more famous tombstones from the attraction lore.

The Halloween Tree

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The Halloween Tree honoring Ray Bradbury is back in Frontierland.

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Peter Pan Facade Refurbishment

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Even though it was worked on extensively in 2015, the Peter Pan’s Flight facade is once again behind tarps in Fantasyland. The attraction is open.

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Space Mountain – Ghost Galaxy

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Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy will be replacing Hyperspace Mountain until November. Hyperspace Mountain is expected to return and run until the opening of Star Wars land (only bowing our for Ghost Galaxy every year).

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Downtown Disney

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The new Starbucks in Downtown Disney is already getting a facade touch up, along with a Sprinkles location moving in next door.

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More Tower of Terror and Halloween Time banners going down to the Disneyland Hotel.

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Disney California Adventure

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Some work being done to the outside of Rushin’ River Outfitters.

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AP Days Return

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AP Days have returned to the resort for the fall season.

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A number of annual passholder exclusive items are available at the event.

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Specialty food and beverage offerings from around the resort are showcased.

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Trader Sam’s has a special Mahalloween mug this year celebrating The Haunted Mansion.

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The lines for the AP Days Showcase were pretty long.

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The now infamous Backlot Stage still remains, simply as it is more cost effective to leave it standing than remove it at this point.

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The Pete’s Dragon preview is gone, so the Sunset Showcase sits dormant.

Real Working “Star Wars” Lightsaber Training Experience Patent Filed by Disney

If you ever wanted to train to be a Jedi like Luke Skywalker, you may want to take a look at the latest Disney patent…

Disney Patent for Interactive Star Wars Lightsaber

Disney Patent for Interactive Star Wars Lightsaber

“An entertainment environment has a user with a faux light saber that interacts with a drone flying through the air or operated with hidden rods to appear as if its flying through the air. The faux light saber has LEDs attached thereto to provide IR light to the drone. As an LED is turned on, an invisible light sensor built into the drone captures an image of the field of view with a bright spot at the position of the activated LED. A visible light source built into the drone then projects light through particulate matter toward the faux light saber. As a result, the uses is provided with the illusion that the faux light saber has deflected a laser beam. Multiple LEDs can be activated in sequence at various times to give user the impression that the movement by the users of the faux light saber is deflecting multiple laser beams.”

While sometimes these patents mean nothing, rumors have suggested that the Star Wars lands coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland would be full of role-playing experiences like this. Could you imagine being able to train to be a Jedi just as Luke Skywalker was by Obi-Wan Kenobi in Episode IV, deflecting lasers with your weapon?

Could guests get to be Jedi knights?

Could guests get to be Jedi knights?

Again, this could be nothing, but guests could in fact be wielding an interactive lightsaber at Disney Parks someday.

PHOTO REPORT: Epcot 8/18/16 (Mexico Climbers, Oswald, Figment Removal, ETC.)

We take a short trip to Epcot in our latest photo report, catching up on a few minor changes around the park, as well as some new merchandise items for sale.

No Climbing at the Mexico Pavilion

No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

So, the old sign was clearly ripped off and these new signs using an Epcot font put in place. I only hope these are temporary as they damaged the wall underneath and these look no better than what was already there.

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No Climbing Sign on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot

New Merchandise Round-Up

It wouldn’t be a photo report if I wasn’t hocking some of Disney’s latest souvenirs you could take home…

Peter Pan Snowglobe

Peter Pan Snowglobe

The Peter Pan’s Flight snow-globe was remade without Tinker Bell on the top. The Tink statue was too fragile and was breaking in transit, so they just placed Peter’s hat on top of the new version.

Oswald basketball jersey

Oswald basketball jersey

Some new basketball and baseball style jerseys are on sale in MouseGear, including this sleek Oswald one.

Oswald basketball jersey

Oswald basketball jersey

There's also a Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

There’s also a Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Mickey Mouse baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Walt Disney World baseball jersey

Fab 4 Basketball Jersey

Fab 4 Basketball Jersey

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Pin Central has a TON of open edition Halloween pins on sale currently (and yes, it is still mid-August).

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars character Halloween pins were expanded this year, but the variety from last year are still available as well.

