Milestone Celebrated for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge; First Look at Crait Plus a New Scene Coming to Star Tours

Milestone Celebrated for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Just recently a big milestone was celebrated on construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Thousands of Cast Members got the chance to sign the support beam that will top out the land that will debut in 2019.

Look closely and you’ll see that cast members and Imagineers put their mark on theme park history by drawing artistic pictures and writing messages on the beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Beam signings are part of a longtime construction tradition at Disney Parks. Recent updates on beam signings for expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, plus the Disneyland park site of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were also celebrated by Cast Members. 

Stay tuned for even more updates and milestones on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction in the coming months and year. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at Crait Plus Another New Scene to Debut at Star Tours:

The new Crait scene from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will debut at Star Tours at Disney Parks beginning tomorrow November 17. The other day the Disney Parks Blog gave us a first look at the StarSpeeder scene on the planet of Crait.

They also snuck a teaser that Crait wasn't the only new Star Tours destination that will debut this week as they teased that there is another set to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Star Wars Land Details Revealed, New Planet Stop for Star Tours Announced

Today at Star Wars Celebration, Walt Disney Imagineers along with Lucasfilm shared new details on Star Wars Land. We already knew that the land will be based off a planet never seen before in the Star Wars Universe. Today, they elaborated a little bit more on the new planet that lies somewhere on the Outer Rim lying on the edge of the Unknown Regions. 

The remote village was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but the prominence of the outpost has been bypassed with the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer less attention, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe-haven for others intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order.

Check out the video that was shared during the presentation on just how immersive the land will take you into the Star Wars Universe.

That's not all as guests will be able to choose their reputation as they step aboard the Millennium Falcon. Here they will board the ship with their crew and they will be able to control their destiny and reputation in the planet with how well they commandeer the legendary ship. The First Order ride is said to be the most epic attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering has ever undertaken.

Both new and old characters will be encountered throughout the land. They have landed there from across the galaxy, preferring the "no questions asked" environment along with the easy access to exotic supplies and an abundant supply of ready rogues looking to join the crew for their next adventure. 

Star Wars Land will open sometime in 2019 in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios. More details should be coming in the next few months when the D23 Expo occurs in Anaheim in July.

New Planet Stop for Star Tours Announced:

That's not all that was announced as it was revealed that the planet stop based off "The Last Jedi" was revealed.

Tom Fitzgerald announced that #StarTours will be going to the planet Crait for #TheLastJedi. #SWCO pic.twitter.com/dpq48T8Qgu

— Inside the Magic (@InsideTheMagic) April 15, 2017

The planet guests will be visiting will be the mineral planet of Crait. The new stop should debut in late December 2017.

Major Refurbishment Plan Announced for Disneyland Paris; Hollywood Studios Extends Hours For "Symphony in the Stars" Fireworks

Major Refurbishment Plan Announced for Disneyland Paris:

It was announced today that Disneyland Paris will see a major refurbishment of many of its popular attractions. The plan is refurbish 10 of its most popular attractions which includes Star Tours, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. The project is expected to take two years. 

Some of the refurbishments will include Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain finale added to its Paris version, new ride vehicles on Space Mountain, new lighting and dolls in 'it's a small world', and a brand new show for Animagique. A video was released with details on what will be done to each of the 10 attractions. Here is the video:

Disneyland Paris was once considered to be a gem in Disney's Magic Kingdom's but has taken a hit in attendance in recent years. Its companion park Walt Disney Studios has failed to bring in attendance even after the hit Ratatouille ride and restaurant opened last year. Park guests have complained about the condition of the attractions causing a dip of almost 5% as attendance dipped to below 10 million guests. Theme Park Insider first reported the refurbishment plans for Disneyland Paris.

Hollywood Studios Extends Hours for "Symphony in the Stars" Fireworks:

With crowds being overwhelming at Disney's Hollywood Studios due to guests flocking to the park to see the final year of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Disney is making plans as "Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks show is set to debut next week for even more crowds. 

Operating hours are now being extended into the new year. From December 18 through the 24th, the fireworks show will launch at 11 p.m. as the park closes. From December 25 through the 30th, the fireworks will launch at midnight as the park closes. The show on New Years Eve will be a separate show to celebrate the New Year. 

The extra hours should allow everyone to experience the shows as the park is expected to get busier in the coming weeks as families begin their winter break vacations. 

"Club Villain" to Debut in January at New Sunset Showcase; Tokyo Disneyland Announces 'Force Awakens' Plans

"Club Villain" to Debut in January at New Sunset Showcase:

"Club Disney" is debuting in December at Hollywood Studios at the new Sunset Showcase. Today, though Disney World announced that beginning January 16 on Saturday nights will become "Club Villain." This will be a hard-ticket dining event with tickets costing $99/person. The event says guests will dance the night terrors away with Dr. Facilier and evil-diva cohosts including Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, the Evil Queen, and Cruella De Vil. Here is the complete description from the Walt Disney World website:

Sunset Showcase loudly presents Club Villain, a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event—debuting January 16, 2016!

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online here or by calling (407) 939-3463.

Tokyo Disneyland Announces 'Force Awakens' Plans:

We are just 50 days away from the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and Tokyo Disneyland announced its plans. Oriental Land Company owners of Tokyo Disneyland Resort announced some operational additions to the parks to celebrate the movie.

