PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 12/12/17 (Star Tours, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Muppet Subtractions, ETC.)

WDWNT on December 21, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on this park in transition.

Welcome to Construction

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The new sections of parking lot were completed some time ago, removing greenery and palm trees in favor of more parking spaces that will be needed sorely come 2019.

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This expansion of the lot took place on both sides.

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Work continues on the Disney Skyliner station for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which you can see the concept art for here.

Welcome to Hollywood

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More stuff was thrown onto the left projection tower in the Center Stage area as Disney tries to make this thing look like it belongs there.

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It’s certainly better than it was, but these things still look completely out of place.

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For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration now features Olaf and music from the Olaf’s Frozen Adventure short. They might want to change the sign that says it is playing in theaters with Coco.

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Guests can now sit and eat in the former AOTAS Hall of Fame area, while Disney hopes the vines around the former sign grow in at some point…

Nothing but Star Wars…

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Signage at Star Tours was changed to reflect the recent additions to the ride.

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Nearby, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is taking shape. For a better look at this, be sure to check out our latest Disney’s Hollywood Studios Expansion Update video:

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Some palm trees were planted off to the side of the tunnel.

This and That

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The “Muppet Babies” section of Stage 1 Company Store has been closed for a while now, and sadly looks like it will not return. Why must Grand Avenue take everything Muppets away from us?

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Not only is it sealed off from inside, but there is a fairly permanent looking Cast Member access door now visible.

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A brick wall now separates Muppets Courtyard, I mean Grand Park from Star Tours. This will make for the most terrible crowd flow when Galaxy’s Edge opens.

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A new backstage gate has been constructed near the exit of MuppetVision 3-D. This was once a path through the Backlot, but now it will be a dead end.

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Work continues on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Toy Story Land

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Work continues on the entrance to Toy Story Land, set to open next Summer.

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The corner of the Toy Story Mania building (where the catwalk was ripped off) is now being patched up.

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Both of the billboards behind the Chinese Theater are for The Last Jedi. I guess this movie needs to be advertised heavily…

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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looms in the distance from PIXAR Place.

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The highest point in the land was topped off with a flag and a tree.

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To help guests visiting Toy Story Mania, Disney added these rope signs. This is somewhat helpful as the average guest never seems to know where to go.

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iPhone X cases are now available from D-Tech on Demand at the Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo Bay store.

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The store was also shaken up quite a bit, removing the onstage counter where the D-Tech devices were made. Now they are just made offstage and brought to the checkout counters when they are done.

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Guests can now partake in the Droid Factory here as well.

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More 2018 pins have hit shelves at the parks.

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Despite debuting over a month ago, they are still not finished building the projection booth for Sunset Seasons Greetings…

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Sunset Seasons Greetings Holiday Show Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Tonight, during a special Annual Passholder event, Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuted. The show consists of 4 short vignettes with Disney characters combining projections on the facade of the Tower of Terror, giant screens, and some synchronized lights in the decorations and on trees going down Sunset Boulevard.

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Below, you’ll find a video showing the entire show loop through all 4 sequences featuring Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, The Muppets, and Toy Story (including brief appearances by characters from Prep and Landing):

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PHOTO: New Marquee Replaces Classic Sign for Muppet-Vision 3-D, New Theater Name at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

The classic Muppet-Vision 3-D sign that has welcomed guests to the Hollywood Studios classic since 1991 has been removed and will be likely replaced today with this…

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New sign being installed today at Muppet-Vision 3-D, photo by @CityBeautiful_ on twitter

The new sign gives a name to the theater the Muppets and Muppet Labs have taken over for the show, The Grand Arts Theatre. This change is likely just the next step in further changes to the Muppets Courtyard area of the park, as well as its expansion into what is left of the Streets of America next door.

Here is what the original sign looked like last week, as preparations were already underway for this new marquee:

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The old sign was completely removed as of yesterday, with two new banner flanking where the new sign will go.

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Photo courtesy of @LaughingPlace on twitter

With the placement of the marquee, it appears something would have to go above it, but that is purely speculation. We will be sure to show you the finished product once it is finally installed.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2/6/17 (Star Wars & Toy Story Construction, Goodbye Starring Rolls & Kermit, ETC.)

WDWNT on February 6, 2017

Our latest photo report brings us back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the latest progress on the park’s massive overhaul, as well as some recent closures an removals. Let’s take a look…

Welcome to Hollywood!

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Work continues out in the parking lot on some of the park’s infrastructure.

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Beauty and the Beast: Live Action on Stage

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Some significant changes have come to Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage. A new pre-show featuring a song from the upcoming film was added…

Also, the Beast’s character costume was recently updated to the new style…

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This and That

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A new monorail mystery pin set was released, featuring all 123 monorails. They retail at $16.99 for a box of 2 pins.

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The chasers are actually kind of easy to figure out based on the character silhouettes and that only 4 monorail colors remain…

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As we informed you on Friday, the Starring Rolls Cafe is now indefinitely closed. No real reason has been given as to why as of yet, but we expect their to be an expansion of the often crowded Brown Derby Lounge.

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While I always liked this location, breakfast offerings at Trolley Car Cafe are similar and plenty of sweet pastries can be found next door at Sweet Spells on Sunset Boulevard.

Toy Story Land

For the most complete look at the current work on the Star Wars and Toy Story Lands, also be sure to check out our latest Hollywood Studios Expansion Update video:

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Work progresses on the Toy Story themed land behind PIXAR Place, with the maintenance bay for the Slinky Dog Dash coaster looming over the gate by the former Jack Sparrow attraction.
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From the edges of PIXAR Place, the removal of the MuppetVision balloon is surely noticeable. It’s easy to see how that would be visible from any land in the back of the park.

