Location Confirmed for Star Wars Immersive Resort at Disney's Hollywood Studios

We learned on Sunday that the village inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge would be called Black Spire Outpost. Today, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed the location of the exclusive Star Wars immersive resort planned for Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

It is currently in development on the south side of Disney's Hollywood Studios, just east of World Drive. It will be seamlessly connected to Galaxy's Edge which will allow guests to fully immerse themselves into the story of Star Wars.

This experience stands out among all of our destinations around the globe. Families visiting this destination will board a starship that comes alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every cabin window has views of space! Guests visiting the multi-day adventure will also be welcome to participate as a resident of the Galaxy by dressing in Star Wars-inspired attire.

Stay tuned for future updates on the immersive Star Wars Resort and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in the coming months. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Village Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Named

Village Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Named:

During last night's Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, we got some new details on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Last week it was officially announced that Galaxy's Edge would open Summer 2019 in Disneyland and late Fall 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Guests will travel to the outer rim to the planet of Batuu and last night we learned that the village on Batuu will be called Black Spire Outpost. 

The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

That's not all as we got our first look as the full size AT-AT's that are part of the unnamed Battle of the First Order attraction where guests will hop on a Resistance transport and be taken right into the middle of the battle. Guests will also see a familiar character from the saga will be recognized while visiting Batuu in Nien Nunb. 

There was more as there will be a stall full of creatures from the Star Wars universe on Batuu. This will include the famous Loth-Cats that may just be walking around the planet itself much like the rumored droids that will be roaming Galaxy's Edge. Loth-Cats are from Clone Wars as well as most recently ended "Star Wars Rebels" series.

We are getting closer and closer to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and stay tuned to hear even more details about Batuu and Black Spire Outpost in the coming months. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Opening Seasons for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, First Look at Edna Mode, and More

Just Announced: Opening Seasons for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge:

It is official as the Disney Parks Blog just announced a short while ago that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open in Summer 2019 at Disneyland and late Fall 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. 

To get us even more for the new fully immersed land they dropped another sneak peak of what guests can expect when they enter the new world:

Source: Disney Parks Blog

First Look at Edna Mode Coming to Disney Parks:

As announced a few weeks ago Edna Mode from "The Incredibles" will be making her debut at Disney Parks. Today, we got our first look and when she will make her official debut at Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure Park.

At Walt Disney World, Edna Mode will make her debut at the Magic Kingdom starting this weekend when "Incredible Summer" kicks off for Memorial Day weekend. Guests will be able to visit the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo to party with the characters from "Incredibles 2" including Edna Mode herself.

At Disney California Adventure, she will be jetting over to greet with guests on June 15 just in time for the debut of "Incredibles 2" as part of Pixar Fest. Edna Mode will continue to favor us with her presence to celebrate the opening of Pixar Pier later this Summer. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Dates Announced for Festival of the Holiday and Candlelight Processional at Epcot:

We have one more announcement today from the Disney Parks Blog. Today, they announced the official dates for Epcot's International Festival of the Holidays and the famous Candlelight Processional. The International Festival of the Holidays will return on November 18 through December 30. The Candlelight Processional will open for the first time ever on Thanksgiving this year on November 22 and run through December 30. 

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites guests to discover holiday cheer throughout the park and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. Evenings during this time are topped off with a special holiday presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”
The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests, is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

Stay tuned in the coming months as the narrators will be announced for the Candlelight Processional as well details on the always popular dining packages.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Get a Sneak Peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge With New Flyover Video

We are all patiently (NOT!) waiting to explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at both Disneyland and at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Yesterday, during the annual shareholders meeting, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger gave a sneak peak of the progress on both lands with a flyover of the construction site. It was then later shared on the Disney Parks Blog.

Check out the video below:

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will be transported to the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Updates Revealed This Week About Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & Star Wars Hotel

This week we received some new images of what's coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios next year. First Imagineers show us how they are bringing the Millennium Falcon to life for the new remote planet.

