Disney Parks Live For Hollywood Studio's 30th Anniversary Celebration

I had a really big choice this week. Actual monetary work was interfering with my Disney life. Putting me in between a rock and a hard place. I could've either made it to today's 30th Anniversary Celebration of Hollywood Studios, or made it to Hollywood Studios for May the 4th's Star Wars Day. Obviously me being me, I chose the latter of the two. So I had to live vicariously through Disney Parks Live for the Celebration's parade & wait till Saturday to see the new Wonderful World of Animation Fireworks & Projection show. Needles to say, that choice left me a little bummed. After seeing this though, I think I really made the right choice. Though I'll miss out on my 30th Anniversary button, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything I can't see Saturday. This 30th Anniversary parade was a little disappointing. Not only was the commentary as annoying as the worst Macy's Day Parade coverage, a lot of what could've been big payoffs were very anti-climactic. I thought we were gonna see something really cool with Indiana Jones. Only to be very dissatisfied with the final payoff. Same thing goes for the big Galaxy's Edge reveal to a very not enthused Chewy firing his bowcaster. No Droids, no Kylo, no Boba Fett, no Phasma. This whole thing felt like a lot of missed opportunities. For that matter, it felt like it was thrown together today. The only success for ke out of this went to Toy Story. They stole the show in my opinion. At least the speech at the end & shout out to the cast was more entertaining than the commentary. I definitely know I made the right choice on this one. May the 4th be with me. On a bright note however, I do really like the new logo for Hollywood Studios. What do y'all think? Did y'all see something I didn't? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

The Food Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Three things I immediately noticed when D23 released all their pics & descriptions of the food. One, I immediately got a Satuli's Canteen from Pandora vibe. Second, it seems there won't be a traditional sit down restaurant, which is A-Ok with me. And third, even a galaxy far, far away has tacos! Here's the full rundown. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo, owned by Chef Strono "Cookie" Tuggs, will feature Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse, and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. With two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing). Ronto Roaster will have a pod racer engine powered BBQ pit featuring Meiloorun Juice, the Turkey Jerky, and the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. On a lighter snack note hit Kat Saka’s Kettle for the colorful Outpost Mix, a popcorn snack combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. It seems like the hardest part of all this will be figuring out what you want. That’ll be my main issue. Make sure to check out the drinks too in the article before this.

Cast Member Costumes For "Galaxy's Edge" Revealed

Blog Mickey put up all these cool shots of the Galaxy's Edge costume reveal, & a little background to go with them. The ones up top are the village costumes of the various patrons you'll encounter as you enter Batuu in Hollywood Studios or Disneyland. The coolest part about these are they're deemed interchangeable. Cast members will have a lot of control over how they accessorize throughout the day, & will even have the option to change. I love all the different variations. It's gonna create a more realistic living environment. Down below you see the best & caps that will be donned by the cast members involved with Smuggler's Run , the Millennium Falcon attraction. I like the look, but for some reason I'm just not really feeling the color scheme. They need a little more change up from the full solid color in my opinion, even if it was just expanding the size of the lines on front. On the other hand, right next to them is the costumes for the Rise of the Resistance . I would totally buy these for myself. I don't even know which one I like more. All in all this is even more than I was expecting from the costumes. They're really going all out to make this look like a diverse, real city in a galaxy far, far away. The level of detail to making this feel like a real populated place is blowing me away every time. I can't wait to see this in action. What about y'all? What do y'all think of this costume reveal? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

A Little Underwhelmed With Description Of "Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy"

Disney put out this video getting into the details for the Lighting McQueen's Racing Academy attraction coming to Hollywood Studios, & honestly, I'm a little let down. The description given sounds pretty much exactly like Turtle Talk with Crush . Which if you're not familiar is an attraction at The Seas with Nemo & Friends  in EPCOT, where you sit in a theater & talk to a giant screen with Crush the turtle. He interacts with the audience questions via an actor behind the screens, with the animation keeping up in real time. Giving us the illusion of actually speaking to Crush. It's an alright concept, the little ones love it, but I'm not sure they love it enough to throw in what sounds like an exact carbon copy with Lightning McQueen replacing Crush, only one park away. I was excited for a Cars  attraction. Lord knows how much I love Cars  & Cars 3 , but this let me down a little. I was really hoping for something new. I'll definitely still check it out, just in hope of being pleasantly surprised. After this I'm not holding my breath though. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Disney Gives A Countdown On The Upcoming Skyliner