Star Wars Land

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The trees and such that once separated the Streets of America from Commissary Lane and Star Tours were recently removed and the walls expanded outward. This offers an unobstructed view towards other areas that has never existed within the park.

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It’s not even a construction wall, it is actually a chain link fence covered with a tarps twice over (to make sure I can’t see through it and get you guys some better pictures, I assume).

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It’s not the prettiest thing, but we’re gonna have to live with it for a while if we want Star Wars Land, and I do.

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With the trees gone, it is much easier to see in from the Tatooine Traders patio though…

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The ice cream is still standing, but the Kermit the Frog hot air balloon was removed last week.

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Hopefully the fountain will at least turn when all of this is done. PizzeRizzo just feels like a Muppets consolation prize at this point.
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The PizzeRizzo balcony offers some views into what was New York Street.

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Kermit the Frog Hot-Air Balloon to be Removed for Star Wars Land at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

The MuppetVision fountain at Hollywood Studios was temporarily turned into a planter to accommodate the Star Wars themed-land construction nearby, but it seems the galaxy far, far away will have a long-lasting impact on the look of the 1991 Hollywood Studios attraction.

The Kermit the Frog hot air balloon as it has looked since it was repainted in 2008 to remove references to the Jim Henson name.

The Kermit the Frog hot air balloon as it has looked since it was repainted in 2008 to remove references to the Jim Henson name.

It appears as if the iconic Kermit the Frog hot air balloon (which has loomed over the Muppets Courtyard for nearly 26 years) will be removed at some point over the next few weeks. Disney has not stated if the balloon will be reused somewhere else, but it doesn’t sound like the balloon will be returning as of this time.

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The balloon as it appeared from 1991 until 2008.

The balloon is being removed because it would be visible from inside of the Star Wars-themed land that is being constructed.

PHOTOS: PizzeRizzo, Muppets Eatery Soft Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 18, 2016

The highly anticipated PizzeRizzo soft opened today ahead of it’s official opening on Friday, November 18th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Located in the Muppets Courtyard area, the quick service pizza restaurant takes over the space formerly occupied by Pizza Planet by MuppetVision 3-D.

I didn’t take many pictures of the exterior as we have been staring at it at naesuem for several months now.

Many pictures are just rather plain, but some feature Muppets characters. You’ll have to look real close for the details at this restaurant.

My first stop was Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall as it was the most talked up feature of the restaurant.

It was fairly plain, but had fun lighting and music. In fairness, I haver been to banquet halls in New York that look just like this. But we’re not in New York apparently… more on that in a bit…

Pictures of New York landmarks can be found scattered around both the upper and lower floor seating areas.

This is the upstairs.

Some signs from the Streets of America were reused in the interior of PizzeRizzo, a nice touch.

The two “VIP” booths towards the back of the second floor are surrounded by Muppets caricature pictures.

The balcony upstairs offers nice views of the Muppets Courtyard (and a little bit of Star Wars construction).

The upstairs restrooms are fairly plain.

Some papers hanging upstairs allude to more of the restaurant’s storyline. A “ZARAT” review puts the restaurant in Downtown L.A., meaning Rizzo and his fellow rats have opened this Pizza restaurant far from New York. It is supposedly a secondary location to their New York one. There is also a reference to 1989, when the park opened.

1991 is a reference to when MuppetVision 3-D joined the park.

The lower level dining area, adjacent to where you order your meal.

We will have a full review of the menu for you in the next day or so, so stay tuned!

PizzeRizzo at Hollywood Studios Opens November 18th; Menu Revealed

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

PizzeRizzo – the classic family pizzeria owned by Rizzo – will open in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18. While enjoying personal-sized pies, guests will find décor inspired by Rizzo, as well as his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story eatery. Be sure to head upstairs to Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, where there’s a wedding reception already in progress; join the party and show off your best moves under the disco ball.

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Disney today shared some details of the menu for the first time. Entrees are served with a side Caesar salad, and include personal-sized Pizza Pies, available in four varieties—vegetable, pepperoni, meat lovers and cheese, as well as a Meatball Sub. If you’re looking for a lighter option, the Antipasto Salad features a bed of Romaine lettuce piled high with tomatoes, Mozzarella, Kalamata olives, ham, pepperoni, salami and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

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For dessert, indulge in traditional Italian sweets like Cannoli and Tiramisu. Specialty drinks will also be available, including a non-alcoholic Peach Bellini, and a Wildberry-Basil Lemonade Limoncello in addition to beer and wine for adults.

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What do you think of PizzeRizzo?

The Famous Muppets Courtyard Fountain at Hollywood Studios is Becoming a Planter

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Without a doubt, you are familiar with the iconic fountain outside of MuppetVision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Well, that iconic piece of Studios history is now becoming a planter…

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Don’t worry though, the change is only temporary. The fountain will return in some form at some point in the future, but Disney is not stating when. It is believed that the nearby Star Wars construction requires the pipes for the fountains to be temporarily removed and the rerouted.

The temporary Miss Piggy planter will be completed by October 28th.

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

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

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

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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.

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The construction as seen from the World Drive road entrance.

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AOTAS Hall of Fame Removal?

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

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This and That

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

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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.

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Star Wars Land Construction

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

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

PizzeRizzo and Gonzo’s Royal Flush

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

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Work continues on PizzeRizzo which should be opening soon.

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Some flags were recently hung, including the PizzeRizzo logo.

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Tables and some wall art were recently installed inside.

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

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Some new lamps were installed by the staircase.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Land clearing continues back by Toy Story Midway Mania.

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Raiders of the Lost Ark

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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

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

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

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