Back in December it was revealed that Walt Disney Imagineers were going to bring a fleet of life-size X-wings to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This week we got an up close look at one of those X-wings as they are ready to arrive on the new planet. 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open first in Disneyland and then sometime soon after at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in 2019. 

Finally, though we got another update as we got another look with some live images of the Star Wars-inspired resort coming to Walt Disney World. As reported earlier this month the resort will be seamlessly connected to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Guests staying at the luxurious resort will be even welcomed to dress in Star Wars-inspired attire. 

The immerse experience offered at this hotel will stand out among all of the other resorts around the globe. As you can see, families visiting this amazing resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that will unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space! Check out one more live image released for the Star Wars resort.



As of now an opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort has not been announced.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Updates from the D23 Expo Japan Last Night

Due to some extenuating circumstances last night I didn't get to share all the news that was shared last night/or this morning at the D23 Expo Japan by Disney Parks & Resorts President Bob Chapek. Although as much as we were hoping to hear an official opening date for Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, that was not to be as it was not announced. We are still in the dark as to when it will open even though the long heard rumors still remain as Memorial Day weekend are as strong as ever.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will open sometime in 2019 and we got some new concept art (seen above) along with some new details on the ride. It will feature a brand new catchy theme songcreated 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 will 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 guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where they're the star and anything can happen.

Also opening in 2019 will be Star Wars: Galaxies Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but that wasn't the news they strove for as we got more details on the most-immersive resort that will be built on a Disney Parks property. The new Star Wars' themed resort will combine luxury and complete immersion into the Star Wars Universe.

Guests will take a multi-day journey by boarding a starship that will be alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy. They will become active citizens in the galaxy and even dress in proper attire during their stay. Every resort window will 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. This will allow for a total Star Wars experience that is out of this world. There is no official opening date for the Star Wars-inspired resort.

It was confirmed a while ago that the Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired attraction coming to Epcot that it would be a roller coaster, last night Bob Chapek officially confirmed that. The one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot. It will feature a unique story created by Walt Disney Imagineering that will 'wow' guests as part of a new innovative ride system. 

 “As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

This amazing attraction will open in time for Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom's 50th Anniversary in 2021.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Just When Will Disney's Hollywood Studios Change Its Name?

In the last few weeks we have heard from Disney insider Len Testa that Disney had finalized on a new name for Disney's Hollywood Studios in Disney Cinemagine Park. Yes, I know not very exciting or even thrilling. Testa said he and another Disney Insider and legend Jim Hill would reveal more about the new name on their Disney Dish Podcast.

That episode has finally been released and Testa and Hill revealed that the new name in Disney Cinemagine Park would be announced at the media event of when Walt Disney World opens Toy Story Land at the park according to sources. Which according to him will in fact open Memorial Day Weekend in May.

The park wouldn't officially change names until the end of 2018 beginning of 2019 in preparation of when Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge open. In preparation of the park changing names of course Disney will have plenty of special edition merchandise for fans to say "Goodbye to Hollywood" as the park gets ready to change its name for a second time since it opened.

The park which opened in 1989 will also be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year and opened as Disney's MGM Studios until Disney and MGM ended their deal together in 2008.

It is rumored that Disney had chosen Disney Cinemagic Park but didn't want guests to be confused with their main park in Magic Kingdom, so Disney Cinemagine Park it is. If you notice Disney has also chosen Disney Cinemagine Park instead of Disney's Cinemagine Park in a sort of new branding for the company.

You can listen to the full episode of the Disney Disney with Len Testa and Jim Hill here. We have less than a year left of Disney's Hollywood Studios before the name change. What do you think of the name Disney Cinemagine Park?

Source: Disney Dish Podcast

Galactic Nights Gives Us an Update on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

During last night's Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests at the event were treated to an update on Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Lead Imagineer Scott Trowbridge along with fellow Imagineers Robin Reardon and Chris Beatty along with Doug Chiang from Lucasfilm shared details on the new land opening up in 2019.

