Hollywood Studios

First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers - Walt Disney World

Alien Swirling Saucers

New details emerged today on the new Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, part of the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as the little green aliens whisk you about all while set to interstellar music. Plus, if you're lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw. 

Toy Story Land is scheduled to open summer 2018. No date has been announced yet. For summer offers, visit the Walt Disney World discount page

Also, Disney has confirmed that the Disney's Hollywood Studios name will not change in the foreseeable future in response to numerous rumors. 

By Darren Wittko, specializing in Disney Destinations

Behind the Scenes: Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared a behind-the-scenes look of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge currently being created for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here's a quick summary of the tour: 

Guests will be able to fly the Millennium Falcon at Walt Disney World Resort.

 

The name of the planet in Walt Disney World's new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening is Batuu - a planet on the outer rim of the Star Wars galaxy.

 

A fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters are being built. 

 

Inside the Millennium Falcon - coming 2019 to Disney's Hollywood Studios

 

Retail space will offer toys that appear to be handcrafted by local artisans. 

 

 

 Galaxy's Edge will take visitors into a large-scale hangar of a Str Destroyer.

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Disney's Star Wars Resort at Walt Disney World

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Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, just confirmed that a Star Wars-inspired resort will debut as part of the new Disney 360 vacation concept.

According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

By Darren Wittko

This Hollywood Studios Headliner Will Close Aug 13, 2017

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience Disney is calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required.

In order to begin to prepare the new home of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theatre in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, August 13, 2017 will be the final day of operation for The Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies.

Until August 13, you can still relive some of the greatest movie moments in history on the Great Movie Ride attraction.

By Darren Wittko

New Star Wars Entertainment Now Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is now open in theaters! And, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort has several exciting offerings.

First, AWR Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a new scene in the park’s existing “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show. AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor, and serve as the bodyguards and enforcers of Director Krennic of the AWR division of the Empire.

The park’s Star Wars Launch Bay was also updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-wing gunship and more. Making-of footage has also been added to the behind-the-scenes film in Launch Bay Theater.

And beginning Dec. 16, 2016, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to the park. The show will join the nightly holiday “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park now through Dec. 31, 2016.

Related:

runDisney Star Wars Medals

This New Tour is A Must-Do for Star Wars Fans!

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Update: Stars Wars Land At Night

Today I'm excited to share a new image from Walt Disney Imagineering that shows just how amazing the Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort will look once the sun goes down. 

As you can see, the land will take on a whole new dimension after dark and feature adventures and surprises around each corner. If you look close, the image reveals a peek at what you'll discover in this all-new land, including one of the signature attractions that lets you take the controls of the Millennium Falcon.

I'm also excited to share that Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm teams are currently in production to add an exciting new mission to the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, based on elements from Star Wars Episode VIII.

Stay tuned to Save At WDW  for more updates on the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Walt Disney World Resort.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

 

Replacement for Osborne Lights Announced - Hollywood Studios

All-New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 14.

The all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! holiday spectacular comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort starting on Nov. 14, 2016. Santa Claus is missing and the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.

Also announced is the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.

>> Check out available Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers

Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

 

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Muppets Fans Take Note: PizzeRizzo Coming This Fall

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First Look: PizzeRizzo Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall. 

PizzeRizzo will open this fall in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, which is located in the former Toy Story Pizza Planet. Here, you'll enjoy a casual Italian-American dining experience in a whole new way, through the eyes of the lovable, wisecracking Muppet.

Walt Disney Imagineering hid hints of Rizzo, his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years throughout the two-story quick-service location. In addition to the expansive indoor and outdoor seating area, you'll be able to dine in a “cheesy” banquet room, or take five in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.

 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Club Villain Returns to Hollywood Studios

First Look: Club Villain returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2016

Club Villain returns Fridays and Saturdays from September 2 – October 29, 2016 with an additional offering on Halloween, Oct. 31. This two-hour show experience will take place at 5:15pm and 8:30pm nightly inside the Sunset Showcase. Guests can check-in 30 minutes prior to the right of the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. 

