BaseLine Tap House Now Opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Announced back in July, the BaseLine Tap House officially opened as part of the new Grand Avenue area at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The new area opens the remnants of the former Streets of America in the park which closed last year because of construction on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land.

BaseLine Tap House sits among the vintage office buildings and warehouses that represent the glory of Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly known as the Figueroa Printing Company, this re-purposed print shop specializes in beer and wines from the Golden State of California, featuring craft ales, lagers and cider as the stars of the drink menu, along with California wines on tap and specialty cocktails that you won’t want to miss! If you can’t decide on one drink, then try one of BaseLine’s customizable beer flights, with up to 126 possible combinations of craft beers! Rounding out the drink menu, the pub also offers gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap.

Also available besides the delicious beverages being served, BaseLine will offer up small plates to satisfy their palate such as a Bavarian pretzel with mustard and beer-cheese fondue, spiced almonds, and even a charcuterie board highlighting a variety of California cheeses.

The Tap House is located just around the corner from Sci-Fi Dine-In on the now Grand Avenue and will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Obi-Wan Kenobi Film Finally in Development; Muppets Courtyard to Become Grand Park

Obi-Wan Kenobi Film Finally in Development:

It appears that Lucasfilm has finally let the cat out of the bag well at least unofficially. The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Lucasfilm has begun talks with director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) to direct a standalone Obi-Wan Kenobi film (FINALLY!). 

Contract talks with the Oscar and Emmy-nominated director are in the early stages. A script has not been written for the film and with an impending deal with Daldry it appears he will be overseeing the development of the film along with Lucasfilm. No word on if Ewan McGregor, who played the young Jedi Master in Episodes I through III of the trilogy, will return for the film.

Sources stress however that no actor is attached the film since there is no script. Stay tuned as we finally may have the film we have all been waiting for.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Muppets Courtyard Will be No More as its Set to Become Grand Park:

Muppets Courtyard didn't last very long at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After the area where Muppet-Vision 3D, PizzeRizzo, and Mama Melrose's was renamed last year it will get a new name when the Studios' new Grand Avenue area opens this Fall. The new area will be called Grand Park. Here is the details that was announced yesterday on the Disney Parks Blog:

Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Inspired by the revitalization and the vibrant culture of present-day downtown Los Angeles, Grand Avenue is where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted to exciting new uses. Guests will soon see facades for “merchants” appearing in this area for a music shop, loft apartments, a tailor and more, with each window on the street featuring charming displays.
A highlight of Grand Avenue is sure to be BaseLine Tap House, which takes over a former F&B location. This new corner pub will feature California beers and wines along with a selection of small bites. (Read more on BaseLine Tap House in this post by Pam Brandon).
The current Muppets Courtyard will become Grand Park, an urban square off Grand Avenue surrounded by shops and restaurants like PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Guests can already see changes in the area, with the Muppets theater being renamed “Grand Arts Theatre” and boasting a brand-new marquee. But, not to worry – Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang continue to star in their hilarious and irreverent “Muppet*Vision 3D” show.

As always stay tuned for future updates on Grand Avenue and Grand Park as we await for the area to be reimagined. It does seem upsetting that Imagineers are pulling away from the theming of the Muppets but we will see just how this new area looks like when it opens this Fall.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The View to Broadcast from Animal Kingdom in March; Kermit the Frog Hot Air Balloon to be Removed

The View to Broadcast from Animal Kingdom in March:

Today, during ABC's The View it was announced that they will be broadcasting from Disney's Animal Kingdom March 6-10, 2017. It was announced along with some familiar faces in Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Also announced was a chance for us the viewers to enter a chance to win a trip to Disney, in "The View's Magic is Endless Sweepstakes" presented by American Tourister. Here are the details:

YOU COULD WIN:
A MAGICAL VACATION TO VISIT ALL 4 THEME PARKS AT THE WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT TO SEE A TAPING OF THE VIEW DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK!

The View wants to send 3 Grand Prize winners and each of their 3 guests to Walt Disney World® in Florida where the Magic Is Endless

Grand Prize winners can stay at one of over 25 Disney Resort Hotels where guests get special benefits, like Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of the Parks is open longer to enjoy select attractions. Each Grand Prize winner will also receive a $500 Disney gift card, which can be used throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort, including at select locations in Disney Springs, a truly one of a kind destination to eat. And thanks to American Tourister, we’ll have you traveling in style because each Grand Prize winner and his/her guests will also receive a 20” hardside American Tourister carry-on. American Tourister is the official luggage of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, offering dozens of bags featuring Disney, Star Wars and Marvel characters.

The entry period ends January 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The View’s Magic is Endless Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States & District of Columbia, 18 or older. No purchase necessary. Winners must travel between March 3-8, 2017.Guests can enter here at https://theviewmagicisendlesssweepstakes.com.

Kermit the Frog Hot Air Balloon to be Removed from Disney's Hollywood Studios:

According to a report from WDW News Today, the Kermit the Frog Hot Air Balloon will be removed over the next coming weeks at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The famous hot air balloon has been a staple over the now Muppets Courtyard for the last 26 years. 

Disney has not stated if the balloon will be reused or relocated. The balloon is being removed due to it being visible inside of what will become Star Wars Land inside the Studios. 

Rogue One's New Poster and Celebration Reel Released at Celebration; PizzeRizzo is Now Official

Rogue One's New Poster and Celebration Reel Released at Star Wars Celebration:

Star Wars Celebration Europe kicked off with a bang today with the 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' panel. We have a new poster that shows the Death Star hovering over the sunny skies of the new beach world called Scarif. The poster which was given to each guest at the end of the panel. The new poster reads, "A Rebellion Built on Hope."

While a new trailer wasn't released we did get a behind-the-scenes look with a celebration reel. It is much like the "Force Awaken" reel we received at Celebration last year. It is amazing so check it out below:

For a complete recap on the "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" Panel from Star Wars Celebration check out StarWars.com. "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" hits theaters December 16, 2016.

PizzeRizzo is Now Official for Hollywood Studios:

While this has been known for weeks, PizzeRizzo has been officially announced by Disney today. It will open this Fall in the new Muppets Courtyard section of Hollywood Studios (formerly Pizza Planet). Here are the details released on the Disney Parks Blog:

Rizzo The Rat owns and operates the pizzeria, where guests can grab a pizza pie and a cold drink. 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, guests will be able to dine in a “cheesy” banquet room, or take five in a special booth designated just for Rizzo’s celebrity friends.

Stay tuned for an official opening date of PizzeRizzo. I am hoping it will be completed in time for when I visit in 65 days.

Happy Weekend Everyone,
John

The New Hollywood Studios At Least for Now

Yesterday, was a sad but monumental day for Disney's Hollywood Studios. We saw the closure of many attractions including Streets of America, Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show, Studio Catering Company, Mike and Sulley Meet & Greet, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! Play Set Adventure, and the Earffel Tower. With these closures we will see the beginning of construction for the future of the park for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land.

With the closures as well that meant the walls officially went up over night. Essentially a 1/3 of the park is now closed off. The area where Muppet Vision 3D and what soon will be a re-themed restaurant that was Pizza Planet is now called Muppets Courtyard. This was discovered last week before the changes came to the new map for the park.

Now the construction walls that now inhabit the park for the foreseeable future that went up overnight.

Now on the walls near Toy Story Midway Mania you can see concept art for Toy Story Land. The one photo you can speculate where Star Wars Land will meet with Toy Story Land inside the park. Check it out:

Upper Corner you can see the assumed area where Star Wars Land will connect with Toy Story Land

Pictures are courtesy of @Bioreconstruct on Twitter.

Other Disney World Notes:

Today, also Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show began a day early at the Studios. The Inside Out Meet & Greet with Joy and Sadness began at Epcot. Also in Epcot, The Circle of Life did not reopen as its refurbishment was supposed to end today. 

That's all for today, its certainly the beginning of great future for Hollywood Studios. Its certainly needed it.