Gotta take some time out for this. I was more excited than I should be for this one already, but now that I've been hopping from park to park on the monorail, I'm even more pumped for this to be up & going. Disney gives you some facts in this video countdown style. For me however, the most important piece of information is this connecting the parks in another way. With its completion, the only park not networked in will be Animal Kingdom. This makes a day between all the parks so much easier. On top of the fact that these concept images are beautiful! I could see riding these with no rhyme or reason at all. Even without a destination, this just looks like an amazing, relaxing ride. What do y'all think? Am I the only one who's super excited for these? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

New Concept Art For "Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad" Plus Another New Addition Coming To Hollywood Studios

With the opening of Toy Story Land  this weekend Disney Parks Blog wanted to make sure we knew there was still more to come. First, they released this friggin awesome concept art for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railroad , the ride that will replace one of my all time favorites, Ghe Great Movie Ride . This was the first reveal for the ride car, & it came with this setup: "The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing 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." This ride sounds like it's going to be totally amazing the more we hear. It should be too. This is the first time Mickey gets a proper attraction, & it all started with a mouse. I'm so excited for this one to finally get finished. The second big announcement came in the form of Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy .  A first of it's kind show, debuting early 2019 & located by Aerosmith's Rocking Rollercoaster where you'll come face to face with Lightning McQueen. He'll showcase the things he's learned over the years with all of his friends from Radiator Springs. They're being pretty vague on this one. Which honestly makes me even more curious. Anytime Disney says first of it's kind, you know you're in for something special. Anyway, what do y'all think of this awesome news? Put it in the comments, like & share.

Did You Catch The "Toy Story Land" Dedication?

Disney Parks went live for the dedication ceremony for Hollywood Studios newest addition Toy Story Land  today. I would've been there but we've got some developments here that are taking priority. Hence, the announcement I keep teasing, that is still coming. I'm really bummed wasn't able to make it though. They went all out for the opening day of this one! I mena, Tim Allen was there!! Buzz friggin Lightyear!!! The stage setup was awesome! The whole dedication show for that matter was really entertaining. The video was hard to watch though. It started off with all the food, & I couldn't get it off my mind through the whole video. Besides the aesthetic, the food at Toy Story Land is what really has me excited. I've never been a fan of eating at Hollywood Studios. Pulled pork grilled cheese & S'mores sandwiches though? I can really get behind that. Also in this vid are some quick looks at Epcot's GOTG Awesome Mix Live,  Magic Kingdom's Incredible Summer , & Animal Kingdom's Donald's Dino Bash . Fun dedication though. I should see these in about a month. Can't wait to share them firsthand. Let me know your thoughts on this awesome dedication, as well as Toy Story Land in general. Put em in the comments, like, & share.

Disney Parks Gives Some More Looks At "Toy Story Land", Opening This Weekend

Unfortunately, I'm not able to attend the opening of Toy Story Land  this weekend. The reason involves that big announcement I keep teasing. There's just too much going on right now for me to make it down there. It'll definitely be sooner than later before I do though. Until then, we all get to enjoy the newest addition to Hollywood Studios via Disney Parks videos. First up today is an ariel view of the Slinky Dog Dash. A rollercoaster that is really starting to grow on me. I'm still not 100% on all the coasters popping up at Disneyworld Parks. I just feel like that's a copout from the imaginative attractions Disney is known for worldwide. At least it is a heavily themed coaster. Whats really got me excited for Slinky Dog though, is how smooth it looks. I've never seen a smoother looking ride to a coaster. On the other side however, it also looks pretty basic. Putting this one in the "how long do I want to wait in queue for this?" category. I could see loving this one on a slow day. A weird word to use for a rollercoaster is relaxing, but Slinky looks just that. I will take into consideration this is for the little ones as well, & with that in mind it's probably the perfect, first coaster. Then, speaking of perfect, the next video Disney Parks put up was a friggin awesome look at Toy Story Land all lit up for nighttime. I keep saying I'm more excited about just walking around this place. Now that seems like an all day, through the night event. As amazing as this place looks, it looks even better at night. Nostalgia is replaced by a beautiful carnival of light. My camera's going to overload once I get here. Can't wait for the opening weekend videos coming next week. I'm sure it won't be long before I go take a look at this place too. When that happens, I'll make sure to give a first hand look. Curious though, what's everyone else thoughts on this new addition? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Get Some New Looks As "Imagineers Put The Finishing Touches On Toy Story Land"

