Writer’s Stop – WDWNT Archive

Modern-Day L.A. Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios In New “Grand Avenue” Area, Baseline Tap House Replaces Writer’s Stop

WDWNT on August 2, 2017

Debuting this fall, the new Grand Avenue area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineers to capture the spirit of present-day Downtown Los Angeles, showing vintage office buildings and warehouses representing the different vibrant districts and cultures of the city. This new area will be home to Baseline Tap House, a cheerful corner pub specializing in beer and wines from California.

In a quaint brick building, Baseline Tap House celebrates the revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles by paying homage to the building’s former life as the Figueroa Printing Company, a mom-and-pop print house that had ties to the Disney studios in nearby Burbank. The space retains many of its cool architectural and mechanical details with exposed walls and old printing equipment and artifacts, blending the past and present in an inviting space. Outside will be a charming tree-shaded terrace.

The drink menu will be made up of California craft ales, lagers and cider. California wines on tap along with specialty cocktails will be available as well. A gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap round out the drink selection. Small bites including a Bavarian pretzel with mustard and beer-cheese fondue, spiced almonds or a charcuterie board featuring California cheeses will also be sold.

Baseline Tap House will open daily at 11 a.m. Baseline Tap House replaces the former Writer’s Stop next door to the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (and sadly also looks like it will keep the Writer’s Stop lounge menu), while Grand Avenue takes up shop in a renovated remaining section of the adjacent New York Street.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Toy Story Land Entrance, Writer’s Stop Gutted, Star Wars Land Expands in Latest Studios Update

WDWNT on May 31, 2017

It has been a while since we have seen any major changes in the Hollywood Studios landscape, but now with the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom complete, it’s full speed ahead to Toy Story Land and the much-anticipated Star Wars themed land.

We have a video of all of the construction to share with you below, but we’ll then share pictures and give you a more in-depth description of the work following that.

We start over by MuppetVision 3-D…

The former Writer’s Stop has been stripped down to its bare steel.

A lot of work now happening in the area the was New York Street.

The barrier of Star Wars Land is just steps away, still rising.

A look from the balcony of PizzeRizzo doesn’t reveal much.

Most of the facade of Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is covered with tarps, with the image of Walt removed from the marquee.

The backside of the marquee is completely gone.

This area will be the entrance to Toy Story Land, but it remains unclear how this transition will work.

For now, it appears that these original structures from 1989 will survive the demolition.

At the end of PIXAR Place, the walls are now appropriately Star Wars-related, as Toy Story Land is not actually located on this side. The walls also extended right up to the exit of the 3rd track at Toy Story Midway Mania.

The walls feature the artwork for Star Wars Land, but it is strangely not-centered and instead located in an alley behind some trees.

A cast member access pathway is all that is down this alleyway.

As always, stay tuned for more updates on the expansion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as it progresses.

PHOTO REPORT: Hollywood Studios 10/12/16 (Star Wars, Toy Story Land, Hall of Fame Removal, One Man’s Dream, ETC.)

WDWNT on October 14, 2016

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.

Welcome to Hollywood

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.

Hollywood Goes Rogue

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.

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame

Walls are up at the Academy of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. Speculation is that this is being removed.

Doctor Stranger Things

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.

Safe D Begins with Outlet Covers

Thankfully, someone realized that the Studio Store Coloring Station was dangerous, so outlet covers were installed.

The Writer’s Stop Closes

As we previously reported, The Writer’s stop is now permanently closed.

Streets of Rage

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.

PizzeRizzo

Work on PizzeRizzo continues, with the sign now appearing weathered.

Toy Story Land Construction

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.

This and That

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.

BREAKING: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Close Permanently

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

While Writer’s Stop was temporarily saved from closing earlier this year when it was converted into the Writer’s Stop lounge, it seems time has finally run out for the establishment.

Writer’s Stop will have its final day of operation on September 25th, 2016, and will be closed forever as of September 26th, 2016.

The carrot cake cookie that has been a staple of the Commissary Lane eatery will still be available at Sweet Spells on Sunset Boulevard. There has been no word on if Writer’s Stop will reopen after construction of the Star Wars themed land is completed, but is is highly unlikely. The connected Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant will not be affected by the closure.

In our latest Hollywood Studios Expansion Update video, you can see that walls moved even closer to the restaurant just last week:

Tag: Writer’s Stop