In preparation for Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, almost the entirety of the old Soundstage 4 building has been demolished.
This building was home to portions of the Backlot Tour and Backstage Pass attractions when the park opened, in later years hosting the Narnia walkthrough exhibits, as well as the infamous Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow. It will now be the entrance to Toy Story Land, opening Summer 2018.
I’m still anxious to see how they will theme this area as an entrance to the Toy Story area.
A strange tall section of the soundstage is apparently staying, for what reason, we do not know. Again, we’ll have to wait and see exactly what this will be, but it still looks like a soundstage on one side.
The Slinky Dog Dash attraction’s coaster train was officially unveiled by Disney today – National Slinky Day.
Slinky Dog Dash is one of two major attractions coming to Toy Story Land, a 12-acre expansion that’s set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2018. In Toy Story Land, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore the world of Andy’s backyard on two fun family attractions – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.
The first Slinky Dog Dash ride vehicle makes its way to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Slinky Dog Dash is a brand-new family coaster that is part of the all-new Toy Story Land opening summer 2018. Inspired by the playful dachshund spinoff of Slinky¨, the classic American toy, Slinky¨ Dog Dash will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops that Andy has created to stretch Slinky¨ and his coils to the max. (Steven Diaz, photographer)
Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some of his other favorite toys. The attraction’s ride vehicles, inspired by the character of Slinky in the film, will send riders dipping, dodging and dashing around turns and drops Andy has created to stretch Slinky’s coils to the max.
Disney also released a fun video of the toys “unveiling” the new coaster trains:
Disney also released some “normal” video of the train arriving, as well as interviews with two Imagineers working on the project:
The second attraction, Alien Swirling Saucers, is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first “Toy Story” film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle using “The Claw.”
The models of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land will be on display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting September 8th, inside of Walt Disney Presents.
The One Man’s Dream attraction is currently being reimagined into Walt Disney Presents, which like its predecessor, will continue showcasing historic items from Walt Disney’s history, such as sketches, photos and storyboards. Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview center where guests explore what’s next for the park. Starting in mid-September, you’ll be able to view concept art, ride vehicle maquettes and a never-before-seen model for Toy Story Land. A portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model also will be on display, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.
The attraction will also continue to host greetings with characters like Star-Lord and baby Groot, plus special sneak previews of upcoming Disney films.
Today, after some delay caused by Hurricane Irma, the model of Toy Story Land finally debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inside of Walt Disney Presents.
It looks like the large show scene with Jessie and Rex has stayed in the Slinky Dog Dash ride.
The model gives us a first look at many aspects of the project, such as the new facade for Toy Story Midway Mania and the ride vehicles for Alien Swirling Saucers. Below are some pictures of the model released by Disney:
Toy Story Land opens Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
With all of the demolition, removal, and construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it is no secret that most of the park that once existed is now history, which has lead many a guest to ask what the new theme of the park will be and why Disney hasn’t just renamed it already. Well, a recent focus group survey sheds some light on the possible new theme and a host of possible new names for the transitioning theme park.
As described above (including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land), the park would now revolve around you being the star and jumping into your favorite movies, television shows, cartoons, and more, taking an active role in the story in every experience.
The survey goes on to ask the guest to pick from a list of possible new names for the park…
For what it is worth, we were unable to verify the source of the focus group, but it looks pretty official. We’ll just have to wait and see if any of this comes to fruition now…
The Slinky Dog Dash will be the headlining attraction in Toy Story Land when it opens next Summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but today, we’re getting our first look at the physical coaster trains for the ride.
The above leaked photo reveals pieces of one of the Slinky Dog trains being delivered to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney is expected to release official images this week once they are loaded onto the track at the ride. Until then, we’ll just have to settle for this somewhat blurry phone pic…
Our latest Hollywood Studios expansion update brings us the latest progress on Walt Disney Presents, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
Below, we also have photos of the progress on these three projects to share with you:
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream has begun its conversion into Walt Disney Presents.
The catwalk that once connected the soundstage has been ripped away to make room for the entrance to Toy Story Land.
A peek through a hole in the wall reveals the coaster track for Slinky Dog Dash, as well as some colored blocks that mark the first themed elements to appear in the land.
The construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is visible from the end of PIXAR Place.
The large structure you see here houses the Battle Escape attraction.
Today, Disney had an exciting milestone to share with us straight from the Toy Story Land construction site at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The final piece of track was recently installed on Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster that will debut as one of the land’s two new attractions when Toy Story Land opens in summer 2018.
AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2018 OPENING OF TOY STORY LAND — During D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announces the summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney Imagineering just shared this photo, which was snapped just as the final piece of red track was lowered into place.
Current progress on the station for Slinky Dog Dash
In Toy Story Land, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore the world of Andy’s backyard. Fitting with the theme, Slinky Dog Dash will appear to be a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit – as well as some of his other favorite toys.
Toy Story Land opens Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Last night, Tom Corless, Jason Diffendal, Ron D’Anna, Scott Smith, and Patrick Hackett sat down to discuss, in depth, all of the amazing announcements made at the D23 Expo 2017. From TRON Lightcycle Power Run, to the overhaul of Epcot, and from the new Riviera Resort to the Skyliner system, last night’s live program covered every bombshell announcement mad by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek on Saturday. In case you missed it, you can catch the entire show here:
This show will also be available on audio form on this week’s WDW News Today Podcast.
It’s time to check on the latest progress on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the addition of the Star Wars and Toy Story themed lands. First-up, we have a video of the current progress to share with you:
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Work continues on what is left of New York Street and what will be the transition area into Star Wars Land.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is still unknown what is happening to the space that once was the Writer’s Stop, but we are hoping for a Sci-Fi Dine-In Lounge.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
They are testing out different paint colors for the facades.
Star Wars Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Some structural steel is visible from the end of PIXAR Place facing into Star Wars Land.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is unclear exactly what is happening to Soundstage 12 adjacent to One Man’s Dream. Will it be re-themed to Toy Story or simply demolished slowly to ensure that One Man’s Dream will not have to close?
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Toy Story Land concept art was moved near the entrance to One Man’s Dream.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The walls then transition to a Toy Story theme just around the corner.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A peek through the construction walls reveals the coaster track for the Slinky Dog Dash ride. You can get a better look at the track from above the park here.
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Land Construction, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
An opening date for Toy Story Land will be announced at the 2017 D23 Expo next month, but it is expected to be sometime in early 2018.
