VIDEO: Get An Unobscured Look at Star Wars & Toy Story Land Construction in Our Latest Expansion Update

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

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:

PHOTOS, VIDEO: The Highly-Acclaimed Muppets Mobile Lab Returns to Epcot

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

It’s hard to believe that it was only done as a short test over 9 years ago with how much people talk about loving the Muppets Mobile Lab that once appeared at Epcot. You would think it had appeared at the park for years based on the legacy it has developed amongst fans. Well, starting today, guests can see the “living character” show at Epcot daily through the next 4 weeks.

The Muppets Mobile Lab returns to Epcot in 2016 for another test run

The Muppets Mobile Lab returns to Epcot in 2016 for another test run

The show is critically acclaimed for its technology, including fully interactive characters who are a free-roaming audio-animatronics unit on wheels. The show also features that trademark Muppets humor that doesn’t miss even though the characters aren’t manned directly by human beings, much like The Muppets present Great Moments in American History over at the Magic Kingdom (which debuted yesterday).

Here is a video of one of today’s performances:

Now that is it back, I implore Walt Disney World to keep this offering. Please move this to Hollywood Studios and make this a regular offering. I have never met anyone who wasn’t wowed by the technology or who wasn’t amused by the humor of the program. Muppet Mobile Labs deserve a permanent home at the Disney Parks after this second testy run at Epcot.

“Muppet Mobile Lab” Character Experience Will Return to Epcot This Week

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

Reportedly, the Muppet Mobile Lab show will return after to Epcot after a several year hiatus today. The show will only be at the park for the next four weeks.

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Muppet Mobile Lab is a free-roving, audio-animatronic entertainment attraction designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, that was tested at Disney California Adventure, Epcot at Walt Disney World and at Hong Kong Disneyland for an extended period. It was shipped back to Walt Disney World with the intention of adding it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but for some reason it is simply going to Epcot for now. It should head over to Hollywood Studios at the conclusion of this test.

The project began as a continuation of Disney’s “Living Character Initiative,” a program that has generated other interactive shows at Disney theme parks including Lucky the Dinosaur, Turtle Talk with Crush, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Stitch Encounter.

In 2009, the attraction was honored with the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement (Technical) from the Themed Entertainment Association.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/27/16 (Royal Flush Opens, Demolition Continues, PizzeRizzo, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 5, 2016

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.

Backlot Demolition Continues

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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.

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Two facades are all that remains of the Streets of America at this point.

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush Opens

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Gonzo’s Royal Flush opened next door to PizzeRizzo over the weekend.

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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.

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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.

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PizzeRizzo

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PizzeRizzo is nearing completion next door in the former Pizza Planet location.

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The exterior was being painted while we were outside.

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The exterior lighting was also installed on both floors recently.

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Some of the brick work on the main facade is being replaced now as well.

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New Merchandise Stand

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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.

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Fixing the Towers

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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.

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A bunch of these strange markings could be found on both of the towers.

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It appears that something will be tacked on to the sides of both towers.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 9/14/16 (Studio Catering Co. Demo, PizzeRizzo, New Merchandise, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

A lot can happen in a week, including the erasing of structures that have stood for over 27 years. Meanwhile, PizzeRizzo nears completion and a plethora of new merchandise invades Disney’s Hollywood Studios in our latest photos report.

If you haven’t seen our video update this week on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you should probably preface this report with a watch:

Backlot Demolition for Toy Story Land

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Studio Catering Co. and the adjacent Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure have been leveled, leaving practically nothing between PIXAR Place and Muppets Courtyard.

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While the Backlot Tour entrance was still standing on Sunday, it has since been demolished.

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The Prop Shop is still being emptied before it is the next structure to get demolished in the coming weeks.

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The Studio Catering Co. has been reduced to rubble.

This and That

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I caught Betty Shambles by surprise…

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Now she is ready for her close-up!

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Not sure how long ago this happened, but Sunset Ranch Market got a new sign to match the recent refresh of the area.

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A new Buzz Lightyear plush was recently released.

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PizzeRizzo

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Work continues on the new PizzeRizzo in the Muppets Courtyard area.

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This billboard was installed this week as the restaurant gets closer and closer to its yet to be announced opening date.

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Over the last week, the windows were painted, lights were installed on the facade signage, and the Heckler Tomato was painted on.

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New Merchandise

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In my last photo report, I showed that men’s MARVEL shirts were now available at Keystone Clothiers. Well, now there are a few ladies shirts available as well.

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A Disney Parks exclusive Baymax mug is now available.

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I guess you get happier as you drink more coffee…

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A bit pricey, but it is a fairly large ceramic mug.

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Some March Magic-esque character sports team mugs are now available. Here’s hoping we get some new sports team jerseys with these designs.

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The backs of the mugs are pretty cute as well.

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

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

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:

Opening Date Set for Magic Kingdom’s “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Since the announcement of “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”, we have been asked many times when exactly the new show in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom would debut. Today, we have that information.

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

“The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History”

While not yet released to the public by Disney, internal documents state that the show will debut on October 2nd, 2016. Since it is not announced yet, this date can be delayed (similarly to Rivers of Light), but that is at least the targeted start date for The Muppets invasion of Liberty Square.

Dirk Wallen’s 4/1/14 WDW Photo Report (Polynesian, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen recently visited the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Downtown Disney and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The Polynesian lobby lives to see another day…

ABC’s The Middle was filming at the Magic Kingdom this week

The cake cups at Chshire Cafe were changed recently

The card is edible…

Work continues in the Magic Kingdom moat as part of the hub remodeling project

You can still make out the old Swan Boat track

Carnage in the old smoking section by Plaza Restaurant

We found the other cake cup…

Moving on to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is an ad for the “it’s a small world” animated series in the parking lot

After almost 25 years, the Kodak signage on the Darkroom has changed to Nikon

The ABC Sound Studio will soon be host to a preview of Maleficent

Some random Constantine wanted posters have appeared in the Streets of America

Some new Muppets t-shirts available

Stage 1 is one of the stores now selling MagicBands to guests, and they have a ton

Easter cupcakes are available at most counter service restaurants

Legends of Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. is also selling MagicBands

They also have some Captain America merchandise

More MagicBands at the Darkroom

Moving on to Disney Springs, work continues on the new parking structure

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen Dazs are now moving to the other side of DisneyQuest after having closed to make way for Starbucks

Starbucks on the West Side is coming along nicely

No visible progress on the BET Soundstage

Work is picking up in The Landing

Nothing new to see here either

Soon guests will be able to pass through behind Raglan Road

A designated Food Truck area is coming to the West Side this summer

Here’s what’s open…

Continuing work the bridge for The Marketplace

The latest progress on the Starbucks in the Marketplace

Pollo Campero has already been leveled

Another look at the parking structure

VIDEO: “Muppets Most Wanted” New Video “Outrage” Released

WDWNT on February 18, 2014

Walt Disney Studios today released another tongue-in-cheek trailer for Muppets Most Wanted the latest Muppet adventure that hits theaters March 21.

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This time the video clip demonstrates fans’ outrage over Muppets Most Wanted not being nominated for any awards this year. Take a look:

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Starring Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey, Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour where they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper.

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Muppets Most Wanted, directed by James Bobin hits the big screen March 21, 2014.

Like The Muppets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Muppets
Follow The Muppets on Tumblr: http://themuppets.tumblr.com
Follow The Muppets on Twitter:@MuppetsStudio
Follow Miss Piggy on Twitter:@RealMissPiggy

WDWNT will have all your Muppets Most Wanted information as it becomes available.