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.
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.
Cuteness Overload As Disney Animal Kingdom's Residents #PlayBig With Pixar Balls
Looks like us humans aren't the only ones excited for the June 30th opening of Toy Story Land. The animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom are pumped too. Don't believe it? Check out this adorable video of the animals of Rafiki's Planet Watch playing with Pixar balls. These should just always be a thing now. I saw some familiar faces among that animal crew. This would be so much fun to watch live, & to participate in with the petting zoo crew. I'd stand around & play ball with these guys all day!
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.
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.
#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.
No Name Change For Hollywood Studios & New Toy Story Land Concept Art
A lot of sites have been recently talking about a name change for Disney's Hollywood Studios to Cinemagine Park. This was from the supposed list if names from a good while back, which were all pretty horrible. I wasn't going to talk about it until confirmation, & I'm very happy to say it's not going to happen anyway. Due to all the reports to the contrary, Disney Parks Blog wanted to let everyone know that Disney's Hollywood Studios will be named just that for the foreseeable future. As a consolation prize we were given this concept pic of the upcoming Aliens Flying Saucers from this summer's Toy Story Land. Don't really know what to take from the pic l, as there is a lot going on there. It looks like a cross between the old flying saucers from way back Disneyland, bumper cars, & Luigi's Tire Ride from current Disneyland. I've never been to Disneyland, so I can't really pull from experience. Sometimes these concept art pieces come off too animated to really get ahold of what's real. Still it looks bright, big, & fun no matter what. The real thing here is thank the makers we don't have to attend Toy Story Land in Cinemagine Park. What do y'all think though? Who's rode Luigi over at Disneyland? Does this look similar? Did you like the name? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Walt Disney World Has An "Incredible Summer" Lined Up For 2018
All four parks at the Walt Disney Resort are taking part in what they're calling Incredible Summer . Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, & Frozone of the Incredibles will be taking over Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom. They will also be joined by superhero costume designer Edna Mode in her debut appearance. If that's not enough each night will feature a "SUPER" dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. Is it bad that I'm probably going to make my way here just to get a pic with Edna Mode? Epcot's getting ready for their future with StarLord & Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy will join an extraterrestrial band jamming out to hits from my personal favorite soundtracks ever put together, Awesome Mix Tapes 1 & 2 . Meanwhile, over at Animal Kingdom they'll be celebrating their 20th anniversary. They'll be debuting a new bird show featuring Russell & Dug from UP! , titled Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure. I'll be honest, I usually skipped the previous bird show, & thus one will probably suffer the same fate. I will however, check out a "dino-tastic" celebration withb Donald Duck taking over Dinoland, U.S.A. in a new character celebration. Disney Springs AMC will feature Incredibles 2 starting June 15th, but it all really caps off with the Grand Opening of Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios. All this set to begin May 25th, 2018. I will so be there for Toy Story Land's opening. Needless to say, details will come. What do y'all think though? Does this sound like it lives up to the name? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
New Park For Disneyland Tokyo & Toy Story Land For Disneyland Shanghai
This first part is still pretty far off in the future with further plans to be revealed in May 2018, & construction beginning in 2025. Viral Disney has reported that Disney & it's partners in the Oriental Land Company have revealed plans for an all-new Japanese theme park with the focus on it's host country with new characters. It will be focused on the culture of Japan much like California Adventure to California most likely. That's about all there is on that, but if you factor in Studio Ghibli they already have some very interesting things already sharing the Disney branding. I'm very curious to see where this is going, I've been thinking about planning a trip to Japan just for Disneyland. I might have to postpone it if this thing looks really cool. The next bit is way more fleshed out, but that's probably because it's right around the corner. WDW News Today reports Shanghai's Disneyland's Toy Story Land, opening summer 2018, has released some concept art & details about the layout. I hate to say, their Toy Story Land looks like it's gonna destroy ours. Shanghai's Toy Story Land looks huge with some awesome attractions. Slinky Dog Spin, where you'll take a seat inside Slinky Dog's spirals & race around a wavy roundabout. There's Rex's Racer, an RC car that goes forwards & backwards increasing height & speed. They'll have Woody's Round-Up where you'll swing to & fro in time to lively music in pony drawn carts. After that there's the obvious Meeting Post (Meet & Greet), Al's Toy Barn (Merchandise), & the Toy Box Café (Restaurant). The whole land is set up around immersion on a Pandora: World of Avatar level. There's a whole story of being shrunk down to toy size that goes with the land. I'm really blown away by these concept photos. If you haven't seen some of the ride videos already from Disneyland in Shanghai watch them. This park is becoming a must-see very quickly. What do y'all think of these amazing additions? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Gives A First Look At Woody's Lunch Box For Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is shaping up to look pretty awesome. Hollywood Studios needs it too. The whole park has been under construction for to long now with this & Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Now Disney just gave us a look at the quick service meal restaurant that will reside in Toy Story Land. Woody's Lunch box will serve tasty meals & old-fashioned soda floats from a spot designed to look like a giant lunch box & thermos. It totally fits the motif, & I'm all for quick service food. I actually prefer quick serve spots to Disneyworld's sit-down restaurants. Eating gets in the way of my fun anyway. Plus it helps that the food is usually close to the same food cheaper, & amazing none the less. The real thing's that got me excited though, is the old-fashioned soda floats. As long as it isn't any of the nasty sodas offered at EPCOT's Club Cool. If this is really old-fashioned soda it's going to be amazing. This is definitely on my list for Summer 2018. How bout y'all? Couple of things, your excitement for Toy Story Land, & your preference sit-down or quick serve restaurants at Disneyworld? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Hollywood Studios Debuts Toy Story Land & Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Models Along With Concept Art For Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios has finally revealed Toy Story Land model along with the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model from D23, & concept art for the upcoming Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, taking the former spot of the Great Movie Ride. Inside The Magic has put up these awesome videos giving everyone a look at them. We already saw the Galaxy's Edge model at D23, & talked about it here. However, this video seemed to give me a better since of scale. I could be imagining things, but it seems to come of taller in this look than at D23. Since I had already seen this model though the real thing that caught my eye was Toy Story Land. The giant Jenga & the whole place being made of Tinker Toys... I can't even explain how much tis does for me. This place screams fun. And as much as I talk about not wanting another roller coaster with the Slinky Dog Dash, that thing looks massive. If it has the Slinky effect while in motion this thing might actually wind up being something different. Fingers crossed. Last up, & kinda falling a little short just because there's not much to show yet, concept art for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. You get to see a glimpse of the model for the ride car. As well as some shots of the inspiration that stems from the newest Mickey Mouse cartoons. It's a "2 & 1/2D" whatever that means, they are describing it as 3D without the glasses. I got a lot of hope for this, as I really enjoy the new Mickey Mouse cartoons, but they better knock this one out of the park. It's replacing a classic. Anyway, what do y'all think of these? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
The Slinky Dog Has Been Hooked To The Track
Disneyworld has released this video celebrating yet another milestone in the life of the upcoming Slinky Dog Dash Ride to be featured in the upcoming Toy Story Land. I've already discussed my views on another roller coaster being added to a Disney Park. I personally just feel like Disney Parks are better than that. A roller coaster just seems child's play amongst all the amazing attractions of Disneyworld. After this video I'm a lot more intrigued though. One, I've never seen a vehicle be added to a coaster track. That was a pretty neat behind the scenes look. Two, they mentioned that the slinky springs on the vehicle will have some incorporation into the ride. That's the out the box thinking from Disney that can actually get me into the idea of another coaster. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Video Shows An Excited Toy Story Cast To Celebrate The Arrival Of Slinky Dog Dash Ride Vehicle
This thing's been sighted all over the highway, & now Disney has put up this video celebrating it's official arrival at Hollywood Studios. I'm actually more into this video than I am this ride's arrival. The video is great & has some fun with the arrival involving the Toy Story characters from the park. The ride cart's cool, looks like a slinky-dog. It's just, as excited as I am about the addition of Toy Story Land next year, I'm not really excited about a roller coaster being added to the park. When I think of Disney Parks, I think of attractions far more immersive than just a roller coaster. A coaster seems like an easy way out of sorts compared to the out the box fare one expects from a Disney Park attraction. At least the TRON coaster is something different, this just seems like a run of the mill coaster. Anyway, check out he video it's great, but I really want to know what y'all think of the addition of this coaster? Put it in the comments, like, & share.