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Star Wars Halloween pin

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Strange enough, a line of bicycle accessories is now hitting stores around Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Disney Parks bicycle accessories

Strange Things are Happening at the Imagination Pavilion

Journey Into Imagination queue

Journey Into Imagination queue

Strange things continue to happen at the Imagination pavilion, like this now wide open backstage walkway in the Journey Into Imagination queue. There used to be a metal gate here.

Journey Into Imagination queue

Journey Into Imagination queue

All of the projectors in the queue were also set to stationary, so there was no Figment appearing every few seconds.

Journey Into Imagination exit

Journey Into Imagination exit

The Figment footprints are still missing in the exit hallway, likely gone for good at this point.

Journey Into Imagination exit

Journey Into Imagination exit

Karamel Kuche

For my birthday, a group of friends decided to buy me some treats from the Karamel Kuche in Germany since I had never tried anything from there before. Everything was pretty amazing, so I’ll definitely be back.

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

Karamel Kuche at Epcot

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We also tried a shot of this fig drink, which was… interesting…

PHOTOS: Full Section of New York Street at Hollywood Studios Torn Down Today

For those who were wondering if some of New York Street and the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would survive the upcoming expansion of the park, I think the following photos will answer your question…

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

An entire large section of the street adjacent to MuppetVision 3-D was removed early today. This comes on the heels of the first small piece that went  missing just a few days ago.

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

The street is being removed to make way for the Star Wars themed land and Toy Story Land that will be added to the park in the coming years.

Streets of America Being Removed

Streets of America Being Removed

We will provide further pictures and video of the “damage” later today, but it looks like the Streets of America and New York Street could be removed from the park in a matter of days.

Out thanks to @Osborne_Lights on twitter for the pictures!

PHOTOS: A Look Behind the Walls at the Wreckage of “Streets of America” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As you have probably seen by now, demolition of the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began over the weekend, making room for the Star Wars and Toy Story Lands that will make up the park’s expansion project. On Saturday, we were lucky enough to get a look behind the walls and see the demolition up close and personal. We have some pictures of what we found to share with you today.

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

A whole section of what was San Francisco is now gone as well.

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

While I’m sure some pieces were saved and sent to various places, large sections of the facade were simply torn apart in a matter of hours.

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

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Streets of America demolition

I will be curious to see how they hid the Muppetvision 3-D building from sight in Star Wars Land.

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Lights, Motors, Action looms off in the distance…

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Streets of America demolition

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Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

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Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Streets of America demolition

Goodbye Streets of america, you will be missed… but certainly the long overdue expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be a worth replacement.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Aerial View of Demolition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars, Toy Story

Earlier this week, we flew over Disney’s Animal Kingdom to give you a better look at the construction of Pandora: The World of AVATAR. Today, we take flight over Disney’s Hollywood Studios to view the wreckage and remains of the Streets of America and Backlot area of the park, with demolition now nearing completion. This land clearing is of course to make way for the Toy Story Land and Star Wars themed area coming to the park in the next few years:

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An overall view of the work site, including the tree clearing to accommodate the move of the car toll plaza to a new location, making more room for the Star Wars land.

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The viewing area of the former Lights, Motors, Action show is being slowly gutted.

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This is the area where the cars once performed for guests, now a pile of rubble.

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The backdrop for the tank area at the Backlot Studio Tour remains, but a fair amount of it has been leveled.

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Most of this area next to the cast parking garage will be Toy Story Land.

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The first pipes and pieces of infrastructure have arrived on site for the new areas.

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Just a few structures remain of the Streets of America.

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This was a street just 6 days ago.

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We also have a short video overview of the demolition to share with you:

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

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.

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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.

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Streets of America

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Streets of America

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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.

A New Trailer For “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Coming This Thursday

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A new trailer for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will air this Thursday night during NBC’s coverage of The Olympics.

From Furious Fanboys:

Disappointed that there wasn’t a true Rogue One trailer at Celebration? It’s likely because Lucasfilm was saving it for the Olympics where we’ll see it this Thursday.

NBC ran a promo for the new trailer (which included a new shot of Jyn) during the Olympics already:

Source: Furious Fanboys