The price is $129 per person (tax and gratuity included) and includes decadent delicacies with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online at Disneyworld.com/Dine. A separate ticket admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required.

Club Villain provides a spellbinding evening for you to enjoy fiendish concoctions from the Potions Bar, savor culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, mingle with the villains and dance the night away! 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

 

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

STAR WARS: A GALACTIC SPECTACULAR DESSERT PARTY AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

After enjoying an assortment of sweets — including themed cupcakes, cookies and brownies and a selection of savory snacks including cheese and flatbread and dip (as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) — you'll be escorted to a VIP viewing area for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Dessert party check-in takes place in front of Star Wars Launch Bay, located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check in begins at 7:30 p.m., and Guests can enter the party at 8:15 p.m.

The cost for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party is $69 for adults, $39 for children age 3-9. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to attend, and is not included in the price of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. 

Early Morning Magic - Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios Early Morning Magic

I recently shared with your that Magic Kingdom Park would be offering Early Morning Magic Hours. Today, I can share news with you that beginning Aug. 1, 2016, a select number of Walt Disney World Guests can experience Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

You can experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight – all with little to no wait before the park opens. And to get fueled up for the rest of the day, you can partake in a hearty all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m. Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45-10 a.m.

Please note Disney Early Morning Magic will be offered on different days than Extra Magic Hours. Disney Early Morning Magic requires a separate ticket - $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax), in addition to regular theme park admission.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. 

 

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Where to Find the Frozen Characters at Walt Disney World

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Frozen Ever After - Epcot

Of course this big news is that Frozen Ever After boat ride is opening June 21, 2016. Fastpasses are now available! Disney promises you'll be singing "Let it Go" long after you exit the attraction. Remind you of another Disney boat ride with a catchy tune? 

 

MORE PLACES TO MEET ANNA, ELSA, Olaf and Christoff

ROYAL SOMMERHUS OPENING

The royal sisters will be available for greeting opportunities at the new Royal Sommerhus located next to the Frozen Ever After Attraction inside Epcot. 

FESTIVAL OF FANTASY PARADE

You can also spot Anna and Elsa over at Magic Kingdom Park in the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” each day at 3pm. 

NEW CASTLE STAGE SHOW - MICKEY'S ROYAL FRIENDSHIP FAIRE

And the new “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” show coming to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage at the Magic Kingdom. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest locations and times for any Disney Character.

Olaf and christoff at DISNEY'S BLIZZARD BEACH WATER PARK

This summer, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park at the Walt Disney World Resort will play host to the inaugural Frozen Games where you can meet Christoff and Olaf from Frozen. 

Frozen sing-a-long Celebration

Join your Frozen friends—like Anna, Elsa and the newly-appointed royal historians of Arendelle—for a sing-a-long stage show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

New Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular Coming in June

This new nighttime show, which will be the most elaborate fireworks display in this park’s history, will begin nightly performances on June 17, 2016. This elaborate show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the park’s Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. And the show, which will feature music from throughout the film franchise, will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating a massive lightsaber in the sky.

Related:

Most Elaborate Fireworks in Park History Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

 

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

 

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Disability Access Service at Walt Disney World

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The Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World is available if a disability makes it difficult to wait in a conventional queue environment, providing the opportunity to receive a return time similar to the posted wait time for the given attraction. Once you receive a return time, you are free to enjoy other theme park offerings such as meeting a character, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying entertainment or even visiting another attraction until your designated
return time.  This service can be used in addition to Disney FastPass+ service.

If you need any assistance during your upcoming visit, including issuance of the DAS, please visit a Guest Relations location once you arrive at any Disney Park.  Our Guest Relations Cast Members will work directly with you to discuss your overall needs, and they are ready to help.

