Farewell to The Great Movie Ride & Universe of Energy; Stitch Goes Back to Seasonal Operation

Farewell to The Great Movie Ride & Universe of Energy:

Today, we say farewell to two classic original attractions and since it was announced at D23 it hasn't gotten any easier in saying goodbye to them. Both The Great Movie Ride and Universe of Energy will close forever at end of operation tonight. Universe of Energy/Ellen's Energy Adventure will close as of 7:00 p.m. ET and The Great Movie Ride will close at 9:30. 

Both rides will make way for new attractions but the nostalgia of both attractions will live on forever. I will always remember riding The Great Movie Ride all throughout my childhood learning about the movies. I loved seeing the Mary Poppins scene and of course the classic ending scene from "The Wizard of Oz." It is a bit sad to see the last original opening attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios go away.

Now while I am going to miss The Great Movie Ride tremendously, I have a special place in my heart for Universe of Energy. I have always enjoyed this attraction both before and after the Ellen update. While many have enjoyed taking a nap in this attraction I have always thought this was one of the more interesting and learning experiences for an attraction. It's the original dinosaur ride. 

While Universe of Energy will see its own way into extinction after tonight, I am going to sorely miss hearing the "Stupid Judy" joke, seeing the beautiful creatures we call dinosaurs, and of course who could forget Bill Nye. This is one of those rides that I have so many memories on from when I was younger.

With that before the tears start flowing, I say farewell to the both of these amazing attractions. The memories from both will last a lifetime.

Stitch's Great Escape Going Back to Seasonal Operation:

Guests have one more week to see Stitch's Great Escape at the Magic Kingdom before it closes down probably until the holiday season. Stitch will have his final day of its Summer Operation schedule next Saturday, August 19. Beginning the next day on August 20 it will go back into season operation. It still remains clear what the fate of Stitch's Great Escape for now but rumors are still circling around the possibility of a new Wreck-It-Ralph attraction taking its place. 

The Jawas Are Leaving Hollywood Studios; Great Movie Ride "That's a Wrap!" Merchandise

The Jawas Are Leaving Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Yesterday, appears to have been the final day guests were able to greet and trade with the Jawas at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios according to Kenny the Pirate. This doesn't mean they are going away forever just that for now they are being retired from meet & greets as well as trading with them. 

Rumor has it that Rey will begin meeting with guests along with BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay. Rey recently began appearing along with other favorite Star Wars characters in the stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Rey has yet to appear for any kind of meet & greet at the park. 

While the Jawas are going, one could only hope they will return when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens in 2019.

Source: Kenny the Pirate

Great Movie Ride "That's a Wrap!" Merchandise to Hit Disney Parks & Online:

During Friday's, Disney Park Blog Meetup with their farewell to The Great Movie Ride, it was revealed that Disney would be releasing special Farewell merchandise. The Great Movie Ride is slated to close for good on August 13, 2017 where it will be replaced by Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. 

The "That's a Wrap!" merchandise will be available late this week in Walt Disney World. Some of the items will be released on Disney Store online on August 10, 2017.

D23 & TCM to Celebrate The Great Movie Ride; Muppet Vision 3-D Closes Unexpectedly

D23 & TCM to Celebrate The Great Movie Ride:

We are all in a somber mood as soon one of the original rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios when The Great Movie Ride closes for good on August 13. On August 12, D23 and TCM will be celebrating The Great Movie Ride to give us one final goodbye to the classic attraction here are the details:

OVERVIEW

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and TCM Backlot: The Ultimate Turner Classic Movies Fan Club are joining together to invite members of both fan clubs to celebrate the farewell of The Great Movie Ride!

DETAILS
Experience begins promptly at 7:15 a.m. at the entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. Please do not arrive before 7 a.m. Due to the nature of this unique experience, late arrivals will not be accommodated.

Available to Gold and Gold Family Members
You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and TCM Backlot: The Ultimate Turner Classic Movies Fan Club are joining together to invite members of both fan clubs to celebrate the farewell of The Great Movie Ride!

Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the star-studded cinema attraction one last time during a behind-the-scenes experience before Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens to the public on Saturday, August 12.

This complimentary event will include a private attraction experience with special guests, a delicious breakfast at The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant and a one-of-a-kind gift created just for attendees!