Earlier last week Disney shared a photo of what looks to be the queue area of the Millennium Falcon attraction and Trowbridge had this share about the attraction:

"We talked a lot about authenticity – how we are building a real place in the Star Wars universe and how we are working hard to get the details right. One of my favorite examples is the Millennium Falcon. We’ve all seen her on screen, but until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside the cockpit, power her up and actually FLY her yourself, it’s not quite the same."

One of the most exciting details was that they are actually building a fleet of X-wings for the new world. One tap of the metal tells you these are real starships ready for action. I can't wait to see these for real on Batuu. 

In the panel, Chris Beatty also discussed how Imagineers visited Istanbul and Marrakech. They were a big part in helping to tell the story of Batuu and the village/marketplace inside the planet where guests will be able to visit a rich collection of shops and merchant stalls. 

Chris gave an example of a Toydarian in "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" and what does he sell toys of course. Concept art of the stall can be seen above. Inside you'll be able to discover all kinds of  fun and cool toys straight out of the Star Wars galaxy. Exclusive to this outpost, all these offerings will look like they were hand-crafted by local artisans. 

As always stay tuned for more updates on Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

BREAKING: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Planet Called Batuu; Magical Express to Pick Up 4 Hours Ahead

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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. 

Source: WDW News Today

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

More Details on Star Wars: Galactic Nights; Star Tours to No Longer Mix Places & Characters

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).

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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. 

Source: WDW News Today

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galactic Nights is returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios on December 16, the day after the premiere of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." This event will celebrate all things Star Wars and exclusive merchandise, food and beverages, character meet and greets, and a panel discussion looking at the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion coming to the park. The festivities will run from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., although guests will be able to enter Disney's Hollywood Studios as early as 5 p.m. with their party ticket. Reservations for this event are $129 for adults and $124 for children plus tax. Discounts are also available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. To book, guests can call 407-W-DISNEY or visit DisneyWorld.com.

Some of the offerings during the event will include:

• Entertainment - Enhanced versions of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away 
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Panel - Held in the Epic Theatre, this panel discussion will look at the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge expansion
• Photo Ops - Detailed backdrops will allow guests to take their photos in saga-inspired locales.
• Character Encounters
• Exclusive Food, Drinks, and Merchandise

Also there will be two premium experiences that will be offered and they are:

• The Galactic Tasting Sampler ($30 plus tax) — Similar to the Food & Wine tabbed credentials, guests will be able to exchange their tabs for Star Wars treats.
• The Jedi Recruitment package ($149.95) — This entitles children to a reserved spot in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, a Jedi robe, a lightsaber, a limited-edition Star Wars t-shirt and a photo with a Jedi Master.

Source: The Laughing Place

Final Touches Being Put on Toy Story Land Model; New Animal Kingdom VIP Tour

Final Touches Being Put on Toy Story Land Model for Walt Disney Presents:

Just a few weeks ago we learned that One Man's Dream at Disney's Hollywood Studios would become Walt Disney Presents. Today, we learned that the new preview center which will house models of both Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and a never before seen Toy Story Land will open on September 8. Here is what we can expect in Walt Disney Presents as heard from the Disney Parks Blog today:

In addition to historic sketches, photos and storyboards, guests can also view ride vehicle maquettes, a portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model, concept art for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, and an all-new Toy Story Land model – which is being completed at Walt Disney Imagineering right now.

Yes, we now have a sneak peak of just what the Toy Story Land model will look like and here are the photos of Imagineers working on the model in detail.

I can't wait to see this model in person the next time I visit Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Introducing the Enchanting Extras Collection - Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour:

A new VIP tour at night is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom as part of the Enchanting Extras Collection. Here are the details of the tour which is 4 hours long and will cost $249 per person with guests being at least 44" or taller.

