New "Rogue One" Inspired Experiences Coming to Hollywood Studios

Spaceship Earth was transformed into the Death Star tonight during the special "Rogue One" Disney Parks Blog meet-up that was live streamed. During the live stream, several new "Rogue One"- inspired experiences were announced for Disney's Hollywood Studios. They were announced by Michael Roddy of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Entertainment & Merchandise. 

First, up Advanced Weapons Research Troopers, the Imperial Death Troopers, from "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be added along with scenes from the film to the stage show Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. The show will return December 16.

Also at Star Wars Launch Bay, new props from "Rogue One" have already been added. These items include: A Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic's Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-Wing gunship, and so much more. Also scenes will be added to the Launch Bay Theater with making-of footage and a behind-the-scenes look at "Rogue One."

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will return beginning December 16 and will run along with "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" as a second nighttime fireworks spectacular that will run through December 31. Over at Star Tours, guests will go back to randomized beginnings (instead of starting each journey on the planet of Jakku from "The Force Awakens") also beginning December 16.

A new seven-hour Star Wars guided tour is coming soon to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here are some of the details that were released although final details will be released soon:

This seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide that will include: a journey on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (for guests age 4-12); a guided exploration of Star Wars Launch Bay, dinner at a quick-service restaurant featuring Star Wars-themed items; the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; fireworks viewing and more. - Disney Parks Blog

Also appearing during the meet-up was Mads Mikkelsen, who plays Galen Erso in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." During the meet-up Mikkelson helped release a never before seen clip from the film between his character and the formidable Director Krennic.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" soars into theaters in just 11 days on December 16.

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. 

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Will Perform 5 Times a Day; New Jungle Book "Trust" TV Spot Released

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Will Perform 5 Times a Day:

Today, it was released on My Disney Experience that "Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away" will begin on April 4th and will perform 5 times a day at Hollywood Studios. The times are as follows: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Right now times are only available through April 9th the first week of the show. Times are of course subject to change.

Your favorite Star Wars characters will take the stage including Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, BB-8, Darth Maul and much more. They will recreate famous movie vignettes from the Saga right before your eyes. 

New Jungle Book "Trust" TV Spot Released:

We are a month away from the release of "The Jungle Book" on April 15. Today, we got an amazing sneak peek with a new tv spot called "Trust." The clip show Mowgli facing several perils in his adventure through the jungle.

Mowgli encounters Kaa (Scarlett Johansson), King Louie (Christopher Walken), Shere Khan (Idris Elba), and others as he travels through the jungle. We also get a closer look at his companions including Baloo (Bill Murray) and Bagheera (Ben Kingsley). Check out the clip below:

Who's excited for "The Jungle Book" which hits theaters next month on April 15?