NOTE
D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may register a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 experience.
This experience does not require admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios if planning to return to the theme park once the experience concludes.
Food allergy and restrictions must be communicated to our Guest Services team prior to the event.
There is a limited number of reservations available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

The experience is complimentary, registration for the event will open Tuesday, August 1 at 10 a.m. PT for D23 Gold and Gold Family Members. 

Source: D23

Muppet Vision 3D Closes Unexpectedly for Short Refurbishment:

Today, Muppet Vision 3D closed unexpectedly for a very short refurbishment. The ride will be closed from today through August 2. Disney didn't give any reason for why it was closed down. 

Source: WDW News Today

Walt Disney World Lifts August Blockouts for Annual Passholders; New Names for Mission: Space Missions

Walt Disney World Lifts Some August Blockouts for Annual Passholders:

In less than 3 weeks, we will be saying goodbye to The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Ellen's Energy Adventure at Epcot to make way for new attractions. Since the announcement was made at the D23 Expo just a few weeks ago, many Annual Passholders who have been blocked out for the Summer were worried they may not get one last to chance to ride the two attractions before they close.

That was changed today, as Passholders got notification that Walt Disney World would be lifting the blockout dates early.

Now guests with Silver and Weekday Select Annual Passes will be able to start visiting Walt Disney World beginning August 1. This will give them almost two weeks to enjoy these two attractions one last time.

Source: The Laughing Place

New Mission: Space Missions Will Get New Names:

When Mission: Space returns in just a few weeks guests riding the attraction will no longer be choosing between the Green Mission and the Orange Mission. The two missions will have new names when the attraction opens. 

The classic Orange Mission will now be called "Mission: Space - Mars." The new kid-friendly mission that was the Green Mission will now be called, "Mission: Space - Earth." The new names reflect where each of the missions go on their destinations. 

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

New Concept Art for Coronado Springs Including Over-Water Dining; Permits Filed for Great Movie Ride

New Concept Art for Coronado Springs Including Over-Water Dining:

New concept art for the major renovations happening at Disney's Coronado Springs has appeared in the resorts' lobby. In the new concept art we get a look at the brand new tower being built at the resort and an unannounced over-the-water restaurant that will be part of the renovation.

The brand new tower being built (seen above) will also include a restaurant at the top of the tower. This is besides the new over-the-water restaurant that wasn't previously announced when they first announced it. Check it out below:

The new over-the-water restaurant looks to have a bar, but will have plenty of seating by what it looks like. It looks like it will be a very nice addition in a beautiful sit-down setting. The renovations on Disney's Coronado Springs are expected be completed by Summer 2019.

Permits Filed for Great Movie Ride, Is Great Mickey Ride Coming?:

Disney has filed permits for The Great Movie Ride for a project that is under the name, DHS Project M. The permit is expected to be completed by October 31, 2019, but says that this doesn't necessarily mean that a new attraction will be completed on that date just that the construction for this particular permit is expected to be completed by this date.

Rumors have been circulating since last year that Disney has been planning to replace the Great Movie Ride with a new trackless ride based off of Mickey Mouse. It is expected that Great Movie Ride would close sometime next year in 2018 and that the new attraction would be completed in time for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary 2021 or shortly before it in 2020.

With the D23 Expo just 2 days away, it wouldn't be surprising if this was announced on Saturday during the Disney Parks & Resorts presentation with Bob Chapek. 

Source: Blog Mickey

Marvel's"Agents of SHIELD" Spinoff Gets Pilot Order and Spires Return to Great Movie Ride

Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD" Spinoff Gets Pilot Order:

With the success of both Marvel's "Agents of SHIELD" and "Agent Carter" on ABC the studio is ordering a pilot for a third show called "Marvel's Most Wanted" starring Adrienne Palicki as Marvel's Mockingbird.

The show will feature Adrienne Palicki as Bobbi Morse (Mockingbird) and her on again off again love interest Nick Blood's Lance Hunter. Not many more details on the show have been released. The theory of the plot will be to focus on the hunting down of the villains who escaped the "SHIELD" detention center during the short reign of Hydra.

Marvel also has two series coming to Netflix with more in the works and even a chance for a fourth show on ABC.

All Four Spires Return to The Great Movie Ride:

Photo Courtesy of @NarlsMix on Twitter

In a scene that hasn't been seen since before the Sorcerer's Hat was put up at Hollywood Studios, all four spires have returned to The Great Movie Ride. It certainly is nice to see the beauty of the Chinese Theater once again.

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."