Important News Regarding Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
According to the Walt Disney World Resort, capacity for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and its experiences will be limited after it opens on August 29, 2019. Access to the Park, land and experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on Guest demand and other factors. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opens later in the year.
New Details on the Replacement of the Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ©Disney
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be using breakthrough technology to transform a two-dimensional cartoon into a real-world experience. The attraction is being built in the space formally housing the The Great Movie Ride.
This is the first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and will feature a new original story and theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world “Mickey Mouse” cartoons.
No official opening date has been set, stay tuned!
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Toy Story Land VIP Event
Toy Story Land VIP Event
Now you can explore Toy Story Land with little to no wait times, character appearances and a delicious breakfast on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30a to 8:45a.
At this event, you’ll have exclusive access to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before the theme park opens.
Also, a special breakfast buffet is included at the ABC Commissary at 10:00a, with your choice of a main dish. These tasty main dishes include:
Mexican Corn Chilaquiles and Eggs Bowl
Shrimp and Southern Grits Bowl
Fried Chicken and Cinnamon Sugar French Donut Bowl
Smashed Avocado Toast Egg Plate
Breakfast Charcuterie Platter
In addition, the buffet includes yogurt, cereal, fruit, assorted pastries, and more! Kids can enjoy everything on the buffet, as well as a kid’s portion of the Fried Chicken and Cinnamon Sugar French Donut or Scrambled Eggs, and both come with Sweet Potato tater-tots.
Early Morning Magic at Toy Story Land is $79 (plus tax) per adult (ages 10 and older) and $69 (plus tax) per child (ages 3 to 9). Regular theme park admission is also required.
For more information and to book this experience, book through your My Disney Experience account.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort 2018
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World 2018
I'm calling it, “Joy Through the World” at Walt Disney World this holiday season because there are so many holiday activities and events being offered throughout the resort.
This holiday season, you can experience a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring Sunset Seasons Greetings; Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!; and special seasonal cheer in the new Toy Story Land.
Head over to Epcot for the International Festival of the Holidays including the Candlelight Processional.
Have festive fun with Mickey and the gang during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Plus if you're still looking for a hotel offer, view special offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms during this holiday season.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort 2018
Holidays 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort
The return of the holiday season to Walt Disney World Resort starts Nov. 8, 2018.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The return of Sunset Seasons Greetings featuring impressive new laser effects and “snow,” holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel with spectacular projections of Disney Characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Olaf sharing their favorite seasonal stories.
Another returning favorite is the nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! The new Toy Story Land also gets special seasonal fun including holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more!
Epcot
11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays beginning Nov. 18, 2018. One of my favorite holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional and this year it starts performances on Nov. 22, 2018.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
New this year the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Disney Hints at Star Wars Hotel Location
Families visiting the new Star Wars-inspired hotel coming to Walt Disney World Resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space.
Disney has not yet announced where the new Star Wars hotel will be located other than it’s “under development.” We know that it is going to be somewhere near World Drive and on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also know that Disney plans to build it near Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to “allow the experience to be seamlessly connected.”
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
The Star Wars hotel will be different from other Disney resorts in that families will board a starship that will take them to their destination. While onboard, Star Wars characters will appear, stories will unfold for them, and views outside the “windows” will have views of space.
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
Guests who plan a multi-night stay can participate as a resident of the Galaxy and even dress in Star Wars traditional garb.
Stay tuned for more information.
Star Wars Galaxy Edge Opening Announced
Opening Late Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort. Stay tuned for more details.
Sneak Preview of Toy Story Land Tonight 8PM
Watch “Toy Story 3” on ABC from 8-10 p.m. ET tonight plus check out their new adventure. They join a few new faces – some plastic, some plush – including Barbie’s counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear.
And throughout the night viewers will have a front-row seat to the new Toy Story Land opening June 30, 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Darren specializes in the Walt Disney World Resort
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes at Toy Story Land
Here's a peek behind the scenes with Walt Disney Imagineering at Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, opening June 30, 2018. In this this video, we see how Imagineers bring Weezy to life at Slinky Dog Dash.
Changes to Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World
On select mornings now through June 30, 2018, Guests can enjoy Extra Magic Hours access to the most popular experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, including the newest attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, as well as Expedition Everest and Dinosaur.
In July and August Guests staying at select Walt Disney World resort hotels can access Extra Magic Hours daily – yes, daily! – to experience favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the attractions in the all-new Toy Story Land.
For excusive offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels, check out the Offers Page.
It's Offical: Toy Story Land Opens June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land opens June 30, 2018
It’s official! Toy Story Land, the highly-anticipated toy-filled land inspired by the beloved “Toy Story” films, will open to Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 30, 2018.
When it opens, Guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, you can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Slinky and Jessie.
Families will also be able to take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won from Pizza Planet. Here, adorable little green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead.
You can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a Guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more Guests in the action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.
Woody’s Lunch Box – actually, Andy’s lunch box that he’s set on its side – will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.
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Details Emerge on New Walt Disney World Attractions
New Details on Star Wars Hotel - Walt Disney World
Last summer, Disney announced plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort to be built at Walt Disney World Resort. Now, more details on what this thrilling new resort, which will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be like.
This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.
At the resort, Guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space.
The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.
Stay tuned for future updates!
Details Emerge on New Walt Disney World Attractions
Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy coaster coming to Epcot in 2021.
New details have been released about the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster coming to Epcot in 2021. This one-of-a-kind family coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters inside of the former Universe of Energy show building. The Guardians of the Galaxy coaster will feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system.
The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During D23 Expo Japan, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, shared details on a new attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.
On the attraction, the fun begins when Guests see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you're the star and anything can happen.
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.
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.
Disney's Star Wars Resort at Walt Disney World
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.
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:
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