BREAKING: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Planet Called Batuu:
We now know what planet we will be visiting when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The planet will be called Batuu.
The name of the planet was revealed this morning as guests visiting Star Tours with the updated scene to Crait from "The Last Jedi" got a surprise ending to the scene. The guests actually land on Batuu at the end of the ride. Stay tuned for more details from Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge which opens up in 2019.
UPDATE:
"This remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, 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 those intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order. While Batuu may be new to us, it is clearly already familiar to many characters from the Star Wars saga as a stepping off point for epic adventures." - Scott Trowbridge
Magical Express to Pick Guests Up 4 Hours Ahead of Scheduled Flights:
Going into effect today, November 17, Disney's Magical Express will now pick up guests from their hotels 4 hours ahead of their scheduled flights at Orlando International Airport. Magical Express used to pick up 3 hours ahead of time but with changes to TSA security measures and the busy holiday season the change was made.
Disney stated that the policy will be re-evaluated sometime in early 2018 after the holiday season calms down. So there is a chance it could change back.
More Details on Star Wars: Galactic Nights Announced:
Warwick Davis will be coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights on December 16 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That's not all though as we have even more details on the panel about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening in 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Actor David Collins will also appear at the event to host a special “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel discussion with members of the Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm team. The panel, which will include Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Robin Reardon, Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering; Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang, VP/Creative Director at Lucasfilm, will give guests an inside look at the making of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park. Attendees will also get an exclusive peek into the progress being made and learn what it’s like to bring the epic saga to life in the theme parks.
That's not all as a special projection show called Star Wars: Galactic Destinations on Sunset Boulevard on Tower of Terror. State-of-the-art projections will project on the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all evening long.
Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on Dec. 16 are 7 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9 (discounts available for Annual Passholders & DVC Members).
Star Tours to No Longer Mix Places and Character Sequences:
According to WDW News Today as of this Friday November 17, guests riding Star Tours at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland will only find the sequences and characters from the latest trilogy. The old characters from Episodes I-VI will come back at a later time and date.
A whole new opening sequence featuring characters from "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" followed by the Jakku sequence and the brand new Crait sequence from Episode VIII.
When the old sequences and characters return guests will have a choice by either riding the newer sequences or the sequences from Episodes 1 through 6. This isn't expected to take place for another 6-12 months however.
New Scene from "The Last Jedi" Being Added to Star Tours Around Disney Parks:
As with "The Force Awakens," a new scene from "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will be added to Star Tours around Disney Parks. The scene will take guests into the middle a battle scene on the planet of Crait, which we got our first look of in the first trailer from a few months ago.
The scene will premiere at Disney Parks over the next few months, here are the dates:
Disneyland - November 17
Disney's Hollywood Studios - November 17
Disneyland Paris - November 22
Tokyo Disneyland - December 15
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" soars into theaters on December 15.
RunDisney Races Put on Hiatus at Disneyland for 2018 and Beyond:
As first reported by WDW News Today a few days ago, all runDisney races for 2018 and beyond at Disneyland have been cancelled. The reason the popular races are being cancelled are due to the multitude of construction projects around the park. Here is a statement from George Savvas, a Disneyland spokesperson:
“While construction for the next several years will impact our ability to deliver the runDisney experience our guests love, we are excited about our future as the Disneyland Resort continues one of its largest multi-year expansions. For fans who love to be part of runDisney events, we will continue to offer races at our other properties around the world in 2018.”
The final runDisney event for this year is fast approaching with the Super Heroes Half Marathon weekend taking place November 9-12, 2017.
During last Monday's Disney Parks Blog Meet-up, in which guests saw Spaceship Earth be transformed into the Death Star, some announcements were made on some new Star Wars experiences coming to Hollywood Studios. One of those experiences will be a 7-hour guided tour beginning sometime in 2017 called simply the Star Wars Guided Tour. While no official start date has been announced, the cost has and it will be $121.12 for all ages.
Here is what the Walt Disney World website has given about the tour:
The Power of the Park Side
Blast off on a jet-packed, 7-hour adventure featuring all the Star Wars action!