In the meantime, to help you plan your visit, we've developed a guide for our Guests with Disabilities that provides pertinent information as well as answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.  You can access this guide by visiting the following link:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilitie
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Most Elaborate Fireworks in Park History Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

New Star Wars Attractions Coming to Walt Disney World Summer 2016

New Star Wars Attractions Coming to Walt Disney World Summer 2016

There’s a lot of fun in store for Star Wars fans this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Starting this June, fans won’t want to miss the grand debut of a new Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” This new nightly show is the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. It will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations.

This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

 

Alien Swirling Saucers Coming to Walt Disney World

Alien Swirling Saucers has been announced for the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This attraction 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 with “The Claw.”

alien_swirling_saucers

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Sneak Peek: Slinky Dog Dash Video | Hollywood Studios

toy_story_land

Slinky Dog Dash will be a family coaster attraction featuring a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit. Take a look at a concept video of Slinky Dog Dash:

Sneak Peek of Slinky Dog Dash coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. For more information on Walt Disney World. vis...

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Major Star Wars Events Coming This Spring to Walt Disney World

EPIC FIREWORKS AND PROJECTION SHOW, LIVE ONSTAGE ENTERTAINMENT AND STORMTROOPER MARCHES JOIN FORCE-FILLED LINEUP AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

EPIC FIREWORKS AND PROJECTION SHOW, LIVE ONSTAGE ENTERTAINMENT AND STORMTROOPER MARCHES JOIN FORCE-FILLED LINEUP AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Following the extraordinary popularity of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Walt Disney World Resort is unveiling even more Star Wars-themed entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting this spring – including one of the most elaborate fireworks and projection shows in the park’s history.

Just in time for spring, that “galaxy far, far away’’ will be closer than ever with the April 4, 2016 arrival of the new Star Wars live entertainment experience Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. This new stage show celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular Star Wars characters, such as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul. The show will take place multiple times each day at the Center Stage area near The Great Movie Ride.  

Also starting April 4th, Captain Phasma will lead a squad of First Order stormtroopers as they march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the Center Stage area in an intimidating demonstration of the First Order’s indomitable strength.

And, starting this summer, you won’t want to miss the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. This blockbuster nightly show, unprecedented in Disney’s Hollywood Studios history, will light up the sky with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, light projections and other special effects combined with Star Wars-themed music, iconic characters and scenes from throughout the saga.

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

See Who's Coming to Walt Disney World

Two new character greeting experiences debut this spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Walt Disney World Resort Guests can step into scenes with some of their favorite Disney characters, as they live out their Hollywood dreams.

New Character Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World! 

New Character Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World! 

Coming in spring 2016 to the Echo Lake district at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the all-new Celebrity Spotlight, the perfect place for a dream encounter with one of Disney’s latest stars. At opening, you are are invited into the Celebrity Spotlight to meet lovable snowman Olaf, from Disney’s blockbuster film “Frozen.” Olaf will be living his dream “In Summer,” chilling on the beach and ready with warm hugs for all his friends.

Also opening this spring is “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams,” located just off Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, where Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will live out their dreams of being A-list Hollywood stars. Guests will walk the red carpet and step into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. And, nearby Mickey portrays his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from “Fantasia.”

 

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Star Wars Villain Kylo Ren Coming to Walt Disney World

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has become a global phenomenon, and soon you'll be able to interact with one of the film’s most intriguing new characters, Kylo Ren at the Walt Disney World Resort.

 

Kylo Ren is on his way to Walt Disney World Resort

Kylo Ren is on his way to Walt Disney World Resort

Every day you can step into exciting Star Wars experiences such as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple and Star Wars Launch Bay, where you'll come face to face with some of the greatest heroes and villains of the saga. Soon, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will transport you to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer.

As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is a dark warrior with a mysterious past. Ren is strong with the Force and serves as a leader of the First Order, seeking to destroy the New Republic, the Resistance and the legacy of the Jedi.

Star Wars Launch Bay was designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. In addition to Kylo Ren, you may also come across a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers or the heroic Wookiee, Chewbacca, holed up in a secret Resistance base.

The portal from Star Wars Launch Bay to Kylo Ren’s Star Destroyer opens in February at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent"  by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.

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