On this 4-hour group guided tour, discover a landscape shimmering with lights and brimming with life at night. Embark on an expedition through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. Ride in an open-air vehicle on the lush African savanna. Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest on a river boat. And see a brilliant fusion of water, sound and light at a show that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

Enjoy all this with expedited access via FastPass+ on this brand new, first-of-its-kind tour where you’ll:

Experience Attractions and a Show

• Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (44” height requirement)
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Avatar Flight of Passage (44” height requirement)
• Na’vi River Journey
• Dinosaur (40” height requirement)
• The nighttime spectacular Rivers of Light

Delight in a Tasty Drink and Souvenirs 

Enjoy signature snacks and a specialty beverage (non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage—for Guests 21 and older) along with a souvenir lanyard and other surprises

The tour will be offered on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday except for block out dates which include: November 20-24, 2017, December 21-31, 2017, February 19, 2018, and March 25 - April 7, 2018. Check-in for the tour occurs in the courtyard of Dinosaur in Dinoland, USA. Guests can make reservation by calling 407-939-PLAY (407-939-7529). Guests under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian call to book.

Source: Walt Disney World

Could Any of These be the New Names for Disney's Hollywood Studios?

More then two years ago before even the construction and demolition of most of Disney's Hollywood Studios began, it was hinted by CEO Bob Iger during the 2015 Walt Disney Company Shareholder's meeting that the park could get a new name in the future. Nothing has been said about the new name until yesterday. A survey has been found asking guests what names they liked from the list for a new name for the park. Here are snapshots from the survey:

As you can see all the names at least in my opinion are less than stellar, especially with names like Disney XL Park and Disney Kaleidoscope Park. Mickey Views who first reported the survey from an anonymous source said it seems the two leading candidates as there were questions about these 2 specific names in Disney Storyverse Park and one that seems to be in the lead of being considered in Disney Beyond Park. 

How valid is this survey? Well, the source that spoke to Mickey Views about the survey said they were part of a focus group earlier in the year to help name an unnamed Mickey attraction that of course was announced last month at the D23 Expo as Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. 

Of course this is just a survey and there may even be more names under consideration (at least I hope there is). It does seem though that we are closer to a new name for the Studios and with Toy Story Land opening next Summer and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening in 2019 it looks we will find out sooner rather than later. I still like the long rumored Disney's Hollywood Adventure better. 

Also, let it be known Disney's Hollywood Studios is on the list so there may be no name change at all. Although having Studios stay in the name doesn't make sense considering the park just no longer fits the Studios name. What do you think of these names? If you had a choice, which of these names would you choose?

Source: Mickey Views

One Man's Dream to Become Walt Disney Presents; Rumor: Changes Coming to All-Star Movies & Music Resorts

One Man's Dream to Become Walt Disney Presents:

Two years ago before all the changes coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios were announced, rumors swirled that One Man's Dream would be going away for good. Even recently, it was rumored that it would be demolished to make way for the new entrance into Toy Story Land. Today, the fate of tribute to Walt himself was revealed. 

The building will be reimagined into Walt Disney Presents and the film along with the many historical items from Walt's history such as sketches, storyboards, and photos will remain a part of the attraction. Also the film will be switched out from time to time to preview upcoming films. The meet & greet with Star-Lord and Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy will also be staying. 

That's not all as Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview center where guests explore what’s next for the park. Starting in mid-September, you’ll be able to view concept art, ride vehicle maquettes and a never-before-seen model for Toy Story Land. A portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model also will be on display, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.

Are you excited about the new Walt Disney Presents Preview Center coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

RUMOR: Changes Coming to All-Star Movies and Music Resorts:

It wasn't that long ago that we were talking about all the rumors swirling around Walt Disney World before the D23 Expo. Now that the expo is over of course more rumors are surfacing as Walt Disney himself said, "Around here we don't look backwards for very long, we keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

With the recent remodel of rooms at Disney's Pop Century expected to be completed in the next year or so it seems that Pop won't be the only Disney resort seeing a remodel of of its rooms. A rumor has begun surfacing that the rooms at Disney's All Star Movies and All-Star Music will be seeing a similar reimagining of there rooms expected to be completed by 2019. 