If it’s your destiny to discover all the Star Wars adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this experience could be a real time “saber.”
With VIP access, unparalleled by any other galaxy—this guided voyage will have you:
Seeing stars during a screening of the movie, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Kylo Ren-dered speechless while witnessing 2 live stage shows—Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away and March of the First Order—from a reserved viewing area
Enrolling younglings ages 4 through 12 in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Launching into hyperspace aboard a Starspeeder 1000 on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Sinking your jawas into a Star Wars-inspired dinner at Backlot Express
Joining f
orces with new friends at a Chewbacca and Kylo Ren Character Greeting
Orbiting around saga-centric exhibits featuring replica props, models, concept art and artifacts at Star Wars Launch Bay
Chewy-ing on inter-stellar sweets at Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party
Experiencing a reserved viewing of the obi-wan and only Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular nighttime fireworks event
Restoring freedom to your galaxy and taking a personalized souvenir of your tour home with you to commemorate your adventures
There are so many exciting Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Launch off on this R2D-tour to discover it all in just one day!
They also provided some information for when you arrive for the tour. Tour is both inside and outside with the itinerary of the tour subject to change. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Check-in for the tour will be next to The Great Movie Ride at least 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. Separate admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios is required.
Stay tuned for even more information on the new Star Wars Guided Tour coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2017.
We all expected major announcements this weekend and they started off early at D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures with a panel with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Bob Chapek. The first announcement was that Pandora - The World of Avatar will open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Summer 2017. I am sure we will get even more details on the new land tomorrow with James Cameron, Jon Landau, and Joe Rohde.
Chapek revealed that the scaffolding has recently been removed from the bridge that will connect Pandora with the rest of the park (by Tiffins) as seen above in the picture. The bridge will serve as an entrance to the base camp of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for future explorers and adventure seekers.
Also shared were three new concept images of inside the land for the Santu'li Canteen (a quick service restaurant inside Pandora), Windtraders (a store), and Pongu Pongu ( a bar with specialty drinks).
Santu'li Canteen will be the main restaurant inside Pandora - The World of Avatar and will feature Na'vi art and cultural items.
Windtraders will be where travelers find Na'vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and so much more.
Finally, Pongu Pongu will be a specialty drink location that will have a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.
New Concept Art of Star Wars Land; "Episode 8" Scenes to be added to Star Tours:
While no new details were given on Star Wars Land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in the future. We did get our first look at a concept image of Star Wars Land at night. An X-wing soars into Star Wars Land as the new land lights up the night. Check it out below:
Also announced were scenes from "Episode 8" of Star Wars will be added to Star Tours: The Adventure Continues next year at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland.
Other Hollywood Studios news that isn't Star Wars-related and its a big one is that Hollywood Studios's version of Tower of Terror will not be getting a Guardians of the Galaxy remake.
Big Transformations Coming to Epcot:
Big changes will be coming to Epcot in the future, no details however were announced. Chapek just said that Epcot, "will stay true to the original vision." The future changes will be more Disney, more relevant, timeless, and more family. He challenged the creative team to "dream big" on Epcot.
That's all from this morning opening panel at Destination D: Amazing Adventures. Stay tune throughout the weekend for more breaking news.
New "Jakku" Scene for Star Tours at Hollywood Studios Premieres Early:
Guests today at Hollywood Studios got a surprise if they visited Star Tours. Today, the "Jakku" scene from 'The Force Awakens' was added early. The scene wasn't supposed to be added until December 1. Here is a brief synopsis of what you will see, Warning Spoilers Ahead: So, the new sequence takes place after the opening sequence (featuring either Darth Vader or the scanner droid looking for the rebel spy), in the space usually occupied by Hoth, Kashyyk, or Tatooine. You fly into Jakku and immediately the Millennium Falcon is in front of you. Finn appears on the side screen to deliver the classic “Star Tours? What are you doing here?” line. A chase ensues with First Order TIE Fighters, ending with the Falcon pulling an insane maneuver to take out a TIE Fighter. You then crash into some wreckage and the ship stops for a moment. At this point, scavengers from Jakku begin to try and rip the ship apart for spare parts to sell. R2-D2 zaps them away and the Starspeeder 1000 takes off and leaves the planet. The new sequence is followed by a new holographic transmission sequence featuring BB-8. BB-8 and R2-D2 sort of conspire against C-3P0 to continue the mission and protect the Rebel spy. After that, the ride travels to one of the randomized finale planets.