Here are some key dates:

• December 1 - New "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" to begin being sold at the resort
• Mid-December - E-Printed Tickets to the park at home will sport Star Wars-inspired designs
• December 18 - With the release of the movie, R2-D2 popcorn buckets will go on sale
• February 2016 - Like its North American counterparts Star Tours will introduce a brand new experience inspired by the 'Force Awakens
• Star Wars-themed monorail day pass tickets will also be introduced for a limited time

Will you be visiting Tokyo Disneyland to check out the new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" experiences?

My Top 5 Favorite Attractions at Hollywood Studios

Today we return to our series we began last weekend with my top 5 attractions at the parks. Today we dive into Hollywood Studios. Once again this is my opinion of my favorite attractions and in no way am I saying these are the best. So lets dive into my top 5 favorite attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

5.) The Great Movie Ride:

Let's go to the movies. In at no. 5 in my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is The Great Movie Ride. Sitting at the end of Hollywood Boulevard in the reproduction of Mann's Chinese Theater this classic ride takes you straight into your favorite movies. From Casablanca to The Wizard of Oz this ride makes you feel like you are part of the movie. This ride is a great family ride and I know that my family enjoy's it every time we are at Disney World. Like I said its a classic and has it humor too with your cast member that leads you into your journey. There are more than 50 realistic audio-animatronic figures with the likeness of Gene Kelly, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, James Cagney, John Wayne, and so much more. So why don't you just step into the movies with no. 5 of my favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios, The Great Movie Ride.

4.) Muppet Vision 3D:

It's time to Meet the Muppets, in at no. 4 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is Muppet Vision 3D. I can't tell you how much I love the Muppets. From Kermit to Miss Piggy to Fozzie and Gonzo, you will see all your favorite Muppet stars. So let's put on our 3D glasses and dive into this crazy and funny attraction. While waiting for the show there is a 12-minute video of everything the Muppets do at their laboratory. It is the typical Muppet mayhem that happens in this video. You then step into the theater for more hijinx. With your 3D glasses on you head into Muppet Laboratories with Kermit who takes you meet Dr. Bunson Honeydew and his assistant Beaker. Things get disastrous when from their experiment the impish 3D experiment named Waldo is released. You have things going from bad to worse as they are preparing for the ending when Bean Bunny gets yelled at by Miss Piggy and he decides to run away. In the end you have Sam Eagle doing a dedication to America and Waldo making a big bang to end it exploding the lab. It ends with Kermit riding in on a fire truck through the wall of the theater that appears to be blown apart. It is a great show for people of all ages to enjoy. Muppet Vision 3D is no. 4 of my top 5 favorite attractions. 

3.) Toy Story Midway Mania

Jump into the Pixar World at Hollywood Studios with no. 3 of my top 5 favorite attractions, Toy Story Midway Mania. Another shooting arcade-like attraction, much like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in the Magic Kingdom, this attraction is in 3D and involves all the Toy Story characters. This ride is for everyone and is very much a ride that I love. The ride usually has lines lasting over an hour so a fastpass is a must for Toy Story Midway Mania. The ride consists of five 30 second games that let's you compete against family members while shooting different targets in the games. It is all in good fun because everyone is having a blast in your car. The ride lasts about 5 and half minutes and is worth every minute you are there. In my opinion this ride has potential to be my favorite ride but it isn't and that is why there is 2 more great attractions to go. For now no. 3 for Toy Story Midway  Mania of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios.

2.) Star Tours-The Adventures Continue:

Off in a galaxy far far away is no. 2 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios, Star Tours-The Adventures Continue.  My love of Star Wars helps this ride be no. 2 on my list. From riding with C-3PO and R2-D2 and getting the chance to go on a different journey every time you ride. There are more than 50 different journeys you can take while on this ride. You get to visit either Naboo, Tatooine, Hoth, Kashyyk, and Coruscant. You also may encounter some of your favorite characters such as Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Chewbacca, Sebulba, Princess Leia, and Jar Jar Binks.  This ride takes you into the world of Star Wars and you feel like your actually in the movie. I love Star Wars so anything with Star Wars at the parks is going to make my list. I really can't wait for Star Wars in the parks. In at no. 2 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios is Star Tours- The Adventure Continues.

1.) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:

We go to the Hollywood Hotel for my no. 1 favorite ride at Hollywood Studios with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Are you ready to be taken into the twilight zone? Are you ready to be dropped 13 stories only to be tossed right back up? The Tower of Terror brings all those thrills and more on my favorite attraction. This ride is great no matter when you ride it. I love the thrill of not knowing whether I'm going to drop or be tossed up in the air like a rag doll. It's just great and the adrenaline rush you get from riding it is just exhilarating. The basis of the ride is a story of a family who while staying at the Hollywood Hotel while in an a elevator get sucked into the twilight zone when it is hit by lightning. The journey begins as you glide through different passageways in your elevator and then you go into the twilight zone. Just when you think your safe the thrill begins and the elevator drops you dramatically down and then pushes you back up and drops you again. It really is a great thrill ride and that is why it is no. 1 of my top 5 favorite attractions at Hollywood Studios.

So this was supposed to go up yesterday but I was busy and it never got finished so today you get a bonus blog. That's right 2 blog posts today, the next one will be up later on today. So literally in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."