June 30th is coming around the corner fast, & with it Hollywood Studio's newest addition, Toy Story Land. Disney Parks just released this video showing some of the highlights, & interviewing some of the imagineers als they put on some finishing touches before opening day. You can tell they're all really excited. Even if they do get the land opening in between Pandora & Galaxy's Edge. In which, I'm sure it's gonna be cool, but come on. It pales in comparison to those. I did see some things in this video that helped get me a little more excited for this land. I can't wait to be surrounded by giant versions of some of the classic toys I grew up with. The wooden glider is what really did it for me. I'm now more excited to just look around, & see what toys I can find than anything. I want to explore even more so than the attractions now. If that's not enough, look below at the next video for a look at the park at night. It looks like a carnival/fair all lit up. It really is beautiful. I really can't wait to see this land, even if it's destined to be the third place land of recent additions. The rest of the second video gives a look at the awesome merchandise. As well as some of the food selections. Which look great, especially for what I've grown to expect at Hollywood Studios. They also manage to sneak in a look at the new Incredibles float coming to Disneyland's Paint the Night parade. Which is shaping up to look pretty friggin awesome by the way. Curious though, what is everyone else's excitement level for Toy Story Land? Put it in the comments, like & share.

Hollywood Studios Is Adding A "Disney Junior Dance Party!"

My daughter has drug me to the same Disney Junior Live On Stage show over four times now. Not saying that the first time wasn't fun. We had a blast. The next few however, I was wondering when the lineup of shows involved would get updated? I wonder no more. Disney Parks just announced this fall there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming. This will replace the current show, which ends Sept 1st 2018. “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a high-energy, live show experience that will take inspiration from Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard and Vampirina. In which, my daughter is totally going to freak out about the addition of her newest favorite, Vampirina .  The new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will be a  musically infused, interactive concert, hosted by Finn Fiesta and a DJ, named Deejay of course. You'll be involved in all the fun, including some live appearances from favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior, and much more. It even sounds more fun for me with the addition of The Lion Guard  & Roadster Racers . What do y'all think about the new addition? When this replaces the old show what will you miss? Sorry Jake & the Neverland Pirates. Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Lots Of Details For Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Come From Galactic Nights 2018

Last night was 2018's Star Wars: Galactic Nights  at Hollywood Studios. Which means they dropped a lot of news regarding the upcoming land of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, coming to both Disneyland & Disneyworld next year. First off was the name of the village you will be visiting when you get to the planet Batuu, the Black Spire Outpost . In which, I can't speak for everyone, but that's an awesome name. I can't wait to see what the merch looks like now. I definitely see at least a new hat on my future if that reads across it. Besides that though, they also gave this background description: "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." This really sounds like it's going to make Pandora: World of Avatar look like a small tasting ground when it comes to the level of immersion they're going for. Here's the concept art they released with this.

The next part though is what really got me excited. I wasn't present so I'm using the powers of WDW News Today & Chip & Co. combined. Between them both I've learned that there will be a Creature Stall, where you can adopt creatures to bring home. Your Banshee won't be lonely anymore.  Specifically they name dropped Star Wars: Rebels  Loth-cats. Chip & Co. was also did report they mentioned other creatures as well, yet the Loth-cats were the only specifically named. On another note WDWNT has Disney Immagineering working on bringing to  life a "walking,  breathing, real creature" in the form of the Loth-cat. They're thinking these will be like the free roaming droids. Below is a concept of the Creature Shop, with a pic of a Loth-cat. I'm actually really excited about both these notions. A creature shop to adopt Loth-cats sounds awesome itself. Throw in the possibility of other animals to adopt & I just might have to catch 'em all. Then the possibility of animals roaming the park with droids? That is just totally mind blowing. I get goosebumps just thinking about the level of immersion we're about to be delivered. It's starting to feel like one might actually be able to lose track of reality in this place. I can't wait! Which of these announcements excites you the most? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

New Looks At Toy Story Land And A Ride On The Slinky Dog!!

GMA did a big feature on Hollywood Studios' upcoming Toy Story Land this morning. Some of the stand outs included a look the Flying Saucer attraction. I still can't make much out of this thing. The claw's involved in the middle, but it looks like the aliens just pull you around in a circle. I really hope there's more to it than that. As boring as that sounds, it's all I can make of it from what I've seen. Next, there was this ride through of the Slinky Dog Rollercoaster. Which if I'm being honest looks almost too tame. I won't know for sure until a hands on, but for right now I'm more excited by the Wheezy after the coaster that will be singing "You Got A Friend In Me". Not the best first look for me. I'm just gonna have to hope that come June 30th being shrunk down to the size of a toy will be better in person. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

At First, Not Sure What To Think Of Millennium Falcon Attraction Video

If you didn't know already Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is coming to Disneyland & Hollywood Studios next year. If you have been under a rock on this, I'll also surprise you with the notion there will be a Millennium Falcon Attraction as well. WDW News Today got to see the in-ride video to be synced with this attraction, & they were kind enough to share it with the world. Now, when I first started watching the video, I couldn't help but think that this doesn't look much different than Star Tours.  Then, they started in with the distortion for the cockpit, with the added reminder that this will be surrounding your  vision. Even when you turn left to right, you will be see the world of Star Wars. The more I started to think about that, the more I started thinking about how much more immersive that will be to the notion you're actually there. As opposed to Star Tours , where you just see what's directly in front of you. Add the notion of the dials & switches you'll be required to "use" for "flight", & I think this is going to be an amazing experience. So, I went into the first part of this video with a meh, only to end in it in high anticipation. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Sneak Peak "Woody's Lunchbox" Is Gonna Get You Really Hungry

Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios opens June 30th, & with it comes Woody's Lunchbox . Hopefully this will be the answer to the Hollywood Studios quick-service lackluster lineup as of now. Being the only park at Disneyworld where I have this problem, I was pleasantly surprised when Disney Parks Blog put up this sneak peek of the upcoming food selections we'll find when this new park opens. Most of all is what sounds likely new favorite breakfast, the S’more French Toast Breakfast Sandwich. Chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. I'm not waiting for this one. I'm trying my luck at whipping up this myself. You'll also find the Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on Sourdough , an amazing sounding Breakfast Bowl consisting of potato barrels (I'm guessing tater tots?), brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs, & what sounds like my favorite non chocolate sandwich of the menu, the BBQ Brisket Melt, Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough. Mmmmm. More sandwich options include a Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread  & Monte Cristo with Raspberry Jam , but it's Totchos that really caught my eye. Combining nachos & tots, they've got potato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese, I'm totally making this too now. Sides will include tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack. The desserts look delicious as well. You've got their version of a Pop-tart, the Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon . Just the name of those will make your mouth water. Those will be joined by a Banana Split Yogurt Parfait  & Soda Floats . All of this anchored by my new must-have, the Alien Sipper. Which can be filled with any fountain drink or the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine. Big toys can enjoy the backyard with Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail (cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée), beer, or hard cider. If this food is good as it looks, the rest of Hollywood Studios is really going to have to step their game up to get on this level. What do y'all think? Is your stomach rumbling yet? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Construction Video Gives A Sense Of The Massive Scale Of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Disney Park put up this video of how the construction's coming along on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland, Ca. Until this video I didn't have a real sense of the scale of this project. Galaxy's Edge is going to be huge. I don't know if it's my eyes playing trick, but this place seems to dwarf Pandora in Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is about how far the progress was the first time I saw Pandora actually. Leaving me to wonder what exactly is going to be visible when I visit Hollywood Studios next weekend? I'll try to get some good pics up on Instagram. What do y'all think? Is this shaping up to be everything you ever dreamed of? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

#FollowTheBall To Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land

This was a really cool way to bring attention to the June 30th opening date for Toy Story Land In Hollywood Studios. Disney invited all to #FollowTheBall as it made it's way there. These videos of the Pixar ball rolling through different Toy Story teases were really fun. From the "live action" versions to the Slinky Dog following the ball home, I really liked these commercials. The last one gives a look at the entrance to the new land. I can't wait. We'll be there day 1 so everyone can get a look as soon as this opens.