Also cast members at Hollywood Studios today got a sneak preview of Star Wars Launch Bay before it opens in two weeks.
4th TV Spot for "Force Awakens Released with More Details Revealed:
Yesterday, the 4th TV Spot for "Star Wars: Force Awakens and we now have more details to decipher with only 32 days until the release day. Here is the TV spot:
In the photo above we see Rey is at some sort of temple that seems to be being attacked by First Order TIE-Fighters. Could the temple what remains of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. We also see Rey piloting the Millennium Falcon and Finn in the gunner turret as they fly across Jakku. Another scene we see BB-8 in the night as the dessert sky is illuminated by some sort of explosion. Watch the trailer for other new scenes as well as the scenes we have already seen in previously released trailers and tv spots.
Watch The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Live on the Disney Parks Blog:
The Disney Parks Blog will live streaming The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights this Wednesday night 11/18 at 10:30 p.m. EST. This year is the final year for the famous light show as Hollywood Studios is set to be under heavy construction the next few years.
This year's show runs through January 3, 2016 and features millions of "dancing" lights including displays of angels, toy soldiers, a spinning globe, Santa, reindeer, and so much more. The live stream will appear in a fresh blog on Wednesday night. The DPB reminded fans when joining the conversation to use #DisneyHolidays much like they have used for previous live streams.
Will you be tuning into the live stream on the Disney Parks Blog Wednesday night?
Disney Store Releases Limited Release 20th Anniversary Toy Story T-Shirts:
Today through Sunday, on the Disney Store you can order a limited release 20th Anniversary Toy Story t-shirts. This is in honor of the release of Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" 20 years ago on November 19, 1995. The shirts come in both adults and child sizes and can be mixed and matched for a special deal of 2 for $44. If bought separately the adult shirts cost $27.95 and the kids shirts are $22.95. Here is the t-shirt:
New Star Wars Events at Hollywood Studios Begin December 1, Star Wars Weekends Are Over:
Well, finally details have been announced of what's coming to Hollywood Studios that is related to Star Wars. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that since it was announced in August at the D23 EXPO it was time to share the details on when Star Wars would hit Hollywood Studios. Construction will begin on the new 14-acre Star Wars-themed land next year. Beginning December 1, guests will be immersed into new events making a galaxy far, far away much closer. Here is a closer look at what is coming:
Star Wars Launch Bay - Guests will dive into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with special exhibits, peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise, and opportunities to meet both Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
Star Tours - The Adventures Continue - The attraction will be revamped with a new scene into the Battle of Jakku as the Starspeeder 1000 follows the Millennium Falcon as it is being chased by the first order. This will begin in early December and for the first few months everyone will get a chance to experience the new scene. After, that it will be up to the Force if you get to see the new scene. They also released a sneak peek of the new scene:
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi will be a compilation of the Star Wars saga videos most likely shown in the ABC Sound Studio, although that has not yet been confirmed.
Jedi Training - Trials of the Temple will be the reimagined experience of the Jedi Training Academy where it will take younglings to the secret site of the ancient Jedi Temple where they will face off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister inquisitor from the Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels."
Lastly, as seen in the headline Star Wars Weekends is officially ending at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With the construction beginning next year, Disney said it was "a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Hollywood Studios every day."
To note Seasons of the Force is still set to begin in January along with the specially-themed Star Wars Fireworks Show.