That's not all as a rumored table service restaurant, likely a buffet style restaurant, is expected to be built in between the resorts. With the expected increased occupancy rates all the 3 All-Star Resorts in 2019 with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening. It is being felt that guests may want to skip the lines at the busy counter service to relax at this proposed family style buffet experience.

This is all a rumor as of now and this has not been pushed forward as of yet. However, if they expect to have this complete by 2019 one would think we may see building permits very soon.

Source: WDW News Today

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, & More Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Disney Parks & Resorts Panel at the D23 Expo just ended and boy did we receive some news. Here is just a list of what's coming to Walt Disney World in the next few years.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is Official Will Open in Disneyland First:

The first news from the panel and President of Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek was for Star Wars Land. It was officially confirmed that the lands in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The lands will both open in 2019 but it will open up in Disneyland first.

The lands will allow guests to isit a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life – and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action.

The lands will feature two major attractions that put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Each attraction – and even the land itself – will offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe like never before.

One attraction will make you feel like you’re on a Star Destroyer inside a hangar bay. It’s an attraction built on a scale we’ve never done before (this is the First Order vs. The Resistance ride). The second attraction will give guests the opportunity to fly the Millenium Falcon, piloting the ship, shooting blasters or preparing for hyperspace – all while completing a critical mission. But how you perform on the mission holds even bigger stakes: perform with skill and you may earn extra galactic credits, while bringing the ship back banged up could put you on the list of a bounty hunter. End up on Harkos’s list and you may face a problem if you show up at the local cantina!

We will also be able to meet up with BB-8, Kylo Ren, members of the First Order among other in Galaxy's Edge. Rex, from the original Star Tours, will be making a return as a DJ at the cantina. At the cantina, guests will of course be able to try blue milk and nearby acquire trinkets and treasures from around the galaxy. 

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway to Replace The Great Movie Ride:

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios and will replace the iconic Great Movie Ride. The Great Movie ride will have its last day of operation on August 13, 2017. The attraction will be inspired by the new Mickey Shorts that air on the Disney Channel. Here is what Imagineer Kevin Rafferty had to say about the new attraction:

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience we’re calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required. Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are inventing new technologies that turn the flat world of a colorful cartoon short into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”
“This is one of the boldest…most impossible things I’ve ever worked on in almost 40 years of being an Imagineer. And you know what? That’s what I love about it. Well, that, and Mickey,” Kevin said. “This is not going to be a small attraction, it’s going to be game-changing.”

More updates on Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway are coming in the near future so stay tuned.

Star Wars Inspired-Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World:

The Star Wars-themed hotel was confirmed tonight during the Disney Parks & Resorts Panel at the D23 Expo. It will debut as part of a brand new Disney 360 vacation concept. Bob Chapek had this to say on the new resort coming to be built right next to Disney's Hollywood Studios:

“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.”

More details on this amazing resort experience will be released in the coming months.

Toy Story Land to Open Summer 2018:

Finally, we did receive an update on Toy Story Land. It will open sometime in Summer 2018 (an exact date wasn't given). It was confirmed that guests will now enter Toy Story Midway Mania inside of Toy Story Land. Here is more information on the Slinky Dog Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers attractions that are coming to the new land:

The new Slinky Dog Dash will be a family coaster attraction where you’ll zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

Alien Swirling Saucers will also be a new attraction at Toy Story Land. It’s designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first “Toy Story” film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

As always stay tune for more updates on the official opening date of Toy Story Land.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Breaking: Does Star Wars Land Have a Name in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge?

This is late breaking news however this has not been officially announced. It appears as someone looking through the Disney Parks Blog source code that they have found out the name of Star Wars Land. According to the code for the blog it will be called Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

While this isn't official, it sure sounds like this will be announced during tomorrow's Disney Parks & Resorts Panel. Earlier today, CEO Bob Iger promised many, many announcements in store during tomorrow's panel. The Disney Parks & Resorts Panel takes place at 3 p.m. PST/ 6 p.m. EST at the D23 Expo.