Check Out Progress At Toy Story Land In Both Orlando & Shanghai!!

Wow! Disney Parks just put up this look at all the progress so far for Toy Story Land In both Shanghai Disneyland & Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Last week we found out they'll be opening in Hollywood Studios on June 30th, & now we get a look at a little of what to expect in action. Though I'm not as excited about this as say, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, I have a feeling that will change when I get a real sense of the scale of the place. It looks huge! Slinky Dog's starting to grow on me a little now too. It's ride just looks so smooth. I still say, I'm a little more impressed by the look of Shanghai's version, but in all honesty, I'm totally blown away by everything I see in that park. Check this out, & let me know what y'all think. I can't wait to see this place! Put it in the comments, like, & share.

Save The Date! Toy Story Land To Open June 30!

I know where I'm going to be June 30th!! Hollywood Studios for the opening of Toy Story Land. While it's not Pandora, & definitely no Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the idea of being shrunk down to the size of a toy does sound pretty awesome. Funny thing is I have a feeling this is going to blow me away, as I have pretty mediocre expectations for it in the first place. Gonna give it the full treatment though when it opens though. We'll be talkin' rides, food, merch, & just overall atmosphere & immersion level. Personally out of everything I've heard so far, I can't wait to get an old fashioned float. However, that said, I'm very curious about the Aliens Flying Saucers, & that Slinky Dash coaster is starting to grow on me the more I see it in action. It looks so smooth on the track. Anyway, can't wait. A date makes it that much more official. Are y'all excited? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

All The Disney Park Announcements From D23 Expo Japan

While definitely not as big as last year's D23 Expo, this year in Japan we got some more on last year's developments, as well as some pretty significant new developments. Of course there's also plenty of concept art to go with. First of all, we now have a date for the opening of Pixar Pier. June 23, 2018 is the official date to visit the four new neighborhoods representing Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, food, merchandise, & the rebranding of the Incredicoaster. I wish I could make it over there for this. It sounds pretty amazing.

Speaking of Pixar Pier, there was also this awesome concept art for the new float to be joining the Paint the Night parade. It will feature characters from The Incredibles, showcasing their powers with high-tech, pop-art effects. I'm not one to get excited for a float but this one looks, well, incredible.

After that attention switched over to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. They revisited the Star Wars themed hotel that will join the land. Now we learned the hotel will be a luxury hotel that will not only feature a fully immersive adventure, but it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge letting the full immersion continue into the park. Speaking if the park they released some things to expect. The lands will feature a life size Millennium Falcon, as well as a full size fleet of X-Wings. Them there's the two attractions to be featured mentioned again. With the chance to fly the Falcon, & the ability to stand on a Star Destroyer in the middle of a First Order/Resistance battle.

After Star Wars, the attention was shifted to Marvel where we found out the new Guardians of the Galaxy  themed  coaster coming to Epcot will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world. Following that awesome revelation, Disneyland Paris was informed their Rock n Roller Coaster, a personal favorite of mine, will be getting a total reimagining where you'll now team up with Iron-Man & The Avengers. This is really cool, but if they follow suit in Hollywood Studios, I'll really miss the music of Aerosmith throughout the coaster.

Hong Kong will get in on the Marvel action as well. They already have the Iron-Man Experience, & now you will be able to team up with Ant-Man & The Wasp to fight Arnim Zola & a army of Hydra Swarm bots. That's all the details but this attraction got most of the cool concept art.

Last but definitely not least we get some concept art for one I'm really looking forward to.  The first ever Mickey Mouse themed ride through attraction, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Opening in Hollywood Studios in 2019 this will take place of one of my all-time favorites, The Great Movie Ride. This ride will zap us right in the middle of an original story, Mickey Mouse cartoon short.

Like I said, all in all not as amazing as last year's big reveals, but some awesome follow ups & concept art though. What do y'all think of these developments? Looks like 2019 is going to be a huge year. Put it in the comments, like, & share.