Disney & Lucasfilm Announce Star Wars Hour of Code:
With the support of Disney Interactive's Disney Infinity, Disney and Lucasfilm along with Code.org announced a new computer science tutorial inspired by Star Wars. The new tutorial features Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, along with Rey and BB-8 from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The online lesson will kickoff the third-annual global Hour of Code campaign in honor of Computer Science Education Week, December 7-13, 2015.
Students will learn to write code to create games using Star Wars characters. They will be able to join forces with Rey and BB-8 through a space mission or team up with Princess Leia to build their own game along with C-3PO and R2-D2. Students will also be able to share their games with friends and play the games they have created on their smartphones.
President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy said this on the new venture, "For generations, Star Wars has sparked kids' curiosity and imagination, and we hope the appeal of characters like Princess Leia and Rey will help fuel greater participation in science and math, especially among girls around the world. Computer science has helped shape our legacy and changed the way movies are made, which is why programs like the Hour of Code are so important to us."
Along with the lesson, role models in technology including Kennedy, Rachel Rose, a senior R&D engineer working on the new film, and Charita Carter, Senior Creative Producer with Walt Disney Imagineering have provided short video lectures to help students through the one-hour activity.
Finding Dory Poster Released, Trailer to be Released Tomorrow:
In collaboration with star Ellen DeGeneres (voice of Dory) a new trailer for next June's sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory will be released. The trailer will be released on Ellentube and seen on tomorrow's episode. In anticipation of the release of the trailer, Disney Pixar did release a new poster for the film, with the quote, "She just kept swimming...":
D23 to Offer Exclusive 'Force Awakens' Content to Members:
We are less than 50 days away from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and I know I can't be any more excited than a child opening presents on Christmas morning. Today, we found out that D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, announced its members will be offered exclusive 'Force Awakens' content that no one else will see. Here is the official press release:
JOURNEY TO A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY AS DISNEY TWENTY-THREE GIVES FANS UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH J.J. ABRAMS, MARK HAMILL, HARRISON FORD, CARRIE FISHER, DAISY RIDLEY, LAWRENCE KASDAN, AND KATHLEEN KENNEDY, DISNEY’S OFFICIAL FAN CLUB CELEBRATES THE EPIC SAGA.
To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney twenty-three unlocks the power of the force to give fans a look behind the making of the newest installment in the Star Wars saga. The issue opens with “guest editor” C-3PO admitting he is unfamiliar with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club (“…although I am very familiar with the R2 series of droid, I am less familiar with the D23 line. Would it be R2-D23?”) and continues with candid interviews with the original Star Wars leads—Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford—looking back (and ahead) at the ongoing strength of these out-of-this-world films.
Director J.J. Abrams—whose long-standing history with Disney goes back to the TV show Felicity—sits down for a revealing Q&A, and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talks about inheriting one of the most beloved franchises of all time. Plus, Imagineer Scott Trowbridge gives fans a peek at what’s in store for guests at the parks, following Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger’s announcement at D23 EXPO 2015 of Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
And the Star Wars adventures continue. Also included in the publication, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members:
Stories behind the movie poster artwork for all seven films
An exclusive interview with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni, who talks about his first, nerve-wracking meeting with George Lucas
The incredible collectibles—past and future—that allow guests to bring the movies into their homes, including the story of the groundbreaking BB-8 toy
A salute to George Lucas by Star Wars authority Steve Sansweet
Plus, there’s plenty of Disney magic in the winter issue of Disney twenty-three including:
The story of how the new Disney•Pixar film The Good Dinosaur came to rule the Earth
A look back at the creation of Fantasia, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary
How The Finest Hours went from an unbelievable true story to a gripping new film
Regular features including A Walk with Walt, D Society, and Ask Dave
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in mid-November.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Opens at Tokyo Disney Resort:
Just last week we found out that the Tokyo Disney Resort would be getting the new 'Force Awakens' content added to Star Tours attraction in February 2016. The attraction is now open to the public and much like its American counterparts there are over 50 possible story combinations. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Tokyo Disney Resort is in the Tomorrowland section of the park.
Here is a sneak peak of the attraction the resort has released on its Youtube channel:
